Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 166 Chapter 166

-Maya's POV-

Six month's later

Epilogue 1

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"I can't believe I'm actually going to Italy!"

Sarah's squeal pierced through the cabin, a high-pitched contrast to the general mood. Natalia and I exchanged a tired look. We'd both tried to temper Sarah's excitement for Riley's sake. For Sarah, Italy was a dream vacation. For Riley, it was a nightmare. She was about to watch her sister, Camilla, take her place in a forced marriage to a man Riley described as the devil incarnate.

Riley was staring out the window, lost in thought. Sarah's voice cut through again. "I've always wanted to see

"Sarah!" Natalia interrupted sharply.

Sarah's eyes widened in realization. "Sorry," she mumbled, but the excitement in her eyes didn't dim. I glanced I at the men. Ivy and Nate were engrossed in a chess lesson, while Alex, Christian, and Nathan argued over the rules. A smile crept onto my face. Alex had changed significantly in the past six months. He was more relaxed, more open. He laughed more, talked more, and had even started attending family dinners with my parents. His relationship with my father was a testament to the power of time and forgiveness and they had both decided to finally put the past behind them and move forward much to my relief. There were still a lot of bridges to cross but we would get there eventually.

last six months had been a rollercoaster. Alex had fully reclaimed his company, had found his PA bringing her back in. We'd been through it all together. When it came time for Riley's sister's wedding, I'd suggested we use his jet to be there for her. She was going through a lot, and I wanted her to know she wasn't alone.

gaze met mine, and I smiled. He had a way of making me feel instantly better. "Can I borrow you for a moment?" I mouthed. He nodded, and without another word, we both stood going towards the inner cabin. Just as we closed the door,

for the couple. But everyone here was on guard, eyes flickering around like they were waiting for something dreadful to happen. This was the biggest wedding of the year in their world, as I was told. A wedding of darkness and fear. The union of the two of the strongest mafia families. All of us were seated at a round table except for Riley, who was seated with her father and other extended family. My eyes finally went to the groom, the one who Riley said could be the devil himself. He did not look like the devil. This man was beautiful, but one didn't need to look twice to know that he was dangerous. Beautiful and brutal, the two words played

my eyes settle on Camilla. She looked nothing like Riley; she looked like she had been picked out from a painting where

right out of my mind. But no amount of beauty could mask the fear and sorrow in her eyes. I pitied her. She had not stopped staring at Riley, and it felt like they were having a silent exchange with their eyes.

let out a sigh. I couldn't watch

gave him a small nod, trying to mask the unease I felt

chandeliers casting eerie shadows. The guests were all dressed in black, their expressions serious and guarded. There was an air of dread

were barely audible, her voice trembling as she repeated the vows. Her hands shook as she took the ring, sliding it onto the finger of

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Chapter 166

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help but feel a growing sense of unease. This was a union built on fear and power, not love. The guests seemed to share my sentiments, their eyes darting around the room, as if expecting violence to break out at any moment. The tension was palpable, and I found myself gripping Alex's

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wife, and the room erupted in a smattering of applause, more out of obligation

that she was his to own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions

take it anymore. I rose to my feet, excusing myself. I needed air. It was suffocating me in here. Alex didn't ask; he just followed me outside.