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
105.“Dad!” Amber exclaimed, rushing down from the stairs and into the living room. Her father, Holland Smith was seated on the couch, his hands on his lap. The minute he saw her rushing into the room, he stood to his feet, opening his arms wide.Amber beamed and ran into his arms while he wrapped his arms around her. “Oh my goodness! I missed you so much!” she exclaimed, tightening her arms around him.Holland smiled. “I missed you more, Sunshine,” he said as she pulled away from the hug. He cupped her face, his gaze on her soft and filled with love. Amber beamed as she stared at him. Cole was the spitting image of their father with his chestnut brown eye and eyes while Amber took her mother’s features except for the unique cat like eyes she got.“We talk on video all the time, but nothing beats seeing my little sunshine in person, still glowing and full of energy.” Holland gave her forehead a soft peck.Amber blushed. “I know, right? I almost went crazy without you.”Cole rolled hi
106.Amber gently walked into the house with Loris. Her gaze fixed on Axel and Cole who were busy playing video games. She turned to face her mother, who gave her a go ahead.She rushed to the front of the boys and spread her arms, showing off her new hairstyle. “Ta-da!” she exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles.Cole’s eyes widened while Axel stared at her, love emojis literally popping out of his head. His girlfriend looked breath taking. Her ponytails were gone, replaced by a sleek, straight hairstyle that fell past her shoulders and shone like silk in the light. The simple change transformed her from a cute, bubbly girl to a stunning young woman, full of grace and beauty.Cole let out a low whistle, his jaw dropping in admiration. Axel, on the other hand, seemed to be at a loss for words. “Amber,” he breathed, standing up from his seat and wrapping her in his arms, “you look…amazing. You're beautiful, baby.”Amber smiled, her cheeks flushing pink. “Thanks, Axel,” she said, her v
107.Loris led Amber, Axel, and Cole to a table before leaving to get things for the art exhibition ready. While they were seated and Amber took pictures and videos, a man approached her.Axel’s eyes narrowed, watching the young man’s movements like a hawk. Amber, however, was still caught up in the world of art, oblivious to the approaching stranger.The young man stopped in front of Amber, smiling broadly. “Hello there,” he said, his voice smooth and suave. “My name’s Adrian. You’re the loveliest lady I’ve seen here today.”Amber looked up from her phone, slightly surprised by the compliment. “Oh,” Amber said, flustered. “Um, thank you, Adrian.” She glanced at Axel, whose expression had darkened considerably. Realizing the situation, she quickly added, “I'm here with my boyfriend. Axel, this is Adrian.”Adrian turned his attention to Axel, giving a polite nod. “A pleasure to meet you, sir,” he said, his smile faltering only slightly.Axel stared back at Adrian, sizing him up. “Amber
108.BOSTON “Home sweet home!” Amber exclaimed, throwing herself on the couch in the living room.Cole rolled his eyes. “You are lucky Axel asked for the house to be cleaned before we got here,” he said, dragging her luggage in. “Else, you'd have a meeting with dust there.”Amber sat up, batting her lashes at Cole. “That's why he's the best boyfriend in the world, brother,” she sneered, turning to face the door.Axel walked in and took her luggage from Cole. “I'll take it to her room. You go freshen up. I ordered pizza for dinner.”Cole beamed. “You think of everything,” he said, gave Amber a warning glare before taking the stairs to his room. Amber rose to her feet and took her luggage from Axel. “You pamper me too much,” she said, her face beaming with smiles. “It's just luggage. I can definitely take it to my room myself.”Axel took the luggage back from her, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “I love pampering you, Amber,” he said, his voice gentle. “And as long as
109.“That's all for today, students. I'll be expecting your reports for the holiday project in my office tomorrow morning, is that understood?” “Yes, Professor Willer.” The students echoed.The Professor smiled and walked out of the class. The students began putting their books into their bags while Melissa turned to look at Amber. “Girl, I've been quiet all day, but that didn't mean I didn't notice this gorgeous dress you wore today.”Amber smiled, a blush crawling to her cheeks. “Axel got it for me back when we started dating. I haven't really worn it since he got it,” she said, putting her notebooks and textbooks into her backpack. “I decided to wear it to make him happy today.”Melissa chuckled. “What did he say? Did he love it?” she asked.Amber nodded, leaned in and whispered into Melissa's ear. “He almost ate me up,” she said and Melissa purred. “If it weren't for Cole's presence at home, I'm sure I would have missed first period.” Melissa laughed out loud. “Oh my gosh, Amy,
110.Amber returned to join Melissa in the cafeteria, her face filled with smiles that made Melissa suspect her to the bones. Jack had already left, claiming he wanted to handle some things, but Melissa had to wait for Amber.“Have a seat,” she patted the chair beside her, her gaze fixed on Amber, trying to look for whatever was out of place because she knew Amber didn’t just help Axel with whatever he asked her to. He had teammates who could do that with ease.Amber raised an eyebrow, but she took a seat regardless. She took a sushi burger and just as she was about to take a bite, Melissa spoke up. “So… how did that stuff go with Axel?” she asked, barring her lashes at Amber, who looked up to meet her eyes.Amber’s cheeks flushed instantly, confirming Melissa’s suspicion. No way is she going to tell Melissa how Axel had tricked her into the storage room and fucked her to oblivion since he couldn’t get his hands off her.Melissa studied Amber's reaction, sure that she was hiding some
084."Hey, beautiful," the man drawled, his voice low and seductive.Larissa's grip on the glass tightened, her brows twitching as she fought the urge to punch him in the face and give him a good beating. She quickly forced a smile to her face and turned to face him. "Hi." she answered and looked away. All she had to do was play hard to get and he was going to try forcing himself on her for sure.The man took a seat beside her. "Can I buy you a drink? A beautiful lady like you shouldn't sit here all alone, you know." his eyes roamed her body as his tongue ran over his lips.Larissa rolled her eyes. "As you can see, I already have a drink. And it's not bad to be alone, is it?" she asked."So you're really alone," he smiled to himself and moved closer. Larissa noticed this and leaned back. "You know," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw the way you danced a few minutes ago. Mind if we get a room and you can show me privately? I'd love to see it up close." he touched her la
083.KING'S MANSION The family was seated in the dining room, having a nice relaxing dinner. Kevin looked at Axel, who seemed to be in a good mood. It's been a while he saw Axel actually eat enough food like he did.His gaze darted to Larissa and Maverick. They were also in good moods. Were these kids hiding something from him? Besides, he saw the scandal with Amber. They couldn't be smiling at a time like this, right?Knowing Axel, he would have thrown a tantrum and dealt with whoever did it. But here the young man was, eating like he was celebrating.When he couldn't take it anymore, he dropped the fork and knife he was holding, making a clanging sound on the plate that drew the trio's attention. They all turned to look at him."You three, what's going on?" he asked, his gaze narrowed at them.The three of them exchanged confused glances, having no idea what Kevin was talking about. "Uncle, what are you talking about?" Larissa was the first to ask.Kevin scoffed. "Are you trying to
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