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
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