The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman novel Chapter 326

~Liam~

Sixteen years Later

Liam: 18

Sophia: almost 16

The music blared loudly, forcing my friends and me to shout in order to communicate. It made me wonder whose brilliant idea it was to turn the graduation celebration into a club-like event. Furthermore, I couldn't understand why no one bothered to seek our consent for this setup.

Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, I spotted Harper dancing with Lily and Eleanor, who shouldn't have been there. We were two years ahead of Eleanor. Their presence made me question the whereabouts of the triplets.

"Have you seen the sisters?" I asked Miles, but he shook his head.

Oliver gestured in a direction, and there I found Charlotte, Gemma, and Jewels—the notorious triplets of our class and, coincidentally, my beloved cousins.

I pondered what their plans were after graduation. Being immensely popular in school, I was certain they would find something worthwhile to occupy their time.

Turning to Marvin, I inquired about Sophia's presence. Once again, the answer was negative. "Isn't she supposed to be here? I thought you two were close," Oliver chimed in, taking a sip of his dubious drink. I refrained from guessing its contents, but I was certain it contained alcohol.

"Not really. She's two years younger than us. I think she'll turn sixteen in a few months," Marvin replied, and Miles playfully punched me while chuckling.

"But she should be here to give you moral support," he said, winking and emphasising the words 'moral support,' which elicited laughter from me.

"I haven't mustered the courage to ask her out yet," I confessed, surprising them both.

"What are you waiting for? She's gorgeous, and now that we're done with school, guys will be lining up for her. The only reason they've held back is because they're afraid of you, and you won't be here to stop them," Oliver asserted.

"You've been friends with Sophia since you were ten and she was eight, which feels like an eternity. By now, you should have figured out your feelings for each other. I'm aware that she's the reason you convinced our parents to send us to Grizlo's Academy. So, Liam, I don't understand why you haven't made a move," Marvin questioned, leaving me at a loss for words.

"You shouldn't waste any more time. You know every moment counts," Miles added with conviction, and I knew deep down they were right.

I hadn't wanted to divert my attention during my studies, as my parents expected nothing but the best from me, and I didn't want to disappoint them. Romance hadn't been a priority, but now that I had graduated, I felt ready to explore that realm.

However, I also acknowledged the importance of waiting and seeing if we were destined for each other. Sophia had yet to turn eighteen, so I couldn't be certain. The last thing I wanted was to break her heart.

I had heard stories about Uncle Leo and my mother, and I vowed never to inflict that kind of pain on anyone. Not everyone is as fortunate as they were. Nonetheless, I couldn't deny the growing intensity of my feelings for Sophia. The difficult part was that she remained oblivious to them. To her, we were simply friends. I was unsure if confessing my intentions would complicate our friendship or create an opportunity for both of us, but I was willing to take that risk now and confront the possibility of being mates, if it were to ever occur. My affection for Sophia ran deep, and I cared for her immensely.

I rose from the couch in the VIP section and made my way outside to give Sophia a call. I had genuinely believed she would be present at the event.

"Where are you headed?" Harper's voice echoed in my mind.

"Just going out to get some fresh air," I replied, continuing on my way.

"We're breathing just fine in here," she playfully teased. "You mean you're going to call Sophia, right?" she inquired, knowing well enough not to expect a response from me.

I could envision her laughter.

My sister understood my feelings for Sophia, and she had been incredibly supportive by keeping it a secret from our friends and cousins. It remained between us; even our younger brothers, Joseph and Keith, were unaware of my crush. Harper and I had a strong bond in that regard, and as far as I was concerned, she was the greatest twin sister one could ask for.

I stepped away from the bustling entrance of the club, seeking solace in the quietness outside. Wanting privacy, I dialled Sophia's number, anticipation building within me. After a few rings, she answered, and her sweet and gentle voice greeted me with a warm hello.

"Hey," I responded, feeling a surge of happiness. The sound of a television playing in the background assured me that she was home.

"What are you up to?" I asked, my tone playful. She chuckled in response.

"I'm at home, watching television," she replied, and a sigh escaped me.

"I was hoping you'd come to the party and keep me company," I teased, to which she giggled.

"With all those girls fawning over you, I'd rather spare myself the envious glares. Some of them actually think I'm your girlfriend," she revealed, and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"And what's wrong with that?" I questioned, and a brief silence ensued.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Tonight, I had planned to ask her out, but doing it over the phone felt insensitive.

"I would have loved for you to be here," I finally confessed, breaking the uncomfortable silence. She let out a sigh.

"You know my father. He's on a mission with the alpha and hasn't returned yet. I couldn't get permission to leave the house, and my mother wouldn't let me go without my father's approval," she explained, grumbling.

"Honestly, I wanted to be there, Li. I wanted to see you," she admitted, and I sighed.

"Now that you've graduated, when are you leaving Grizlo?" she inquired, and I chuckled.

"I'll stay if that's what you want," I assured her, and she laughed.

"Oh, come on. You're destined to be a king someday. Grizlo is too small to contain you," she remarked, tinged with a hint of sadness.

"Are you already missing me?" I teased, and she laughed.

"You wish," she retorted, though I knew it was a lie. She didn't want me to leave.

"Alright, you know what? I'll swing by your place after the party," I decided.

"The rooftop?" she suggested, and I chuckled.

"No need to make a grand entrance through the front door. Beta Mike is intimidating, especially when it comes to his daughter being visited at night. The rooftop will suffice. I'll let you know when I'm around," I suggested, and she laughed, well aware of her father's protectiveness.

"What if I let you into my room?" she playfully teased, and for the first time, it felt like an enticing invitation.

"I hope I can handle it," I teased back, and she giggled.

"See you later, Li," she said in her soothing, seductive voice, and we ended the call, a sweet anticipation filling my heart.

I did not know I was smiling and pacing about the place while talking to Sophia until I hung up. As I turned around, I was taken aback to see Charlotte, Gemma, and Jewels looking at me mischievously. They had overheard everything. Frustration overwhelmed me, knowing my cousins couldn't keep a secret.

"How much did you hear?" I asked Charlotte who was their ringleader.

"Enough, Liam," she replied with a teasing kissing sound, prompting laughter from the others.

"When are you going to ask her out?" Jewels inquired, and I shook my head. They were always teasing me, although they were fun to have around.

"Not in the mood," I muttered, walking past them.