030.As they drove Amber back to her apartment, a soft music played in the car while Amber was lost in thoughts. She couldn't count how many times her heart had skipped beats tonight. And when Axel told her his wish, she felt a kind of warmth she hadn't felt in years; a familiar warmth only Axel could give.She turned to look at him and there he was again, staring at her, with those piercing blue eyes of his that intimidated other people but made her heart yearn for him. When she had asked why he wished for her and not for himself, his reply wasn't something she'd expected,"I wished for you because I want nothing more than to see you happy, loved, successful and full of energy and hope. For me, your happiness is my satisfaction. I want nothing more than that for you."And she knew she wasn't going to forget that in a hurry. "Axel," she called, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you really mean everything you said to me five years ago?" she asked, her face filled with curiosity.A
031. GLAM MAGAZINE Amber held the necklace in her hand as she swayed in her chair. If Axel thinks he could win her over with something expensive, then he was clearly mistaken. He should know the kind of person she was. She hated extravagance, and she particularly detested when people tried to please her with extravagant and expensive things. She picked up her phone and dialed Maverick’s number. Maverick picked up almost immediately like he was expecting her call. “Good morning, Ms. Amber.” Amber sighed. “Good morning, Mr. Maverick,” she took one last look at the necklace. “Please, I’d like to give something to Mr. A. Would you mind me sending it over then you help me hand it to him?” she asked. “Of course, Ms. Amber. I’ll have someone come for it.” Amber sighed in relief. “Thank you so much, Mr. Maverick,” she hung up and was about to put the necklace in a box when Gina gasped. “Oh my God, Amber, you have this?” Gina took the necklace from her. Amber was about to take it
032.“Ms. June, you can’t be serious!” Amber snapped, not believing what the woman just said. “What do you mean a partnership with A.A Entertainment? And why would I be the in-house Journalist? What happened to Laura?” Ms. June swayed in her chair, her expression neutral as she looked at Amber. “Amber, you have to calm down. This is a very good thing for our company; partnering with A.A Entertainment… do you even have any idea what that means?” she asked but Amber wasn’t interested in what it meant or any other thing that pertained to it. Her concern was the fact that she was at the center of it all, and she knew darn well Axel was using this to his advantage. Was this the new plan he told her about? Was this what he meant by her getting to know his company? Did he have to be so petty just to win her back?Her fists tightened. Oh, she wasn’t going to let him get away with this.Ms. June noticed the conflicting emotions on Amber’s face and stood to her feet as she walked to where Amb
033.“Have a seat, Ms. Amber,” Axel smirked at the expression on her face. “You need it.”Amber’s fists clenched and unclenched. Why was the universe being this mean to her? For fuck sake, he was the one who’d hurt her, but why was she at his mercy? He should be on his knees, begging for her forgiveness, but why is she the one being frustrated by him?“Why are you really doing this to me? What do you really want from me?” she asked.Axel stood to his feet and walked to where she stood. He stopped in front of her, his tall frame towering over her despite the heels she had on. “I already told you what I want from you, Amber. Isn’t it obvious that I want you?” Amber sneered at his words. “Do you think it’s that easy to want someone back after hurting them? Do you think I’d just open my arms wide to accept you after everything or are you used to getting things done your own way?” “I do know how to get things done my own way,” Axel replied with a small smile. “But I decided not to do tha
034."What did you come to do in Axel's company?" Candice asked, her lips curving upwards.Amber internally rolled her eyes. So, Candice knew Axel was Mr. A. She couldn't help but wonder how they got to connect with each other again. Last time she checked, Candice had transferred out of their school because she was too pity she and Axel were in love. Amber sneered. There's no doubt the lady was back because they weren't together."I could ask you the same thing," Amber folded her arms. "What are you doing here?" Amber knew it wasn't her business to know, but somehow, she wanted to know what Candice was doing in Axel's company. Candice clicked her tongue, sizing Amber with her eyes. The lady had grown and become more beautiful than she remembered. She looked away. "I work here," she said and Amber couldn't conceal her shock. Candice worked here? How's that even possible? "How about you? You're a Reporter, I don't see you having any business here. Especially after what you did to Axel.
035."You want me in the same office with you?" Amber asked, her eyes widening in shock. What the heck was this man doing?Axel chuckled softly. "What? Don't you want to be in the same office with me?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.Amber shook her head. "I don't want to." she answered plainly.Axel sighed and steepled his fingers. "It's not like you have a choice, sweetheart," he sneered. "We are going to be working on the feature together, Ms. Smith. If we don't stay in the same office, how do you expect us to get it done?" he asked and Amber bit her lower lip.Now that he put it that way, it did make sense. But how was she going to survive in the same office with him? She hadn't spent an hour with him without him frustrating and making her question what her heart really wanted. And now she was going to be frequent here now. How was she going to put up with this, huh? Looks like fate has decided to open her chapter and give her life a good spanking.Amber sighed. "But your off
036.Amber walked beside Axel as he showed her around. She wasn’t interested in everything even though they looked beautiful and nice, and was certain the reason she'd remember most of the things he said was through her recorder. Axel's company was big, no doubt and deep down, she was glad he finally achieved his dream. She recalled him telling her years ago, that he loved Entertainment but then she asked him why he got into Mass communication department. He didn't give her an answer then, but she made a mental note to include the question in the feature about his company."....And my personal favorite, A.A Entertainment studio," Axel said and that seemed to catch Amber's attention as he threw the big doors of the studio open.Amber's eyes widened. "Wow!" escaped her lips as she gaped at the massive studio which looked like a building on its own. The main hall had a big stage, with a spectators corner."This is where we deal with auditions whenever we want to start a new movie or any
037.Later that day...AMBER'S APARTMENT "Seems fate is playing a quick one on you, Reporter Amber," Melissa teased with an amused expression on her face. "Who would have thought that you’d be working in the same office as your ex-boyfriend? Not just that, he's a CEO, you're his journalist. What are the odds?" Amber rolled her eyes. "Calm down, Mel. It's not like I want to work there. We're just trying to give the readers what they want. And..." Amber trailed off, wondering if she should tell Melissa about it. But Melissa was her best friend, she deserved to know at least and maybe she could get down advice from her."And?" Melissa asked, her face filled with curiosity.Amber fiddled with her fingers. "I feel like Axel didn't really mean to break up with me," she said and Melissa's eyes widened. "Wait, before you say anything... I met Candice at the company today.""Candice Meyer? That bitchy and spoilt daughter from a wealthy family? The shameless one?""Melissa," Amber chuckled. "
086.Laura sat in a coffee shop, her feet tapping relentlessly on the floor. Vera had gone to get them drinks but that was the least of her problems right now. She knew Gina was the one responsible for the beating she received, but she had no idea how Amber was able to clear her name in just a small amount of time.This only confirmed her suspicion that there was someone helping her form the sidelines. But who could that be? And why did the girl who helped to get the man caught look so familiar?"Something is fishy!" "Laura, did you hear, Amber has gotten all her opportunities back. Lots of companies are calling to get interviewed by her. They were moved by now she took care of the case and gave the police the leverage to catch the abuser." Vera dropped the coffee on the table and sat down.Laura groaned. "I hate how this is turning out, Gina. We need to do something about it.""That's not all. Ms. June has given her the cover page for the Mainland Tech Conference Article. If she pu
085.Amber's face lit up when she saw Larissa walking out of the club. She got down from the car and rushed to hug her. "You're back!" she gave Larissa a peck on the cheek. "You did it! My reputations cleared. I watched everything."Larissa smirked. "Told you not to worry about anything. Did you think it wouldn't work out when the plane was Axel's?"Amber raised a brow. "I thought it was your idea."Larissa shook her head. "It was all Axel's. I only agreed to be the bait," she said and Amber smiled."I'm grateful to you both. Now I feel relieved that it's all been taken care of. I can sleep with a smile now." Larissa chuckled.~•~•~The next day...GLAM MAGAZINE Amber walked into her department and Gina rushed to her. "Oh you have no idea how happy I am that you're finally back to work. The man has been caught by the police. Turns out, he was brutally beaten by the ladies he harassed. He's currently being questioned and you my dear, have gotten your fans back."Amber scoffed as she
084."Hey, beautiful," the man drawled, his voice low and seductive.Larissa's grip on the glass tightened, her brows twitching as she fought the urge to punch him in the face and give him a good beating. She quickly forced a smile to her face and turned to face him. "Hi." she answered and looked away. All she had to do was play hard to get and he was going to try forcing himself on her for sure.The man took a seat beside her. "Can I buy you a drink? A beautiful lady like you shouldn't sit here all alone, you know." his eyes roamed her body as his tongue ran over his lips.Larissa rolled her eyes. "As you can see, I already have a drink. And it's not bad to be alone, is it?" she asked."So you're really alone," he smiled to himself and moved closer. Larissa noticed this and leaned back. "You know," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw the way you danced a few minutes ago. Mind if we get a room and you can show me privately? I'd love to see it up close." he touched her la
083.KING'S MANSION The family was seated in the dining room, having a nice relaxing dinner. Kevin looked at Axel, who seemed to be in a good mood. It's been a while he saw Axel actually eat enough food like he did.His gaze darted to Larissa and Maverick. They were also in good moods. Were these kids hiding something from him? Besides, he saw the scandal with Amber. They couldn't be smiling at a time like this, right?Knowing Axel, he would have thrown a tantrum and dealt with whoever did it. But here the young man was, eating like he was celebrating.When he couldn't take it anymore, he dropped the fork and knife he was holding, making a clanging sound on the plate that drew the trio's attention. They all turned to look at him."You three, what's going on?" he asked, his gaze narrowed at them.The three of them exchanged confused glances, having no idea what Kevin was talking about. "Uncle, what are you talking about?" Larissa was the first to ask.Kevin scoffed. "Are you trying to
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