Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Though Amber tried to kick Axel out, he shamelessly stuck around. However, he merely observed her from a distance without disrupting her work.

He watched as she joined the cooks to prepare food. Despite her petite frame, she stirred the food in the industrial cooking pots with ease. She

harvested, washed, and cut the vegetables expertly, as if it were second nature.

With his arms folded across his chest, Axel becengrossed in her actions. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and a few strands of hair clung to

her cheek. Despite her disheveled appearance while working, he found her beauty captivating.

Every tthey crossed paths, she carried herself like a flawless masterpiece, catching the attention of the opposite sex. However, Axel found her

prettier in her current state—more vibrant and real.

As Amber's "friend", Axel was invited to lunch with the other kids when food was served. Amber stood in a line with two other teachers to serve food.

"Thank you, Ms. Altman!" The kids chirped with wide smiles. She warmly greeted them as she busied herself serving food.

After a while, her hand suddenly froze midair as she looked up in surprise. Axel stood up straight, holding a tray. He looked into her eyes with

he said, "Ms. Altman, | have

her lower lip shyly, feeling helpless. Meanwhile, the

done with lunch.” Lowering her head, she whispered in a voice that was

generous portion as he

Might takea while to finish. Let's see.” Leaning in with a twinkle in his eyes, he teased, "I don't always get to

leave until I've had

warning. Whenever her heart fluttered, she would instantly force herself to stay

never be hers and not to fall deeper for him, knowing they had no future together.

worthy of him.

and later defiled by various men. Her face, despite its beauty, was the reason behind her low

esteem.

catch feelings for a worthless plaything that bore a resemblance to his

afternoon. Meanwhile, Amber sat on a stool in the laundry room to handwash

with lukewarm water.

machine? This must

explained, "Kids' clothes are very dirty. You can't just