_Chapter 14: Defiance_
Emily's parents imposed a strict curfew and banned her from seeing Axel.
"You're grounding me?" Emily protested.
Her mom's expression was firm. "We're protecting you."
Emily felt trapped, but she refused to give up on Axel.
That night, Axel texted: "Meet me at the river. We need to talk."
Emily snuck out, her heart racing.
At the river, Axel's eyes blazed with determination. "I won't lose you, Emily."
Emily's voice trembled. "My parents forbade me from seeing you."
Axel's jaw clenched. "We'll find a way. Together."
Suddenly, Tyler appeared, his camera flashing.
"Gotcha," Tyler sneered. "Your parents will love this."
Axel lunged, but Emily grabbed his arm.
"Stop," Emily said. "We won't play into his hands."
Axel's gaze locked onto Tyler. "This isn't over."
Tyler smirked. "You're going down, Jackson."
As Tyler left, Emily realized their love was stronger than ever.
"We'll face this together," Emily said.
Axel's eyes softened. "Forever.