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2025-01-26 23:58:58
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By Chance, By Fate 125
125AlexThe wind whipped against my face as I leaned on the balcony railing, the distant sound of the fjord breaking the silence of the night. My mind churned, trying to piece together the fragments of betrayal that had just unraveled before me.“Alex!” Charlotte’s sharp voice pierced the cold air, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned slowly to see her standing at the doorway, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Her eyes were wide with anger—or maybe fear.“What?” I asked flatly, not bothering to mask the edge in my tone.“Don’t play dumb with me,” she snapped, stepping onto the balcony. Her arms were crossed, and her perfectly styled hair fluttered in the wind. “What’s in your pocket?”I raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference. “Since when do you care?”Her jaw tightened. “Don’t turn this on me, Alex. You’ve been acting strange all night. What are you hiding?”I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “That’s rich, coming from you.”“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she his
Last Updated : 2025-01-27By Chance, By Fate 126
126Alex The next morning, we prepared to leave for the U.S. The air between Charlotte and me was as frigid as the night before. She had called her father earlier, requesting his private jet to take us back. Now, as we packed our things in silence, the tension in the suite was unbearable.Charlotte glanced at me from across the room, her lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, she broke the silence. "Alex, are we really going to keep ignoring each other?"I zipped my bag without looking at her. "Why not? Seems to be working just fine."She sighed loudly, her frustration evident. "I’ve been trying to explain myself, but you’re not even giving me a chance."I shot her a cold look. "Maybe because I’m tired of your ‘explanations.’ They always lead to more lies."Her face hardened, but she said nothing more. Instead, she picked up her phone, sending a quick message before walking toward the door. "The jet will be ready in an hour," she muttered, not waiting for my response.---The flight
Last Updated : 2025-01-28By Chance, By Fate 127
Chapter 127AlexA few hours later, the private jet descended smoothly onto the tarmac. The soft hum of the engines slowly faded as we taxied to a stop at a secluded section of the airport. Outside the cabin window, a sleek black car waited, its polished surface gleaming under the bright morning sun.I leaned back in my seat, my fingers gripping the handle of my carry-on bag. Every passing moment felt like an eternity, the tension in the air suffocating. Across from me, Charlotte adjusted her oversized sunglasses, her movements too precise, too calculated.“Alex,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “You’ve been sulking since we boarded. Are you going to keep this up, or are you planning to act like an adult today?”I didn’t respond immediately, staring out the window instead. “And you’re going to pretend you didn’t bring this on yourself?” I asked, my voice low but cutting.Charlotte sighed dramatically, pushing her sunglasses up onto her head. “For God’s sake, Alex. Are we reall
Last Updated : 2025-01-28By Chance, By Fate 128
128LiamAs Alex’s parting words swirled in my head, my world felt no less chaotic. The laughter, music, and chatter of the reception hall dulled into background noise as I weaved through the crowd, trying to appear composed. People laughed, drank, and danced, completely unaware of the storm raging within me.But Anders’ and Evelyn’s biting remarks kept resurfacing like an annoying itch I couldn’t scratch.“Distracted,” Evelyn’s voice taunted in my mind, her smirk sharp and deliberate. “Wouldn’t want anyone thinking you’ve been… distracted.”I scanned the room instinctively, half-expecting Anders to materialize with that smug grin of his, tossing another cruel comment my way. He thrived on making me squirm, and Evelyn wasn’t much better. The two of them were a toxic duo, feeding off each other’s pettiness and superiority complexes.“Liam,” Sophia’s voice broke through my thoughts, soft but steady.I turned to find her standing there, radiant in her white gown, but the sharp glint in h
Last Updated : 2025-01-28By Chance, By Fate 129
129LiamSophia's words hung in the air like a challenge, her gaze unwavering and sharp as it met mine. Her confidence lit a fire in my chest, and I nodded slightly, swallowing the lump in my throat. If Anders and Evelyn thought they could ruin this night, they were in for a surprise.“Are you ready for whatever stunt he’s planning next?” Sophia asked, her voice calm but laced with steel.“Always,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “You?”Her lips curved into a smirk. “Born ready.”The tension between us broke for a brief moment, replaced by shared determination, but before we could move, the song transitioned into something slower, filling the hall with a soft melody. That’s when a loud crash echoed from the other side of the room, cutting through the music like a knife.Heads turned in unison, whispers rippling through the crowd like wildfire. My chest tightened as I spotted Anders standing near one of the tables, his drink spilled across the floor. The waiter beside him stood froze
Last Updated : 2025-01-28By Chance, By Fate 130
130AlexThe moment I stepped inside, the hum of conversation and faint clinking of glasses filled the air. The grand hall was lit with soft, golden lighting, giving the small reception an air of warmth that felt almost stifling given my current mood.“Alex!” my mother’s cheerful voice rang out, cutting through my thoughts. Her smile was radiant, but the lines of worry around her eyes betrayed her concern.I forced a smile, adjusting my tie as she approached. “Mother,” I greeted, leaning in to kiss her cheek.She cupped my face briefly, her gaze scanning me like only a mother’s could. “You look tired, darling. The trip must have been exhausting.”“It was fine,” I replied tersely, glancing over her shoulder. My father, President Morgan, stood near the fireplace, deep in conversation with a group of advisors. His presence was commanding as always, his tailored suit and crisp demeanor leaving no doubt about the power he wielded.Beside him, my younger sister Elena waved enthusiastically,
Last Updated : 2025-01-29By Chance, By Fate 131
131AlexAs I stepped back into the reception, the hum of conversation seemed louder, more piercing, like a buzzing in my ears. My jaw tightened as I replayed Elena’s smirk over and over in my head. She walked beside me now, an air of satisfaction radiating from her, the corners of her lips tugged upward like a child who’d gotten away with mischief.“What did you say to her?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.Elena batted her lashes innocently, the picture of pure amusement. “Me? I didn’t say anything.” Her voice was light, playful. Too playful.“Elena…” My voice dropped into a warning tone. I wasn’t in the mood for her games.“Oh, relax, big brother,” she said, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder. “I just pointed out that her smile seemed a bit… forced. That’s all. It’s not my fault if she’s so sensitive.”“Elena, for once, could you just—”“What?” she interrupted, cutting me off with a sly grin. “Be nice to her? You’re joking, right? Have you met Charlotte?”My ja
Last Updated : 2025-01-29By Chance, By Fate 132
132AlexI turned to see my father approaching, his strides purposeful and his expression a mask of authority. The crowd parted for him like the Red Sea, their whispers dying down as he came to stand beside us. A few of the guests, standing in small clusters, glanced over, their eyes shifting between Charlotte and me, like spectators at a play waiting for the next dramatic twist.“Alex,” he said, his gaze flicking between me and Charlotte, “what is this about?”Before I could answer, Charlotte jumped in, her voice trembling as she played the victim card with expert precision. “Elena started this,” she said, her tone laced with faux vulnerability. “She made me look like a fool in front of everyone.”My father’s eyes shifted to me, narrowing slightly before softening as they landed on Charlotte. “Alex,” he said firmly, “control your sister. I won’t have her behavior jeopardizing our relationships.”A low murmur rippled through the crowd nearby. Someone whispered, “Is it really that bad
Last Updated : 2025-01-29
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By Chance, By Fate Epilogue
Epilogue Four months later,AlexThe day started like any other, though I had this odd sense that something was off. Liam had been unusually secretive for the past week—whispering into his phone, disappearing for hours, and giving me these coy little smiles that made me both suspicious and amused.“Are you hiding something from me?” I’d asked him over breakfast that morning.“Who, me?” he replied, his face the picture of innocence. “Never.”I rolled my eyes but let it go. If Liam had a secret, I’d find out eventually.The day passed uneventfully, and by the time evening rolled around, I was half-convinced he’d forgotten my birthday entirely.“Get dressed,” he said, popping his head into the bedroom. “Something nice.”“Why?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.“Just trust me,” he said with a grin, disappearing again before I could press him further.---An hour later, we were in the car, heading to a destination he refused to disclose. My curiosity was driving me insane, but I tried to play i
By Chance, By Fate 150
150AlexMoving in with Liam felt surreal, like stepping into a dream I didn’t dare believe I could have. His apartment—our apartment now—was warm and inviting, filled with little pieces of him that I was quickly coming to adore. A framed photo of his childhood dog sat on the mantel, his collection of vintage vinyl records lined the shelves, and a faint scent of cedar lingered in the air.“Home sweet home,” Liam said, tossing his keys onto the counter as we stepped inside.I dropped my bags by the door and glanced around. “It’s still sinking in that this is real.”He grinned, pulling me into a hug. “It’s real, Alex. This is us now.”Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Liam sighed, releasing me. “That’ll be Daniel. He insisted on helping us settle in.”“And Sophia?” I asked, half-joking. “Is she coming too?”“Of course,” Liam said, smirking. “Those two are attached at the hip these days.”---Sure enough, Daniel and Sophia arrived with bags of food and a bottle of wine.
By Chance, By Fate 149
149AlexThe morning air was sharp as I stepped out of my car, nerves bouncing in my chest. Daniel was already waiting for me near the café, leaning casually against the doorframe like he had all the time in the world. His calmness was infuriating, especially since I was a mess.“Relax,” Daniel said as I approached. “You’re not going into battle.”“Feels like I am,” I muttered, shoving my hands into my coat pockets. “This isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about Liam… and Sophia, for some reason.”Daniel smirked. “You’ll thank her. Trust me.”I raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. We stepped inside, and there they were—Liam and Sophia, sitting at a table in the corner.They had come here to USA to see us and we took a rendez vous here. Liam looked as tense as I felt, his jaw tight, eyes scanning the room nervously. Sophia, on the other hand, exuded a calm confidence, sipping her coffee like this was a regular Tuesday.When Liam’s eyes met mine, I froze. The weight of everything—the lie
By Chance, By Fate 148
148AlexFew days later,Daniel paced back and forth in my room, a mix of anger and determination etched across his face. His fists were clenched, and I could see he was holding himself back from exploding.“You’re not going to believe this,” he finally said, stopping in front of me.I sat on the edge of my bed, my heart sinking at his tone. “What is it?”He hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “Charlotte’s lying. She’s not pregnant, Alex.”My stomach dropped. “What?”“She’s lying!” Daniel repeated, his voice louder this time. “I overheard her on the phone with one of her friends. She was laughing about how she tricked you into staying. She said it was the only way to keep you from running off with Liam.”I stared at him, my mind reeling. “Are you sure about this?”“Positive.” His jaw tightened. “I even recorded part of the conversation. I figured you’d need proof.”He pulled out his phone and played the audio. It was Charlotte’s voice, clear as day, bragging about her manipulati
By Chance, By Fate 147
147AlexAfter everything that happened, I could barely think straight—well, no pun intended. I couldn’t shake the chaos of the past few weeks. Liam was miles away in Norway, dealing with his own mess, while I was stuck here with Charlotte, pretending like my life wasn’t falling apart.It wasn’t like I didn’t think about leaving her. I did. Every single day. The problem was, Charlotte knew how to play the game better than anyone. The moment she sensed I was pulling away, she dropped the bomb.“I’m pregnant.”Those two words stopped me dead in my tracks.“What?” I stammered, blinking at her as if I’d misheard.Charlotte crossed her arms, her lips twisting into that smug smile she always wore when she knew she had the upper hand. “You heard me. I’m pregnant, Alex. So whatever you’re thinking about doing, just stop. You’re not going anywhere.”I stared at her, my mind racing. “You’re… how? When?”She rolled her eyes like I was the dumbest person alive. “Do you really need a biology lesso
By Chance, By Fate 146
146Liam After Alex left, I immediately booked a business-class flight to Norway. My head was spinning, and my chest felt tight as I made my way through the airport. The scandal had erupted faster than I could comprehend, and now everything was unraveling.The messages from Sophia, my wife, wouldn’t stop coming. My phone buzzed incessantly in my pocket, and each time her name lit up the screen, I felt another wave of frustration. She knew why I’d gone to the USA. She knew I’d gone to see Alex. But being caught? That was the part she couldn’t handle.Her last message burned in my mind: "You’ve humiliated me, Liam. Fix this. Now."As if fixing this was as easy as flipping a switch.I leaned back in my seat as the plane took off, closing my eyes in a futile attempt to relax. But the stress kept clawing at me. My mother had called too, several times. I refused to pick up. Not now. I couldn’t deal with her fury and the barrage of accusations over the phone. Whatever was coming, I’d face i
By Chance, By Fate 145
145AlexI paced the room, my phone clutched so tightly in my hand that my knuckles had turned white. My breathing was shallow, and my chest felt like it was being crushed under a massive weight. The headlines were everywhere, and the notifications on my phone wouldn’t stop. Every second, there was another call, another message, another piece of my life falling apart.“Alex, you need to calm down,” Liam said, his voice steady but soft. He reached for me, but I stepped away, shaking my head.“Calm down?” I snapped, my voice trembling. “Are you kidding me right now? Do you see what’s happening? My parents are going to kill me! My dad already hates that I’m even remotely involved in politics, and now this? A scandal with a prince? God, Liam, what were we thinking?”“We weren’t thinking,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “We were just… feeling. And I don’t regret it, Alex. Not for a second.”“Well, I do!” The words came out before I could stop them, and the moment they did, I
By Chance, By Fate 144
144Alex's POVI was so shocked to see him standing there. Of all the places, of all the nights, Liam showed up here. At first, I thought I was imagining things—the dim lighting of the bar, the soft hum of alcohol in my veins. But no, it was really him. His face, those familiar blue eyes that haunted me for years, the slight stubble along his jaw that hadn’t been there before.To be honest, I’d missed him.Not that I’d admit it, at least not right now. Not after everything. But seeing him in the flesh brought back memories I had buried so deep I thought they’d never resurface. The way he used to laugh at my stupid jokes. The way he’d look at me like I was the only person in the room. And, of course, the way he shattered me when he left.I tried to keep my composure, but my voice betrayed me as I asked, "What the hell are you doing here?"His answer was almost laughable in its simplicity. "I needed to see you," he said, as if that excused everything."To say what?" I shot back, narrowi
By Chance, By Fate 143
143LiamThe moment we stepped through the grand doors of the palace, the heavy aroma of fresh lilies greeted us, mingling with the faint scent of polished marble. Queen Ingrid, my mother, stood at the foot of the grand staircase, her regal demeanor faltering for a moment as she took in our unexpected return. Her icy blue eyes, so much like mine, narrowed slightly, betraying her shock.“Liam,” she began, her voice laced with surprise. “And Sophia. Back so soon? I thought you were supposed to be in Bora Bora for another week.”I forced a smile, trying to keep my composure. “Ah, yes, Mother. There was, uh, an issue with the resort,” I said, fumbling for a plausible excuse. “Something about a mix-up with our accommodations. It wasn’t… ideal.”Sophia, ever the composed partner, chimed in seamlessly. “It was a shame, really. The resort was stunning, but the management couldn’t seem to get anything right. Liam thought it would be better if we cut the trip short.”Queen Ingrid’s brows lifted
