Chapter 25

I wasn't expecting Jaxson to be popular not only at his company but also everywhere. And I have officially confirmed it after being met with glances as soon as we walk inside the mall. There were also security guards who approached us and offered Jaxson if he wanted security for safe shopping and lodging in their mall. However, he declined it, as I predicted. 

I am starting to feel conscious of how people gape at us whenever we pass by them. I'm not sure if it was because they know Jaxson and he is famous, or it’s his appearance and how he shines out in a crowd that they are acting this way. Honestly, I can't even deny that this man is quite attractive.

“Wait,” I murmured meekly to the man beside me, who was still grasping my hand and the laptop he had gotten for me in the other. “Am I the only person in this country who doesn't know who you are? How come people know you everywhere?  You're not a celebrity, slash a model, slash a chairperson… Are you?”

I heard Jaxson's feeble scoff, followed by his sly glances at me. He made a sound with his tongue that sounded like he was boasting to me. 

“All the ladies are now crying their eyes out because Jaxson Madrigal was spotted holding a hand of a lady inside the Escape Palace.”

I frowned because of what he said, creating a face of confusion. “This place is called Escape Palace?”

“Sure is,” Jaxson replied.

I move my eyes around to look at the mall. “I've never been here before. There must be a lot of places I have not known all this time.”

“You should get out of the jungle sometimes.”

I jokingly glared at Jaxson for a moment as he in return just laughed at me.

“But, isn't this your first time going out too? I mean, why would there be an article that you are here in the Escape Palace with a girl? Haven't you and Daniella ever come out in public?” 

It almost felt like I regretted what I said just after it slipped out of my mouth. I should've not asked about her and not ruined Jaxson’s mood.

It took him a while before he flashed a smile across his lips. “Well,” he said. “No, we didn't. I just don't want people crying for me that much.”

“Don't make me laugh,” I pretended to be annoyed with him. “Let's just eat and let people see my beauty.” I flipped my hair to keep up with her teasing.

“Indeed.” he grinned.

I don't know if he agrees or if he's laughing at me inside.

“Is it true? Is that really him?”

I was distracted when I heard a woman.

“Yes! Look at this. He really is.”

I tried to peek at the photo the two of them were looking at while whispering and my eyes slightly caught the formal picture of Jaxson.

“This is the first time that I saw him in person. The claim was right. He really is that handsome. And the girl with him is also gorgeous, don't you think? She almost looks like an influencer.” she exclaimed. “They look so good together. Is she what they are talking about Jaxson’s rumored fiance?”

When I heard those words from a woman it was as if my confidence suddenly rose and skyrocketed. I tried to serve them some looks by tucking my hair to my ear and being a bit solemn-looking.

“Daniella Yves? Is that her? I don’t think so? Isn't his rumored fiance a model? I mean… Sure, the lady he is with is indeed beautiful. But, I don't think that Yves’ height would be like that. She surely is tall.”

It seemed that the confidence given to me was quickly regained when I heard what they had to say again.

“Don’t you remember that dispatch photo? Daniella Yves was enough to meet Jaxson’s ear. But the girl she is with now is only under his shoulders.”

I pulled Jaxson’s arm when I heard him chuckle. 

So I am not the only one trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

I no longer want to hear whatever they still have to say so I pulled Jaxson away from them.

I know that I'm not as blessed as Daniella that everything is in her, her height, her body, her hair, her complexion, and of course her face. But she just lacks one thing, good morals.

And I don't lack height. Jaxson was just really tall.

I'm thinking about taking him to my favorite fast-food restaurant. It's just that dining at a fast-food restaurant is so much fun, and the feeling it gives you is everything. Aside from the fact that it was not overly expensive, the meal was superb. I remember only bringing mom and Charles here when I had extra money from my job.

“Why did you bring me here?”

I am not surprised at the tone that Jaxson used toward me, because what can I expect from someone who was raised as a rich son who doesn't know the excitement that people like me feel after having money to eat here.

But, no matter what, I still want Jaxson to experience this. He should value his happiness. There is so much more in life to enjoy than drinking alcohol.

“Didn’t I tell you that I will be the one who will decide where we will eat dinner? This is my pick! And I am pretty sure that you’ll love their food here.” I exclaimed, gladly, can’t hide my excitement as I tiptoed to see the menu.

“Whatever you want,” Jaxson murmured. “But, why are you standing in line? And why is it so loud? Almost everyone here has their own conversation, chatting, and blending to the loud music.” he whined.

I put my index finger to my lips and signaled Jaxson to lower his voice since I was worried that someone would hear him expressing a lot of complaints. We've hardly been inside for five minutes and he's already bombarding me with complaints. 

“We’re standing in a queue because we need to order our food. If we’re not going to stand in the line then we will have nothing to eat.” I whispered to him in a high tone. “It’s not like the fine dining that you are used to. Here, no staff will approach you. Because here, it’s self-service. Don’t you think that would be a new experience for you?” I tried to keep jolly like a mother of a child who’s trying to make her kid drink medicine.

Jaxson shook his head and looked at me like a child whining to his mother.

New pair of his eyes, unlocked. I mean, it’s my first time seeing Jaxson’s eyes shaped round and doe. He used to have such a mysterious and cold look, but this suits him more. 

“Cattleya, I am so tired you see. Why do I have to serve myself instead of letting people do it for me and-” Jaxson suddenly stopped talking and quickly moved his head down.

I was confused so I immediately followed where his gaze was and was startled when I saw a child, pulling the hem of Jaxson’s shirt.

“Daddy…” the little girl whispered as her round eyes lifted to Jaxson. “Daddy, hug… Daddy…”

I tried to look around to see if she is with someone but there’s none. As I was about to kneel down to ask the girl, a woman suddenly approached us. 

“Oh no, I’m sorry.” She clamored, carrying her child away from Jaxson. “My daughter was just missing her father. He went abroad about a month ago to work. I’m sorry for her actions.”

“No, no. Don’t be sorry, ma’am.” I said, flashing a smile on my lips to let her know that it is really okay and that what the child did was reasonable. “We understand,” I took a small step as I let go of Jaxson’s hand.

I inch closer to the little girl who now has her finger in her mouth and pat her on her head. “I’m sure your daddy misses you every day. He wants to squeeze you in a hug too. But for now, he must go to work because he loves you.” I stared at the child’s eyes and tried to make her understand what I was saying by speaking in a hushed tone. “Your daddy will forever love you. Some people really have to sacrifice for someone and that’s a sign of real love.”

After giving me a simple smile, the lady left with her child. 

I noticed that Jaxson felt silent after what happened so I gave him a little tap on his shoulders. 

“Is there something wrong?”

It seems like he was immersed in his thoughts as he just nodded and smiled at me.

“You sure, you’re okay?” I asked once more because I was concerned at the sudden drop of his face. After Jaxson just gave me another nod, I took his hand and locked it between mine.