Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Amber stared at the sparklers vacantly as tears welled up in her eyes. She clutched her fists, holding back her emotions.

"Cjoin me! Let's have sfun." Axel bounced up to her and handed her a sparkler with eyes that shone bright like the sun.

She accepted the sparkler with trembling fingers, knowing that he must have cprepared with them. It was impossible to get this stuff at the

remote location of the orphanage.

The light from her sparklers danced on her face. A smile appeared on her face. She took on a resemblance to the girl in the locket when she smiled.

"Do you like that massive fireworks show | put on for you the last time?" He glanced at her before asking.

Staring at the sparkler in her hand, she replied softly, "Yeah."

"Well, that doesn't mean anything. I'm not as rich as Landon Harper. Can't afford a showy performance worth tens of millions," Axel blurted out.

She flashed a faint smile at him, having been used to his blunt and outspoken manner—probably the reason he was single.

"No, this is good." She smiled gently, satisfied. "Anything that belongs tois the best in the world.”

to her name, she treasured

last sparkler was about to go out, Axel tilted his head and

looked like before."

to face him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and put

He added, "I'll remember

she felt all her blood rush

have gone out, but the passion in their

from her phone. She coughed awkwardly

that hurt

"Hello?" she croaked.

to host two guests from Tsulu," Carl informed her in a business-like

fearing that Axel might overhear. "What

partners?"

you to keep them happy. You don't need to know anything

her chest tighten. Jameson appeared to have grown vigilant

emotions, fell silent before offering, "They are Mr. Schmidt's business partners. This

the Tsulu market. Ms. Altman, you'll have to put in more

this, you have crossed Mr. Schmidt a few times. Why don't you take this opportunity to regain