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

yearned to return to the park

quite the same as the lake, it was more than

arms, planting a gentle kiss on

from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking

added

“Li,” I murmured softly.

responded in a hushed tone,

thoughts began to stray into more

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

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

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

Mrs.

food, and

come without a price

must have expended considerable effort to arrange for her to come and

close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon to

gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze fixed

to grant us this view, and it was

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

tranquillity enveloping us felt like a treasured

calm around us was a

trouble, we wouldn’t be able to do

movement were a poignant reminder that

exceptional king when your time comes,

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

you there,

he spoke earnestly, his

myself momentarily at a

close to him, his gaze penetrating

toying with your feelings; this

It’s real.

you, but understand that my commitment to you

My feelings won’t waver.

real deal

of course, you can take all the time you need

be patient with you,” he said, coaxing a

furrowed, looking at

contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment led

about

my throat and absently

attentiveness only added to my nervousness; I desperately hoped

wrong with

as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing back in

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

you out,” I admitted, and his

the

relentlessly optimistic

rubbed off on me that day,” I added

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

partly

I…” I stumbled over my words, the

pain from that day was stubborn, refusing to

felt like I

insisted that I should give it

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

seemed

was always you and

you two became friends, you

and that hurt,” I continued, and

was imperative to express everything I had been holding

clung to hope and desperately wanted to share my feelings with you that

just fifteen, but I

It was crystal clear.

had never experienced anything like

overheard you four talking

stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling as

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

intelligence – they all seemed to work

I thought

Liam reached out to draw me close, I allowed him to hold

sorry,” he apologised with genuine remorse, and while

his hold on me and locked

Jo, they’re

your finest

unique is a blessing, not a

the four of us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by

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

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

back time and erase those

hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not let

every facet of

the way

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

and he transitioned from my

tender and affectionate, devoid of any haste

in keeping his promise of