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?
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
060.When they got out from the plane, a chauffeur was already waiting to drive them to the hotel where they'd stay for the duration of what they came to do. Amber stopped walking and turned to look at Axel. "Uh, you get going. I've already booked a room in one of the hotels close by. See you at the conference." she dragged her luggage from him and made to leave."Halt," he ordered and Amber halted in her tracks. She arched a brow. Did he just command her? And she obeyed like a servant? She turned to look at him and warn him not to order her around but froze when she saw that he was already close to her. Axel scrutinized her with his gaze. "You don't have to worry about booking any hotel, Amber. I already booked one for us."Amber blinked. He did what? There was no way in hell that she was going to stay in the same hotel with him. What if they stayed in the same room? What if he manipulates it and they get to stay in the same hotel room like those CEOs in books whenever they travel
061. The next morning, Amber woke up, her gaze flying to the couch where Axel had slept the previous night, but he wasn't there. She raised an eyebrow and got down from the bed. Did he leave? Or did something else happen? Amber quickly grabbed her phone and was about to call when she saw a text from him, telling her he was in his hotel room. He then asked her to dress up so they could go sightseeing before the Conference the next day. Amber ruffled her hair and sat down on the bed. "Dress up? Did I tell him I was in the mood for sightseeing? I just want to sleep in, eat food and prepare for tomorrow's conference." she mumbled under her breath. But she thought it was a good idea though. With a sigh, she got down from the bed, took a bath and got ready. Los Angeles was a big place. She wondered what they were going to see. Amber applied a touch of lipstick and looked at herself in the mirror. She had chosen a simple but stylish outfit—a white blouse with jeans and flats. She wanted
062. Amber facepalmed as she walked out. "What the fucking hell is wrong with you, Amber? Why did you do that? Why why why?" she scolded herself, her eyes shut tight. "Amber," Axel caught up with her and blocked her path. "C'mon, you didn't have to leave like that." Amber got annoyed. "Why shouldn't I? When that lady was ready to grovel at you feet? Why would she flirt with you like that?" she asked and instantly covered her mouth, knowing that she was already giving jealousy vibes, which shouldn't be okay because she and Axel weren't together, she he actually had the right to talk to whatever lady he wanted. Still, she couldn't bring herself to accept that. Axel smiled gently, putting his hand on Amber’s shoulder. “Look, I can’t control what others do, but I can promise you that I’m not interested. I’m only interested in being here, with you.” Amber’s gaze flickered between Axel’s hand on her shoulder and his eyes, their softness almost disarming her. “Why, though? You don’t o
063. MAINLAND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE Amber walked into the big hall, her face beaming with smiles. Axel told her he would be joining her soon and had made a driver bring her here. “Reporter Amber, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” Mr. Zayn, the host welcomed her with a warm smile. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Zayn.” Amber smiled politely. Mr. Zayn held her hand. “Come over here. I’ll walk you to your seat.” Amber didn’t see the need to, but she had to respect his wishes. She wasn’t that great, and she preferred to be treated just like everyone. “Here please.” he gestured to a seat at the front. Amber smiled. “Uh, Mr. Zayn, is it true that there is a technology you wish to show to us at the conference today? I mean, you’ve already worked on it, and you mentioned during an interview that you would be answering a lot of questions today, and would also show us what you had in store.” Amber sat with bated breath, her journalist instincts kicking into high gear as she eagerly wai
064.Next day..."Do you think I'm underdressed? I didn't really bring any good clothes from Las Vegas. I thought this was just going to be a normal conference. I had no idea Axel was gonna ask me on a date-""Amber!" Melissa snapped, causing Amber to flinch. "Calm.Down! For goodness sake, he isn't your boyfriend, so why are you worried about being underdressed?"Amber rolled her eyes. "Come on, Mel. Because he isn't my boyfriend doesn't mean I shouldn't look good for a dinner date. I mean, this is Los Angeles. This place is beautiful and filled with social elites. I wouldn't want to go to a dinner date looking like someone who's going for a job interview now would I?" Melissa nodded her head. "It's not like you have a choice. And you can't go shopping either," she sighed and massaged her forehead. "I guess you'd just have to make do with what you have, Amy."Amber frowned and shook her head. She didn't know why she felt this date meant a lot to her, but she'd been busy during the da
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