The Dark Side Of Fate

The Beating Of His Heart ~Josphine~ Justin vented his frustration towards Liam, who remained silent and took the blame even though I was the one who convinced him to go to the place in the first place.

The guilt weighed heavily on me and I imagined what Justin must have endured when the King called, desperately trying to speak with Liam, and Justin having no idea how to reach him.

The King’s worry was entirely understandable.

The circumstances had led to everyone being evacuated from Grizlo for a valid reason.

It was only natural for him to be on high alert when something happened, especially since the incident took place at his mother’s house.

I recognised the legitimacy of his fear, and I felt awful for causing so much concern and putting Liam in a negative light with Justin.

I couldn’t shake off the feeling of blame, fearing that it might lead to problems between Liam and me.

As I made my way to my room, I sternly reminded myself not to act impulsively in the future.

Justin’s concerns were entirely justified.

What if we had been attacked in that place? Despite being fighters capable of defending ourselves, we would have been overpowered if they came in large numbers.

The possibility that they might have used weapons as well weighed heavily on my mind.

I may be immune to Silver, but Liam wasn’t.

The seriousness of the situation dawned on me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of remorse for my actions.

While I was in the shower, I heard a knock on the door, and my immediate instinct told me it was Liam.

He was the only person who would come knocking at my door this late at night.

Covered in soap, I decided that once I finished freshening up, I would head to his room.

The idea of going to his room gave me a rush of excitement, causing goosebumps to prickle my skin.

The memories of our time together at the lake and in his room replayed in my mind.

The way he spoke and the things he did made my heart flutter.

The almost-kiss we had shared at the lake was real; it couldn’t have been a product of my imagination.

I was certain of it.

After I finished freshening up and slipped into my pyjamas, I decided to check on Liam to ensure he was okay, especially since Justin’s demeanour had been serious.

Gently knocking on his door, I was surprised when Liam opened it and motioned for me to come in.

As I stood in his room, I felt a bit uncertain about what to say or do.

Liam looked attractive in his shorts, and not wearing anything on top allowed my mind to wander for a brief moment.

“Sorry about…” I began, but he interrupted me, preventing me from finishing the sentence.

He quickly put on a T- shirt and then guided me towards the balcony.

“I had a great time today, and I don’t regret going with you to that place.

I’m just relieved that we made it back home safely,” he expressed, stepping out onto the balcony.

I watched him closely, unsure of how he felt about the situation.

“So you’re not upset with me?” I inquired, and he shook his head, offering his hand to invite me to join him on the balcony.

“Not at all,” he reassured me, pulling me closer so that we stood side by side, gazing up at the stars in the night sky.

In that serene moment, I knew we shared a special connection, and the day’s adventure had only strengthened our bond.

As he gazed at the night sky, I found myself studying him closely.

It was surprising to see that he didn’t appear affected by the incident with Justin.

It seemed as though he had brushed it off, which I knew was to my advantage.

I gently reached out and touched his arm, prompting him to look at me.

“You know you shouldn’t have lied for my sake,” I remarked, feeling grateful for his gesture but also concerned about him getting in trouble.

Liam chuckled and replied, “Who said I was lying? I actually wanted to check it out myself; you just helped me make up my mind faster,” he admitted with a mischievous grin, causing me to laugh along with him.

It was a relief to know that we were on the same page, and our adventurous spirits only brought us closer together.

Not ready to leave just yet, I decided to initiate a conversation with him.

“What do you think the housekeeper might have done?” I asked, seeking his thoughts on the matter.

He gazed at me, pondering the question.

“Beats me, Jo, but one thing’s for sure: we need to be extremely cautious from now on,” he responded, his smile fading as he emphasised the seriousness of the situation.

He continued, “We were under surveillance by those perpetrators.

even sent

have

getting into a cab,” he revealed, causing me

watching us,” I exclaimed,

nodded solemnly and drew

worst possible scenarios, realising

a comforting hug while gently stroking my hair

to be more careful,

won’t let anyone hurt you,” he reassured, and I couldn’t help but embrace

each other’s arms, and we chose to savour the moment, relishing each

if there had been music playing, I

wanted to stay focused and present

I lifted my head to meet his

was incredible, and I’m grateful we shared it together,” he confessed, and

filled with cherished memories etched in my

I found myself lost

eyes held a promise that stirred emotions I didn’t know I craved, leaving me to

to whisper, but

as he was about to lean in for a kiss, an unfortunate knock on his door interrupted our moment,

Liam mutter a curse word under his breath too, which was quite endearing, causing me to chuckle despite the

I nodded, signalling

I announced, “I’m going to

seem happy with that

the door, revealing Oliver, who had a smile that faded when

visibly awkward, and rightfully so, as he had

something?” Oliver asked, his

trying to appear nonchalant even though my demeanour probably gave away

“No, you’re good, Oliver.

passing him quickly to make my way

from the near-kiss moment with Liam, and I couldn’t help

in my room, I let out a

should stop waiting for the perfect moment and just seize it,” my

row, our moment had been interrupted, and it wasn’t the best sign, but I remained

not to let anything else get in the way of embracing what I was feeling for

bed hoping for a good

there, I thought, I might have snuggled into

to be my enemy that night, and

already five in the morning, setting the tone for

woke up at eight, I was aware that

get ready

arriving, I found everyone already

available chair was at the far

up from his seat beside Liam, offering

was a kind gesture, but it made me feel a bit shy to be

you get hit by a truck? Jo, those dark circles,” Charlotte exclaimed, drawing attention to my tired appearance, as I had completely forgotten to use concealer to hide the

aware that I

in response to her comment and

and I

my food,

my thoughts, Noah’s question brought me back to the topic

for me to connect the dots, given my sluggish

something at Grandma Stephanie’s house, and the person who sent them blew up the van to cover their tracks,” I was impressed by

fun with all the danger looming,” Sebastien said to

Liam about finding his

word “girlfriend” suddenly bothered me, even though it hadn’t

feelings for Liam were deeper

hands trembled slightly as I lifted the fork, but I quickly placed it back on the plate,

Liam potentially reuniting with Sophia weighed heavily on

and finds her fated Li? Will you be able to move on?

because of her?” Marvin teased, and I found it hard

me threatened to surface, but I knew I couldn’t show

not wanting to draw attention

chest, the kind that usually preceded tears, but I forced myself to take deep

overwhelm me, especially not

to remain composed and steady, even though it felt like a struggle to keep my

are just friends,” Liam replied, attempting to downplay any romantic connection between him

and teased him about the night she went

Liam

common in Mountain, and it had

a nerve, and I felt a surge of emotions

to bear it any longer, I pushed my plate away and stood up

but the moment I was out of sight, I hastened up the stairs, desperate to reach

I allowed myself to release the

trying to regain composure, but tears streamed down my

hit a sensitive nerve, and I needed a moment to collect myself

bed in my room, I couldn’t help but berate myself for foolishly

Sophia, which was precisely why we were in

streaming down my cheeks, I allowed

out the