Bonds

Chapter 35

-Maya’s POV-

“What’s going on here?” Ivan repeated, his voice tight with a mix of concern and irritation. His gaze flickered between me and Alex, the tension in the air practically crackling. Alex remained silent, his eyes locked on mine for a beat before finally looking away. They landed on Ivan, a silent exchange passing between them. It felt loaded, like a conversation unspoken. Then, his gaze snapped

back to me.

“You will be out of here soon,” he said, his voice flat and devoid of any emotion. It felt like a statement of fact, not a promise. He didn’t wait for a response, turning on his heel and heading for the door. The heavy metal clanged shut behind him, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake.

Ivan’s jaw clenched tight. He looked at me, his face a mask of anger. I opened my mouth to explain, to bridge the widening gap between us, but he cut me off sharply.

“Maya,” he started, his voice losing its usual softness whenever he spoke to me, “You told me Alex was… a thing of the past. You said you were done with him.” His words held a hint of betrayal, a reminder of the conversation we’d had just had before my arrest. Now, here I was, just moments ago in a heated exchange with the very man I supposedly didn’t care about anymore.

“Lasked him to leave,” I blurted out, feeling defensive. “It’s not like I had a choice! He just showed up here, and…” I trailed off, frustration bubbling inside me. It wasn’t fair. I shouldn’t have to apologize for being in a jail cell with a man who refused to leave.

“And how does that explain why he practically had his hands wrapped around you when I walked in here?”

“It happened fast,” I explained, my voice calm despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. “He just grabbed me and I wanted to push him away but-”

“But you didn’t” he cut in, his eyes narrowing. “What was he even here in the fisrt place.”

“He said he was here to help,” I admitted hesitantly. My words felt hollow even to myself. Help? He’d caused most of this chaos!

“Help?” He scoffed, his disbelief evident. “He’s the last person you need help from, Amaya. Don’t you see that?”

“See what?” I shot back, my temper finally flaring, “I appreciate you worrying, Ivan, but I can handle myself.”

A beat of silence followed my outburst. He stared at me, his expression unreadable. The air crackled with unspoken words and simmering tension. But there was a flicker of hurt in his eyes. I wanted to feel bad for snapping at him. I knew it wasn’t his fault but I was just angry. My emotions seemed to bleed into his and the hurt disappeared replaced by anger but then instead of exploding like I expected to, he let out a sign.

jail cell, Maya. How exactly are you handling

disarmed my anger. Shame washed over me. He was right. He was still here for me even though

easy.

the floor. “This whole thing is a mess. My father, Alex

11:35 Fri, 21 Jun

Chapter 35

heavy with weariness. He reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. The touch was warm, a reminder of his presence, his support, “We just need to focus on

here was all I needed to focus on at that moment. “We?” Techoed, “Do

crossing his features. “I’ve contacted a lawyer. Someone who can navigate this mess and hopefully

had bloomed in my chest started to wilt. Was there another complication? Another hurdle

his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting mine

of sympathy in his eyes, a

There was a hint

father? Is he… is he alright?” The image of my father, stern and powerful, facing an unknown interrogation, sent a

it’s not going well for him. They’ve

pool in my stomach. This wasn’t good. Not good at

a chance they could shut it down completely. And even if they don’t, the financial strain… it will

like a physical blow. The symbol of my father’s power

pack?” I blurted out,

in chaos. Everyone’s vying for power, and

out a groan, “That is not good at all. This

it out. We’ll deal with your father, the company, and the

inside me. He was right. Panicking wouldn’t solve

what’s the plan then?” I asked, forcing myself to sound calm. “How do we get me released? And what about my father… is there anything we

here any minute now. As for your father…” he hesitated, his brow furrowing

for my father?” I pressed, my voice laced with a sliver of desperation. “There has to be something we can do. What about

waste of time. He is the reason I am just coming to see you. He amounted