The Dark Side Of Fate

A rush of excitement coursed through me, and a smile tugged at Liam’s lips as he stood by the doorway.

Since there was nothing to grab in my room, I slipped on my slippers and made my way outside.

“Did your father get in touch?” Liam inquired as we descended the staircase, and I nodded.

“ Heard the Alpha of Cain is joining us,” I said.

“My father thinks his case is linked with ours,” Liam said, and I was surprised.

“Mine too,” I said.

Moving downstairs, we encountered Oliver and Justin in the foyer.

It was evident that they were engrossed in a conversation.

As our gazes met, Justin’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his eyes carrying a hint of understanding.

Had Liam confided in him about our relationship? The notion made me feel bashful, yet I reined in my emotions.

“Make sure you stay on the premises, you two,” Justin cautioned, and Liam affirmed his understanding with a nod.

With that, we stepped out through the door, and under Liam’s guidance, our journey began.

“What’s up with Justin? One moment, he seemed uncomfortable with us being close, and now he’s all smiles,” I inquired of Liam, prompting a laugh from him.

“He was just concerned because of the whole Sophia situation.

He didn’t want you to be hurt,” Liam explained, causing me to pause and regard him.

“What did you say to reassure him?” I questioned, and he smiled.

“I told him the truth.

Sophia is my friend, and you hold a greater place in my heart.

He doesn’t need to worry,” he expressed, and a warm sensation filled me, knowing that Liam had the courage to confide in his cousin about us.

“Charlotte shared similar concerns,” I divulged as we continued our stroll.

“She feared I might be hurt when Sophia is located, but I assured her that we’re together now and she doesn’t need to be concerned,” I revealed, and a brief silence fell between us.

I wasn’t sure if my words had unsettled him, but they seemed to put a halt to our conversation.

“You must have had it bad for Sophia for everyone to be worried for my safety,” I teased him, and he laughed.

“Not really.

There was always a hindrance between us, A ‘but’, a let’s-wait-and-see vibe that I couldn’t shake off.

It was a bit foggy, and I had to think through it and plan,” he said as we entered the forest.

Liam halted his steps, drawing me near.

His fingers brushed my cheek with a tender touch as his gaze locked onto mine.

I had abandoned my contacts, a secret I was yet to reveal – the reason behind their initial use.

Strangely, I felt more assured in my own skin now than ever before.

The realisation had dawned upon me that the hurtful words thrown my way held no true significance.

Perhaps I should have confronted him back then, instead of enduring two years of emotional turmoil.

Liam’s touch continued a gentle caress on my cheek.

“With you, I never needed to overthink.

It was simply meant to be,” he admitted, and a flush crept up my cheeks while Onyx circled in head, howling.

Gazing into his eyes, I sensed the sincerity in his words.

Doubts dissolved as certainty took their place.

Liam wouldn’t shatter my heart; there was no need for apprehension.

“Follow me, the stream isn’t too far from here,” he suggested.

Taking his lead, we strolled hand in hand through the wooded area.

The gentle murmur of flowing water gradually reached my ears, accompanied by the aroma of a crackling fire and the tantalizing scent of food being prepared.

Could someone be cooking by the stream? “Looks like there are people around, Liam,” I remarked, gripping his hand a bit tighter, to which he responded with a chuckle.

Stepping out of the woods, we emerged into a clearing beside the stream.

What met my eyes left me pleasantly surprised.

This outing wasn’t a spontaneous decision or a last-minute idea.

Liam had meticulously orchestrated it, and the realisation set my heart aflutter.

A picnic mat lay adorned with a cosy blanket and cushions.

Nearby, the woman from the food truck was busy cooking, adding an unexpected and delightful touch to the scene.

“Since we can’t venture out alone, I convinced Mrs Mirabel to join us,” he explained, and a surge of excitement led me to embrace him tightly.

consideration touched me

yearned to return to the park ever

stream wasn’t quite the same as the lake, it was more

encircled me with his arms, planting a gentle kiss on the nape of

from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I shouldn’t be

added a layer of shyness

“Li,” I murmured softly.

Jo,” he responded in a

thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires started to take

to utter, and

tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat, yet he seemed to

picturesque

Mrs.

served us an array of appetizers and food, and once she had completed her task,

a

expended considerable effort to arrange for her

departure, I nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon to

precious gift,” Liam voiced, his

to

protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he said, and I nodded in agreement,

enveloping us felt

calm around us was

or in trouble, we wouldn’t be able to

restrictions on our movement were a poignant reminder that something

make an exceptional king when your time comes,

to offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn his

you there,

my side,” he spoke earnestly,

found myself momentarily at a loss for

me close to

feelings; this

It’s real.

but understand that my commitment to you

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal

course, you can take all the time

will be patient with you,” he said, coaxing a

brow furrowed, looking at

and

in concealing the truth about them any

you see,” I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand

attentiveness only added to my nervousness; I

nothing wrong with

contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,”

had to crumble; there was no

day, I was actually planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and his

was the

know how relentlessly optimistic she

off on me that day,” I

made my nerves flutter; it seemed

partly because of Sophia’s

perfect, so normal, and I…” I stumbled over my

pain from that day

like I couldn’t measure up,

should give it a shot,” I

for a while, but I suppose I lacked the courage to let

never seemed to

was always you and

the moment you two became friends, you started

as though I were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and he made a move to draw me nearer, yet

express everything I

and desperately wanted to share my feelings with

just fifteen, but

It was crystal clear.

had never experienced anything like it

I overheard you four talking

it made me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling as tears streamed down my

I don’t think I’ve ever despised being a Stepanov more

pale skin, my eyes, my intelligence – they all seemed

I actually loved my hair colour, I thought

out to draw me

sorry,” he apologised with genuine remorse, and while I sensed

released his hold on me and locked his gaze onto

Jo,

among your finest

a blessing, not

us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven

you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to do so,”

person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I wish I

and erase those

your heart to forgive me

adore every facet

perfect just the way you

a single thing to change,” he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my

whispered, and he transitioned from my

was tender and affectionate, devoid of any

keeping his promise of