096. “Are you sure you’ve packed all you would be needing? All you essentials and homework for next semester?” “Yes, mum,” Amber answered for the one hundredth time as she walked out of the house while Axel loaded their luggage into the car booth. They were finally going home for the holidays, and as much as she was beyond excited to see her parents again, she was pretty sad leaving her friends for a while. Her first semester here in school had been a blast—thanks to Axel—and her best friends for showing a nerdy girl like her what it meant to have friends once could call family. She was glad and proud to say that with them, she had been able to step out of her comfort zone, joined a club, and even got the perfect boyfriend. “Make sure you dress warm, sweetie,” Loris instructed again, and Amber fought the urge to roll her eyes. “It’s that time of the year in Las Vegas where it’s usually cold when it’s supposed to be hot.” Amber, knowing what her mother meant, laughed softly. “I u
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
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