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

the stream wasn’t quite the same

a gentle kiss on the nape

from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I

nearby added a layer of shyness to my

“Li,” I murmured softly.

a hushed tone, still holding me

breath set off sparks of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more

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

tangible; I didn’t want him to

soaking in the picturesque view and relishing

Mrs.

served us an array of appetizers and food,

didn’t come without a

arrange for her to come and prepare this

close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the

is a precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze

enough expanse to grant us

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

us felt like a

calm around us

in trouble, we wouldn’t be

reminder that something

an exceptional king

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

you there,

side,” he spoke earnestly, his sincerity evident

myself momentarily at

to him, his gaze

your feelings; this isn’t some

It’s real.

you, but understand that my commitment to

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal

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

you,” he said, coaxing

brow furrowed, looking

without your contacts?” he inquired, and a

concealing the truth about them any longer; it was time

um, you see,” I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand of hair behind my

nervousness; I desperately hoped this revelation wouldn’t sour

wrong

contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I confessed, finally meeting

crumble; there was no longer

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

was the one

relentlessly optimistic she can

off on me that day,” I added with a

and attentive demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry on and divulge

partly because

I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking an odd

day was stubborn, refusing to

felt like I

I should give it a shot,” I

a while, but I suppose I

seemed

always you and

you two became friends, you started sidelining

and he

was imperative to express everything

desperately wanted to share my

was just fifteen, but I understood

It was crystal clear.

never experienced anything like it

I overheard you four talking and laughing

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

despised being

my intelligence – they all seemed to

my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I

to draw me close, I allowed him to

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

me and locked his gaze

Jo, they’re

your

unique is a blessing,

said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by our own

yet you not only caught up but

of a perfect person? I regret it deeply,

time and erase those

find it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger between

every

perfect just the

to change,” he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed

I whispered, and he transitioned from my

was tender and affectionate, devoid of

in keeping his promise