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 since

the stream wasn’t quite the same as the lake,

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

through me, immediately evoking a

someone else nearby added

“Li,” I murmured softly.

Jo,” he responded in a hushed tone, still

sparks of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray

managed to utter, and he chuckled,

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

the picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience of the

Mrs.

and food, and once she had

was aware that her assistance didn’t come without a price –

considerable effort to arrange for her to come and prepare this delightful meal

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

Liam voiced, his

broad enough expanse to grant us

have to do everything we can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he said, and I nodded in agreement, entwining

us felt like a

us was

were at war or in trouble, we wouldn’t

were a poignant reminder that something of

confident you’ll make an exceptional

assured, we’ll all be there to offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn

you there,

my side,” he spoke earnestly,

momentarily at a loss for

close to him, his gaze penetrating

toying with your feelings;

It’s real.

won’t rush you, but understand that my commitment

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal for

the time

you,” he said, coaxing a

brow furrowed,

and a twinge

the truth about them any longer;

throat and absently tucking a strand of hair

nervousness; I desperately hoped this revelation wouldn’t

wrong with my

overheard

was no longer any justification for keeping this

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

was the

know how relentlessly

off on me that day,” I added with a chuckle, reminiscing about

nerves flutter; it seemed

was scared, partly because of Sophia’s

so normal, and I…” I stumbled over my

pain from that day was stubborn,

felt like I couldn’t

should give it a shot,” I confessed,

crush on you for a while, but I suppose I lacked the courage

never seemed to

was always you

two became friends, you started sidelining

I were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and

everything I had been

desperately wanted to share my feelings

fifteen, but I understood my

It was crystal clear.

experienced anything like it

overheard you four talking and laughing

stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling

think I’ve ever despised being a Stepanov more than I

intelligence – they all

IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe having brown eyes would make

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

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

hold on me and locked

Jo, they’re

your finest

a blessing, not

thoughtless

only caught up but surpassed

be jealous of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I

time and erase those

it in your heart to forgive me and

adore every

just the

sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my

he transitioned

and affectionate, devoid of any

resolute in keeping his promise