The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman novel Chapter 354

~Liam~

Upon arrival at the street, we noticed that everything remained undisturbed, just as we had left it. The crime scene was still cordoned off with tape.

"Does it look the same as last night?" Justin inquired, and Josephine confirmed with a nod as he parked the van.

"I instructed them to maintain the integrity of the scene. We can't be sure if the perpetrators tampered with it as well, so let's not give them any confidence that they followed my instructions," Justin warned, and we all understood the importance of preserving the evidence and the likelihood that the pack members were corrupt.

"Marvin, Charlotte, Sebastien, and Oliver, you'll investigate the exterior. Check the tire tracks from grandma's gate leading to the burnt van," Justin directed.

"The rest of us will head inside. Once you're done outside, join us indoors to discuss your findings," he continued, efficiently dividing us into two teams to make the most of our investigation.

Josephine, Noah, and I accompanied Justin as we entered the building for the investigation. As soon as we stepped inside, Justin inquired about the location where the body was found, and I provided him with the details. He and Josephine went to explore that particular room, while Noah and I were assigned to search other areas.

Investigating Grandma's house felt bizarre. Only a few weeks ago, I was living here peacefully, but now it had become a crime scene. The question that haunted me was: why did they target the housekeeper?

"I bet they thought your grandparents were home," Noah commented, scanning the surroundings.

"But what did my grandparents ever do to them?" I questioned, seeking an explanation. He simply shrugged in response.

"After watching that video where they mentioned instructing the council to do something for them, I wouldn't be surprised if they had plans to target your grandparents. Holding your girlfriend wouldn't necessarily force your father or mine to comply with their demands. It might pressure you, but you don't have the final say. Your grandparents, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. Both our fathers would be more inclined to bend, especially yours. Lady Stephanie is his mother, and I know I'd do anything to protect my own mother, just like you would for yours. Now imagine your father's situation," Noah explained, connecting the dots eloquently.

"It was quick thinking to prevent them from coming home," he praised, and hearing Noah piece everything together, I realised how much sense it made.

"Sophia isn't my girlfriend," I corrected him, and he nodded, chuckling.

"Yeah, right. So we all got involved in something that wasn't our business because you wanted some excitement, Li?" he questioned, leaving me unsure of how to respond.

He then revealed something embarrassing, saying, "Your mother told mine that you confessed your feelings for Sophia to her and your father." My impulsive actions left me feeling utterly embarrassed.

In my defense, I tried to explain, "I wanted them to take the situation seriously."

Noah countered my argument, saying, "You didn't need to confess your feelings unless they were genuine, Li. You were planning to ask her out the night she went missing. You've been through a lot of emotional trauma."

He paused and fixed me with a serious gaze. It was an unusual expression for Noah, who, along with Sebastien, usually appeared playful and carefree. However, their sharp eyes betrayed their keen awareness of their surroundings. It was impossible to fool them; their ability to quickly piece things together made lying futile.

"You're my cousin," he sighed, "and so is Josephine," he added, hinting at the direction of the conversation.

"I'm aware of what's going on between you two. Your silent gestures and secret mind links don't fool me, which is why I brought up Sophia during breakfast. I'd hate to see Jo hurt. She's kind-hearted and sweet, and she doesn't deserve to be caught up in your issues with Sophia. If she's just a substitute until Sophia is found, I promise you, Li, you'll have a problem with me, and I am sure it is the same for the others because we expect better from you.

Jo may seem tough, but she has a gentle soul that can be easily bruised. I see the way she looks at you, the way she laughs and acts around you. She's falling for you, Li, and if you were oblivious to that fact before, I hope you understand it now and do what's right. She shouldn't be anyone's substitute," he said with genuine concern evident in his eyes.

"She isn't Sophia's substitute. I..." I struggled to find the words, and he patiently waited for me to speak.

"If I tell you this, you have to promise to keep it a secret. It's crucial," I requested, and he furrowed his brow, considering my words before nodding in agreement to keep my confidence.

"Yes, I had feelings for Sophia. I confessed it to everyone and was quite adamant about it. It's all true, but I don't have those feelings anymore. I..." I hesitated, and he remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

"Jo and I are fated," I blurted out, causing him to gasp, his eyes widening in surprise.

"I found out during dinner when we arrived at Mountain. I swear, I fought against it, but in the end, I decided to give fate a chance," I confessed, and he frowned, concerned.

"But she isn't eighteen yet. You can't know. She can't know," he argued, and I nodded in agreement.

"I thought the same at first, but fate seems to have different plans for me. She still doesn't know, and I don't intend to tell her anytime soon. I want her to discover it on her own, in a natural way, and decide if she wants me or not," I explained, and he studied me closely, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation.

"And what about you? Bond aside, do you want her?" he asked, and I nodded without hesitation.

"More than I've ever wanted anyone," I admitted, and he bowed his head in understanding.

"I believe you, Li. Alex just flashed while you were talking about her. He never did that with Sophia, so I believe you," he reassured me, taking note of the bond's response.

"Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell her or anyone, and I genuinely wish you two the best. Congratulations, by the way," he said, and with those words, his serious expression softened into a relaxed one once again.

It will be stupid to believe that the Albert twins were as oblivious as they seemed. They just seemed the type to choose to ignore things.

"I want to ask you about your friends in Mountain, the ones you invited to the picnic?" I inquired, and he burst into laughter.

"The social climbers?" he chuckled, surprising me with his awareness.

"Honestly, we thought you didn't know," I admitted, and he laughed again.

"Of course we know, but it gets lonely in the east. You have everyone up north, so you don't need any extras, but it's just us, so we make do," he explained with amusement.

"Sebastien and I find their efforts entertaining. We invited them for amusement, and boy, they didn't disappoint. Charlotte, Jewels, Gemma, Lily, and Harper had their hands full with those boys," he said, laughing, and I could tell it was all deliberate.