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
041.Amber’s eyes fluttered open the next morning, and she exhaled with a smile on her face. Her thoughts drifted to what had happened between her and Axel last night and her smile widened.She turned to face him only to find him staring at her with his chin resting on his palm and his elbow on the bed. “Good morning, pretty.” he smirked.“Good morning.” Amber replied, her eyes fixed on him.For a moment, no one said anything else to each other. Amber bit down on her lower lip, and blinked at him. She wondered what was going on in his mind. “Do you regret it?” she asked.He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. “Not one bit,” he gave her lips a light peck.Amber smiled and wrapped her hands around his neck. “I want to stay in your arms all through today. I want you to kiss me and ravish me all over again, but I have classes this morning, need to submit my project to Professor Jenna and Cole will be home soon.”Axel chuckled, brushing a loose strand
042.Next day,Amber stood, watching as Axel helped Cole bring his suitcase out of the car booth. Cole walked to where Amber stood and wrapped his arms around her.“It’s just for the semester. I will be back before you know it.”Amber nodded, trying to hold back tears as she hugged Cole tightly. “I'm going to miss you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling.Cole pulled back and grinned. “It's just a two month trip, Amber. We'll be back before you know it, with tons of stories to share.”Axel chuckled. “And probably a bunch of silly souvenirs.”Amber smiled, feeling a bit better. “Make sure to take lots of pictures.”Cole saluted. “Will do. And don't worry, I'll text you every day.”As they shared one last group hug, Amber felt a pang of sadness. Watching Cole leave on his school trip was still hard, even if it was just for two months.“Take care of yourself, okay?” Axel reminded Cole, as he climbed into the bus.“I will, man. Take care of Amber for me,” Cole replied, his eyes lo
113.“What is going on here?” Laura finally asked. Her focus was solely on Amber. “Are you related to Mr. King in any way?” she asked.Amber shrugged. “You could say that.” she faced Axel with a smile on her face.Laura blinked. She wasn't daft. Something was actually going on. It was either Amber was related to Mr. King, or she was dating… she shook her head. That was impossible. If Amber was dating Axel, everyone would know about it. Amber wouldn't have kept it hidden. If for anything, Amber would have intentionally announced it to rub it in her face.“I think they are dating, Laura.” Vera whispered.“No, I don't believe that!” Kevin smiled at Axel. “I thought you said you'd make a big announcement about your relationship after the face reveal. What changed?” Amber blinked, turning to look at Axel. Axel grinned. “Well, a certain lady said she wanted this night to be all about me. She doesn't want to take the attention away from me.” he answered with an eye roll.Kevin chuckled hea
112.Axel wore a sleek black suit fit him perfectly, with a white shirt underneath. His black bowtie was tied neatly around his neck, giving him a polished and professional look. His dark hair was styled perfectly, falling in soft waves around his face. And then there were his eyes. Amber could see the intensity of his gaze from her seat as he looked out over the audience, taking in the stunned silence that had fallen over the room.Laura couldn't help swooning while Vera felt like she was on cloud nine.“Oh my gosh! He is so good looking! Why would he hide his face when he's so hot?!” Vera asked.“Maybe he already has a girlfriend and doesn't want shameless ladies drooling all over him.” Gina replied with a smirk, causing Laura and Vera to gasp.“You-”“Shh, everyone! He's about to speak!” Amber cut their argument off, her gaze fixated on Axel. Maverick walked to him and hugged him, smiling widely. Axel returned the hug and then stepped forward, a microphone in his hand. “Good even
111.After Candice left in a fury of anger, Amber turned to face Axel, a smile playing on her lips. “You're really one in a million. I don't even think there's anyone like you in this world,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I love you so so much.”Axel pulled her close and kissed her lips. “I love you more, Cat eyes,” he replied, his expression mirroring hers. “You are my woman, and I will never let anyone downplay that part.”Axel meant every word he said and Amber knew it. She couldn't ask for more. This was the kind of life she ordered and appreciated. Axel, on the other hand, had only let Candice go because today was a big day for him, and he didn't want any mishaps. He would have fired her if it weren't for her Father and his Father's relationship. But that didn't mean she was off the hook.Amber cupped his cheeks and chuckled. “You look s dreamy whenever you defend me like that. I want to kiss you so bad, but you're about to do a face reveal in front of the whole world
110.Amber folded her arms, her expression hardening. Just when her night was getting good, Candice had to show her annoying face here. “How may I help you, Candice?” she asked with an annoyed expression on her face.Candice's smile was all too cheery for Amber's liking. “What are you doing in here?”Amber raised an eyebrow at her. “What sort of question is that? Do I need to have a reason to come to the studio?”Candice scoffed. “Look around?” She pointed at everything. “Does any of these belong to you? Whether you work here or not is none of my business, but you can't just walk in here like you own the place.”Amber couldn't believe this lady. What the heck was wrong with her? “For your information, my boyfriend owns this company so I have the right to enter wherever I want to. But of course, you won't understand that because you're too busy being jealous and bitter towards other people's relationship,” she said and Candice gasped. “I have been silent, but I don't think I can keep i
108. FRIDAY… DAY OF THE FASHION SHOW. “Is everything ready?” Ms. June asked Amber, and her team. Amber looked at everyone; the cameramen, Laura, Vera, and Gina before nodding her head. “Yes. Everything and everyone is ready.” Ms. June smiled. “Tonight is the night everyone has been waiting for, team. You got to try your best to get it all on camera. Laura will handle the oral interviews, while Amber will handle the written ones. Gina and Vera are there to assist. In the end, we will merge everything together and make sure it makes headlines.” Everyone nodded, a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. They all knew what was at stake: a scoop that could make or break their careers. They’d spent weeks preparing, and now it was time for the main event. “Let’s go,” Ms. June declared, leading the team out of the office and into the waiting car. When they had entered, she bade them farewell and whispered in Amber's ears. “Make us proud.” Amber smiled and nodded with a
107. “Is she awake now?” Amber asked as they watched Gina, whose eyes were fluttering, trying to open and adjust to the light. When Gina's eyes were finally opened, her gaze went from the handsome guy, whom she'd drooled over to Axel before resting on Amber. Then it clicked in her head. AXEL WAS MR. A. Gina came down from the bed and glared at Amber who moved back a little with a nervous smile on her face. “How could you?! Axel is Mr. A and you never bothered to tell me?” she yelled. Amber fiddled with her fingers. “I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you since his identity is hidden right now. I wanted you to find out during the fashion show.” Gina scoffed. “Like the other people? Who do you really take me for? I thought we were friends. I was there when you wanted to get back together with him. I met him at the gala. You could have just told me. I might be hyperactive and a gossip, but I'm not a chronic one. I won't tell anyone if you ask me to, and you kept such a huge thing away
106.Gina pulled Amber up and dragged her out of the office and into the lounge, where most of the employees use to relax during breaks. She closed the door behind her and looked up at Amber with an annoyed expression on her face. “Are you crazy?” Gina asked. “Why would you agree to such an obnoxious bet?” Amber smiled, but that only annoyed Gina further. This was something serious. She couldn't believe Amber was smiling at a time like this. Laura was so confident when she talked about the bet, and Gina knew the lady must have pulled strings somewhere. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have approached Amber with such stupid bet.“Why are you worried? It's just a bet.” Amber shrugged.Gina pulled her hair. “Just a bet?” she snapped. “Are you fucking serious right now?” she took deep breaths to calm herself down. “You're about to lose your job and position to that bitch. And you call it just a bet?”“Calm down, Gina-”“I can't calm down!” Gina snapped. “Don't you know the weight of what you'
105.GLAM MAGAZINE “A.A Entertainment’s fashion show is this Friday. How prepared are you for it, Amber?” Ms. June asked Amber, who she'd call into her office.Amber smiled and adjusted her jacket. “I'm prepared enough,” she said, her voice laced with confidence. “I have Gina to go with me. You asked Laura and Vera to come with as well. I still have no idea why.”Ms. June adjusted in her seat. “This is a big deal for the company, Amber, and we can't take any chances. We need all the hands we can get.”“Gina and I can handle it perfectly.”“The same way Laura and Vera can,” Ms. June said. “I know you aren't in best terms with her, but you two will have to put your differences aside and work together. We are partners with A.A Entertainment, which means we have to have the inside information about the fashion show. We need to have the main tea so we can stand out from other magazines and reporters. Readers are anticipating your article, Amber, and with his important this is, I don't wan
104.KING’S MANSION Amber fiddled with her fingers, her heart pounding in her chest as they drove into the surroundings of King’s mansion. The mansion was truly impressive, its exterior a reflection of Kevin's wealth and status. The imposing structure was flanked by manicured gardens, the driveway lined with perfectly trimmed hedges. The front of the house boasted an elegant portico, flanked by towering marble pillars. It was clear that no expense had been spared in its construction.Amber couldn't help but be awed as she stepped out of the car, her eyes sweeping over the grounds. She turned to Axel, her expression a mix of excitement and anxiety.“Wow,” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. Axel chuckled and wrapped his arm around Amber’s waist. “It’s quite something, isn’t it?” he said, his voice tinged with pride. “My father has always had a flair for the extravagant.”Amber smiled weakly, still adjusting to the grandeur of her surroundings. “It’s beautiful,” she manag