123.Amber, Axel, and Cole walked into an empty classroom where Cole slammed his fists on the wall. Amber quietly took a seat and Axel followed as well. They sat there, watching Cole exhale.Cole had seen it with his own eyes and heard it with his ears. He couldn’t believe that Janice was this heartless to have used him with the aim of getting to Axel. He felt betrayed and hurt. All these months, he thought they had something genuine going on. He thought he had finally found love and found someone who loved him, but it was fake. He was such a fool to have fallen for her lies.And he had accused Amber of lying and being selfish when she warned him about Janice. He turned to look at Amber, who was seated with Axel, his expression turning sadder by the second.He walked to where she was seated. He knew he fucked up and needed to apologize to her. “Amber,” he called, his voice soft. “I just want to thank you for making me find out that Janice wasn’t someone to be trusted,” he said and she
124.Melissa and Jack waited as Amber was being rushed into the Emergency Department where her wounds would be treated. Axel rushed into the hospital and Melissa ran to him.“Where is Amber?” he asked, paranoid. When they had called him that Amber had gotten shot, he couldn’t believe his ears and had to rush down here. “Is she okay?” “She is currently being tended to at the Emergency Department—”Axel didn’t wait for Melissa to finish answering his question as he began heading to the place, but she held him to stop him. “You can’t go there right now. They asked us to wait until they are done. Please, calm down.” Melissa pleased.Axel sighed and massaged his forehead. He couldn’t stay in a place and began pacing around, his heart beating frantically in his chest. “How on earth did it happen?” he asked, turning to face Melissa and Jack.“We have no idea,” Jack replied, his face filled with horror. He couldn’t believe what just happened. “We just finished our project and were about to l
125.While they waited for Amber to come out of surgery, Axel couldn’t help pacing. Cole had rushed in as well and had to wait as they filled him in on what had happened.“I believe it’s a targeted shooting as well, Axel,” he said, a frown settling on his face. “And believe me, if I find the jerk that did this to my sister, I swear I’m not gonna spare him.”“That’s if I keep him alive,” Axel answered.Melissa and Jack stared at Axel and Cole with shocked expressions on their faces. They knew these two cared so much about Amber, but they had no idea they were willing to kill to get revenge for her. She took a deep breath and buried her face in her hands. Her heart was beating frantically. Even though the surgery was being done on Amber’s arm, she still felt scared.When the doctor mentioned that Amber would be going in for surgery, she had been triggered. She recalled how one of her aunt was involved in an accident, and the doctor said it required her to go into surgery. Her Aunt didn’
126.A FEW DAYS LATER“Well, we have investigated, and the conclusion is that, it wasn’t a targeted shooting, but a stray bullet like we had predicted,” The female officer, whom Axel had questioned the day Amber got shot.Axel and Cole exchanged looks as they went through the statement. According to what the police officer had earlier explained, it was actually a robbery and an exchange of fire.Axel sighed, ruffling his hair. “Fine then,” he said, finally believing what she said because he had tried doing some investigations on his own, but couldn’t find anything. Maybe it was like she said. “If you find anything else, please do not hesitate to let us know about it.”The police officer nodded with a smile. “Definitely.”.Cole and Axel walked out of the station and got into the car as Axel drove them out of the premises. “Do you really believe that this is their conclusion, Axel?” Cole asked, his voice filled with doubt.Axel sighed, his gaze fixed on the road. “Not really, but I don
127.“Hey, Melissa, have you noticed that Axel has been acting weird lately?” Amber asked as they walked into the school hallways, filled with students who were just walking out of their classes. Melissa raised a brow. “Acting strange?” Melissa furrowed her brows, trying to think of something. “Not really. Why do you think so?”Amber sighed, licking her lower lips. “I don’t know if it’s just me or…” she sighed again. “He isn’t spending much time with me like before. Whenever I want us to spend some quality time together, he would tell me he was busy with something and had to take care of it. He isn’t spending time with me in school as well. I don’t know, but I feel like he’s avoiding me.”Melissa shook her head. “Knowing how much Axel loves you, he would never avoid you,” Melissa patted her shoulder. “Maybe he is really as busy as he claims. Axel is someone who can barely stay away from you. What reason would he have to avoid you? Even 24 hours a day is not enough time for him when h
128.“Oh that bitch! I should have hit her harder!” Melissa snapped, pacing back and forth as the doctor cleaned Amber’s wound.Amber gave her a soft smile. “Your slap was enough. I bet her cheek will sting for days.”Melissa shook her head. She wasn’t satisfied. “She made your wound open again. Just this morning, I was happy that you were healing, and soon the cast would come off. Then that stupid weasel opened it all up again. Look, she made you bleed,” Melissa seethed as the doctor changed the bandage and cast. “I want to return the favor.”Amber chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s fine, Mel. I’m already feeling better, and it’s that painful anymore, see?”Melissa sighed and took a seat. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better. I know how hurt you are, Amy. I know you are in pains.”Amber bit her lower lip, knowing that Melissa was right. The pain was nothing to write home about. She has been handling it quite well, but now, she felt like her hand was about to come off.She h
129.The students began murmuring as Hazel stormed through the halls, her balls fisted as she walked to where Amber was with Melissa. Amber had accompanied Melissa to submit their project and was already preparing to go home for the break the doctor asked her to take when Hazel stormed towards them."You!" she seethed, barely able to contain her anger.Amber stared at Hazel, her eyes widening in shock and amusement. Melissa couldn't help bursting into fits of laughter. Hazel was beaten and battered from head to toe. Her face was all swollen and her hand was already in a cast. Her forehead has been bandaged as well, making her look almost unrecognizable. The only way the girls could tell she was the one was through her cheerleading captain uniform.Amber knew Cole had gotten her revenge on her behalf. She stared at Hazel, a bemused expression on her face while Hazel glared at her like she couldn't wait to get rid of her."You fucking set me up! How dare you?" she snarled, her fists bal
130.Amber gasped as Axel helped her into the luxurious and well decorated outdoor restaurant. Her eyes widened at the decor, the crystal lights dancing around flower bushes, the water fountain in front of her and the exotic food and drinks, set on the table, waiting for her and calling her name. A smile graced her lips.“Tadaaa!” Axel spread out his arms, showing her the beauty of the place.Amber turned to face him, literally bubbling with smiles. This was the best makeup date. She didn’t even have to think twice before forgiving him for making her miss him so much. “So… do you like it?” Axel asked, taking her good hand in his.Amber nodded with a smile. “I love it,” she said, still looking around. It’s so amazing I feel like I can’t get enough of it.”Axel blushed as he chuckled a bit. He hadn’t been able to spend time with her for a while now due to things he had to take care of at school and the big project he was working on. But now that he was less busy, he was going to make i
115.Next Day...GLAM MAGAZINE “Of course, mum, I'll definitely bring him and his family over,” Amber said as she stepped out of her car. “I was shocked too. Believe me, I didn't expect all of that.”“Oh my baby! I can't believe you've grown so much. You even got proposed to...on television!” Loris kept going on and on, her voice breaking.Amber sighed and shook her head. “Mum, are you crying?” she asked, but there were only sniffles from the other end. Amber facepalmed. “Mum, I thought we talked about this.”Loris sighed from the other end. “I know. I know, I'm just so happy, you know? Just yesterday, you were this tiny little baby. And now... you...” she trailed off.Amber smiled and shook her head. “It's fine, Mum.”Loris sighed. “Yeah, I know. Don't forget to bring Axel home for dinner, alright? We can all have a family dinner.”Amber smiled. “Sure, mum. I gotta go now. I have a lot of work to do today.”“Okay, baby. Enjoy your day.”Amber hung up and took a deep breath. Her moth
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'