Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Aren’t you sleeping? Well, I am.” Amber pretended to close her eyes as she shifted slightly.
But in truth, sleep wouldn’t come. Her thoughts swirled, and in two hours, she planned to wake up and prepare breakfast for Axel.
“In that case, Amber, promise me you’ll stay safe. You must…”
Before his lips could meet hers, she gently covered his mouth with her hand.
Amber stifled a laugh and teased, “Stop talking, Mr. Whitaker. You’re going to sound like a broken record if you keep going.”
After breakfast and a quick packing session, Axel departed from Heightsnew Villa.
Amber spent her day helping the Taylors with various tasks. She assisted Mandy in organizing documents for Lovelace Group’s projects, helped Lyla with cooking, and even joined Colene in feeding her horse.
With Tatiana’s due date approaching, Amber also pitched in for her shower preparations.
Amber had always been a diligent person, but today, she seemed particularly intent on keeping herself busy. She was counting down the hours until nightfall.
After dinner, the Taylors sat in the living room and chatted casually as they always did. The warm, familial atmosphere filled the space, and Amber joined in, her perceptive nature making her a seamless part of the group.
When everyone retired to their rooms, Amber rose to help the helpers clear the table.
“Amber.”
Startled, Amber turned to see Winston standing nearby, supported by Neil.
“M-Mr. Taylor.” Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly straightened up.
Winston had always addressed her formally as “Ms. Altman”, even after learning about her relationship with Axel. He had never openly opposed them, but neither had he offered any encouragement, maintaining a cool and neutral demeanor.
But now, for the first time, he called her by her first name, just as he would his own children.
Amber’s heart raced.
“Do we still need to be so formal after knowing each other for so long?” A warm smile spread across Winston’s face. “You shouldn’t call me Mr. Taylor anymore. What is it that young people nowadays would say?”
Neil chimed in, “It has work vibes.”
“That’s right. Work vibes. Just call me Winston.”
“Winston,” Amber managed, her voice catching slightly as she obeyed.
Noticing the trash she was holding, Winston’s expression softened. In a gentle tone, he said, ‘Amber, you’re my son’s partner. You’re not just an important guest-you’re family. Leave these tasks to the helpers next time. You don’t need to do them yourself.”
The word “family” struck a chord deep within Amber, and tears welled up in her eyes. Her lips trembled, and she stood speechless.
“Axel came to see me before he left for work this morning. Amber, did you know? I haven’t had a proper conversation with him in a really long time.
“It has also been ages since he came to bid me goodbye before he left for work. Thanks to you, I got to see all that.”
Winston beamed with delight. “More importantly, he told me he wants to marry you. He told me that he would register his marriage with you after he returned, and he invited me to witness the registration of your marriage.
“Amber, I may not show it, but I’m thrilled. Axel has never asked me for anything-not since he was a child. As his father, I’ve often felt dispensable, like I didn’t matter to him.
“But because of you, I feel like I’m still his father. You’ve made him open up, and now he’s sharing his dreams with me.”
Tears streamed down Amber’s cheeks as she listened. So that was why Axel had disappeared for a while that morning. He hadn’t told her a word about it.
“Amber, truth be told, I’ve accepted you a long time ago. I just haven’t found the right time to share this with you.
“Axel wishes to spend the rest of his life with you. Would you be willing to spend yours with him? He’s got his flaws-his bad habits and an unstable job that keeps him away often. Even so, would you still want to be with him?”
For the first time, the usually composed Winston seemed almost hesitant, his vulnerability laid bare before her. “H… I would love to,” Amber choked.
“That’s wonderful!” Winston exclaimed, clapping his hands together with delight. “Before he left, Axel told me he was worried you weren’t ready to commit to registering your marriage. He thought you might still have doubts.”
Smiling from ear to ear, Winston clapped his hands together. “I’ll call him right away and let him know. This will put him at ease, and at the same time, he can focus on work and come to marry you!”
Ever since getting together with Axel, Amber had lived each day in bliss.
Yet, when Winston assured her that he truly accepted her and approved of her marriage to Axel, that bliss reached its peak.
For so long, Amber had struggled with feelings of inferiority, never truly believing she deserved Axel’s love. Deep down, she had resolved to step away if Winston disapproved or insisted Axel marry a woman from a reputable family-a match more fitting of his status.
She wouldn’t have hesitated to leave if it meant sparing Winston and Axel any conflict.
Amber loved Axel wholeheartedly and was willing to sacrifice everything for him.
But instead of rejection, she found warmth. The Taylor family embraced her as one of their own, showing her kindness and understanding rather than disdain for her past.
She could never repay such compassion.
“Winston…. Thank you. Thank you…” Amber’s tear-filled eyes glistened, their brightness undimmed despite all the darkness she had endured.
Winston smiled tenderly, gazing at her with the affection of a father. “I doubt you’ll be calling me by my first name for much longer. Once Axel returns, you’ll have to start calling me Dad.”
Amber’s cheeks flushed pink as she lowered her eyes shyly.
Taking a deep breath, Winston’s thoughts turned to Jennifer, and a familiar ache gripped his heart. He was doing his best to hold everything together.
He had once promised Jennifer that he would ensure their children’s happiness. But Alyssa’s struggles with Jeremy-and the cruel way fate tore them apart-haunted him.
Would Alyssa ever find peace?
If Jennifer was watching over them, could she lend Alyssa a hand?
That night, after everyone at Heightsnew Villa had gone to bed, Amber changed into a black sports outfit. Quietly, she retrieved the sleek black sports car Axel had gifted her and drove out of the basement garage toward the villa’s back gate.
The security guard on duty stopped her as she approached.
“Ms. Altman, you’re heading out at this hour?” he asked politely.
“I couldn’t sleep because of my insomnia, Amber replied with a faint smile. “Just going out for some fresh air.”
“It’s dangerous for a woman to be out so late. Let me assign two personnel to accompany you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Amber said, her voice calm but firm. “I can handle myself. Most men can’t take me in a fight. Besides, I’ll be in the car the whole time I don’t want to bother anyone.”
Before the guard could argue, she pressed the accelerator and sped off into the night.
As she drove along Solana City’s expressway, her eyes filled with cold determination, though her heart grew heavy. Memories of darkness and pain surged, crashing over her like relentless waves. Her grip tightened on the steering wheel, and her jaw clenched as she drove faster toward her destination.
In the early hours of the morning, Amber’s car screeched to a halt in front of The Millennium.
Once a den of vice and crime, the building now stood abandoned and sealed off-a fitting end to Jameson’s life of sin.
Amber stood at the entrance, her eyes red and her body trembling. She had thought she’d left this place behind. Yet, standing here again, her reaction betrayed her.
The authorities had sealed both the front and back doors. But Amber knew of a hidden trapdoor Jameson had installed to allow VIPs to escape unnoticed during raids.
With a flashlight in hand, she made her way around the building to the mountain behind it. Beneath a large tree, she found the cement-brick structure concealing the trapdoor.
Clenching the flashlight between her teeth, she pulled out her lock-picking tools and worked quickly. The door creaked open, releasing a cloud of dust that made her cough violently.
Amber covered her mouth, blinking through the haze as she stepped inside.
Even though so much time had passed, she navigated the dark corridors with ease, her memories guiding her to Jameson’s room.
The password lock on the door still had reserve power. She entered the code, pushed the door open, and slowly entered the room.
The password to Jameson’s room was Alyssa’s birthday.
Jameson had always believed himself to be a devoted man, taking pride in that notion. Yet, in Amber’s eyes, his devotion was nothing more than a pathetic joke-a sentiment she couldn’t help but detest.
Taking a steadying breath, Amber began rummaging through the drawers and shelves with swift precision. Years of observation had taught her that Jameson had hidden several secret compartments in this room, places meant to conceal vital information. Unless Jameson or Carl disclosed their existence, even the police might not have uncovered them.
After what felt like an eternity, sweat beading on her forehead, Amber discovered a hidden compartment beneath a floor sculpture.
