The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman novel Chapter 358

~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.

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.

His consideration touched me deeply. I had yearned to return to the park ever since that day. Even though the stream wasn't quite the same as the lake, it was more than acceptable.

Liam encircled me with his arms, planting a gentle kiss on the 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 someone else nearby added a layer of shyness to my emotions.

"Li," I murmured softly.

"Yes, Jo," he responded in a hushed tone, still holding me close. His breath set off sparks of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires started to take on a wild edge.

"Not in front of her," 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 my wishes.

We settled onto the mat, soaking in the picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience of the location.

Mrs. Mirabel diligently served us an 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 considerable effort to arrange for her to come and prepare this delightful meal for us. After her departure, I nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon to marvel at the unfolding sunset.

"Peace is a precious gift," Liam voiced, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The stream before us provided a broad enough expanse to grant us this view, and it was truly breathtaking.

"We have to do everything we can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure," he 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 war or in trouble, we wouldn't be able to do this.

The restrictions on our movement were a poignant reminder that something of great significance was at stake.

"I'm confident you'll make an exceptional king when your time comes, Li. And rest assured, we'll all be there to offer our unwavering support," I assured him, prompting him to turn his gaze towards me.

"I want you there, Jo. Right by my side," he spoke earnestly, his sincerity evident in his words. I found myself momentarily at a loss for a response. He drew me close to him, his gaze penetrating mine.

"I'm not toying with your feelings; this isn't some experiment for me. It's real. I won't rush you, but understand 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. I will be patient with you," he said, coaxing a giggle from me.

Liam's brow furrowed, looking at me.

"How have you been managing without your 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; it was time to come clean.

"Well, um, you see," I began, clearing my 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 our date.

"There's actually nothing wrong with my eyes, Li. I 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; there was no longer any justification for keeping this secret.

"That day, I was actually planning to ask you out," I admitted, and his expression registered genuine surprise.