072.“Are you trying to tell me you want to spend the rest of your life with a commoner?” Kevin snapped, rising to his feet.Axel wore a deadpan expression as he stood to his feet too, facing his father. “Amber isn’t a commoner, Mr. King,” he answered, his tone laced with defiance. “She is someone I’ve loved for God knows how damn long, and yes, I want to spend the rest of my life with her. You shouldn’t have a say in whom I get to love or not. After all, you aren’t my father anymore.”Kevin gasped, his eyes widening. “How dare you say that?” he thundered. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve sacrificed—”“Here we go again,” Axel rolled his eyes. “You keep saying you sacrificed this and that, but where are they? Why are you forcing your values and beliefs on me like I’m some kind of clueless kid? I’m an adult, and I have control over my life. I choose who I want to love and spend the rest of my life with. And that’s Amber! I’m tired of having to hide because of what people think. I lov
073.Amber’s eyes widened in shock, her eyes darting around the place as she took in the shocked gazes the students were giving her.“Why would you say such a thing?” Amber asked, returning her focus to Candice. “How is it my fault that you couldn’t keep your boyfriend?”Candice scoffed, her expression turning cold. “He is being distracted by you. You’ve been jealous of our relationship for God knows how long,” she snapped. “I bet you're happy now that we’ve broken up, bitch!”“Candice!” Axel snapped, standing before Amber and shielding her. “I won’t have you stand here to insult Amber. She has no fault in anything. You are the one who forced yourself on me. You should be ashamed instead of gaslighting others.”The scene was rapidly escalating, the students’ murmurs growing louder as Axel’s words echoed through the parking lot. Candice’s expression shifted from shock to rage in a heartbeat.“How dare you?!” she seethed, glaring daggers at Axel. “How dare you humiliate me like this! Yo
074.Amber led Axel into an empty classroom, her heart pounding as she guided him to a chair and sat him down. Her eyes were full of concern as she knelt down before him, searching his face.“Are you okay?” she asked, reaching out to touch his arm. “Candice can be a real nightmare.”Axel shook his head, his gaze locked on hers. “I’m fine,” he said, his voice low and raspy.There was a tension in the air that Amber couldn’t quite put her finger on. She felt like she should stand up, take a step back, and check if he was really okay. But she couldn’t. She was caught in the pull of his gaze, mesmerized by the raw emotion that seemed to be burning in his eyes.Axel reached up and cupped her face with his hand. “Amber,” he whispered, and there was something so vulnerable in his voice that it made Amber’s heart skip a beat.She didn’t have a chance to respond before he leaned forward, capturing her lips in a desperate, hungry kiss. It was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, like
075.“What is wrong with you?” Melissa asked Jack after they were out of the classroom and outside.Jack looked at her, his brows furrowed. “What do you mean?” he asked, the annoyance from what earlier happened still evident in his tone.Melissa placed her palm on her forehead and sighed. “Why did you say that to Amber? Have you no idea how much it could hurt her?” Jack rolled his eyes. “I simply told her the truth, Mel,” he answered, not feeling an ounce of regret for what he said. “She and Axel are best friends and what’s more, Axel is her brother’s best friend. Two of them cannot work out, and it’s time they got to know about it.”Melissa shook her head. “Both of them are adults, Jack. And if they love each other, they should be allowed to be together whether they are best friends or not. Besides, what is wrong with dating my brother’s best friend? If he is the best for me, why not? If Axel is the best for Amber, nothing stops them from being together.” Melissa said, her tone defi
076. “Do you think Jack would find the courage to express his feelings to the girl he likes?” Amber asked Melissa as they walked into the gymnasium to watch the cheerleaders practice their routines.Melissa made them sit down in the first row and turned to look at Amber, trying not to give anything away. “Um… I don’t think he would,” she answered, but even she doubted her answer. Jack might be calm and reserved, but she knew him too well. He was a daredevil who had the habit of going for what he wants, when he wants it, and however he wants it. His father wasn’t a ruthless mafia kingpin for nothing.Though Jack hadn’t emulated his father’s mafia ways and preferred to be an average guy, she knew he had those traits in him. She only hoped he would be sensible enough to jeopardize their friendship with Amber. Amber sighed. “Do you think we should help him?” she asked, chasing Melissa’s eyes to widen. “We could set up a date with him and the girl and get them to talk. Maybe he will fina
077.“Wait a minute, are you being serious right now? You’re kidding?” Melissa asked, staring at Hazel who only had a deadpan expression on her face.Hazel maintained her stance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” she replied flatly.Melissa was about to yell, but Amber held her hand to stop her. Melissa huffed and looked away while Amber returned her focus to Hazel. “You’re saying you don’t remember I and Melissa?” she asked, knowing fully well the lady was just getting under their skin for nothing. “Me, you and Melissa tried out for cheerleading and after Candice was suspended, and I was made the Captain, I handed over the position to you. Do you recall that now?” Amber asked.Hazel scrunched up her face in fake confusion which only made Melissa boil with rage more. “Oh,” she snapped her fingers, giving them a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I remember you two now. You know, being a captain of the cheerleading squad is great work. I’ve been so occupied that I could
078.Amber let out a soft gasp, her breath catching in her throat as Axel’s lips captured hers. The car was filled with a sudden heat, and Amber could feel her heart pounding in her chest.His hands moved to cup her face, holding her still as he deepened the kiss. Amber melted into the embrace, letting out a soft moan as Axel’s tongue danced with hers.For a moment, everything else disappeared. The car, the road, the world outside—it all faded away.Axel pulled away slowly, his eyes locked on Amber’s as he fought to catch his breath. He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened.“I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment you walked into the parking lot,” he confessed, his voice low and husky. “I guess I just couldn’t wait any longer.”Amber smiled, reaching up to touch her lips, still tingling from the kiss. “I don’t mind at all, King,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been wanting to do that too. Kiss me again,”Ax
079.A week later,“What the hell is this?” Amber asked between chuckles as Axel led her into the private restaurant he had booked just for the two of them. She had been busy with tests all through this week, and he had been tutoring her on Math as well, coupled with the school dance coming up that they couldn’t spend quality and personal time together. On top of that, Axel had asked her to be his girlfriend countless times, but she had been giving him a negative answer and using her busy schedule as an excuse. He wondered why she didn’t want to date him. Tyler had been suspended, and they wouldn’t be seeing him for the rest of the semester. Candice had transferred out of the school, and they wouldn’t be seeing her as well. They had their freedom.Axel had to prepare this restaurant so he would try again. He really wanted her to be his girlfriend now that she was done with everything that was taking most of her time.“Well,” Axel began, his face filled with smiles. “I thought you co
031.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber held the necklace in her hand as she swayed in her chair. If Axel thinks he could win her over with something expensive, then he was clearly mistaken. He should know the kind of person she was. She hated extravagance, and she particularly detest when people try to please her with extravagant things.She picked up her phone and dialed Maverick’s number. Maverick picked up almost immediately like he was expecting her call. “Good morning, Ms. Amber.”Amber sighed. “Good morning, Mr. Maverick,” she took one last look at the necklace. “Please, I’d like to give something to Mr. A. Would you mind me sending it over then you help me hand it to him?” she asked.“Of course, Ms. Amber. I’ll have someone come for it.”Amner sighed in relief. “Thank you so much, Mr. Maverick,” she hung up and was about to put the necklace in a box when Gina gasped.“Oh my God, Amber, you have this?” Gina took the necklace from her. Amber was about to take it back, but Gina pulled her hand
030.As they drove Amber back to her apartment, a soft music played in the car while Amber was lost in thoughts. She couldn't count how many times her heart had skipped beats tonight. And when Axel told her his wish, she felt a kind of warmth she hadn't felt in years; a familiar warmth only Axel could give.She turned to look at him and there he was again, staring at her, with those piercing blue eyes of his that intimidated other people but made her heart yearn for him. When she had asked why he wished for her and not for himself, his reply wasn't something she'd expected,"I wished for you because I want nothing more than to see you happy, loved, successful and full of energy and hope. For me, your happiness is my satisfaction. I want nothing more than that for you."And she knew she wasn't going to forget that in a hurry. "Axel," she called, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you really mean everything you said to me five years ago?" she asked, her face filled with curiosity.A
029.'Return to your senses, Amber. He is just messing with you. Come on!' Amber yelled in her head, but it seemed her body wasn't cooperating with her.Axel lifted her chin so she would look into his eyes and leaned forward, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Amber weak in the knees. Her grip on her bag tightened. "Cat eyes," he called and she blinked at him, knowing that if she dared to utter a word, it might come out as a moan instead. "Why are you so hot and tempting? I thought I could put up with holding myself during the day, and now you come here, all dressed up and tempting me," his voice was deep and husky, and Amber swallowed. "Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss this red lipstick off your lips and leave it swollen with a mark that I own you?"Axel maintained eye contact with her. He knew he had her right where he wanted her, but he didn't want to rush things with her. Despite the urge to show her that she was his, and he would never share her with anyone
028.NEW YEAR'S EVE... AMBER'S APARTMENT "Are you really gonna leave, Amber?" Cole asked with his arms folded. "We were supposed to spend the New Year's Eve together."Amber sighed and facepalmed. "Cole, I've told you time and time again that this is very important. I promise to make it up to you guys on new year day. We will do whatever you guys want and it will all be on me." she pouted, giving him the cutest expression she could muster.Cole rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the puppy eyes but he couldn't. He finally gave in and raise his hand in surrender. "Fine," he said with a sigh. "But only because you said you'd do whatever we want." he smirked and Amber's eyes widened."Can I take that back?" she asked but he shook his head. "Please, let me take that back." she whined, knowing Cole was going to use it to his advantage.Cole shook his head. "Not gonna happen. A promise is a promise," he said and Amber sighed. "And this Mr. A better not try this next time. I know he's the cit
027.GLAM MAGAZINE"Congratulations to us for the successful release of the last issue of the year," Ms. June announced and the employees clapped their hands. "I want to commend you all for your hard work and diligence into getting this done. Well done, everyone," she said. They applauded themselves. "We will be going off work tomorrow. I wish you all a prosperous new year.""Best wishes, Ms. June." The replied in unison.Ms. June smiled. "Dismissed," she said and they all stood to their feet. "Amber, see me please."Amber nodded and followed Ms. June to her office. When they were in, she sat down and faced the woman, waiting to hear what she had to say. "I want to personally commend you for the wonderful article. You made the outlines and the Lead Editor is so proud of you," she said and Amber humbly bowed with a smile. "The New Year is almost here. And when we resume work, we need to start working on more articles. I believe you see the request of the readers and how they want to k
026. AMBER'S APARTMENT Amber sat on the floor, her back rested on the couch in the room. Her thoughts drifted to how Axel had saved her from those thugs on the night of the gala. She couldn't believe she actually got butterflies when he called her his woman. She knew he was only trying to intimidate the men, but why couldn't she get that off her mind? Then, her thoughts went to her relationship with Jack. She should have opted out of it when she had the chance. When it hadn't gotten to this and when Axel hadn't come into the picture. Now, she didn't know what to do. She remembered her father's words, but it was easier said than done. Her doorbell rang and she forced herself up to take it. "Coming!" she walked to the door, peeped through the hole and was happy to see Melissa standing there. She opened the door with a smile. "Tada!" Melissa beamed, holding up a carton of pizza and drinks Amber's eyes widened. "Girl, I love you!" she exclaimed, taking the pizza from her and steppi
025.THE SMITH'S Amber turned the doorknob, opened the door slightly and poked her head in. "Hello!" she called.Loris, who was busy setting the table rushed to the living room. "Amber!" she quickly opened the door and pulled Amber into a warm embrace. "Oh, sweetheart, it's been a while." she whined, rubbing Amber's back.Amber chuckled. "It's nice to see you too, Mum," she said, pulled away from the hug and gave Loris a kiss on the cheek.Loris brought her in and shut the door. "You've been so busy working that you can't check on your mother anymore, huh?" she asked, feigning offense. "My little journalist." she pinched Amber's cheek.Amber chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Mum, stop it. I'm not that little anymore." she said, looking around to see if Cole was in."Oh, please, you will always be my little sunshine, sweetie." Loris smiled, causing Amber to smile as well."Where is Cole?" Amber asked, feeling all excited.Loris beamed. "He is upstairs in his room-"Amber didn't wait for
024.The next day…GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into the office and was shocked to see everyone smiling and looking at her. She had no idea what the attention meant. She was usually the center of attention, but this particular one looked different — it wasn’t the usual one she got every morning.What was going on?When she got to her department, Gina rushed to embrace her with a smile on her face. “Didn’t you see my texts and calls?” Gina asked.Amber raised an eyebrow. “No, I just—”“Mr. A approved your draft early this morning!” Gina exclaimed and the employees applauded.Laura scoffed. “Sheer luck.”Amber rolled her eyes at Laura’s statement before smiling at Gina. “I’m so happy!” she hugged Gina.Gina chuckled. “Ms. June asked to meet her in the office.”Amber nodded and rushed into Ms. June’s office. “Good morning, Ms. June.” she greeted as soon as she entered.Ms. June stood to her feet with a smile. “Good morning, Amber. Have a seat,” she gestured to the chair in front of her des
023.“And it’s a wrap. Thank you all for coming.” There was a round of applause and everyone began to disperse, except the reporters who flocked around Kevin and wanted to get additional information from him concerning the Charity gala. Amber stood to her feet and grabbed her bag. “You still haven’t told me what’s wrong, Amber. You just disappeared and returned like nothing happened. But I could see your hands trembling slightly. Did anything happen to you? Did that guy name Axel do anything to you? Just tell me and…and… I will beat him up. I don’t care how handsome he is.” Gina balled her fists, her expression turning protective.Amber forced a smile. “It’s nothing serious,” she looked around, her gaze landing on Maverick who was standing alone. Glad that Axel wasn’t with him, she rushed to his side, leaving Gina who raised a brow. “Good evening, Mr. Maverick.” she greeted with a smile.Maverick turned to face her, his lips curving into a smile at the sight of her. “Wonderful Even