The Dark Side Of Fate

The Dark Side Of Fate 01 Too Late For Goodbyes (Book 3)

~Liam~

Sixteen years Later

Liam: 18

Sophia: almost 16

The music blared loudly, forcing my friends and me to shout in order to communicate. It made me wonder whose brilliant idea it was to turn the graduation celebration into a club-like event. Furthermore, I couldn’t understand why no one bothered to seek our consent for this setup.

Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, I spotted Harper dancing with Lily and Eleanor, who shouldn’t have been there. We were two years ahead of Eleanor. Their presence made me question the whereabouts of the triplets.

“Have you seen the sisters?” I asked Miles, but he shook his head.

Oliver gestured in a direction, and there I found Charlotte, Gemma, and Jewels—the notorious triplets of our class and, coincidentally, my beloved cousins.

I pondered what their plans were after graduation. Being immensely popular in school, I was certain they would find something worthwhile to occupy their time.

Turning to Marvin, I inquired about Sophia’s presence. Once again, the answer was negative. “Isn’t she supposed to be here? I thought you two were close,” Oliver chimed in, taking a sip of his dubious drink. I refrained from guessing its contents, but I was certain it contained alcohol.

“Not really. She’s two years younger than us. I think she’ll turn sixteen in a few months,” Marvin replied, and Miles playfully punched me while chuckling.

“But she should be here to give you moral support,” he said, winking and emphasising the words ‘moral support,’ which elicited laughter from me.

“I haven’t mustered the courage to ask her out yet,” I confessed, surprising them both.

“What are you waiting for? She’s gorgeous, and now that we’re done with school, guys will be lining up for her. The only reason they’ve held back is because they’re afraid of you, and you won’t be here to stop them,” Oliver asserted.

“You’ve been friends with Sophia since you were ten and she was eight, which feels like an eternity. By now, you should have figured out your feelings for each other. I’m aware that she’s the reason you convinced our parents to send us to Grizlo’s Academy. So, Liam, I don’t understand why you haven’t made a move,” Marvin questioned, leaving me at a loss for words.

“You shouldn’t waste any more time. You know every moment counts,” Miles added with conviction, and I knew deep down they were right.

I hadn’t wanted to divert my attention during my studies, as my parents expected nothing but the best from me, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. Romance hadn’t been a priority, but now that I had graduated, I felt ready to explore that realm.

However, I also acknowledged the importance of waiting and seeing if we were destined for each other. Sophia had yet to turn eighteen, so I couldn’t be certain. The last thing I wanted was to break her heart.

I had heard stories about Uncle Leo and my mother, and I vowed never to inflict that kind of pain on anyone. Not everyone is as fortunate as they were. Nonetheless, I couldn’t deny the growing intensity of my feelings for Sophia. The difficult part was that she remained oblivious to them. To her, we were simply friends. I was unsure if confessing my intentions would complicate our friendship or create an opportunity for both of us, but I was willing to take that risk now and confront the possibility of being mates, if it were to ever occur. My affection for Sophia ran deep, and I cared for her immensely.

I rose from the couch in the VIP section and made my way outside to give Sophia a call. I had genuinely believed she would be present at the event.

“Where are you headed?” Harper’s voice echoed in my mind.

“Just going out to get some fresh air,” I replied, continuing on my way.

“We’re breathing just fine in here,” she playfully teased. “You mean you’re going to call Sophia, right?” she inquired, knowing well enough not to expect a response from me.

I could envision her laughter.

My sister understood my feelings for Sophia, and she had been incredibly supportive by keeping it a secret from our friends and cousins. It remained between us; even our younger brothers, Joseph and Keith, were unaware of my crush. Harper and I had a strong bond in that regard, and as far as I was concerned, she was the greatest twin sister one could ask for.

I stepped away from the bustling entrance of the club, seeking solace in the quietness outside. Wanting privacy, I dialled Sophia’s number, anticipation building within me. After a few rings, she answered, and her sweet and gentle voice greeted me with a warm hello.

“Hey,” I responded, feeling a surge of happiness. The sound of a television playing in the background assured me that she was home.

“What are you up to?” I asked, my tone playful. She chuckled in response.

she replied, and a sigh escaped

party and keep me

myself the envious glares. Some of them actually think

I questioned, and

to ask her out, but

would have loved for you to be here,” I finally confessed, breaking the uncomfortable

on a mission with the alpha and hasn’t returned yet. I couldn’t get permission to leave the house, and my mother

Li. I wanted to

you’ve graduated, when are you leaving Grizlo?” she inquired, and I

what you want,” I assured her, and she

Grizlo is too small to contain

me?” I teased, and

knew it was a lie. She didn’t want

by your place after the party,” I

suggested,

when it comes to his daughter being visited at night. The rooftop will suffice. I’ll let you

playfully teased, and for the first time, it felt like an

it,” I teased back, and

she said in her soothing, seductive voice, and we ended the

and pacing about the place while talking to Sophia until I hung up. As I turned around, I was taken aback to see Charlotte, Gemma, and Jewels looking at me mischievously. They had overheard everything. Frustration overwhelmed me, knowing my cousins

you hear?” I asked Charlotte

a teasing kissing sound, prompting laughter

Jewels inquired, and I shook my head. They

mood,” I muttered, walking

our grandmother found

her,” I pleaded,

said with a wink,

thanked them and went

assumed they were done with the party and leaving. I was ready to call it a night too, but I knew my classmates had prepared a surprise for me, and it would be impolite to

I could update them on the situation. I wasn’t in the mood for

and I couldn’t stand her. She had no business being there, being two years younger than us. Unless she was accompanied by someone, she shouldn’t have attended. However, I guessed her parents were okay with it,

here, Maya Rivers?” Marvin snapped, clearly irritated.

here to have fun,”

of dress was inappropriate, giving off the impression that she had ulterior motives. She was too young for this, and I couldn’t fathom

I curtly responded, causing her smile to fade. But she

I was relieved because her eyes had begun

meaningful present from my classmates—a plaque adorned with their signatures and heartfelt messages, pledging

gift. In addition, my cousins were also honoured with plaques, as they were destined to become future lords of the north. The ceremony was a sight to

event concluded, I entrusted the plaque to Marvin and hailed a taxi to make my way to

of the hour, I disregarded the

fervently hoped that she would accept my proposal and be willing to give our

came into play, we would confront it

Alex, was

mind raced, contemplating how I would express my feelings, and strategising how I would handle any potential positive or negative

I resolved to do tonight was to share a kiss