The Dark Side of Fate

Chapter 346

The Picnic

~Liam~

Josephine appeared mildly taken aback by my gesture, and I could empathise with her reaction. Going from a nervous and somewhat distant demeanour to intertwining our fingers was a stark contrast. Even I would have questioned my own behaviour. However, I wanted her to understand that I was perfectly fine, just trying to sort out my thoughts.

Gracefully, she withdrew her hand from mine, which brought a small chuckle to Alex. The way she did it was rather endearing, and it brought a smile to my face. Looking ahead, I noticed that Elaine and Oliver were giving me curious looks, as if sensing something was amiss.

Oliver couldn’t resist asking, “What’s going on between you and Joe?” I was at a loss for words, unsure of how to explain the situation to him.

“Why do you want to know?” I replied, and he averted his gaze. Glancing over to where the triplets were seated, I caught Jewels smiling at me, as though she had some insight. I hoped she hadn’t figured anything out, as she was the least likely to keep things to herself among the sisters.

Upon arriving at the venue, I overheard Noah and Sebastien making phone calls to their friends from Mountain, inviting them to join us. I had hoped that our picnic would be more private, but judging by the setup, it appeared to be anything but that. Harper took on the role of the DJ, and as I watched her prepare, it became evident that the music would be quite loud. The triplets and Lilly were in charge of refreshments, while others teamed up to help with the setup. I decided to partner with Josephine and assist her with the mats.

Noticing that Josephine seemed a bit uncomfortable around me, I thought it would be a good idea to strike up a conversation with her.

“May I speak with you, Joe?” I asked, and she looked at me with an expressionless face before nodding, indicating it was okay.

“I am really sorry about my attitude lately. It’s just that I have been dealing with a lot mentally,” I said, and she nodded in understanding.

“I know. We all know. Hopefully, we will be successful and find Sophia, so you can get back to your serious and playful self,” she replied, still maintaining her poker face. I couldn’t quite read her emotions, unsure if she had truly forgiven me for my behaviour or if she was being sarcastic.

cool?” I asked curiously, seeking some clarity, and

and with that, the conversation ended. Her responses were concise and to the point, leaving no room for

and I set up the mats, appearing as though we were being reluctantly forced to interact while everyone else laughed, joked, and formed pairs. Eventually, we ended up

take them back. At the time, it felt like harmless fun, as she wasn’t present, and we were just having a laugh. However, looking back now, I realise how foolish and insensitive those remarks were. If we had refrained from discussing Josephine at all, she wouldn’t be feeling uncomfortable and distant from me now. I couldn’t help but feel like a

join us, leaving me with no one to talk to as everyone else was

and a girl who appeared to be siblings, all with brown hair and brown eyes. They seemed delighted to be hanging out with our group, which was understandable since everyone there came

found a reason to be by my side, and I was trying my best to be polite and not outright ask her to leave me alone. Charlotte noticed what was going on and couldn’t contain her laughter, which only added to my discomfort. Meanwhile, I glanced at my sister

Harper linked me, voicing the very question that had been on my mind. We shared a laugh at that moment, both

All evening, my gaze had been directed towards Josephine, and now, Kelcy’s other brother, Rob, was talking to her. Alex, my wolf, growled with jealousy, but I managed

are?” Alex said, and I couldn’t help but find it the most paranoid thing I’ve ever heard my wolf say. Alex was losing his shit, and it was making me incredibly

moment, I hoped she would come over to join me. However, she looked away and focused on Rob, who was clearly annoying her, but she maintained her polite demeanour. Meanwhile, Noah and Sebastien were hanging out with their friends Roger and Saul, who happened to be Kelcy’s siblings too. Observing the situation, I realised that Rob, Josh, and Kelcy had likely tagged along to hang out with us because we were

there. Talking was one thing, but his touch felt like a step too far. She smiled and thanked him, but that was the breaking point for me. There was no way I could pretend to be calm about this situation any longer. I swiftly got up from my mat and made my way over to

a word with you?” I asked, and she frowned, looking at me. Speaking to her in front of everyone

and I gently took her hand, pulling her away from the picnic party. She seemed surprised, but she followed me. At that moment, I couldn’t care less about

came to a stop, and she looked at me with

was that about?” she asked, sounding a bit

coming out thanks to Alex. He was becoming increasingly difficult

leaving me at a loss for words. Instead of responding verbally, I reached out to her. Though she flinched initially, she allowed me to touch her hand. I gently caressed

spewed two years ago,” I said,