When I found you... Chapter 12(Jaevon Fanfic)

“You’re gorgeous tonight. And I think a beautiful lady like you deserves the best.”

Devon saw a glimpse of sparkling diamonds and felt the cold touch of the necklace. The man turned her towards her right and there she saw her reflection with the most exquisite necklace she had ever seen.

“Oh Ivan it’s beautiful.” She said in an awed voice, touching the heart-shaped Burmese ruby surrounded by square-cut diamond frostings.

“I’m glad you liked it. It’s one of the most sought after varieties of rubies due to its blood-red hue. It suits you perfectly. And you’ll get to wear it tonight.” Ivan said with an admiring look.

“Thank you.” Devon said with a smile. Ivan smiled back.

“I want to ask you a favor.” Ivan said, looking rather embarrassed.

“Sure. What is it?”

“Will you help me choose something for Yen? It’s just that… I mean, I want to give her something… she would like.” Ivan stammered. Devon laughed.

“You like her, don’t you?” She asked in a teasing tone.

“Yes.” Ivan answered with a boyish grin.

Together, they headed to the grandiose display of jewelries. Devon decided that a pair of earrings would fit Yen perfectly. So, she chose a simple yet elegant pair of pear-shaped diamond earrings. They’re laughing and were really having a good time that they didn’t notice the man watching from afar.

James was so excited to see the girl that has been on his mind for weeks. He looked around for Devon and there he saw her.

She’s beautiful, he thought. He looked at her hair flowing down her back and stunningly alluring in her red gown. He was so engrossed by her look that it was a while before he noticed the man leaning too close towards her. What he saw evoked painful memories that he tried to forget… memories of him, showering a lovely girl with expensive jewelries who turned out to be a scheming little bitch.

Devon can’t be like her. She can’t be, James thought desperately. He went out of the room, away from the scene and tried to cool his head.

Devon was still looking for James when Ryan came to her. Ivan left her to find Yen and the others. So, she went to the drinks area.

“WOW. Amazing. You look ravishing.” Ryan said, looking at her appreciatively.

Devon smiled at him and playfully punched him by the shoulder.

“Uhm… Devon, I have something for you. Let’s go to the garden.” Ryan said and grabbed her hand, leading her to the French door out to the garden. He seated her in one of the benches and pulled out something in his pocket then sat next to her.

“I saw this while I was perusing through the collections and I thought of you.” He said and handed Devon a black velvet box. Devon opened it and was overwhelmed. Inside, an exquisite bracelet was nestled in it. It was arrayed with square-cut diamonds with a tear-shaped ruby pendant. Ryan took it out from the box and fastened it on her wrist. Devon was speechless.

“It’s yours. I bought it from Ivan.” Ryan said, looking embarrassed.

“Ryan… it’s beautiful… but I can’t accept it. It’s really nice of you… but, really… I just ca-…”

But Ryan cut her off.

“It’s yours now. I want you to have it. Please take it.” Ryan said and took her hand.

“Just think of it as a way of my saying sorry for being an assshole in Boracay. Besides, I can’t return it to Ivan. If you won’t accept it, I’ll just throw it away then.”

Devon was helpless. So, she was forced to accept it which made Ryan very happy.

“Thanks, Ryan. I like it a lot.” Devon said gratefully and gave Ryan a friendly kiss on the cheek.

“Now, when I’m in need of money I can just sell this.” Devon added jokingly. Ryan laughed uproariously. Then they went back inside.

However, James witnessed everything from where he stood in the dim part of the porch overlooking the garden. He was supposed to cool off his head but what he saw confirmed the thing that he had been denying a while ago. He was filled with fury and disgust.

How could I be such a fool?

I should have known.

They were all the same… women are all the same… scheming little bitches, he thought furiously. Shame was eating his gut like acid. He controlled his emotions and went back inside.

Ryan and Devon went inside and saw their other friends. But, the man she had wanted to see all night was not among them. She was walking towards her friends when she saw a familiar figure move at the far side of the room. James! He’s here, Devon thought happily.

Their eyes met. Her face lit up upon seeing him looking at her. She smiled sweetly but James returned a cold, distant stare. Devon was taken aback. She was puzzled by the look he gave her. He looked the other way and went through the crowd and disappeared. Devon was looking for him to where he disappeared when Ryan tugged at her hand.

“What’s wrong?” Ryan asked and looked to where Devon’s gaze was directed.

“Nothing. I thought I saw someone I know.”

“Okay, let’s go. They’re waiting for us.”

Ryan led her to the others, holding her hand. Devon was still brooding over James’ response to her that she didn’t notice when Fretzie called her.

“Devon, are you listening?” Fretzie asked.

“What? I’m sorry. I was not paying attention.” Devon apologized.

“You look stunning, Devon!” Brett said appreciatively.

“Thank you, Brett.”

“Hey, guys!”

Devon turned abruptly upon hearing the familiar voice. James was smiling broadly at them and looked happy enough that Devon thought for a minute if what she saw earlier was just a trick of the light. He was looking at everyone but her, Devon noted.

Why? Have I done something? Devon asked herself.

James was rather talking so animatedly. He talked wittingly and charmingly that the others were laughing and captivated. Devon noticed something different. His liveliness seemed not to reach his eyes. His eyes were noticeably bleak and distant.

Is it just a trick of the light?

Did I just imagine it? She thought.

The music changed into a slow, passionate song.

Every partner in the crowd is now gathering in the dance floor.

“May I have this dance, Ms. Tolentino?” Brett asked, bowed and extended his hand to her.

“Yes.” Fretzie said, taking his hand and curtsied graciously, smiling up at him.

“Would you do me the honor of this dance?” Ivan asked Yen.

“My pleasure.” Yen answered and took his hand.

The two pairs headed for the dance floor, leaving Devon with the two.

Devon was looking at the two pair when Ryan took her hand. She looked up at him.

“Let’s dance.” Ryan invited callously. Without waiting for an answer, he dragged her to the dance floor. James held him back and took Devon’s hand out of Ryan’s grasp.

“I believe this dance is mine.” James said and pulled Devon towards the dancing couples.

Devon was in daze. She didn’t have the time to react. She looked up at him and was alarmed at the way he was looking at her. Before she could process the intensified look, James pulled her roughly close to his body.

Two bodies swaying to the rapturous music. So close yet…