Telling Justin ~Liam~ The hospital wait proved challenging as time seemed to drag while we remained motionless.

Josephine and I took short strolls occasionally to stretch our legs.

I permitted her to rest on the couch while I remained standing.

Despite the unspoken nature of the situation, I anticipated that questions would arise soon.

Seated on my lap, Josephine inquired, “Are we still planning to visit the food truck?” Justin observed us, prompting his interruption, “What food truck?” “It’s a little place we checked out yesterday before all of this happened,” Josephine replied, intentionally vague about the location.

“I understand.

However, you two shouldn’t go anywhere without a couple more people at least,” he remarked, his tone resembling that of a protective figure.

I almost let out a chuckle at his statement.

“Point taken, Alpha,” I replied, and he wasn’t still smiling.

Whatever he was seeing bothered him a lot, and I knew I was the bad guy in the eyes of those who did not know what was going on.

“Join me in the cafeteria, Li.

I have something to discuss with you,” Justin stated, rising from his seat.

It was clear that the conversation intended for the pack house, either in his room or office, would now transpire in the hospital cafeteria.

The restlessness and tension in Justin’s gaze were evident, and I dreaded the confrontation.

Josephine appeared to share my unease, her expression reflecting worry.

Likewise, Charlotte seemed puzzled and disapproving.

It was apparent that all of them were protective of Josephine.

But what puzzled me was the underlying assumption that I could ever purposefully cause harm to Josephine or anyone else.

I had never dated anyone before.

This was my first relationship.

I might have crushed on Sophia and believed I was in love by the time of graduation, but I never made a move on her.

Seeing my impulses a few weeks ago, I realised I might have made that move because I liked having my life in order.

I wanted the relationship part taken care of, so I could forge ahead.

Usually, when most people turn eighteen, their parents are on the lookout for their mates, if any, because it is a rare occurrence, and a lot is damaged for those who find their mates later in life after being mated.

Finding Josephine was all I needed for me to know that I was about to tow the wrong path with Sophia.

Truly, regardless of the nature of my relationship with Sophia, I am committed to investing the same level of effort in locating her.

She’s my friend, and her well-being matters to me.

However, my emotions have become distinctly clearer, and my heart beats exclusively for Josephine.

Moreover, my motivations aren’t driven by our bond.

Spending time with Josephine allowed me to realise how mistaken I was about her true personality.

She turned out to be an exceptional person.

In all honesty, even with the eyeliner, she retained her unique charm.

Josephine shifted from my lap, prompting me to rise, prepared to accompany Justin to the cafeteria.

Similar to Uncle David, Justine possessed a stern side, and I understood that this time, I would be on the receiving end of it.

As we exited, the remainder of the team seated outside regarded us with surprise.

“Facing some trouble?” Noah reached out through our link, and I found myself at a loss for words.

“What’s going on between you and Justin?” Oliver’s message popped up in our mental connection.

“Josephine,” I responded, and a hush fell over our conversation.

Considering the current trajectory, it seemed the entire team would uncover the truth before Josephine did.

couldn’t address the situation with Justin without disclosing

to

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on her

rob her of

she is the only one that

was messy, but I prayed

I

turned their attention toward us, offering respectful greetings,

was a consequence of recognition—people were

well with me that, despite being the Beta, I garnered

was

within Grizlo was extensive, and the

the events that had compelled our return to this place cast a

stepped into the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing

cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was

offering of sandwiches and water hardly

tucked into a corner, we

aware of the reason I asked to speak with you,” Justin

Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

me puzzled as to why others weren’t

was almost always by her side when she

frequently

to form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and I did

like

siblings are

you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and

on in her head? The both of you went from not being able to

It is

think will happen when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will

of showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is

why we’re all in

this now before it

if we encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

and Stepanovs, especially the actions

accused Adrik of treason to eliminate

Eric, and

were looking for

‘substitute’ had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at

had become linked to my relationship

head and directed

but you can trust that Josephine’s well-being is

her are authentic,” I asserted, and he let out

we discussed Sophia?”

“Yes, Justin.

situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words had indeed

have since

weren’t spoken in haste,

You meant them.

been a constant presence, and yet you never

Miles, and Oliver have been

were with Sophia

that Sophia is missing, you suddenly

won’t notice?” he pressed, causing me to shake my head

care for Josephine,

I truly do.

have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not

to untangle my

for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation of the next logical

felt like a natural

that point, I didn’t grasp the intricacies

had a concept of what they entailed, but I

misinterpreted my infatuation as

incredible person, and

have misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed,

pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I held out hope of meeting

plan

something changed during graduation week, and the notion of

get that aspect of my life settled and

lay bare my feelings, but the universe had its own

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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