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

return to the

the same

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

through me, immediately evoking a response that I shouldn’t

presence of someone else nearby added a layer of shyness to

“Li,” I murmured softly.

in a

to stray into more forbidden

to utter, and he chuckled, easing away

I felt was tangible; I didn’t want him to

onto the mat, soaking in the picturesque

Mrs.

and food, and once she

without a price – she couldn’t

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 fixed

broad enough expanse to grant us this view, and

protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he

tranquillity enveloping us felt like a

us was

war or in trouble, we wouldn’t be

restrictions on our movement were a poignant reminder that something of great significance

confident you’ll make an exceptional king when your

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

want you

by my side,” he spoke earnestly, his sincerity

found myself momentarily at a

close to

with your feelings;

It’s real.

you, but understand that my commitment to you

My feelings won’t waver.

the real deal for

of course, you can take all the time

patient with you,” he said, coaxing

furrowed, looking at

without your contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment

the truth about them

clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand of hair behind

only added to my nervousness; I

actually nothing wrong with

what I overheard you all discussing

had to crumble; there was no

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

was the

how relentlessly optimistic she

rubbed off on me that day,” I added with

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

partly because

so normal, and I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking an

day was stubborn, refusing

like I couldn’t

my sister insisted that I should give it a shot,” I confessed, my eyes

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

never seemed

always you and

became friends, you

continued, and he made a move

everything I had been holding

I clung to hope and desperately wanted

just fifteen, but I understood

It was crystal clear.

had never experienced anything

four talking and laughing about

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

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

intelligence – they all seemed

change my skin or my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe having brown eyes would make me seem more ‘normal’,” I confessed, my vulnerability

draw me close, I allowed him

he apologised with genuine remorse, and while I sensed his sincerity,

on me and locked his

Jo,

your finest

is a blessing, not a

four of us said was thoughtless and

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

I regret it deeply, Jo, and I wish I could

time and

find it in your heart to forgive me and not let

every facet of

just the

wouldn’t want a single thing to change,” he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my lips before I could

and he transitioned from my

affectionate, devoid of any

keeping