096. “Are you sure you’ve packed all you would be needing? All you essentials and homework for next semester?” “Yes, mum,” Amber answered for the one hundredth time as she walked out of the house while Axel loaded their luggage into the car booth. They were finally going home for the holidays, and as much as she was beyond excited to see her parents again, she was pretty sad leaving her friends for a while. Her first semester here in school had been a blast—thanks to Axel—and her best friends for showing a nerdy girl like her what it meant to have friends once could call family. She was glad and proud to say that with them, she had been able to step out of her comfort zone, joined a club, and even got the perfect boyfriend. “Make sure you dress warm, sweetie,” Loris instructed again, and Amber fought the urge to roll her eyes. “It’s that time of the year in Las Vegas where it’s usually cold when it’s supposed to be hot.” Amber, knowing what her mother meant, laughed softly. “I u
097.“Cole!” Loris snapped, pointing her index finger at him. “You were supposed to wait for me to announce you as the surprise!” Cole shrugged, a smug expression on his face as his gaze flickered between a seething Amber and pouting Loris before his gaze stopped on Axel. “I couldn’t wait any longer, mum. Besides, I wanted a hug too.” Amber snorted. “You annoying ass—” Loris cleared her throat.Amber let out a deep breath and Cole spread out his arms for her. “Come give big brother a big hug,” he said, and a smile broke out on Amber’s lips as she rushed into his arms.“Gosh, you should have told me you were coming,” she wrapped her arms around him, placing her head on his chest. “I couldn’t even get you any gift.”Cole chuckled, ruffling her hair. “The best gift is having you here and making sure I disturb the living daylight out of you.” Amber pulled away from the hug. “Well, I won’t let you, I’m an adult now.” she flipped her hair with a smile.“Of course she is!” Loris smiled,
098.Amber walked into her room and plopped down in the couch. A feeling of unease and unrest washed over her as she tried to reply her conversation with her mother in her head. She had always been the good girl and had never lied to her mother, but today, she had heartlessly lied and told her mother she didn’t have a boyfriend just because she didn’t want her relationship with Axel to be found out just get.She and Axel had thought Cole would return to Boston after the school’s field trip so they would tell him about their relationship, but he had come home instead.Telling him at home wasn’t a good idea. At least, he needed to know first then if they’re able to convince him, he would also help them convince Amber’s parents. Amber sighed and sat up, placing her pillow between her lap as she thought of what to do. Her mother had told her she would be happy to see her boyfriend whenever she got one, but Amber wondered if she would be happy knowing that Axel—the guy she had always trea
099.“All done!” Amber dusted her hands with a smile on her face as she looked at the magic she just performed in Axel’s room. Since they returned home last week, they hadn’t been able to spend some alone time together. She had been busy volunteering at the animal shelter to get some stories surrounding them for a project due next semester. And since today was an off day and Axel had gone to a game show with Cole—her mother had gone to work as well—she figured she should help set up his room and decorate it.Her mother might be a superb artist, but she was a pro when it came to designing rooms to taste. Her eyes roamed over the walls and posters, happy with what she was seeing.“Not bad, if I do say so myself,” she murmured to herself, admiring her handiwork. The posters of bands and sports teams were tastefully arranged, complimenting the vibrant color scheme of the room. She heard the front door open, followed by Axel’s voice from the living room. “Yeah, I just got home,” he said,
100.Axel took his clothes off and laid her on the bed, climbing on top of her immediately. Amber's eyes locked with his, their gazes hungry and intense. She bit her lip, her heart racing as she felt the heat of his body against hers. She knew she wouldn't last long, but she was determined to make him work for it."Bring it on, King," she whispered, trailing her hand down his chest, feeling the hard muscles beneath his shirt. "I'm not going down without a fight."Axel's lips curved into a wicked smile. "Oh, you won't be going down at all, kitten. But you will be begging me for more."Axel's hands slid down Amber's back, grabbing her butt and pulling her against him. She let out a gasp, her body responding to his touch. He leaned in and kissed her, his lips hungry and demanding."Are you ready for round one?" he asked, his voice low and seductive.Amber nodded, biting her lip to keep from moaning as Axel's hands explored her body, tracing patterns along her skin. He knew all her sensit
101.Days later…“I thought about it, Amber,” Axel began, letting out a sigh as Amber turned to look at him. “And I'm going to tell Cole about our relationship tonight.”Amber blinked, her eyes widening in horror. This took her unaware. “What!” she exclaimed, turning to look around to be sure no one was watching them. Her mother had gone to take a nap in her room while Cole was playing video games.They had decided to spend some time watching movies in the living room and Axel decided to use this opportunity to let her know.“I've been thinking about it and I don't think we should hide it anymore,” he said, his voice laced with confidence. “I know you aren't ready, that's why I have decided to tell him myself. I think it would be better if one person does it. That way, we would be able to handle his reaction.”Amber sighed, shaking her head. “This is too soon, Axel. I don't think it's a good idea,” she lowered her voice, uncertainty coloring her tone. “We are at home. What if he makes
102.Amber, who leaned on the door watching them, held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest, waiting for Cole’s reaction, but none came for a few seconds.“I know you might be upset about this, and I’m sorry,” Axel said, his heart pounding in his chest. “But I truly care about Amber, and I promise I will do everything in my power to protect her and make her happy.”Cole dropped the plate he was drying and turned to look at Axel. His expression was hard to read, but Axel could tell he was processing what he had just heard.“How long has this been going on?” Cole finally asked, his tone calm but serious.“About five months,” Axel replied, feeling like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “We've been trying to figure out how to tell you, but…we didn’t know how.” he lowered his head, his tone was a sincere one and Cole knew it.Cole was silent for a moment, his gaze dropping to the sink. Axel held his breath, waiting for Cole’s response. Amber silently prayed in her heart,
103.Cole settled into the porch bench, his back leaning against the wooden slats as he gazed up at the sky. The stars twinkled above, and the night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. He let out a deep breath, his mind wandering to Axel and Amber's relationship.He couldn't believe his sister was dating his best friend. It was still surreal, but he was trying to accept it. After all, Amber seemed happy, and that's all that mattered.But as he thought about it more, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. Axel came from a wealthy family, and his father was a powerful man. Cole had heard rumors about Kevin’s ruthless business tactics… and his expectations for his son… Cole knew that more than anyone.How would Axel's family react to him dating a “normal” girl like Amber? Would they try to tear them apart? Cole's protective instincts kicked in, and he felt a surge of anxiety.He thought about how Axel had changed over the years. He used to be a bit of a playboy
114.“No!” Jack yelled, throwing the glass of wine he was holding to the ground. The glass shattered to pieces, its contents spilling all over the floor. “This is outrageous! No!” he yelled.Trent, who was seated opposite him stood to his feet. “Come on, you have to give it up already. There's nothing to be done anymore.” he clapped his hands and the maids quickly rushed to come clean the mess Jack had made.Jack felt like a volcano threatening to explode. He couldn't believe Axel had the guts to propose to Amber for the whole world to see. Amber was supposed to be his. She was supposed to get married to him. Axel can't ruin her life and come back to get married to her.Jack let out a shout of pain of frustration, his hand clutching to his chest. He was so hurt that it felt like his heart was being tugged at, about to be ripped out of his chest. “No, I can't let this happen, Trent, I can't lose Amber like that!” he yelled, his eyes already glistening with tears.Trent sighed. “There'
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