069.Axel paced back and forth in the living room while Maverick watched. "Aren't you going to sit down? I don't want you fainting on me?" he rolled his eyes.Axel sighed and sat down. "I'm so nervous, Maverick," he said and Maverick cleared his throat."That's strange coming from someone like you, Axel," he went to the wine stand and grabbed a wine bottle and two glass cups. "Didn't you see you two got pretty close at Los Angeles even though you didn't give details? What's making you nervous?"Axel sighed and ruffled his hair. "I don't want her getting scared, Maverick. Especially since we haven't known who this Don is or even found him. Who knows if he's waiting for me to tell her first before striking?""And how would he know you're about to tell her the truth about what happened five years ago?" Maverick poured wine into both glasses and walked to stand in front of Axel. He handed one glass cup to Axel who took it and downed it in one go. He seemed to relax a bit. "You're just sca
070. GLAM MAGAZINE "Reports on the conference in Mainland Technology, Amber?" Ms. June said. Amber smiled and stood to her feet. Ms. June had called a meeting for the monthly report. Amber opened her file and cleared her throat. "At the conference," Amber began, her voice professional, "the company's CEO, Mr. Zayn, made some big announcements regarding their future plans. One of the most exciting developments was the unveiling of an advanced AI assistant they're calling 'Ru Ai'. Mr. Zayn claims this AI will revolutionize the way we work and interact with technology. According to him, Ru Ai can manage tasks, organize schedules, and even create personalized recommendations based on user preferences and behavior. It sounds like a game-changer, don’t you think?" Ms. June’s brows raised as Amber spoke. "Sounds like they're trying to outdo the competition. Everyone's diving into AI, but something that personal? That’s ambitious." Amber nodded. “Mr. Zayn claims that Ru Ai will learn fro
071.FIVE YEARS AGO (BOSTON)“What plan do you have in mind?” Melissa asked Axel, her face filled with smiles. Axel cleared his throat. “I know how you are with Amber, Melissa. Once you meet her, you’re gonna blurt it out.”“You’re wrong,” Melissa said, looking away immediately. “This is her birthday, Axel. I will keep my mouth shut. You can trust me with that.”Axel shook his head. “Not a chance. But there is something I need your help with though,” he said, but Melissa wasn’t buying it.“If you think I’m gonna do anything without knowing about your plan, you’re clearly mistaken, Axel King. Now be a good boy and tell me.”Axel rolled his eyes. “Fine. It’s a surprise that involves taking her on a rollercoaster ride and showing her own personal library. Since she loves books, I created that particular space for her. Happy?” he asked.Melissa shrieked. “Uh-huh! I’m so happy! Amber’s gonna be so thrilled. She might even faint out of shock!” Melissa clapped her hands.“No telling,” Axel
072.Axel took his phone and glanced at it again. Maybe he was seeing things, but nah, he wasn’t. The message and the video was as real as the hair on his head. At first, he thought it was a prank. But a prank wouldn’t really involve a real rifle and a sniper? And he wasn’t ready to play with Amber’s life.He was about to call the police when another message popped up. ‘If you get the police or anyone else involved, you can kiss your darling girlfriend goodbye. Don’t be a fool. I am watching your every move. You can’t escape me.’“Amber!” Axel whispered, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He quickly texted Melissa and asked her to call Amber and ask her to come to the party. Melissa asked what was wrong, but he replied, telling her he would come meet them soon.Another message popped in. ‘Do you think her escaping to the birthday party will save her? You underestimate me, Axel King.’Axel texted back. ‘Please don’t do anything to her. What do you want? I’ll give you whatever you w
073.As Axel sat in the car, Don sent him a text message. 'Good boy. Now the first part is done. For the second part, you're going to leave Boston. Go faraway to a place she would never find you, and never come back! If I see you anywhere near this town or even close to her, trust me, she will not survive to graduate.'Axel threw his head back and exhaled so he wouldn't cry but his tears fell regardless. He turned the car and drove away from there, heading for the apartment. When he was in, he slumped to the floor and burst into tears."I'm sorry, Cat eyes. I'm really sorry! I had no choice. I just want to protect you. I'll find a way out of this I promise." he whispered. He felt like his heart was being pierced with countless needles and all he needed was just to breathe. He couldn't believe what was happening to him, even though it was glaring right at him now. Axel didn't know how long he sat there and cried but soon he heard the sound of a car. He instantly knew that it was Cole'
074.Axel sat in his father's office the next morning after getting a transfer letter from the school. His luggage were already packed and everything was ready for him to leave. He just needed to see his father before leaving for Las Vegas. Kevin walked into the office. "Amber is here!"Axel sprung to his feet. "She's here? What is she doing here?" he asked, looking around for a place to hide. "I guess she thinks I'm the reason you broke up with her and she's here to confront me," he sighed. "You gotta hide before she gets here. She's currently arguing with the secretary, and I don't think the lady can hold her for long."Axel nodded. "Please, don't hurt her too much. Just tell her something that can make her give up for good."Kevin nodded. "I got it, trust me," Axel nodded and hid in the door next to the kitchen in his father's office. It was the equipment room and it was great because he could still see his father's table. He watched his father sit down and Amber rushed in immed
075.PRESENT TIME (LAS VEGAS)Amber has tears rolling down her cheeks as Axel told them everything. Cole couldn't believe what he had to go through. Maverick shook his head. He knew what happened, but he never really knew it was this deep. No wonder Axel developed PTSD. It was really a traumatic experience. Even he wouldn't have been able to handle it."I'm really sorry for everything. I only stopped getting the threat letters 2 years ago, and began looking for you. Then I found you working at Glam Magazines, and your outline that fateful day. I wanted "US" again.""You went through all this and you didn't tell me? You should have told me about it and we would have found a way to outsmart him together. I'm a computer genius and you know that. What are we friends for if you can't even tell me what's going on with you?" Cole asked, feeling pained and angry.Axel lowered his head and sighed. "At that time, the only thing I thought about was how to save her. I was paranoid and didn't even
076.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into her department, beaming with smiles. Now that everything was settled with Axel she felt like she finally had a reason to be happy again. She took a seat and texted Melissa, asking if she was free for a girls night out."Ooh, girls night out? Can I come?" Amber turned to see Gina, bending to look at what she was doing. "Gina!" she called, pulling her phone away. "Don't you have any idea what privacy means?" she asked.Gina rolled her eyes and sat down. "How can I when I'm curious to know the reason you're shining so bright this morning? Look at you grinning from ear to ear. Did you break up with that toxic boyfriend of yours?" she asked, her face filled with excitement."He's not toxic." Amber answered, dropping her phone on the desk. Gina scoffed. "I can't believe you're still defending him. Someone who guilt trips you and make you feel like you can't live without him because he helped you is toxic."Amber sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe he just
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
077.“We're going out for a girl's night, and you're dressed like this?” Melissa asked after Amber stepped out from her room.Amber looked down at her dressing, her brows creased. “What? Is something wrong with my dress?” she asked.Melissa rolled her eyes. “Everything is wrong with that dress. Go wear something sexy!” she snapped and pushed Amber back into the room.“Sexy? Melissa, we’re just going out for drinks!” Amber protested.Melissa crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “You look like a freaking librarian! Come on, Amber. Show a little skin!”Amber stared at her outfit—a black pencil skirt paired with a simple blouse. It wasn’t exactly exciting, but she’d chosen it because it was comfortable, not because it was sexy.The doorbell rang and Amber beamed. “Gina is here!” she exclaimed excitedly and rushed to open the door. “Girl!” Amber called and they shrieked.Gina looked at Amber's clothes. “What in fashion disaster are you putting on?” she asked, but Amber pulled her in.“Tol
076.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into her department, beaming with smiles. Now that everything was settled with Axel she felt like she finally had a reason to be happy again. She took a seat and texted Melissa, asking if she was free for a girls night out."Ooh, girls night out? Can I come?" Amber turned to see Gina, bending to look at what she was doing. "Gina!" she called, pulling her phone away. "Don't you have any idea what privacy means?" she asked.Gina rolled her eyes and sat down. "How can I when I'm curious to know the reason you're shining so bright this morning? Look at you grinning from ear to ear. Did you break up with that toxic boyfriend of yours?" she asked, her face filled with excitement."He's not toxic." Amber answered, dropping her phone on the desk. Gina scoffed. "I can't believe you're still defending him. Someone who guilt trips you and make you feel like you can't live without him because he helped you is toxic."Amber sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe he just
075.PRESENT TIME (LAS VEGAS)Amber has tears rolling down her cheeks as Axel told them everything. Cole couldn't believe what he had to go through. Maverick shook his head. He knew what happened, but he never really knew it was this deep. No wonder Axel developed PTSD. It was really a traumatic experience. Even he wouldn't have been able to handle it."I'm really sorry for everything. I only stopped getting the threat letters 2 years ago, and began looking for you. Then I found you working at Glam Magazines, and your outline that fateful day. I wanted "US" again.""You went through all this and you didn't tell me? You should have told me about it and we would have found a way to outsmart him together. I'm a computer genius and you know that. What are we friends for if you can't even tell me what's going on with you?" Cole asked, feeling pained and angry.Axel lowered his head and sighed. "At that time, the only thing I thought about was how to save her. I was paranoid and didn't even
074.Axel sat in his father's office the next morning after getting a transfer letter from the school. His luggage were already packed and everything was ready for him to leave. He just needed to see his father before leaving for Las Vegas. Kevin walked into the office. "Amber is here!"Axel sprung to his feet. "She's here? What is she doing here?" he asked, looking around for a place to hide. "I guess she thinks I'm the reason you broke up with her and she's here to confront me," he sighed. "You gotta hide before she gets here. She's currently arguing with the secretary, and I don't think the lady can hold her for long."Axel nodded. "Please, don't hurt her too much. Just tell her something that can make her give up for good."Kevin nodded. "I got it, trust me," Axel nodded and hid in the door next to the kitchen in his father's office. It was the equipment room and it was great because he could still see his father's table. He watched his father sit down and Amber rushed in immed