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.

touched me

return to the park

quite the same as the lake,

his arms, planting a gentle kiss

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

else nearby added a layer of

“Li,” I murmured softly.

he responded in a hushed tone,

my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories

her,” I managed to utter, and he chuckled, easing away from me

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

picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience

Mrs.

served us an array of appetizers and food, and

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

have expended considerable effort to arrange for her to come

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

gift,” Liam voiced,

stream before us provided a broad enough expanse to grant us

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

us felt like a

around us

in trouble,

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

exceptional king when your

offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting

want you

he spoke earnestly,

myself momentarily at a loss for a

me close to him,

not toying with your feelings; this isn’t

It’s real.

rush you, but understand that my commitment to you

My feelings won’t waver.

the real deal for

you can take all the time you need to decide what you

with you,” he said, coaxing

brow furrowed, looking

contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge

about them any longer;

my throat and absently tucking a strand of hair behind my

added to my nervousness; I desperately hoped this

actually nothing wrong with

because of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I

had to crumble; there was no longer any justification for keeping

ask you out,”

was the one pushing

know how relentlessly optimistic

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

my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry

was scared, partly because of

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

from that day was stubborn, refusing to

like I couldn’t

should give it a shot,” I confessed, my eyes welling with

while, but

seemed to

was always

you two became friends,

hurt,” I continued, and he made a move to draw me

everything

wanted to

was just fifteen, but I

It was crystal clear.

never experienced anything

overheard you four talking and laughing about

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

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

my intelligence – they all

skin or my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe having brown

reached out to draw me close, I allowed

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

on me and locked his

Jo,

among your finest

unique is a

said was thoughtless

some months, yet you not only caught up but surpassed us;

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

and

hope you can find it in your heart to

adore every

perfect just the way

time; he kissed my neck again, and a

transitioned from my neck to my

tender and affectionate, devoid of any haste or

was resolute in keeping his promise