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.

sent

have

instructions and showed us getting into a cab,” he

I exclaimed, grasping the gravity of the

and drew

the worst possible scenarios, realising the potential danger we

in a comforting hug while gently

have to be

anyone hurt you,” he reassured, and I couldn’t help but embrace him tightly,

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

of the night enveloped us, and if there had been music playing,

focused

I lifted my head to meet his

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

day filled

to smile, I found myself lost in Liam’s

craved, leaving

to whisper, but

kiss, an unfortunate knock on his door interrupted our moment, and

his breath too, which was quite endearing, causing me to chuckle despite

at me, and I nodded, signalling that he could answer the

and in need of sleep, I announced, “I’m going to bed,” making

didn’t seem happy with that

had

appeared visibly awkward, and rightfully so, as he

asked, his tone carrying a hint of

nonchalant even though my

“No, you’re good, Oliver.

quickly to make my

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

my room, I

the perfect moment and just seize

moment had been interrupted, and

was determined not to let anything else get in

bed hoping for a good night’s sleep,

thought, I might have snuggled into his

that night, and

time I finally dozed off, it was already five in the morning, setting the tone for what I knew

I woke up at eight, I was aware that breakfast had likely

routine, I managed to get ready by

arriving, I found everyone

chair was at the

up from his seat beside Liam, offering

gesture, but it made me feel a bit

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

would be aware that I didn’t

smile in response to her comment and greeted everyone

whispered, “Slept late,” and I nodded, grateful for his

he was helping me serve my food, a sweet

I could fully collect my thoughts, Noah’s question brought me back to the topic of

connect

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

be fun with all

comment to Liam about finding

me, even though it

feelings for

I quickly

conversation about Liam potentially reuniting with Sophia weighed

fated Li? Will you

her?” Marvin teased, and I found it

threatened to surface, but I knew I couldn’t

stayed seated, not wanting to draw attention to

kind that usually preceded tears, but I

couldn’t let my emotions overwhelm me, especially not in front

and steady, even though it felt like a struggle

just friends,” Liam replied, attempting

Charlotte didn’t let it slide and teased him about the night she went missing, implying that he

Liam had

banter was common in Mountain,

time, it struck a nerve, and I felt

bear it any longer, I pushed my plate away and stood up to excuse myself, pretending that

walked away from the dining room, but the moment I was out of sight, I hastened up the stairs, desperate to reach my room and let my tears

myself to release the emotions that had been

to regain composure, but tears

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

on my bed in my room, I couldn’t help but berate myself for foolishly entertaining the thought that there might be something

Sophia, which was precisely why we were in

my cheeks, I allowed myself to cry

this release, to let out the emotions