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

to the park ever since that

quite the same as the lake, it was more

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

me, immediately evoking a response that

nearby added a layer of

“Li,” I murmured softly.

responded in a hushed tone,

and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as

of her,” I managed to utter, and he

him to retreat, yet he seemed to

settled onto the mat, soaking in the picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience of the

Mrs.

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

come without a price – she couldn’t have left

to arrange for her to come and prepare this delightful meal

I nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on

is a precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze

provided a broad enough expanse to grant us this view, and it was truly

peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he said, and I nodded

us felt like a

calm around us was

at war or in trouble, we wouldn’t be able

a poignant reminder

confident you’ll make an exceptional king when your

be there to offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn his gaze towards

want you there,

by my side,” he spoke earnestly, his sincerity evident

found myself momentarily at a loss for

close to

with your feelings; this

It’s real.

you, but understand that my commitment to you is

My feelings won’t waver.

real

course, you can take all the time

be patient with you,” he said, coaxing a

furrowed,

contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment

the truth about them any longer; it was time to come

and absently tucking a strand of hair behind

attentiveness only added to my nervousness; I desperately hoped this

wrong with my

contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you

crumble; there was no longer any justification for keeping this

planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and his expression registered genuine

was the one

know how relentlessly optimistic she can

on me that day,” I added with

demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry on and divulge everything I had started

scared, partly because

and I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking an odd ache within

day was

like I couldn’t measure

that I should give it a

had a crush on you for a while, but I suppose I lacked the courage to let it

never seemed to

always you and

moment you two became friends, you

and that hurt,” I continued, and he made a

everything I had been

I clung to hope and desperately wanted to

but I understood my emotions,

It was crystal clear.

experienced

four talking and laughing

laughing too, and it made me feel stupid and insecure,”

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

skin, my eyes, my intelligence – they all seemed

couldn’t change my skin or my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I

time, when Liam reached out to draw me close, I

Jo, truly sorry,” he apologised with genuine remorse, and while I sensed his sincerity,

me and locked

Jo, they’re

among your finest

a

us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by our

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

wouldn’t be jealous of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I wish I could undo my words

and erase those

it in your heart to forgive

every facet of

perfect just the way you

he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my

I whispered, and he transitioned from my neck to

affectionate, devoid of any haste

resolute in keeping his