Puppy Love – Chapter 16

Liam

As the time approached for our picnic on the mountain, Miles and Marvin had already gone ahead to help Noah and Sebastien with the preparations, leaving Oliver and me in our room We were planning to catch up with them soon. I watched as Oliver meticulously tried on three different shirts, putting in a lot of effort to look good for Elaine. His fashion dilemma amused me, and he joined in on the laughter when he noticed me chuckling.

Out of the blue, Oliver asked, “What’s going on between you and Josephine? Did you guys have some kind of disagreement?” I was taken aback by the question.

hy do you ask?” I responded, trying to hide any unease in my tone.

at our jokes. However, she’s been rather cold this week,” Oliver explained, expressing his observations.

brought that up? That was in the past, and we certainly didn’t mean any harm by it. We were just ca

membered the

?”

la

never intended any harm by it. I

It became clear that her exterior toughness didn’t mean she was impervious to hurtful words. I regretted my actions and wished I had been more caref

ppened to bump into

Uncle Leo.

nstinctively dodged when he reached to tussle my hair. My

, huh?” he teased, and his laught

t Mike’s mistakes steal the joy and laughter of your youth. I admire what you’re doing for your girlfriend, but remember to live a little too.

you down,

eople. I nodded, appreciating his words, and smiled at my uncle.

me. I felt like I was going crazy with all the uncertainty and emotions tied to it.

aised an eyebrow, giving me a nod.

e understood my need for privacy and guided me away from the h

attention. I swallowed nervously, wanting to inquire about the mate bond, but cautious not to reveal that i

illed me as I finally asked, “What does the ma

my surprise, he suggested, “Actually, let me tell you about Amanda instead.” It was a rare topic, as we seldom discussed her, despite her being the biological mother of Charlotte, Gemma,

ime I experienced the mate bond. By the time I met Amelia, I was already filled with appre

th that part of the mate bond experience.

mating age?” His puzzled expression showed that he needed a moment to process the question. Eventually, he grasped the implication.

ened with surprise.

t Sophia, which only seemed to deepen his confusion.

e.

f the mate bond. He moved closer to me.

ncle Leo remarked, looking at me intently, and I reluctantly shook my head.

ort out my feelings,” I admitted, hoping to buy some time. Uncle Leo studied me with a knowing expression, understanding the complexity of the situation.

ed, and I shook my head.

y that.

shook my head.

any negative feelings towards her, but I don’t see her in a romantic light either. She’s unaware of my thoughts,” I explained, being as honest as I could.

nt to reject her and search for Sophia?” he asked, but I found myself unable to answer. The bond was

and gently said, I see you’re unsure. Take your time to figure things out.” He advised, and I nodded, gr

fair to discard the gift of the moon for something that isn’t truly yours. Keep in mind that Sophia might find her own fated match, and unlike you, she might be more than willing to emb

eing given a chance. I made that mistake with Amelia, and I’m grateful she didn’t give up on me. I don’t want you to make mistak

you to embrace it and give it a chance. We will still search for Sophia regardless,” he emphasised, alleviating my fears. I looked at him, and he nodded, understandin

itation.

at this point, we are all too invested to pull out. Remember, she is still

relief.

my parents found out she was my fated mate, there would be no room for rejection. I needed time to figure things out before they knew.

and he finished the sentence for me, understanding my concern.

o an embrace and playfully tousled my hair. We both shared a hearty laugh, and in that moment, I realised that no matter how old I grew, I would always be little Liam to him.

de for his guidance and support as I navigated through the complexities of the mate bond. I knew I could count on him to keep my confidence, allowing me the space and time to sort out my emotions without unnecessary interference.

ere waiting, one already full and the other still open. Charlotte seemed unhappy, standing by the door of the open van. I quickly assessed the situation and noticed that the only available seat was n

need to clarify my actions, as I didn’t want her to think I was avoiding her. I shook my head immediately and sat beside her.

I looked at her and explained,

to sit with you, Joe. I was simply trying to figure out who else was in the van with us.”

ndeniable, and I was determined to see where this journey would lead us.

ispered to her, noticing the furrow of her brows as she tried to understand the sudden change in my demeanour.