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
059.Amber stepped out of her apartment with her luggage and met Dan, the private chauffeur already waiting for her. When he saw her, he quickly rushed to take her luggage from her."Good morning, Ms. Smith." he greeted with a warm smile. Amber nodded, giving him a smile of her own. "Good morning, Mr. Dan.""I'd prefer being called Dan, ma'am." he said and Amber nodded."And I'd prefer being called Amber." she smiled at him.Dan simply nodded and opened the door for her. She got into the car and he closed the door before putting her luggage in the car booth. After that, he drove out of the vicinity. As they headed to the airport with the city passing by in a blur, Amber's mind reeled with lots of thoughts. Especially about what happened between her and Jack, and how Axel had taken it upon himself to take care of her. She couldn't help the fluttering she always felt whenever she thought about it, and now he had helped her book a flight to Los Angeles.With a sigh, she rested her head
058.Next Day... CLOUD LIMITED "It's over, Trent," Jack leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk as he rested his jaw on his palms. Now that he thought about what he did, he was sure Amber would never want to see him again. She might not even talk to him ever again.Trent watched him, his expression neutral. He was sick and tired of talking. Everything was already out of hand. If Jack had listened to him, he wouldn't have gone that far. "So... I don't think there's nothing we can do to fix this. You've lost her, man.""Don't tell me that!" Jack yelled, standing to his feet and ruffling his hair as he paced the office. "I have to find a way.""Didn't you just say it was over?" Trent asked, cocking his head to the side to get a close look at Jack. "Man, you went far this time. How could you have done that? That was fucking a sexual harassment. What are you gonna do if Amber decides to take it up? Have you forgotten that she's a reporter? What if she writes an article against you?
057.Axel was done cooking and Amber sat in the dining with him as they faced each other. He put the food into a plate for her and gestured for her to eat some.Amber stared at the food, feeling like she was dreaming. This all felt so surreal. "Come on, eat." Axel admonished her. She looked up at him and he gave her a small smile before gesturing to the food in front of her.Amber took a bite of the food, savoring the rich flavors Axel had skillfully crafted. The taste brought a flood of memories back to her—memories of the simpler times, before everything had become so complicated. She couldn't help but smile, despite the bittersweet nostalgia that tugged at her heartstrings."I...I really missed this," she confessed, her eyes meeting Axel's over the rim of her teacup. "You've always been the best cook. I don't know how you do it."Axel shrugged, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face. "It's all about passion," he said, leaning back in his chair and sipping his own tea. "Wh
056.When Amber had calmed down, Axel cupped her cheeks. "Are you okay?" he asked and she slowly nodded.He held her hand and made her sit on the couch while he squat beside her, watching her closely. He reached out with his hand and wiped the remaining tears on her face, his heart aching for her.Amber clenched and unclenched her fists. Her mind was racing with lots of questions. Questions like, if Axel hadn't come, would Jack have done more than forcefully kissing her? Would he have forced himself on her? Jack wasn't like such a person. She's known him for years, and even while they were dating, he had not made any attempts of forcing himself on her before. What came over him? Did the breakup trigger him so much?But why would he go too far?Amber sighed, and shook her head. She didn't want to think about it. She was already disappointed and mad as it is. But then, she remembered something. What was Axel doing in her place? She looked down at Axel, who had been staring at her all t
055.Jack blinked at Amber, his expression that of disbelief. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that Amber would initiate their breakup. Was she being serious right now? "Amber," he called, his gaze fixed on her. He didn't want to believe this. "I know you are angry that I disrespected you. Everybody makes mistakes and acts in impulse. That's not enough reason for you to break up with me, please."Amber sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. As much as she was hurt for doing this, she needed to stop stringing him along. She needed to stop making him have false hopes when she knew she would never end up with him. "Jack, I'm sorry," she shook her head. "I'm not angry at you, Jack. I just feel so bad for agreeing to date you when I had no feelings for you.""Amber," he held her hand, his expression pleading. "Babe, I didn't mind. And I still don't mind. You will fall for me with time. We just have to keep trying.""No, Jack," Amber pulled her hand away and turned away from him. "We can'
054.Therapy Session...Axel walked into the therapy room with a heavy heart. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, and he desperately needed help sorting through them. As he settled into the chair across from the therapist, he couldn’t help but feel a little awkward.The therapist, Dr. Evelyn Clarke, was a middle-aged woman with a warm and inviting smile. She sensed his discomfort immediately and leaned forward, her eyes meeting his with empathy.“Hello, Axel. How are you feeling today?” she asked in a gentle, reassuring tone.Axel sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit he'd developed over the years. "I'm...uh, I'm not doing great, honestly," he admitted. "It's been a really rough few weeks. I don't even know where to start."Dr. Clarke nodded, understanding etched on her features. "Sometimes just starting is the hardest part. But don't worry, we're in no rush. Let's start with whatever feels most pressing for you right now."Axel closed his eyes,
053.A.A ENTERTAINMENT Amber was beaming with smiles as she went through the readers comments on her article. They were so excited and expectant of the day Axel would reveal his identity to them. They couldn't help dying of curiosity as Amber discreetly gave them a hint about the event that was coming up in A.A Entertainment soon.With a sigh, she smiled at herself. "I'm really amazing," she said, going through the rest of the comments. The door to the office opened and Axel walked in. Gina's words about playing hard to get echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help letting out a scoff. She stood to her feet, her eyes squinting as she took him in. He liked quite pale. When she had come to the office, Maverick had informed her that he was at a meeting with the Executives and Shareholders. Why would he come out of there looking pale?Axel smiled and walked to stand in front of her. "Good afternoon, Reporter Amber." he greeted her, that smile still plastered on his face.Amber folded h
052.Next day... GLAM MAGAZINE "Girl, you're on fire. Now the readers are more curious to actually know who Mr. A is. You delivered that interview so perfectly that even I want to know who this man is." Gina said as she and Amber scroll through the readers comments under her article.Amber smiled. How was she going to tell Gina that she'd seen Mr. A before? Amber could remember the gala they attended at King Global, where Jack and Axel met for the first time in years. Gina had seen Axel, but didn't know he was Mr. A."And maybe we see him everyday, but since he hasn't shown his face, we actually don't know." Gina beamed.Amber chuckled. "Yeah, I guess."Gina moved close to Amber and cleared her throat. "When are you taking me to A.A Entertainment? I really really wanna see Mr. A. I know you're the one working there, but you could make me your Assistant for a day. I just want to see his face."Amber turned to face her. "You know we are supposed to keep his face confidential, right?" s
051.GLAM MAGAZINEMs. June went through the article and smiled. "It's great. And you say Mr. A approves of it?" she asked.Amber nodded with a smile. "Yes, he did."Ms. June sighed and crossed her legs. "Very well then. Publish it on the feature," she said and Amber bowed with a smile. "How has working with Mr. A been, Amber? Any issues? Observations?" she asked.Amber raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask, Ms. June?"Ms. June leaned forward. "What? Can't I ask anymore?" she raised an eyebrow at Amber. "Our journalist is working with A.A Entertainment. I want to know if she's comfortable there. Why do you ask like I'm trying to pry into your personal life?"Amber took in her lower lip. Ms. June was right. This was work, and she shouldn't have asked that. "I'm sorry, Ms. June," she replied and Ms. June nodded with an amused expression on her face. "It's been great working with him. A.A Entertainment is a very fun and conducive place to be. The employees are nice, and the CEO himself is..