Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 87 -Maya's POV-

The disbelief in Natalia's voice echoed in the small cafe, shattering the fragile peace I had found in a steaming cup of tea. "She fired you?"

I flinched, the accusation stinging even though I knew it wasn't meant that way. Raising my head slowly, I met her gaze, a storm brewing in her usually calm brown eyes. "Well, technically, I quit," I mumbled, the gullt gnawing at me.

"You quit?" This time, her voice wasn't questioning, it was a low growl that sent shivers down my spine. I winced again, feeling like a child being scolded. Letting out a defeated sigh, I ran a hand through my hair.

"I had a run-in with Alex," I started, needing to explain the whirlwind of emotions that had led me here. "It was bad. Really bad. And I just... just wanted him to leave me alone. But the jerk, the absolute..." My voice trailed off, searching for a word harsh enough to describe Alex in

that moment.

"Fucktard," She offered, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

"Yeah, the fucktard!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me at finding the right word, "He twisted everything around, like it was my fault I was in charge of the interior design project. "You're the one coming into my company, be said, like I was some kind of intruder."

Anger flared back up, hot and fresh, pushing aside the guilt. "So I told him," I continued, my voice rising a notch, "Screw him and screw the project! I was done."

Natalia's glare intensified, making me raise my hands in surrender. "I was angry, okay?" I confessed, the anger morphing into a deep sense of shame. "So, so angry when I went into that office. I didn't think things through," I admitted, the deflation in my voice as heavy as the weight

ough," la settling in my stomach.

"So yes, I mumbled, the words scraping against my throat, "I quit out of anger when Ms. Edward's said if I wanted to be taken off the project and not able to complete a simple task then she didn't see the need for me working there and now I'm jobless."

Silence descended between us, thick and suffocating. Her gaze held a mix of disappointment and concern, and I knew she was right.

to get you that interview," she finally said,

I croaked, the guilt returning with a vengeance. "I know,

the movement conveying more than words ever could. "It isn't even about the job right now," her voice was laced with a weariness I hated to see. "It's the fact that you are still letting Alex dictate

words were a punch to the gut, a harsh reality I couldn't ignore. Natalia was my best friend, the one person who knew me better than anyone. And the truth was, a part of me, a tiny, stubborn part, had always clung to the hope of a future with Alex.

"And I am truly sorry for dragging you into this with me. Believe me, I am

had taken

do with him anymore," I declared, surprising even myself with the fierceness in my voice. "I told him that much. He can go ahead with his war with my father, they can tear each other to pieces for all

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10:29 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 87

i came back.

just to Natalia, but to myself. This time, I meant it. I was done letting Alex control my life, my happiness. It was time to move on, to find peace and a future that didn't revolve around him and my

gaze softened, a hint of understanding replacing the disappointment. "Are

gaze, a newfound determination burning in my eyes. "Yes.

lips curved into a thin smile, a flicker of relief chasing away the worry lines that had etched themselves

while, sipping our tea. Finally, she broke the quiet, her voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. "You

laugh escaping my lips. "Remember how terrified

sound that echoed my own amusement. "Absolutely terrified," she admitted. "I swear I must have packed enough clothes for a year, and half of them were completely impractical." "And don't even get me started on the dorm room situation," I added, shaking my head. The image of two nervous freshmen staring at each

widening. "Two complete strangers thrown together, hoping we wouldn't end up hating

I finished her sentence, a wave of gratitude washing over me. "Best

excitement of newfound Independence, the terror of being far from home, the constant struggle to navigate the complexities of college life. My thoughts

in. Nervous laughter mingled with shouts of greetings and the constant thump of furniture being dragged down hallways. My arms ached from carrying boxes, and the air hung thick with the smell of new carpet and nervous sweat. I had come all by myself, of course my father paid no attention to the fact that I