Stacy collapsed onto her couch, her heart still racing from her sudden departure from the gala. She couldn't believe what had just happened - Axel had confessed his love for her, and she had run away like a coward.

As she sat there, trying to catch her breath, Stacy couldn't help but think about what Axel had said. He loved her - really loved her. And she had rejected him without even giving him a chance.

Stacy felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She had been so scared of getting hurt again that she had pushed Axel away. But now, as she sat alone in her apartment, she couldn't help but wonder if she had made a mistake.

As the night wore on, Stacy's phone buzzed with texts from Axel. He was worried about her, and wanted to know if she was okay. But Stacy didn't know how to respond. She was still trying to process her emotions, and didn't know what to say.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Stacy's phone stopped buzzing. She assumed that Axel had given up on her, and was trying to move on.

But as she sat there, feeling sorry for herself, Stacy heard a knock at the door. She hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be. And then, she heard Axel's voice.

"Stacy, please open the door. I need to talk to you."

Stacy's heart skipped a beat as she heard Axel's words. She didn't know what to do - part of her wanted to open the door and talk to him, but another part of her was scared of getting hurt again.

As she sat there, frozen with indecision, Axel's voice came again.

"Stacy, please. I just want to talk to you. I promise I won't hurt you."

Stacy took a deep breath, and then slowly got up and made her way to the door. She hesitated for a moment, and then slowly turned the handle and pulled the door open.

Axel was standing in the hallway, looking tired and worried. But as he saw Stacy, his face lit up with a smile.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft. "I was worried about you. Can I come in?"

Stacy hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. "Yeah," she said, stepping aside to let Axel in.

As Axel entered her apartment, Stacy couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What was going to happen next? Was Axel going to try and convince her to give him another chance? And was she going to be able to resist him?

Axel walked over to the couch and sat down, motioning for Stacy to join him. Stacy hesitated for a moment, and then sat down beside him.

"I'm sorry," Axel said, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm sorry for leaving you like that. I know it was a cowardly thing to do, and I'm truly sorry."

Stacy looked at him, her eyes searching for answers. "Why did you leave me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Axel took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers. "I left because my mom didn't approve of our relationship," he said. "She threatened to destroy your life if I didn't leave you alone."

Stacy's eyes widened in shock. She had no idea that Axel's mom had been so opposed to their relationship.

"I'm so sorry," Axel said, his voice filled with regret. "I was young and stupid, and I didn't know how to handle the situation. But I realize now that I should have fought for us, instead of giving up."

Stacy felt a pang of sadness as she looked at Axel. She knew that he was telling the truth, and that he had been just as hurt by his mom's actions as she had.

As Axel leaned in closer, his face inches from hers, Stacy felt her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she was in trouble - she was falling for Axel all over again.

But as Axel's lips brushed against her forehead, Stacy felt a sense of calm wash over her. It was a gentle, sweet kiss, and it made her feel like everything was going to be okay.

"I've missed you," Axel whispered, his lips still touching her forehead.

Stacy's heart melted at his words, and she felt herself leaning in closer to him. But just as she was about to kiss him back, she remembered all the pain he had caused her in the past.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Stacy pushed Axel away and stood up. "I need some space," she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Axel looked at her, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Okay," he said, standing up. "I'll give you space. But please, Stacy, don't push me away again. I love you, and I want to be with you