113. “C’mon, Cole, it’s just one stupid dinner. Why won’t you agree to come?” Amber snapped, following Cole down the stairs and into the living room, where Axel was seated working on his laptop. “If it’s a stupid dinner then it’s going to have stupid people, and I don’t want to come.” Cole argued, taking a seat on the couch with a smug expression on his face. Amber stopped in front of him, her hands placed on her waist as she glared at him. “You know I didn’t mean it that way,” she said, trying her best to bring down her voice. “We’ve never gone out for dinner before. This is a perfect chance to have a brotherly and sisterly bond with each other.” Cole snickered. “And I told you I’m busy and not interested,” he replied, his tone firm. “Besides, when have you ever invited me out to dinner? This is suspicious!” his eyes narrowed. Amber sighed, massaging her forehead. How the fucking hell was she going to convince this duck head brother of hers to just come to this dinner date.
114. “G-Girlfriend? Did he just say girlfriend?” Amber muttered to herself, her shocked gaze switching from Cole to Janice. What the heck was happening? “And Janice, meet my little sister, Amber.” Cole finished his introduction with a smile and Janice smiled at Amber sweetly. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Amber. Cole has told me a lot about you,” she stretched out her hand for a handshake, but Amber just stared at the hand, unable to process what the heck was actually going on here. When she didn’t take Janice hand, Janice held her hand and shook it with a smile. “I hope we get along well, Amy.” Amber’s eyes darted to Cole and she mouthed, “Follow me. We need to talk.” With that said, she stood to her feet and began walking out, while Cole followed her. While leaving, she took out her phone and texted Melissa, asking her to not come anymore. And when Melissa demanded an explanation, Amber told her she would explain in school. When they were outside, Amber swiftly turned t
115. “No way! He has a girlfriend?” Melissa exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air and falling on Amber’s bed dramatically with a sigh. She had rushed to Amber’s place the next day to know why Amber would ask her not to come after she spent two hours getting ready for the dinner date. She even had her hair done and it was expensive as fuck. Now they’ve all gone to waste. Amber nodded her head, facepalming. “Yes. And he seems to love her so much.” Melissa sighed, smiling sadly. “I guess love isn’t for me, then.” she bit her lower lip. Amber placed her hands on Melissa’s lap. “You’ll find someone very soon.” Melissa sat up. “It’s not like I haven’t been looking,” Melissa huffed, crossing her arms. “I mean, I’ve been trying my best. I’ve been going to events, using dating apps, trying to meet people, and look where it’s gotten me.” She flopped back on the bed, arms spread wide. “I’m basically a spinster now.” Amber rolled her eyes, knowing fully well that Melissa was being
116. Amber watched Janice leave the house angrily. After she insisted on not letting her enter, Janice huffed and stormed out of the house. Amber took a seat on the couch, replaying what just happened in her head. What the heck just happened? What help could Axel possibly render to Janice? And how did they even know each other? And another thing that bothered her was why Cole had to do her homework for her. The university has strict rules and would not allow anyone to write home works for others. Sure they can be guided, but they believed when it came to writing it, every individual was on their own. And Amber knew Cole to be someone who wouldn’t do such a thing. She knew he loved Janice but was it worth breaking the rules for her? Her thoughts drifted to when her and Axel had to hide their relationship from everyone. She felt they must have felt the same way, but there was still something she couldn’t wrap her head around; Janice coming to look for Axel when Cole literally to
117.Amber huffed and began walking away. “Amber!” Amber stopped in her tracks, her fists clenched. She turned with a frown on her face, annoyance coloring her features as she stared at Janice. Janice’s eyes darted to the bag in Amber’s hand and instantly knew it was the food she had asked Cole to get her. “Hey, are you going to meet Cole?” she asked, beaming at Amber who didn’t return a smile of her own. “Why are you asking? Do you want to use him for something else?” Amber asked, trying to keep the accusation out of her voice, but it wasn’t working.She was literally boiling with rage, and it annoyed her to the core that Janice was acting all innocent in front of her when she just talked down on her brother a few minutes ago. Don’t people have shame these days?Janice raised an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?” she asked, wondering if Amber had overheard her conversation with her friend. She forced a smile and held Amber’s arm. “Don’t be too cocky, Amy. I know you’re mad th
118.“Spill what exactly?” Amber asked, folding her arms with a frown on her face.Janice scoffed. “Don’t try to act smart with me, baby girl. I know you overheard me and my friend talking. So tell me, what did you hear?” Amber snickered. “Is your conscience pricking you or are you scared I’m gonna tell my brother what you’re up to? Are you scared I’ll tell him that you are a liar, a deceiver and a bitchy person?” she asked and Janice clenched her fists.Janice watched Amber for a while, but then she realized something. There was no way Cole would believe Amber anyway. She knew how much Cole loved her, and Amber telling him would only make him feel Amber was selfish and unreadable. A smith found its way to her lips as she chuckled. “There’s nothing that’s gonna make Cole believe you anyway,” she said and Amber raised a brow.Janice began pacing the room, a victorious smile plastered on her face. “Need I remind you that you are dating Cole’s best friend,” she said?“So?”“And Cole did
119.“Axel, I need your help with talking to Cole,” Amber said as they headed to the parking lot together.Axel stopped in his tracks, turning to face with a confused expression on his face. “Why? What happened?” he asked.Amber stopped walking as well, holding her books to her chest as she looked at Axel. “Because,” she paused, sucking on a long breath. “Janice doesn’t love him. She is lying to him and using him.”Axel blinked. “What?” he asked.Amber nodded, the annoyance she tried so hard to keep in coming back. “Today, Cole asked me to get him food from the cafeteria. On my way to deliver the food to him, I passed by a classroom where I overheard Janice speaking with her friend. She mentioned that once she gets what she wants from Cole, she’d dump him. At first, I thought it was about his grades, but when I confronted, and she was so mean to me, I realized there was something more, but I couldn’t find out what.”Axel stared at Amber for a while. “Are you sure about this?” he asked
120.Amber blinked. She couldn’t believe Cole would say such a thing to her. How on earth was she selfish? She was doing this for his own good. It was hurting to see her genius brother being fooled by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But now because she cared, Cole had to raise his voice on her for the first time. It broke her heart so much that her brother didn’t trust her enough to believe her. “We’ve never had a fight before, Cole,” Amber said, her eyes turning glassy as she looked up at her brother. “Are you going to allow your so-called girlfriend come between us? I’m your sister. I would never hurt you or put myself first before you.”“Stop making this about you, Amber,” Cole sighed, feeling conflicted. “When you and Axel got together, I wasn’t against it. Even when you two kept it away from me, I didn’t get mad.”“I and Axel are different!” Amber snapped. “And the reason you approved of the relationship was because you trusted Axel. You knew he was a good person. I don’t trust Jan
086.Laura sat in a coffee shop, her feet tapping relentlessly on the floor. Vera had gone to get them drinks but that was the least of her problems right now. She knew Gina was the one responsible for the beating she received, but she had no idea how Amber was able to clear her name in just a small amount of time.This only confirmed her suspicion that there was someone helping her form the sidelines. But who could that be? And why did the girl who helped to get the man caught look so familiar?"Something is fishy!" "Laura, did you hear, Amber has gotten all her opportunities back. Lots of companies are calling to get interviewed by her. They were moved by now she took care of the case and gave the police the leverage to catch the abuser." Vera dropped the coffee on the table and sat down.Laura groaned. "I hate how this is turning out, Gina. We need to do something about it.""That's not all. Ms. June has given her the cover page for the Mainland Tech Conference Article. If she pu
085.Amber's face lit up when she saw Larissa walking out of the club. She got down from the car and rushed to hug her. "You're back!" she gave Larissa a peck on the cheek. "You did it! My reputations cleared. I watched everything."Larissa smirked. "Told you not to worry about anything. Did you think it wouldn't work out when the plane was Axel's?"Amber raised a brow. "I thought it was your idea."Larissa shook her head. "It was all Axel's. I only agreed to be the bait," she said and Amber smiled."I'm grateful to you both. Now I feel relieved that it's all been taken care of. I can sleep with a smile now." Larissa chuckled.~•~•~The next day...GLAM MAGAZINE Amber walked into her department and Gina rushed to her. "Oh you have no idea how happy I am that you're finally back to work. The man has been caught by the police. Turns out, he was brutally beaten by the ladies he harassed. He's currently being questioned and you my dear, have gotten your fans back."Amber scoffed as she
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