071.KING GLOBAL“I want to break up with Axel, sir,” this was the first thing Candice said as she barged into Kevin’s office. Kevin looked up from what he was doing, his brows furrowing slightly at the rude interruption, but was replaced with a smile the minute he set his eyes on Candice. “What’s the matter, dear?” he asked in soft and calm voice.Candice’s frown deepened. “I want to break up with Axel,” she announced. “I know I don’t need your permission to break up with him, but I thought you should know. This business deal is off. I want nothing to do with you or your son anymore.”Kevin was taken aback by her rude remark. With a sigh, he gestured for her to take a seat first. “Please, sit down. We can talk about this.”Candice shook her head, her eyes turning misty with tears. “There is nothing to talk about, Mr. King,” she rasped, her voice shaking with emotion. “I’m tired of this emotional rollercoaster your stupid son put me on. It’s obvious to me now that I can never have hi
072.“Are you trying to tell me you want to spend the rest of your life with a commoner?” Kevin snapped, rising to his feet.Axel wore a deadpan expression as he stood to his feet too, facing his father. “Amber isn’t a commoner, Mr. King,” he answered, his tone laced with defiance. “She is someone I’ve loved for God knows how damn long, and yes, I want to spend the rest of my life with her. You shouldn’t have a say in whom I get to love or not. After all, you aren’t my father anymore.”Kevin gasped, his eyes widening. “How dare you say that?” he thundered. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve sacrificed—”“Here we go again,” Axel rolled his eyes. “You keep saying you sacrificed this and that, but where are they? Why are you forcing your values and beliefs on me like I’m some kind of clueless kid? I’m an adult, and I have control over my life. I choose who I want to love and spend the rest of my life with. And that’s Amber! I’m tired of having to hide because of what people think. I lov
073.Amber’s eyes widened in shock, her eyes darting around the place as she took in the shocked gazes the students were giving her.“Why would you say such a thing?” Amber asked, returning her focus to Candice. “How is it my fault that you couldn’t keep your boyfriend?”Candice scoffed, her expression turning cold. “He is being distracted by you. You’ve been jealous of our relationship for God knows how long,” she snapped. “I bet you're happy now that we’ve broken up, bitch!”“Candice!” Axel snapped, standing before Amber and shielding her. “I won’t have you stand here to insult Amber. She has no fault in anything. You are the one who forced yourself on me. You should be ashamed instead of gaslighting others.”The scene was rapidly escalating, the students’ murmurs growing louder as Axel’s words echoed through the parking lot. Candice’s expression shifted from shock to rage in a heartbeat.“How dare you?!” she seethed, glaring daggers at Axel. “How dare you humiliate me like this! Yo
074.Amber led Axel into an empty classroom, her heart pounding as she guided him to a chair and sat him down. Her eyes were full of concern as she knelt down before him, searching his face.“Are you okay?” she asked, reaching out to touch his arm. “Candice can be a real nightmare.”Axel shook his head, his gaze locked on hers. “I’m fine,” he said, his voice low and raspy.There was a tension in the air that Amber couldn’t quite put her finger on. She felt like she should stand up, take a step back, and check if he was really okay. But she couldn’t. She was caught in the pull of his gaze, mesmerized by the raw emotion that seemed to be burning in his eyes.Axel reached up and cupped her face with his hand. “Amber,” he whispered, and there was something so vulnerable in his voice that it made Amber’s heart skip a beat.She didn’t have a chance to respond before he leaned forward, capturing her lips in a desperate, hungry kiss. It was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, like
075.“What is wrong with you?” Melissa asked Jack after they were out of the classroom and outside.Jack looked at her, his brows furrowed. “What do you mean?” he asked, the annoyance from what earlier happened still evident in his tone.Melissa placed her palm on her forehead and sighed. “Why did you say that to Amber? Have you no idea how much it could hurt her?” Jack rolled his eyes. “I simply told her the truth, Mel,” he answered, not feeling an ounce of regret for what he said. “She and Axel are best friends and what’s more, Axel is her brother’s best friend. Two of them cannot work out, and it’s time they got to know about it.”Melissa shook her head. “Both of them are adults, Jack. And if they love each other, they should be allowed to be together whether they are best friends or not. Besides, what is wrong with dating my brother’s best friend? If he is the best for me, why not? If Axel is the best for Amber, nothing stops them from being together.” Melissa said, her tone defi
076. “Do you think Jack would find the courage to express his feelings to the girl he likes?” Amber asked Melissa as they walked into the gymnasium to watch the cheerleaders practice their routines.Melissa made them sit down in the first row and turned to look at Amber, trying not to give anything away. “Um… I don’t think he would,” she answered, but even she doubted her answer. Jack might be calm and reserved, but she knew him too well. He was a daredevil who had the habit of going for what he wants, when he wants it, and however he wants it. His father wasn’t a ruthless mafia kingpin for nothing.Though Jack hadn’t emulated his father’s mafia ways and preferred to be an average guy, she knew he had those traits in him. She only hoped he would be sensible enough to jeopardize their friendship with Amber. Amber sighed. “Do you think we should help him?” she asked, chasing Melissa’s eyes to widen. “We could set up a date with him and the girl and get them to talk. Maybe he will fina
077.“Wait a minute, are you being serious right now? You’re kidding?” Melissa asked, staring at Hazel who only had a deadpan expression on her face.Hazel maintained her stance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” she replied flatly.Melissa was about to yell, but Amber held her hand to stop her. Melissa huffed and looked away while Amber returned her focus to Hazel. “You’re saying you don’t remember I and Melissa?” she asked, knowing fully well the lady was just getting under their skin for nothing. “Me, you and Melissa tried out for cheerleading and after Candice was suspended, and I was made the Captain, I handed over the position to you. Do you recall that now?” Amber asked.Hazel scrunched up her face in fake confusion which only made Melissa boil with rage more. “Oh,” she snapped her fingers, giving them a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I remember you two now. You know, being a captain of the cheerleading squad is great work. I’ve been so occupied that I could
078.Amber let out a soft gasp, her breath catching in her throat as Axel’s lips captured hers. The car was filled with a sudden heat, and Amber could feel her heart pounding in her chest.His hands moved to cup her face, holding her still as he deepened the kiss. Amber melted into the embrace, letting out a soft moan as Axel’s tongue danced with hers.For a moment, everything else disappeared. The car, the road, the world outside—it all faded away.Axel pulled away slowly, his eyes locked on Amber’s as he fought to catch his breath. He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened.“I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment you walked into the parking lot,” he confessed, his voice low and husky. “I guess I just couldn’t wait any longer.”Amber smiled, reaching up to touch her lips, still tingling from the kiss. “I don’t mind at all, King,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been wanting to do that too. Kiss me again,”Ax
125 ~ Final Chapter ~ Epilogue Wedding Day… “Don’t cry, baby. You’re gonna ruin your makeup.” Loris said, her own tears falling. Amber nodded. “Mum, you asked me not to cry but you’re doing the exact same thing.” she sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. Loris wiped her face with the back of her palm. “It’s just that I can still remember forcing you to go to College that fateful day, and you didn’t want to because you didn’t want to stay with Cole. But you had no idea Axel was there. You two started young, and you’ve been through a lot together. I’m so proud of you for being so strong and resilient.” Amber smiled, squeezing her mother’s hand gently. “I wouldn’t have gotten through it all without Axel, Cole, my friends, and you, Mom. And now, here I am, about to marry the love of my life. It’s a dream come true.” “And I’m honored to be here,” Loris replied, her voice soft and loving. “Now, I don’t want to be responsible for making you late on your wedding day, so let’s g
124 ~ Penultimate ChapterA Day Later…Axel’s eyes fluttered open and the first set of eyes he met were those cat eyes he fell in love with. As he stared into those eyes, everything came rushing back to him and a small smile played on his lips.“Cat eyes,” he called weakly and she hugged him, but was careful not to hurt him.“Oh, Axel! I’m so happy you’re awake!” she burst into tears, a flood of relief washing over her. When she saw him get stabbed, it was almost like her world had come to a halt. She’d panicked and gotten angry that she had to inflict the same pain on Jack without even thinking twice.Axel winced slightly as Amber tightened her embrace, but he smiled. “I’m sorry I worried you,” he whispered. “But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”Amber pulled back, her eyes bright with tears. “How are you feeling?” she asked, smoothing his hair back with a gentle hand.“Better, now theat you’re here,” Axel replied, a weak but genuine smile on his face. “Are you okay?”Amber snif
123.A.A Entertainment…That same night, Larissa had fallen asleep in the employee’s lounge while resting. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she checked her wristwatch to see that it was already late into the night. She tried to call Axel, but his number was not going through. She couldn’t get Maverick either.Her eyes darted to the glass of juice she had taken. Something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t one to sleep this long and in the company for that matter. She stood up and quickly rushed to Maverick’s office, but he had just woken up too.“This can’t be a coincidence. How did we fall asleep at the same time?” Larissa asked.Maverick was about to answer when they heard a sound coming from Axel’s office. They both exchanged worried looks. “Quick, call the nearby police station. I’m sure it’s either a thief or someone I’ve been suspecting for days now.”Maverick nodded and went to make a call while Larissa snuck into the office. There she was, standing with her phone placed on her e
122.Amber stumbled backwards, feeling like a knife had been pierced through her chest. In that moment, the words of Friedrich Nietzsche which says “Betrayal hurts more when it comes from someone we trust. And the pain is reminder that our trust was misplaced and our love was blind.”She couldn’t believe the one person she had trusted with her life during her time of pain was the same person that caused her the pain to begin with?Ironically, it was like a twisted game of chess where she had been nothing more than a pawn, manipulated by a mastermind who had disguised himself as a friend and confidant. It was a cruel irony that only added to the bitter sting of betrayal.Amber swallowed hard, the ache in her heart intensifying. “How could you?” she asked, her voice shaky. “I trusted you. Melissa trusted you. Cole, my parents, we all did.”Jack didn’t have an ounce of remorse on his face. “I did what I had to do to get you, Amber,” he replied. “When I confessed my feelings in college an
121.Amber exchanged worried glances with Cole and the rest. “It can’t be, right?” she whispered, her chest tightening. “Jack can’t be Don. It’s not possible. He would never hurt anyone.”“Amber is right. Are you sure you checked the address correctly? Maybe there was a glitch or something?” Melissa asked. She might be mad at Jack for everything he had done, but she knew him too well. He would never hurt anyone. He wouldn’t stoop this low.Cole looked uncertain, but he was sure this can’t be a mix-up. He was a computer expert, and there was no effing way he would have gotten the wrong address. “As much as this might sound shocking, it might actually be true. Think about it, Jack is the only rival Axel has now. He used to date Amber before Axel returned. And according to what I’ve heard him say, he’s loved Amber since College.”Axel nodded. “Cole is right.”Amber shook her head. “No, this can’t be right,” she began pacing, her heart pounding in her chest. “I know Jack might be temperam
120.Axel felt like a thunderclap had just sounded in his head the minute he saw the message. Cole leaned close to Axel so he could take a look.“Whoa!” Cole exclaimed. “He caught the bait. But what the heck is Amber doing outside?”Axel sighed. “I can’t break up with Amber, Cole. She would be devastated,” he massaged his temple as he thought of a plan. “Devastated,” he repeated. “That’s it!” Cole arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” he gasped. “Don’t tell me you’re going to really break up with her? Axel, Amber might faint, and I will beat you up! It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.” Cole warned.“Relax and hear me out,” Axel said and Cole took a deep breath to calm himself down. “I am going to break up with her, but it’s not going to be a real breakup. We have to find a way to let in on the plan.”Cole seemed to get it and nodded. “Don’t worry. I know how to do that,” he said and Axel raised an eyebrow.“How? We can’t inform her through calls or texts. Our phones might be connecte
119.“Uh… I was…”Larissa folded her arms, her expression stern. “What are you doing in Axel’s office and why are his files scattered on the desk?” she asked, her eyes running over the mess Candice had made.Candice knew she needed to find a way out of this mess. “Uh… it’s not something serious. I just,”“You just what?” Larissa asked, her voice getting hard. Last time she checked, employees weren’t allowed in Axel’s office, especially when he wasn’t in. Coupled with that, Axel didn’t even like Candice to begin with, so there was no way he would ask her to get anything from his office for him, not when she and Maverick were around.“I was looking for the file I submitted to Mr. Axel,” she began, her heart beating frantically in her chest. “I mean, my resume and stuff. I don’t know where I kept the original anymore, and I need to check something urgently, that’s why I came here to find it.”Larissa scoffed. If Candice thought she was going to believe any of those lies, the lady was cle
118. The reporter’s voice echoed through the television in a serious, breaking news tone, “This just in: The only son of the world-renowned billionaire, Kevin King, has taken to social media to announce that his wedding to renowned journalist Amber Smith is soon, with the date being kept a secret.” The news spread like wildfire. Within minutes, the entire nation was buzzing with excitement, speculating about the date and location of the wedding. But underneath the glamour and excitement, a darker force lurked in the shadows. As the days passed, Amber and Axel played their part, lavishing each other with affection in the public eye. Every post, every picture, every tweet seemed to fuel the media frenzy and the anger of the dangerous underdog. Meanwhile, Cole and Axel worked tirelessly to track the mysterious Don. But despite their best efforts, they kept coming up short. The spyware was immune to every hack they tried, and the location remained hidden. It was as if Don were a ghost,
117.After the dinner, Amber, Larissa and Melissa stayed back to help Loris clean. Kevin talked over wine with Mr. Smith while Axel felt like his world had been tilted. Cole walked to him and held his hand, leading him upstairs to his room.Maverick, who had also noticed the distressful look on Axel's face had to follow them as well. They got to Cole's room and he locked the door then turned to face Axel.“Spill it. What happened back at the dinner? Your phone beeped, you checked it and all of a sudden, your mood changed. You haven't been yourself since then,” he said and Axel let out a sigh. “You might not married to Amber yet, but you and I have been friends long enough to be called family, and I won't appreciate it if you decide to hide this from me.”“I don't intend to hide this from you, Cole,” Axel said, his tone low. “I'm just worried. I might not be as scared as I was years ago, but I'm worried. Don is back.”“What!” Maverick and Cole exclaimed at the same time.“How is that p