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..
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
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
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,
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'
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
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
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?
125 ~ Final Chapter ~ Epilogue Wedding Day… “Don’t cry, baby. You’re gonna ruin your makeup.” Loris said, her own tears falling. Amber nodded. “Mum, you asked me not to cry but you’re doing the exact same thing.” she sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. Loris wiped her face with the back of her palm. “It’s just that I can still remember forcing you to go to College that fateful day, and you didn’t want to because you didn’t want to stay with Cole. But you had no idea Axel was there. You two started young, and you’ve been through a lot together. I’m so proud of you for being so strong and resilient.” Amber smiled, squeezing her mother’s hand gently. “I wouldn’t have gotten through it all without Axel, Cole, my friends, and you, Mom. And now, here I am, about to marry the love of my life. It’s a dream come true.” “And I’m honored to be here,” Loris replied, her voice soft and loving. “Now, I don’t want to be responsible for making you late on your wedding day, so let’s get yo
124 ~ Penultimate ChapterA Day Later…Axel’s eyes fluttered open and the first set of eyes he met were those cat eyes he fell in love with. As he stared into those eyes, everything came rushing back to him and a small smile played on his lips.“Cat eyes,” he called weakly and she hugged him, but was careful not to hurt him.“Oh, Axel! I’m so happy you’re awake!” she burst into tears, a flood of relief washing over her. When she saw him get stabbed, it was almost like her world had come to a halt. She’d panicked and gotten angry that she had to inflict the same pain on Jack without even thinking twice.Axel winced slightly as Amber tightened her embrace, but he smiled. “I’m sorry I worried you,” he whispered. “But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”Amber pulled back, her eyes bright with tears. “How are you feeling?” she asked, smoothing his hair back with a gentle hand.“Better, now theat you’re here,” Axel replied, a weak but genuine smile on his face. “Are you okay?”Amber snif
123.A.A Entertainment…That same night, Larissa had fallen asleep in the employee’s lounge while resting. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she checked her wristwatch to see that it was already late into the night. She tried to call Axel, but his number was not going through. She couldn’t get Maverick either.Her eyes darted to the glass of juice she had taken. Something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t one to sleep this long and in the company for that matter. She stood up and quickly rushed to Maverick’s office, but he had just woken up too.“This can’t be a coincidence. How did we fall asleep at the same time?” Larissa asked.Maverick was about to answer when they heard a sound coming from Axel’s office. They both exchanged worried looks. “Quick, call the nearby police station. I’m sure it’s either a thief or someone I’ve been suspecting for days now.”Maverick nodded and went to make a call while Larissa snuck into the office. There she was, standing with her phone placed on her e
122.Amber stumbled backwards, feeling like a knife had been pierced through her chest. In that moment, the words of Friedrich Nietzsche which says “Betrayal hurts more when it comes from someone we trust. And the pain is reminder that our trust was misplaced and our love was blind.”She couldn’t believe the one person she had trusted with her life during her time of pain was the same person that caused her the pain to begin with?Ironically, it was like a twisted game of chess where she had been nothing more than a pawn, manipulated by a mastermind who had disguised himself as a friend and confidant. It was a cruel irony that only added to the bitter sting of betrayal.Amber swallowed hard, the ache in her heart intensifying. “How could you?” she asked, her voice shaky. “I trusted you. Melissa trusted you. Cole, my parents, we all did.”Jack didn’t have an ounce of remorse on his face. “I did what I had to do to get you, Amber,” he replied. “When I confessed my feelings in college an
121.Amber exchanged worried glances with Cole and the rest. “It can’t be, right?” she whispered, her chest tightening. “Jack can’t be Don. It’s not possible. He would never hurt anyone.”“Amber is right. Are you sure you checked the address correctly? Maybe there was a glitch or something?” Melissa asked. She might be mad at Jack for everything he had done, but she knew him too well. He would never hurt anyone. He wouldn’t stoop this low.Cole looked uncertain, but he was sure this can’t be a mix-up. He was a computer expert, and there was no effing way he would have gotten the wrong address. “As much as this might sound shocking, it might actually be true. Think about it, Jack is the only rival Axel has now. He used to date Amber before Axel returned. And according to what I’ve heard him say, he’s loved Amber since College.”Axel nodded. “Cole is right.”Amber shook her head. “No, this can’t be right,” she began pacing, her heart pounding in her chest. “I know Jack might be temperam
120.Axel felt like a thunderclap had just sounded in his head the minute he saw the message. Cole leaned close to Axel so he could take a look.“Whoa!” Cole exclaimed. “He caught the bait. But what the heck is Amber doing outside?”Axel sighed. “I can’t break up with Amber, Cole. She would be devastated,” he massaged his temple as he thought of a plan. “Devastated,” he repeated. “That’s it!” Cole arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” he gasped. “Don’t tell me you’re going to really break up with her? Axel, Amber might faint, and I will beat you up! It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.” Cole warned.“Relax and hear me out,” Axel said and Cole took a deep breath to calm himself down. “I am going to break up with her, but it’s not going to be a real breakup. We have to find a way to let in on the plan.”Cole seemed to get it and nodded. “Don’t worry. I know how to do that,” he said and Axel raised an eyebrow.“How? We can’t inform her through calls or texts. Our phones might be connecte
119.“Uh… I was…”Larissa folded her arms, her expression stern. “What are you doing in Axel’s office and why are his files scattered on the desk?” she asked, her eyes running over the mess Candice had made.Candice knew she needed to find a way out of this mess. “Uh… it’s not something serious. I just,”“You just what?” Larissa asked, her voice getting hard. Last time she checked, employees weren’t allowed in Axel’s office, especially when he wasn’t in. Coupled with that, Axel didn’t even like Candice to begin with, so there was no way he would ask her to get anything from his office for him, not when she and Maverick were around.“I was looking for the file I submitted to Mr. Axel,” she began, her heart beating frantically in her chest. “I mean, my resume and stuff. I don’t know where I kept the original anymore, and I need to check something urgently, that’s why I came here to find it.”Larissa scoffed. If Candice thought she was going to believe any of those lies, the lady was cle
118.The reporter’s voice echoed through the television in a serious, breaking news tone, “This just in: The only son of the world-renowned billionaire, Kevin King, has taken to social media to announce that his wedding to renowned journalist Amber Smith is soon, with the date being kept a secret.”The news spread like wildfire. Within minutes, the entire nation was buzzing with excitement, speculating about the date and location of the wedding. But underneath the glamour and excitement, a darker force lurked in the shadows.As the days passed, Amber and Axel played their part, lavishing each other with affection in the public eye. Every post, every picture, every tweet seemed to fuel the media frenzy and the anger of the dangerous underdog.Meanwhile, Cole and Axel worked tirelessly to track the mysterious Don. But despite their best efforts, they kept coming up short. The spyware was immune to every hack they tried, and the location remained hidden. It was as if Don were a ghost, sl
117.After the dinner, Amber, Larissa and Melissa stayed back to help Loris clean. Kevin talked over wine with Mr. Smith while Axel felt like his world had been tilted. Cole walked to him and held his hand, leading him upstairs to his room.Maverick, who had also noticed the distressful look on Axel's face had to follow them as well. They got to Cole's room and he locked the door then turned to face Axel.“Spill it. What happened back at the dinner? Your phone beeped, you checked it and all of a sudden, your mood changed. You haven't been yourself since then,” he said and Axel let out a sigh. “You might not married to Amber yet, but you and I have been friends long enough to be called family, and I won't appreciate it if you decide to hide this from me.”“I don't intend to hide this from you, Cole,” Axel said, his tone low. “I'm just worried. I might not be as scared as I was years ago, but I'm worried. Don is back.”“What!” Maverick and Cole exclaimed at the same time.“How is that p