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Beneath the Surface
Last Updated:
2024-11-15 20:03:31Related chapters
By Chance, By Fate Rifts and Revelations
18Liam I woke up, the weight of yesterday's exhaustion still lingering in my muscles, but there was a shift—I felt better, steadier. The dull throb of tiredness was still there, but it didn’t suffocate me like before. I stretched, taking a moment to let the silence settle over me, eyes flicking to the slivers of light peeking through the curtains. Today would be different, I promised myself. Today, I’d find my way back into Alex’s orbit, or at least try to bridge the chasm that had opened between us.The memory of Charlotte’s kiss on Alex’s cheek, that familiar touch, still gnawed at the corners of my mind. It had played on a loop ever since I saw it, leaving me restless. But this morning, I felt determined to push past the jealousy. I was a prince; composure should be my crown. I needed to talk to him, to find a way to get close without the suffocating tension that threatened to crush me whenever she was around.The ritual of bathing calmed me, each splash of water washing away th
Last Updated : 2024-11-15By Chance, By Fate He's In Love With Me!
19Alex POV Out of the lobby's view, Charlotte spun on her heel, her eyes blazing. “What the hell was that, Alex?” she demanded, her voice low but seething. “Why did Liam talk to us like that? What’s going on between you two?”I forced myself to keep my expression neutral, though inside, everything felt like it was unraveling. The memory of Liam’s words, the raw pain in his eyes, gnawed at me. I couldn't let it show. I couldn’t let Charlotte know. “That’s not the point, Charlotte,” I shot back, trying to steer the conversation away from the cliff’s edge it was approaching.“Not the point?” Her laugh was sharp, bitter. She took a step closer, eyes narrowed, scanning my face like she was searching for a crack in my armor. “Then what is the point, Alex? Because from where I’m standing, I see a man acting suspicious as hell. You’re hiding something, and I’m going to find out what it is.”I clenched my jaw, feeling the anger flare beneath my skin. “Don’t turn this into something it’s not
Last Updated : 2024-11-16By Chance, By Fate Damn It!
20LiamI turned and walked away, feeling a deep, shattering ache bloom in my chest. I had put everything out there, laid myself bare, and Alex had thrown it back with such cold finality it felt like a knife in the gut. The hallway seemed to stretch on endlessly as I forced one foot in front of the other, the distant echoes of murmured conversations blending into a blur. My vision swam with unshed tears, but I wouldn’t let them fall, not here, not now. Alex’s words repeated in my mind like a haunting refrain: There’s no room for this in our world.I wanted to scream, to punch something, to erase the last few days from existence. He couldn’t even admit that it meant something, not even a glimmer of what I knew was there. I pressed my fist to my chest, as if the pressure could push the pain away, but it only seemed to deepen it.Out in the gardens, the cool evening breeze hit my face, carrying the scent of jasmine and damp earth. I leaned against a stone pillar, the rough surface grou
Last Updated : 2024-11-17By Chance, By Fate Should I tell him?
21AlexThe weight of days pressed heavily on my shoulders as I made my way through the dark, cobblestone paths winding through the palace gardens. The summit had taken every ounce of willpower to endure, with Liam’s voice—full of anger, hope, and betrayal—still echoing in my head. My chest felt like it was caving in, a silent reminder that I was the architect of this chaos between us. I needed air. I needed space where the silence wasn’t filled with unsaid words and the presence of Liam’s pain. The night breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. I found myself pacing along the edge of the garden, the rough bark of the ancient oaks brushing against my fingertips.That’s when I heard it—a voice, sharp and biting, cutting through the night. I froze, instinctively stepping back into the shadows, holding my breath.“Anders, do you even understand what’s at stake?” Queen Ingrid’s voice was cold, the kind of cold that made the hair on the bac
Last Updated : 2024-11-18By Chance, By Fate Does She Know?
22LiamThe ballroom glittered with opulence, chandeliers dripping with crystal casting soft light over the finely dressed diplomats and royalty. The air was thick with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the carefully measured laughter of people who knew too well the art of pretending. I stood near the edge of the room, nursing a half-empty glass of champagne, my gaze scanning the crowd for Alex. He hadn’t arrived yet—or maybe he had and was deliberately avoiding me. Both scenarios felt equally plausible.My thoughts were interrupted by the sharp clip of heels behind me. I turned to see Charlotte approaching, her emerald-green gown flowing like liquid silk around her. Her expression was serene, but her eyes were as sharp as daggers. “Prince Liam,” she greeted, her voice smooth but with an undercurrent of something darker. “Enjoying the party?”“Charlotte,” I replied evenly, inclining my head. “It’s a lovely evening.”Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Lovely indeed.
Last Updated : 2024-11-19By Chance, By Fate I'm falling Hard
23LiamThe summit was already strained when the latest alert came through. I was in a side room, reviewing talking points for an upcoming session when an aide rushed in, pale-faced and whispering frantically to Sophia. Her expression darkened immediately, and she nodded before dismissing the aide with a clipped, “Handle it.”“What’s happened now?” I asked, setting my notes aside. Sophia turned to me, her lips pressed into a thin line. “There’s been a security breach. A suspicious package was found near the main venue. They’re investigating now.”My stomach churned at the thought. “A bomb?”“Possibly,” she admitted. “President Morgan’s team isn’t taking any chances. Protocols are tightening across the board. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”I nodded, already feeling the tension ramping up. When things like this happened, everyone became a suspect, and alliances frayed. It was the perfect storm for whoever was behind the threats. Later That EveningThe ballroom buzzed
Last Updated : 2024-11-19By Chance, By Fate Operation Eclipse
24AlexI was in my hotel room, slumped in the chair, scrolling through a report on my laptop when my phone buzzed. An unknown number lit up the screen. My finger hovered over the decline button. Who could this be? As the president’s son, my number wasn’t exactly public knowledge. If they’d gotten it, they had to know me—or at least think they did. The call stopped, only to start again a moment later. Persistent, whoever they were. With a sigh, I answered. “Hello?” My voice came out sharper than I intended. “Alex?” A smooth female voice replied. “This is Sophia. I’m Prince Liam’s best friend. We’re both here, and we need to meet with you immediately.” Sophia. Liam. I frowned, standing from my chair. Why now, and what could they possibly want? My schedule was already packed with summit meetings, security briefings, and enough pressure to crush anyone who wasn’t used to it. “This isn’t exactly a good time,” I said, rubbing my temple. “I understand,” she said, her voice calm b
Last Updated : 2024-11-20By Chance, By Fate The Price of Deception
25LiamThe moment the door creaked open, I immediately noticed Charlotte standing there, her eyes wide with panic as she took in the scene before her. She froze, her gaze flicking between Alex, Sophia, and me. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers trembled as she clasped her hands together. There was something off about her, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.Alex, ever the composed one despite his exhaustion, was the first to speak. “Charlotte? What are you doing here?”Her voice faltered as she tried to come up with an explanation. “I... I was just checking the breakroom,” she said quickly, though I could hear the cracks in her voice. “I—just needed to make sure everything was... okay.”Her excuse was weak, too rehearsed, and her face betrayed her, the flicker of guilt barely hidden behind her feigned innocence. I watched as Alex took a step forward, his expression softening despite his confusion. “Is everything all right?” he asked, his voice sur
Last Updated : 2024-11-20
Latest chapter
By Chance, By Fate 83
83AlexDuring the day, even the maids couldn’t stop whispering about Liam Brighmore’s engagement to his best friend, Sophia. Their voices floated through the corridors, stinging my ears every time I overheard their chatter. I clenched my jaw, trying to block out their words, but they echoed in my mind nonetheless. Marrying her? Liam? The same Liam who used to tell me I was the love of his life? The same Liam who swore he’d stand by me when we exposed our relationship? I rubbed my temples, pacing my room as the weight of his betrayal pressed down on me. “It doesn’t make sense,” I muttered to myself. “He’s gay. He told me... he told me he loved me.” Lie. All of it. Lies. The realization hit like a punch to the gut. Liam had lied about everything. About us. About the future he told me he dreamed of. And now, he was engaged to her? My throat tightened as I thought of Sophia, with her perfect smile and flawless reputation. The world adored her. Of course, they did. She was everyth
By Chance, By Fate 82
Alex The next day, I was brooding in my room when there was a soft knock at the door. I stiffened, knowing it could only be one person. After our last argument, I wasn’t exactly thrilled to face her.“Come in,” I called out flatly, my voice still tinged with bitterness—not just from last night, but from our previous clash.Elena poked her head in, her brow furrowed with concern. She hesitated at the doorway, as if gauging whether I’d throw her out. “Alex? Can I talk to you for a minute?”I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms defensively. “What is it, Elena? Come to tell me again how I should marry Charlotte and save the family's reputation?”Her expression faltered, a flash of guilt crossing her face before she closed the door and stepped inside. “Alex, I didn’t come to argue. I heard about the news... about Liam Brighmore’s engagement.” She studied me carefully, her voice soft. “How are you holding up?”I scoffed, shaking my head as I turned away. “Why do you care? I’m sure yo
By Chance, By Fate 81
81Alex "You've got to be kidding me," I mumbled under my breath, still staring at the screen.Liam Brighmore. The words on the screen felt like a slap to my face. Prince Liam Brighmore... marrying Sophia Belleville in three days. I sat frozen, staring at the screen, my mind struggling to wrap around what I was seeing. This wasn’t just news—it was a punch to my gut.Liam? Marrying her? My fingers trembled as I gripped the remote tighter, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. His smiling face, so composed, so damn perfect, was plastered all over the screen. The same Liam who had once begged me to be with him, the same Liam who’d whispered sweet promises into my ear like he was the only one who could make me feel alive. And now? Now he was getting married."Unbelievable," I whispered, my voice raw with disbelief. How? How could he do this? How could he go from swearing he was in love with me to... this? It was as if everything he'd said to me had been a lie.A tight knot formed in my ches
By Chance, By Fate 80
80AlexWeeks had passed since I walked out on Charlotte and Damon, and now the weight of the situation was beginning to settle heavily on my chest. The tension in our family had only grown, each day making me feel like a bad son. The guilt gnawed at me like an insistent pest, threatening to swallow me whole. I could barely sleep without the nagging thought that I had somehow failed them all. But I couldn’t undo what I had done, no matter how much it haunted me.I was walking through the hallway of the mansion when I heard my father's voice booming from the study. His words were sharp, and the anger behind them was unmistakable. I paused for a moment, feeling the tension build, knowing I had to face him."You've put me in a hell of a position, Alex!" My father's voice rang out, his tone like a whip, crackling with fury. "I had everything under control until you decided to act like a damn child!"I could feel my heart race in my chest as I approached the door, the air in the house thic
By Chance, By Fate 79
79LiamThe silence stretched so long it felt like it could suffocate me. I turned to my mother, my jaw tight as I tried to keep my frustration from boiling over.“Mother,” I said sharply, my voice trembling with the effort to stay calm, “how could you plan a wedding without even asking me? Without—without us?”She raised a perfectly arched brow, clearly unimpressed with my outburst. “Liam, don’t be dramatic. The two of you have been together for months. The entire kingdom expects this. It’s what’s best for all of us.”I scoffed, pushing my plate aside with a loud scrape. “Best for all of us? I haven’t even proposed to her! I haven’t given her a ring, a proper engagement—nothing! And now you’re telling me we’re to marry next week? How does that make sense to you?”Sophia flinched at my words. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, and for a split second, I saw it—the fear she wasn’t showing to anyone else. Her hands were clasped so tightly in her lap her knuckles had turned whi
By Chance, By Fate 78
78LiamWeeks had passed, and I could feel myself getting better. The wound had healed completely, though the emotional scars from everything that had happened were far from fading. But now, there was something else weighing on me—something even more pressing and annoying.My mother had been relentless in her insistence that I marry Sophia. We’d been pretending to be a couple for months now, all so I could keep my secret—my real identity hidden from the world. She had warned me about the consequences if I didn’t comply, but I had begged her, and as always, she couldn’t refuse me. So here I was, stuck in a game I didn’t want to play.Today, we were all gathered around the grand dining table in the palace. My mother, ever the queen, was seated at the head. Anders, my wicked brother, sat beside his equally wicked wife—Evelyn. She had a name that seemed to fit her too perfectly, like the kind of name you’d give to someone who knew how to make your life miserable with just a smile. And the
By Chance, By Fate 77
77 Alex Turning to Damon and Charlotte, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I'm not going to marry her. I don't care what you say or what happens to my family's reputation. This isn't my problem, and I'm not going to fix it." Damon's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "You don't have a choice, Alex. This is the only way to save your family." "Then let them burn," I spat, my voice dripping with venom. "I'm done with this. I'm done with all of it." I turned and headed for the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear Charlotte's voice behind me, her tone shrill and demanding. "Alex! Where do you think you're going? You can't just leave!" I didn't turn around, my pace quickening as I made my way towards the exit. But just as I reached for the door, I heard her voice again, this time laced with a hint of desperation. "Alex, wait! You can't leave without a car. How do you plan to get home?" I paused, my hand on the doorknob, and turned to face her. Her e
By Chance, By Fate 76
76Alex The tension in the room was palpable. The fire crackled and popped, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. But the warmth it offered couldn’t soothe the chill running through me. Damon Nightshade, as smug and composed as ever, sat in his chair, his dark eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.Beside him, Charlotte leaned back in her seat, a glass of red wine in hand, her smile far too pleased. I stood there, arms crossed, trying to keep my emotions in check. I had been dragged here under duress, but there was no way in hell I was going to make it easy for Damon or Charlotte.Damon leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving mine. “Alex, I know this isn’t easy for you. But sometimes, life forces you to make hard decisions.”“Hard decisions?” I scoffed, my voice filled with disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about? You think I’m just going to roll over and play your game?”He didn’t flinch, his lips curling into a smile. “I don’t think you have much of a choice,
By Chance, By Fate 75
75AlexThe fire crackled softly, its warmth doing nothing to ease the icy tension in the room. Damon Nightshade leaned back in one of the leather chairs, exuding a relaxed authority that made my skin crawl. He studied me like I was some pawn on a chessboard, waiting for me to make a move he could exploit. “Have a seat,” Damon said, gesturing to the chairs opposite him. His voice was smooth, calm, but it carried an undertone of command that left no room for argument.I stayed standing, crossing my arms. “We’re not here to make ourselves comfortable.”Damon tilted his head, a faint, amused smile on his lips. “Suit yourself. Though, I find negotiations go smoother when everyone’s relaxed. Charlotte, what will you have to drink?”Charlotte, who had made herself at home on the chair beside him, smiled like she belonged there. “A glass of red wine, Damon. Something bold.”“Of course,” Damon said, nodding toward one of the silent attendants who stood in the shadows near the door. The man d
