The Dark Side Of Fate Chapter 929

"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.

"Elaine was the one pushing me. You know how relentlessly optimistic she can be. Her enthusiasm must have rubbed off on me that day," I added with a chuckle, reminiscing about the moment. However, his evident shock and attentive demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry on and divulge everything I had started to reveal.