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
104.“Girl, are you for real?” Melissa giggled excitedly, wiggling her legs while FaceTiming with Amber and Jack. “That was so mature of Cole. I thought he was going to kill Axel or something. And I’m happy your parents are in support of your relationship. It shows Axel is really a good choice.” Amber smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears. “I know, right?” she let out a breath of relief. “I was so nervous but Axel handled it. Cole was only worried about our social statuses.”Melissa raised an eyebrow. “Social statuses?” she asked.Amber nodded and Jack took it upon himself to explain. “It means that Cole is worried that since Axel basically comes from a rich family and Amber from an average family, it might be hard for Axel’s father to accept Amber.”Melissa scoffed. “The old man didn’t like her from the onset anyway,” she blurted out, causing Amber to glare at her. “No offense, Amy. It’s all Candice’s fault!” Amber fidgeted with her fingers. “I get your point. Mr. Kevin
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