033. “Amy, have you noticed that Axel isn’t quite himself today?” Melissa pointed to the basketball court and Amber’s gaze followed her hands to rest on Axel, who was on the bench with his face buried in his palms. Amber raised an eyebrow. ‘Did he get benched?’ she thought as she watched him ruffle his hair. “I don’t think he’s fine. You should go check on him.” she suggested. Amber huffed, her expression hardening as she recalled what had transpired between them. “Why must I be the one to check on him?” Melissa raised a brow, confusion dancing around her face. “What do you mean? Of course, you’re the one to check on him. Do I have any business with him besides being his Cat eyes best friend?” she asked, but Amber rolled her eyes. “He looks perfectly fine.” Amber waved it off. Melissa wasn’t having it. “Look at that face, Amy, does that look fine to you?” she asked. Amber looked up again to see him biting his lip. She knew Axel too well—she had probably watched him all her li
034. Amber sat at the cafeteria eating lunch with Melissa and Jack when Axel walked in. Their eyes met. He only gave her a short nod and took a seat with his basketball teammates. Amber lowered her head, her heart aching slightly. On a normal day, he would come sit with her. He never cared if his teammates were with him — he always had dinner with her but today? Today, he was with them. Amber sighed. He was definitely avoiding her. She couldn’t deny the fact that she wasn’t mad about what he did to her, but one part of her still wanted him to behave like he always did to her. She didn’t want him to distance himself or avoid her — it was hurting her. Melissa noticed her mood and nudged her with her leg. “Girl, what’s going on with you and Axel? You have refused to tell me anything, and you keep looking at him like he hurt her, and you still can’t get over him. Amber bit her lower lip. Melissa knew how to get to her. She had no idea how the lady does it, but she knew and could read
035. Amber was seated in her room, her mind replaying the argument she had with Jack. He was damn right about some things he said — like Cole finding out and how it would affect his friendship with Axel, her heart getting broken and things not being the way they were supposed to be anymore, but she saw nothing wrong with one going after what he or she wanted. Like she earlier stated, there wasn’t a law that forbade people from dating their best friend’s sibling or a girl dating her brother’s best friend. She couldn’t wrap her head around how it had to be considered a taboo anyway. She ruffled her hair continuously, exhaling. Standing to her feet, she walked to where her study table was placed and stared out the window and into Axel’s room. He was seated there with his back turned to her and his head lowered. Amber had no idea what he was doing, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask him either. She recalled his mood in school and wondered if he was doing alright. A messaged popped
036. Amber sat in class the next day, twirling her pen in her hand, her thoughts filled with what transpired between her and Axel. She couldn't shake the feeling that she might have been too harsh, that maybe she should have tried to understand his perspective. After all, she knew he cared about her, and that his behavior was driven by concern but still… she felt lost and didn’t even know what to think of him anymore. “Hey, you okay?” Melissa asked, giving Amber a nudge. Amber snapped out of her reverie, glancing up at Melissa. “I'm…I'm not sure,” she said, her voice quiet. “Axel?” Melissa guessed, her eyebrows raised. Amber gave a small nod, her lips pursing. “I know he was only trying to protect me. But I can't help feeling like he's trying to control me, like he doesn't want me anymore and still won’t let me be with someone else.” Melissa leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “I can see why that would bother you, but try to look at it from his point of view. He doesn't want yo
037. Amber stared at Kevin, her brows furrowed in confusion. “I have no idea what you mean, sir.” she answered, her voice barely above a whisper. Kevin’s laugh lacked humor as he crossed his legs from where he was seated, his gaze suddenly turning cold as he looked up to meet Amber’s confused gaze. “Oh, so now you act like you know nothing about what I’m saying?” he asked. Amber shrugged. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I know Axel, and I know he is your son, but I’m failing to understand the path where you said I destroyed your relationship with him. We haven’t even met before.” Kevin frowned, his voice low and cold. “I don’t have the time to explain something you already know to you, Amber Smith. You caused a rift between my son and Candice, and you have the guts to show your face here? Asking me to serve as a dog for your stupid school project?” Amber gasped. “I didn’t-“ “Oh you want to deny it now, don’t you?” he snickered and leaned back on his seat.
038. Amber walked out of the office, her eyes misty. She wondered how she was going to convince Axel’s father after what happened between them today and after he had made it crystal clear to her that he hated her and would never help her. Just thinking about it brought tears to her eyes as she made her way to the classroom. She took a seat, her lips trembling. Professor Jenna was tough and Amber knew if she didn’t get this done, she was going to fail. She might be her favorite student, but when it came to scoring and grades, Professor Jenna was ruthless - even more ruthless with her star students. “What do I do?” she whispered to herself as she looked around the empty classroom. Jack and Melissa were busy with their projects, and it would be hard for them to spend time together now - she had no one to tell her hurt and she felt useless, like she wasn’t good enough and why all these had to happen to her. She couldn’t do anything about it. Amber knew she was trapped and there was
039.The next day, Amber paced back and forth in the classroom as she thought of different ways to meet Axel’s father again and get him to help her out. Her grades depended on this — she couldn’t fail.Melissa rushed into the classroom. “Amy, I ran here as soon as I was done and got your text. Axel’s father really said all that to you?” Amber nodded and ruffled her hair. “The man hates me. If I don’t get this project done before the timeframe elapses, I’m as good as writing this course again.” she sat down and Melissa sat beside her.Melissa placed a comforting hand on Amber’s shoulders. “I’m sorry you had to go through something like this.”Amber sighed, and shook her head. “It’s fine. How about yours?” she asked.Melissa smiled. “I’ve been able to get everything done. All that’s left is submitting it to Professor Jenna.”Amber gasped. “Whoa. That was fast. This was supposed to take two weeks.”Melissa nodded. “Yeah, but he is a busy man, so we spent yesterday and today getting it d
040.Axel's fingers traced the curve of Amber's waist as his lips moved to the sensitive spot behind her ear. "I'm done fighting myself," he breathed, his voice shaking with desire. "I need you, Amber. I need to feel your body against mine, your skin beneath my fingertips, your breath on my lips."Amber arched her back, pressing her hips against him. "Axel, please," she whimpered, her voice a plea. "Don't stop."Axel groaned, the sound raw, as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. He wasn’t going to pull away anymore. He wanted her and he would take, claim and make her his.Axel lifted Amber into his arms, carrying her to his bed with a possessive strength that made her heart pound. He laid her gently on the mattress, his body poised over hers, his hands cupping her face. "Tell me you want this," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "Tell me you want me."Amber's body trembled with desire. "I want you," she breathed, her voice aching with longing. “I've always wanted you.” she
When Janette got home, her eyes darted to Liam’s car which was parked in the compound. With a sigh, she parked her car beside it and got out, took Ethan who was still sound asleep and walked into the house.Liam was seated on the couch and sprung to his feet the minute he saw her walking in. He approached her, attempting to take sleeping Ethan from her, but she moved back, her expression hardening as she headed up the stairs to Ethan’s room.Liam facepalmed. There was no doubt that she was mad that he had bailed on them when he was supposed to come have fun at the park with them. He rushed up the stairs and walked into Ethan’s room where he saw that she had already taken his shoes off and tucked him into bed.“Jane,” he called, but she acted as if she didn’t hear him. Instead, she focused on making sure Ethan was comfortable. “Please, hear me out.” “Do you want to wake him up?” she asked, not sparing him a glance, and he pursed his lips as he waited for her to finish.When she was do
120.Amber blinked. She couldn’t believe Cole would say such a thing to her. How on earth was she selfish? She was doing this for his own good. It was hurting to see her genius brother being fooled by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But now because she cared, Cole had to raise his voice on her for the first time. It broke her heart so much that her brother didn’t trust her enough to believe her. “We’ve never had a fight before, Cole,” Amber said, her eyes turning glassy as she looked up at her brother. “Are you going to allow your so-called girlfriend come between us? I’m your sister. I would never hurt you or put myself first before you.”“Stop making this about you, Amber,” Cole sighed, feeling conflicted. “When you and Axel got together, I wasn’t against it. Even when you two kept it away from me, I didn’t get mad.”“I and Axel are different!” Amber snapped. “And the reason you approved of the relationship was because you trusted Axel. You knew he was a good person. I don’t trust Jan
119.“Axel, I need your help with talking to Cole,” Amber said as they headed to the parking lot together.Axel stopped in his tracks, turning to face with a confused expression on his face. “Why? What happened?” he asked.Amber stopped walking as well, holding her books to her chest as she looked at Axel. “Because,” she paused, sucking on a long breath. “Janice doesn’t love him. She is lying to him and using him.”Axel blinked. “What?” he asked.Amber nodded, the annoyance she tried so hard to keep in coming back. “Today, Cole asked me to get him food from the cafeteria. On my way to deliver the food to him, I passed by a classroom where I overheard Janice speaking with her friend. She mentioned that once she gets what she wants from Cole, she’d dump him. At first, I thought it was about his grades, but when I confronted, and she was so mean to me, I realized there was something more, but I couldn’t find out what.”Axel stared at Amber for a while. “Are you sure about this?” he asked
118.“Spill what exactly?” Amber asked, folding her arms with a frown on her face.Janice scoffed. “Don’t try to act smart with me, baby girl. I know you overheard me and my friend talking. So tell me, what did you hear?” Amber snickered. “Is your conscience pricking you or are you scared I’m gonna tell my brother what you’re up to? Are you scared I’ll tell him that you are a liar, a deceiver and a bitchy person?” she asked and Janice clenched her fists.Janice watched Amber for a while, but then she realized something. There was no way Cole would believe Amber anyway. She knew how much Cole loved her, and Amber telling him would only make him feel Amber was selfish and unreadable. A smith found its way to her lips as she chuckled. “There’s nothing that’s gonna make Cole believe you anyway,” she said and Amber raised a brow.Janice began pacing the room, a victorious smile plastered on her face. “Need I remind you that you are dating Cole’s best friend,” she said?“So?”“And Cole did
117.Amber huffed and began walking away. “Amber!” Amber stopped in her tracks, her fists clenched. She turned with a frown on her face, annoyance coloring her features as she stared at Janice. Janice’s eyes darted to the bag in Amber’s hand and instantly knew it was the food she had asked Cole to get her. “Hey, are you going to meet Cole?” she asked, beaming at Amber who didn’t return a smile of her own. “Why are you asking? Do you want to use him for something else?” Amber asked, trying to keep the accusation out of her voice, but it wasn’t working.She was literally boiling with rage, and it annoyed her to the core that Janice was acting all innocent in front of her when she just talked down on her brother a few minutes ago. Don’t people have shame these days?Janice raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?” she asked, wondering if Amber had overheard her conversation with her friend. She forced a smile and held Amber’s arm. “Don’t be too cocky, Amy. I know you’re mad th
Author’s note: Sorry for the inconveniences dear readers. I just found out that the current chapters 112, 113 and 114 are having errors. I do apologize for that. The chapters will be fixed and will return to the original by next week Monday or Tuesday. I’d advise you to stop reading for now. All you have to do to be able to read again is to take the book away from your library and add it back. The real chapters will show then. I’ll keep you informed, so please, kindly wait as the chapters and this current one are being fixed. Thanks for understanding. ***** “Do you really love my brother or you’re just using him to get good grades?” Amber asked Janice, her eyes holding nothing but annoyance towards the young lady. Janice smiled sweetly, annoying Amber to the core. “Are you trying to act like a good sister or you’re just plain stupid?” she asked. Amber clenched her teeth, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She hated that smile of Janice’s—that saccharine, condescending g
115.Author’s note: Sorry for the inconveniences dear readers. I just found out that the current chapters 112, 113 and 114 are having errors. I do apologize for that. The chapters will be fixed and will return to the original by next week Monday or Tuesday. All you have to do to be able to read again is to take the book away from your library and add it back. The real chapters will show then.I’ll keep you informed, so please, kindly wait as the chapters and this current one are being fixed.Thanks for understanding.*****“Do you really love my brother or you’re just using him to get good grades?” Amber asked Janice, her eyes holding nothing but annoyance towards the young lady.Janice smiled sweetly, annoying Amber to the core. “Are you trying to act like a good sister or you’re just plain stupid?” she asked.Amber clenched her teeth, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She hated that smile of Janice’s—that saccharine, condescending grin that made her seem like she was in on
Bianca paced to and forth in the living room as she waited for her father's arrival. She had been waiting to tell him about what Aiden said and also make sure he explained things to her, but he hadn't been around.He had told her he was coming home today and she had been anxiously waiting. She heard the sound of the door and quickly rushed to get it.“Dad, welcome.” she greeted him and he nodded.He walked into the house and took a seat. She took a seat facing him, dabbing her fingers together as she stared at him.“I want to hear good news, Bianca. Were you able to secure the deal with Aiden?” he asked curtly.Bianca's face fell, and she shook her head. “No, Dad. He refused to work with us.” she answered with a frustrated sigh.Mr. Sullivan's expression turned dark. “What did he say?”Bianca took a deep breath before recounting her conversation with Aiden. Mr. Sullivan's face grew angrier with each passing moment.“When I asked him why, he said it was because of your business practic
“Apologize to her now, Mia. I will not repeat myself again!”Aiden's voice was firm and commanding, leaving no room for argument. Mia's eyes flashed with anger, but she knew better than to cross Aiden when he was in this mood. She took a deep breath and turned to Samantha.“I apologize,” she said stiffly, her words dripping with insincerity.“Say it like you mean it, Mia.” Aiden ordered and Mia sighed, lowering her head.“I'm sorry, Samantha. I shouldn't have said all those words. Please forgive me.” she sounded sincere this time around, but her heart meant something entirely different.Samantha looked at her, her expression unreadable. “It's fine,” she said curtly, her voice barely above a whisper.Aiden's eyes narrowed at Mia. “I mean it, Mia. No more of this. Samantha is going to be my wife, and I won't have you disrespecting her like this.”Mia's eyes widened in shock, but she knew better than to push Aiden further. She nodded, her face pale.“I understand,” she said, her voice ba