006.
Next day… Amber, Melissa, and Jack were having lunch in the cafeteria and Melissa didn’t waste time before telling Jack about Axel. Jack gasped. “I might just be a freshman but the name “Axel King” is gold on campus. Everybody knows him and girls? Fuck, they are always all over him, especially when he plays basketball.” Melissa giggled. “Not only is he hot and drop dead gorgeous, he is also good at sports and have led this college to numerous victories in his two years of being here,” Amber smiled. “Axel has always been my golden guy. He is awesome.” Melissa narrowed her eyes at her. “Girl, you’re swooning.” she chuckled. Amber sighed. Just then, Axel walked into the cafeteria, and just like they had said, all eyes were on him in an instant, including hers. There was something about him… about his presence, his aura, that seemed to command the room. Melissa watched Amber with a smile on her face. No one needed to explain what was going on to her right now. One thing she knew; her best friend has a crush on Axel, her brother’s best friend. Axel flashed a charming smile as he scanned the cafeteria, his eyes locking onto Amber. Their gazes met, and Amber's cheeks flushed. He winked and began walking toward them. Melissa nudged Amber. “See? He's got the whole campus under his spell.” Jack chuckled. “And he knows it.” Axel approached their table, confidence radiating from him. If one wanted to borrow some confidence, he was a sure plug, because he wears it like Gucci. “Mind if I join?” Amber quickly shook her head, her ponytail swishing. “No, not at all.” Axel slid into the empty seat beside her. “Hey, kiddo.” he ruffled her hair, and she bit her lower lip. “Hey,” Amber replied softly. Melissa couldn’t help her giggles. “Hi, Axel. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Melissa and this is Jack,” she cleared her throat. “We’re Amy’s best friends.” Amber raised an eyebrow. She had no idea when her name became Amy, but she kind of liked it. Axel smiled and shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you guys.” Before they could continue eating, Candice walked into the cafeteria, earning looks from the students as well. Immediately Amber saw her, her mood changed and she gritted her teeth. Now that she had noticed that the lady was also popular, she couldn’t help hating her more. She felt Candice already had everything; popularity, money, connections, good grades-she wasn’t sure about this one but still-a beautiful face. And the lady had to be so greedy to become Axel’s girlfriend. Her grip on her chopping stick tightened as Candice approached them and planted a kiss on Axel’s forehead. She turned to face Amber with a smile. “Hello, Amy,” she called, helping herself with a seat. Amber couldn’t help the bail that rose in her throat. It had sounded sweet when Melissa called her, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth coming from this vixen. Amber simply nodded and began eating her food. Axel noticed the change in her mood and looked into her plate. There were no shrimps, and he knew she liked them, so he reached into his plate and was about to serve her when Candice held his hand, brought it to her face and ate the shrimp from his fork. “Mhmm,” she moaned. “This is so delicious, Axel. I want more.” she reached for Axel’s hand, but he slowly pulled away, his entire gaze on Amber, who was trying her best to eat without paying any attention to them. Melissa noticed the tension and turned to Amber. She discreetly tapped Amber’s lap, and the girl turned to look at her. “Do you wanna get outta here?” she mouthed, but Amber shook her head. Leaving here wound be admitting defeat, and she wasn’t one to back down from things like this. She was going to make sure Candice regretted every bit of stunt she pulled here today. “Axel,” Candice whined as she tried to open a canned water bottle. “Could you help me open this? It’s so… ugh!” she groaned. Before Axel could react, Jack took it from her and opened it. He hated the fact that Candice was making Amber uncomfortable. With a cold smile, he dropped the water in front of her. Candice’s smile faded immediately, but Axel paid no attention to her. Instead, he looked up to meet Amber’s eyes that were staring at him. He gave her a warm smile. He knew she was yet to acknowledge Candice as his girlfriend-he didn’t want her to either-but this was beyond him. “Hey, cat eyes, do you wanna come watch my game later?” he asked. “Of course-“ “Of course I’d love to!” Candice exclaimed. Melissa snorted. This bimbo was annoying, and she was desperately keeping herself from throwing a punch at her face. It was obvious the question wasn’t for her. Axel frowned. “I was talking to Amber, Candice, and I would appreciate it if you could just eat and stop talking,” he folded his arms. Candice opened her mouth to talk, but couldn’t form any words. She was shocked. Amber smiled. “Yes, I’d love to come. Basketball, right?” she asked and he nodded. “What time?” “11:30.” Amber nodded. “I’ll be there.” With Candice’s mouth shut, Amber was able to finally enjoy her meal. When they were done, Axel gave her a peck on the forehead and left the cafeteria with Candice running after him. Melissa turned to face her. “You like him, don’t you?” she asked, an excited glint in her eyes. Amber was about to talk but Melissa, knowing that she was going to deny it raised her palm to silence her. “Don’t you even try denying it, Amy. It’s written all over you; the way you stare at him, the way you melt when he stares at you, and how jealous you were seeing that stupid bimbo with him… it all comes down to one thing-you are smitten with him.” Amber bit her lower lip. Jack snorted. “C’mon, Mel, Axel is her brother’s best friend. There’s no way she’d have feelings for him. They are more like siblings.” Amber’s smile faded, and so did Melissa’s. Ouch! “Shut up!” Melissa scolded him. “Who says she can’t love him? Isn’t he a human being? A hot one for that matter. And they’ve been friends for years. Tell me, wouldn’t you call her a robot if she feels nothing for someone like Axel King?” she chuckled. “Think with your head and not your butt, J.” Jack rolled his eyes. Amber sighed. “I can’t deny that I love him, but I wonder if he feels the same way. I shouldn’t even be wondering. He doesn’t feel anything for me. He loves me deeply, but it’s just because he takes me as a sister.” she took in her bottom lip, her expression turning sad immediately. Melissa shook her head. “You don’t know anything, do you? Don’t tell me that the glasses you wear all the time are preventing you from seeing what is right in front of you?” Amber raised an eyebrow, confused. “What are you saying?” “What I’m saying is that he is into you.” Amber laughed. “Cut the crap, Mel. He has a girlfriend.” she sighed, picking up her books as they walked out of the cafeteria. Melissa scoffed. “It’s obvious you’re the only one he has eyes for, girl. I saw everything today; the way he looks at you…” Melissa's words trailed off as they exited the cafeteria. Amber was skeptical, but she was still bent on the fact that he had a girlfriend. If he liked her-like Melissa claimed based on whatever the heck she thought she had observed-he wouldn’t have gotten a girlfriend. “Mel, he’s got Candice. They’re together,” Amber reiterated, her voice laced with resignation. Melissa halted, not backing down just yet. “Trust me, Amy. Candice is just a placeholder. Axel’s heart belongs to someone else.” Amber raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think that?” “His actions, body language – everything screams ‘uninterested’ when Candice is around. But with you? His entire demeanor changes. He lights up.” Jack nodded in agreement even though he didn’t want to admit it. “I saw it too. Axel’s different around you, Amber. He is usually so cold to everyone, but he is all smiles with you.” Amber's doubt lingered. “Even if that's true, he's never indicated romantic interest…and you know why? Because I am his best friend’s sister, so quit the assumptions.” Melissa grinned mischievously. “Best friend sister, yet he invited you to his game, not Candice exclusively. That's a sign.” Amber's thoughts whirled. Could Melissa be right? Did Axel truly harbor feelings beyond friendship? She shook her head to dismiss the thoughts. “Let’s just go. We’re almost late for lectures.” ~~~~~ THE GAME Amber walked into the packed gymnasium, scanning for a familiar face. The buzz of excitement filled the air. She spotted Melissa and Jack, waving her over. She had made them leave earlier to secure a spot for her, since she was having a meeting with her advisor. As she joined them, Axel's team took to the court for warm-ups. Amber's heart skipped a beat watching him move with fluid grace. He was what we call “Perfection!” “Hey, Amy!” Melissa shouted over the din. “Front row, center! You've got the best view!” Amber blushed, noticing Candice sitting across the court, her gaze fixed on Axel with an unmistakable pout. She rolled her eyes and looked away, her eyes fixed in only one direction-at only one person-Axel! The game tipped off, and Axel's prowess mesmerized Amber. Each dunk, each three-pointer, electrified the crowd. She saw the cheerleaders cheering and even saw cards and boards with Axel’s faces on them. Even on the boards, he still looked breathtaking. She had watched him play basketball with Cole when she was a kid, and had always loved the way he moved, the way his muscles flexed and fuck the way the sweat dripped from his face. Now she was watching him as an adult, and it was even more mesmerizing. At halftime, Axel jogged towards Amber, sweat-drenched and grinning. “Enjoying the game, cat eyes?” Amber's cheeks flushed. “You're incredible!” Axel chuckled, handing her a towel. “Thanks. I've got this for you.” he scribbled an autograph on the towel. Amber collected and sniffed it. “This is your towel, big guy.” Axel chuckled. “It’s yours now, little kitten.” he winked at her, causing her to melt in her seat. Melissa raised an eyebrow, whispering to Jack, “See? I told you. He is such a flirt. It wouldn’t be long before he sweeps her off her feet more than he already has.” Jack just folded his arms and sighed. As the second half began, Candice appeared beside Axel, her smile forced. “Hey, baby. You're doing great.” Axel's response was curt. “Thanks.” Amber sensed tension. Candice's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking to Amber before returning to Axel. The game intensified. Axel's team surged ahead. With seconds left, Axel sank a game-winning three-pointer. Pandemonium erupted as loud screams echoed through the gymnasium. Amber cheered, her eyes locked on Axel's triumphant smile. She screamed louder, jumping to her feet and cheering him on. As he walked off the court, Candice rushed to congratulate him with a bottle of water, but Axel veered towards Amber, not even knowing she was standing -or maybe he did and just chose to ignore her. “Thanks for coming! You're my lucky charm.” Amber beamed, handing him the bottle of water she had specially kept for him. “Anytime.” Candice balled her fists, her gaze fixed on Amber. “Amber.” she seethed and stormed off.007.Axel stood in the spacious office, his face indifferent and his patience wearing thin. He hated being here, and he especially hated the feeling of nostalgia that came with coming to this place.He walked over to the window, overlooking the whole city, and he sighed, tucking his hands into his pocket as his handsome face contorted to a frown. His father’s office had always been the most uncomfortable place for him to be in, and now he had been here for fifteen minutes, waiting for his so-called father who had called him here but went ahead to do business… as usual.Just as he was about to give up and turned to walk out, the door opened, and his father walked in, his expression stern. “I’m actually surprised you waited.” he took a seat and gestured for Axel to sit as well.“Why did you call me here?” Axel asked as soon as his butt landed on the chair.Mr. Kevin King cleared his throat and folded his hands on the desk as he looked at his son. “It’s about you and Candice,” he answer
008.“Turn around!” Amber screamed and Axel’s body moved of its own accord as he quickly turned, his heart beating fast.Amber shut her eyes tight in embarrassment as she rushed to carry her towel and back into the bathroom to calm herself down before coming out. She had no idea Axel would be back early. “Fuck!” she covered her face with her palms. She could literally feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment. How the heck was she going to face him now. What was she going to say? It was going to be so awkward talking to him after this.She groaned, feeling like the ground should open and swallow her whole. She paced around the bathroom as she thought of what to do. She slowly opened the door and peeked through it. He was still standing with his back turned. She guessed he might be scared to turn and see her again. Her eyes scanned her room before it landed on the tampons and chocolates he had bought. She looked away, stretched out her hand to her shorts on the bed and grabbed them
009.Damn her dirty mind! What in heaven's name was she thinking? She screamed into her pillow, her face heating from the first-hand embarrassment.After she uttered that insane sentence, it became awkward a little bit as Axel didn’t know the response to give her. She had to pretend it was just a harmless joke, blaming him for flirting with her, then quickly finished her food and rushed into her room.“Gosh!” she facepalmed, shaking her head. It was becoming more and more difficult to control herself around him. She might actually snap one day if he doesn’t see the green lights she’s been giving him.Axel was every lady’s guy. He knew how to have his way with girls, and he certainly knew how to keep them coming back for more. He also knew when a lady was into him, so why hadn’t he noticed that she had a thing for him?Was he mistaking her stares and flirting for admiration, or he probably thought she was joking? She tried to get the questions out of her head, but she couldn’t.During
010.Two days later…“Are you sure you want to go through with this, Amy? You still have a chance to change your mind.” Melissa said as she added the finishing touches to Amber’s hair.Amber smiled, her expression determined. “You’ve been asking me this for two days now, and I already told you I want to do it.”Melissa sighed. She understood her best friend’s plight, but she wouldn’t want Axel falling in love with her based on a mere seduction. Deep down, she knew Axel had a thing for Amber; I mean it’s damn obvious from the way he looked at her, and the way his expression softened whenever he listened to her.She wished Amber would let him make a move instead of pushing it down on him. She had been trying to convince Amber since that day at the cafeteria, but the lady was quite stubborn.“What about Cole?” she asked, reaching into Amber’s wardrobe and pulling out the signature red gown they had bought specifically for tonight.Amber smiled. “Let me worry about that. I’m finally eigh
011. After the party died down a bit and people began leaving, Axel took Amber to the rooftop of the house, decorated with twinkling fairy lights and a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Amber’s eyes widened. She felt like she had just walked into a fairy tale. “Wow, Axel, this is so beautiful,” Amber breathed, her eyes glinting with excitement. This had to be the best birthday ever. “I wanted to make tonight special for you,” Axel said, his voice low and husky, as he led her to the edge of the rooftop. The city lights stretched out before them, a dazzling canvas of color and light. Amber felt Axel’s hand brush against hers, sending shivers down her spine. “Thank you, Axel,” she whispered, her heart pounding as she turned to face him. Axel turned to face her, his eyes burning with intensity. When their gazes locked, he smiled and looked away while Amber looked around excitedly. “I guess this is one way to end the evening, don’t you think?” she beamed at him and quickly turne
012. “Girl, that is one cool iPad. It looks even better than the pictures you sent to us in the group chat.” Melissa took the iPad from Amber to get a better look at it. Amber smiled, her heart fluttering. “I know, right? Their gifts beat every gift people bought for me.” Melissa raised an eyebrow with a fake frown on her face. “What about my gift? Is it better than it? Just so you know, I had Jack take me around all the stores in the city just to get you something as special as that and make it perfect. Right, Jack?” Jack looked away, knowing fully well Melissa was overexaggerating. “Don’t ask me.” Amber laughed. “I loved the gift you gave me, babe. Who wouldn't love a personalized journal with our inside jokes and memories?” Amber said, hugging Melissa tightly. Even though they just became friends, she had no idea Melissa was this thoughtful. Melissa beamed. “I'm glad you liked it! I wanted something thoughtful, just between us besties.” Jack chuckled. “And I thought the gift
013.“King, you are not yourself today. You keep zoning out. Basketball demands focus and agility. What is going on?” Coach Rick asked Axel, who sighed and ruffled his hair.“I’m sorry, Coach,” Axel apologized, lowering his head. “I'll concentrate.” Coach Rick sighed and turned to face everyone. “Ten laps, let’s go!” he blew his whistle.Axel jogged alongside his teammates, his mind drifting back to Amber. The only person who had kept his mind occupied since yesterday. He had been zoning out because of her, and it was becoming even harder to focus or look at anything without thinking about her.What the heck was wrong with him? Trevor, noticing his mood, fell into step beside him.“Hey, man, you okay? You seem off,” Trevor asked.Axel nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just distracted.”Trevor raised an eyebrow. “Long night?”Axel chuckled. “Something like that.”As they finished their laps, Coach Rick gathered the team around him.“Today’s practice is crucial. We need to perfect our
014.Axel’s gaze roamed over Amber’s bikini-clad body, his eyes lingering on her curves. Her bikini was a vibrant, electric blue, with beautiful white floral patterns that accentuated her tanned skin. The tiny triangles barely contained her full breasts, and the high-cut bottoms hugged her hips, showcasing her toned legs.Amber’s long, midnight black hair cascaded down her back, framing her beautiful smile. Her sunglasses perched on her forehead, and her lips shimmered with gloss.Axel’s throat dried up as he struggled to maintain his composure. He felt a stir in his swim trunks, and his heart pounded in his chest.“Wow, you look… stunning,” Axel stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.Amber's cheeks flushed, and she chuckled. “Thanks, Axel. You don't look so bad yourself.”Axel's gaze never left hers, his eyes burning with desire. He knew he needed to rein in his emotions, but Amber's beauty had left him breathless.Melissa's distant laughter and the sound of waves crashing agai
082.“No! There's no way I'm letting you do that. What if it backfires? Promiscuous men like him can do anything to women.” Amber declined after Larissa told her about the plan. “C'mon, Amber,”“No, Larissa,” she sighed. “You are an idol. You have fans all over the world. Do you have any idea what this would cost you if it backfires? No way am I letting you go to that club and be the bait.” Larissa chuckled and took a seat beside Amber. “I like the fact that you underestimate me, Amber,” she smirked. “Look, I know how the club works. And I know what makes stupid bastards like that idiot tick. Do you think I'd go there with no backup? Trust me. It will only be just to lure him into the trap.”Amber sighed. “I don't know, Larissa.”“Amber listen, I'm sick and tired of seeing mean comments against you. Many jealous reporters are using this opportunity to ruin you the more. They might have been quiet because they saw nothing to use against you, but now, they are trying to ruin your rep
081.Amber pulled away from the kiss and cupped Axel's cheeks, her eyes shining with love for him. Axel raised a brow at her. “What was that about?” he asked amidst chuckles.Amber batted her lashes at him. “Don't you like it?” she asked, her voice small.Axel’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, then a grin spread across his face. “Well, now.” he drew Amber closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I do like it. But I can’t say I’m not a little bit surprised.” his voice was low and gravelly, making Amber’s heart flip-flop in her chest.Amber blushed, but she couldn’t look away from his intense gaze. “I had to do something to thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”Axel’s eyes softened as he stared at her. “Amber, you don’t have to thank me for anything. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.” He pressed his forehead against hers, their lips inches apart. “And I want you to know, I love you too.”Amber’s heart skipped a beat. She wrapped her arms around him. They've been thro
080.“So, how long have you and Mr. A been together?” Larissa asked during their break.Amber was taken aback by the question. “What? He and I are not together.” she answered.Larissa chuckled. “Seriously? Are you telling me that you two feel nothing for each other, or he feels nothing for you?” she asked, handing a chocolate bar to Amber.“Aren't dancers supposed to eat healthy snacks?” Amber asked, her gaze on the chocolate as she tried to change the topic.Larissa raised an eyebrow. “First of all, this is dark chocolate, which is supposed to be good for you. Second of all, don't change the subject.” she pointed her finger at Amber. “Now, tell me. Are you and Axel just friends, or is there more to it?”Amber fidgeted with the wrapper of the chocolate, avoiding Larissa's gaze. “We…we're just friends,” she insisted, though her voice wasn't quite as convincing as she'd hoped.Larissa smirked. “Uh huh,” she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Okay, let me break this down f
079.Axel continued patting her on the back as she cried. Amber couldn't help the tears. She melted into his arms while he kissed her hair. “Hey, stop crying, okay?” he said and she nodded.Axel pulled away from the hug and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Look at me,” he said and Amber looked up at him with a tear stained face. Axel used his thumb to wipe her tears and smiled at her. “You're a strong woman, Cat eyes. You don't need to let them know they've gotten you. I know you were set up, your friends know that as well, and your loyal fans too.”Amber nodded. “I'm just so hurt and annoyed.”“I understand,” Axel said. “And I won't let that motherfucker get away with hurting you. He's just dug his own grave for hurting my woman.”Amber smiled, a blush crawling up her cheeks. “You still call me your woman in such playful tone while I'm really annoyed here?”Axel leaned forward and rolled strands of hair into his index finger. “Why not? At least I got a smile from you.” he said, hi
078.GLAM MAGAZINE Amber walked into the company the next day, but something felt different. The employees were murmuring and talking in hush voices as she walked by. Her brows creased. What was going on? She was still in a sour mood from what happened yesterday, what was going on today?She walked into her department and Laura walked to her. “Oh, what a slut you are. I should have known that you got all your fame because you sleep with me that are old enough to birth you.”Amber frowned. “What the heck are you yammering on about?” she asked.Laura snickered. “You're a journalist. The news should be something you check every damn fucking day. I always knew you were pompous, now you've gone outside to show the world just how terrible you are.” Amber shook her head and walked to her desk. She knew bantering with Laura won't yield any results. The girl will only end up getting her to lose her temper, and she didn't want that.She brought her phone out and switched her data on. Her eyes
077.“We're going out for a girl's night, and you're dressed like this?” Melissa asked after Amber stepped out from her room.Amber looked down at her dressing, her brows creased. “What? Is something wrong with my dress?” she asked.Melissa rolled her eyes. “Everything is wrong with that dress. Go wear something sexy!” she snapped and pushed Amber back into the room.“Sexy? Melissa, we’re just going out for drinks!” Amber protested.Melissa crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “You look like a freaking librarian! Come on, Amber. Show a little skin!”Amber stared at her outfit—a black pencil skirt paired with a simple blouse. It wasn’t exactly exciting, but she’d chosen it because it was comfortable, not because it was sexy.The doorbell rang and Amber beamed. “Gina is here!” she exclaimed excitedly and rushed to open the door. “Girl!” Amber called and they shrieked.Gina looked at Amber's clothes. “What in fashion disaster are you putting on?” she asked, but Amber pulled her in.“Tol
076.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into her department, beaming with smiles. Now that everything was settled with Axel she felt like she finally had a reason to be happy again. She took a seat and texted Melissa, asking if she was free for a girls night out."Ooh, girls night out? Can I come?" Amber turned to see Gina, bending to look at what she was doing. "Gina!" she called, pulling her phone away. "Don't you have any idea what privacy means?" she asked.Gina rolled her eyes and sat down. "How can I when I'm curious to know the reason you're shining so bright this morning? Look at you grinning from ear to ear. Did you break up with that toxic boyfriend of yours?" she asked, her face filled with excitement."He's not toxic." Amber answered, dropping her phone on the desk. Gina scoffed. "I can't believe you're still defending him. Someone who guilt trips you and make you feel like you can't live without him because he helped you is toxic."Amber sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe he just
075.PRESENT TIME (LAS VEGAS)Amber has tears rolling down her cheeks as Axel told them everything. Cole couldn't believe what he had to go through. Maverick shook his head. He knew what happened, but he never really knew it was this deep. No wonder Axel developed PTSD. It was really a traumatic experience. Even he wouldn't have been able to handle it."I'm really sorry for everything. I only stopped getting the threat letters 2 years ago, and began looking for you. Then I found you working at Glam Magazines, and your outline that fateful day. I wanted "US" again.""You went through all this and you didn't tell me? You should have told me about it and we would have found a way to outsmart him together. I'm a computer genius and you know that. What are we friends for if you can't even tell me what's going on with you?" Cole asked, feeling pained and angry.Axel lowered his head and sighed. "At that time, the only thing I thought about was how to save her. I was paranoid and didn't even
074.Axel sat in his father's office the next morning after getting a transfer letter from the school. His luggage were already packed and everything was ready for him to leave. He just needed to see his father before leaving for Las Vegas. Kevin walked into the office. "Amber is here!"Axel sprung to his feet. "She's here? What is she doing here?" he asked, looking around for a place to hide. "I guess she thinks I'm the reason you broke up with her and she's here to confront me," he sighed. "You gotta hide before she gets here. She's currently arguing with the secretary, and I don't think the lady can hold her for long."Axel nodded. "Please, don't hurt her too much. Just tell her something that can make her give up for good."Kevin nodded. "I got it, trust me," Axel nodded and hid in the door next to the kitchen in his father's office. It was the equipment room and it was great because he could still see his father's table. He watched his father sit down and Amber rushed in immed