The Dark Side of Fate

The Dark Side Of Fate By Karima Sa’ad Usman Chapter 361 The Dark Side Of Fate 32 A Date ~Josephine~

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.

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

convinced Mrs Mirabel to join us,” he explained, and a surge of excitement led me to embrace him

I had yearned to return to the park ever since that day. Even though the stream wasn’t quite

nape of my neck. The sensation from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I shouldn’t be entertaining. The presence of

“Li,” I murmured softly.

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

I managed to utter, and he chuckled, easing away from me with gentleness. The vulnerability I felt was tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat, yet he seemed to respect

the picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience of the

array of appetizers and food, and once she had completed her task, she discreetly departed. I was aware that her assistance didn’t come without a price – she couldn’t have left her food truck unattended. Liam must have expended

horizon. The stream before us provided a broad enough expanse to grant us this view,

said, and I nodded in agreement, entwining my fingers with his. The tranquillity enveloping us felt like a treasured blessing. The calm around us was a gift. If we were at

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

comes, Li. And rest assured, we’ll all be there to offer our unwavering support,” I assured

words. I found myself momentarily at a loss for a response. He drew me close

that my commitment to you is real. My feelings won’t waver. This is the real deal for me. But, of course, you can take all the time you need to decide what you want.

brow furrowed, looking

contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment led me to avert my eyes. There was little sense in concealing the truth about them any longer;

throat and absently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Liam’s attentiveness only added to my nervousness; I desperately hoped this revelation wouldn’t sour

wore the contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I confessed, finally meeting his gaze. The façade had to crumble;

ask you out,” I admitted, and

be. Her enthusiasm must have rubbed off on me that day,” I added with a chuckle, reminiscing

perfect, so normal, and I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking an odd ache within me.

like I couldn’t measure up, Li. But my sister insisted that I should give

but I suppose I lacked the courage to let it show. You never seemed to notice. It was always you and Sophia. From the moment you two became friends, you started sidelining me, even at gatherings. It was as though I were invisible, and that hurt,” I

like it before. But then I overheard you four talking and laughing

my pale skin, my eyes, my intelligence – they all seemed to work against me. While I couldn’t 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

with genuine remorse, and while

released his hold on me and locked his gaze

curse. What the four of us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by our own jealousy. We were older by a year and some months, yet you not only caught

could undo my words and actions. Turn back time and erase those moments. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger between us. I adore every facet of you. You’re perfect just the way you are. I wouldn’t want a single thing

from my neck to my lips. His kiss was tender and affectionate, devoid of any haste or pressure. He was resolute in keeping his promise

understood the direction in which this was heading. But were we truly

heart raced, unsure if I was prepared for the intensity of this moment. And then, he kissed me, and the sensation was met with

“Li,” I whispered breathlessly.

gingerly encircled his arms around my waist, his touch evoking a tingling sensation along my skin. My scent seemed to

before, and a flurry of thoughts crossed my mind. How many other girls had he been involved with? Was I just another

I stammered as he trailed kisses along my neck, each touch igniting a wild

gradually tracing up my thigh. His confession reassured me, and at that moment, I