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

parents have already seen

gave instructions and showed us getting into a cab,” he revealed, causing me to

means they were watching us,” I exclaimed, grasping the gravity of

solemnly and drew

they could have…” I trailed off, my mind racing to the worst possible scenarios, realising

in a comforting hug while gently stroking

have to be more careful,

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

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

and if there had

to stay focused and present in that

he softly called my name, and I lifted

it together,” he confessed, and I couldn’t agree

a day filled

found

stirred emotions I didn’t know I craved, leaving me to wonder if I was merely imagining things or overanalysing the

whisper, but

his door interrupted our moment, and I

I heard Liam mutter a curse word under his breath too, which was quite endearing, causing me to

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

tired and in need of sleep, I announced, “I’m

happy with that decision, and his

who had

awkward, and rightfully

something?” Oliver asked, his tone carrying a

to appear nonchalant even though my demeanour

“No, you’re good, Oliver.

passing him quickly to make my way to my

with Liam, and I couldn’t help but curse the interruptions that kept

I

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

been interrupted, and it wasn’t the best sign, but

not to let anything else get in the way of embracing what

to bed hoping for a good night’s sleep,

I thought, I might

night, and it evaded me for

in the morning, setting the tone for what I knew would be a

eight, I was aware

morning routine, I managed to get ready

I found

only available chair was at the far end

saw me, he promptly got up from his seat

me feel a bit shy to be

attention to my tired appearance, as

everyone would be aware

mustered a smile in response to her comment and greeted everyone before taking a

whispered, “Slept late,” and I nodded,

me serve my food, a sweet gesture

fully collect my thoughts, Noah’s question brought me

a moment for me to connect the dots, given my

were sent 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 agreed

fun with all the danger looming,” Sebastien said

finding his girlfriend made

“girlfriend” suddenly bothered me, even though

that perhaps my feelings for Liam

as I lifted the fork, but I quickly placed it back on

Liam potentially reuniting with Sophia weighed heavily on

do if she returns and finds her fated Li? Will you be able to move

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

inside me threatened to surface, but I

stayed seated, not wanting to draw attention to

knot formed in my chest, the kind that usually preceded tears, but I

let my emotions overwhelm me,

composed and steady, even though

I are just friends,” Liam replied, attempting to downplay any

it slide and teased him about the night she went missing, implying that he had planned to

Liam had practically confessed his

common in Mountain, and it had never bothered me

and I felt a surge

plate away and stood up to excuse myself, pretending that I needed to

out of sight, I hastened up the stairs, desperate to reach my room and

I allowed myself to release the emotions that

to regain composure, but

this teasing about Sophia and Liam had hit a sensitive nerve, and I

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

crystal clear that he cared deeply for Sophia, which was precisely

streaming down my cheeks, I

this release, to let out the emotions that had been