Bonds

Chapter 66

-Maya’s POV-

My gaze locked on Ivan, a strange mix of emotions swirling within me. He sat sprawled on the floor, a giggling Ivy perched precariously on his lap. Her tiny fingers yanked at his hair, and a genuine smile stretched across his face. He left immediately he received the text promising he would be back. He hadn’t even waited for a reply, his hurried departure leaving a knot of unease in my stomach.

He kept his promise and came back. But here he was, back and seemingly relaxed, his playful interaction with Ivy a stark contrast to his tense demeanor carlier. A part of me, the rational part, knew we still had serious issues to address. The elephant in the room, the one named ‘Alex‘ and his sudden investment in Ivan’s company, loomed large. Yet, watching Ivan with my daughter, a strange sense of peace settled over me.

Suddenly, a familiar tug pulled at my mind, a psychic nudge from Natalia. I sighed, the tension momentarily broken, and opened myself to our mental link.

“He’s really good with her,” Natalia’s voice echoed in my head, laced with a hint of surprise.

My eyes flickered back to the playful scene before me. Ivy, now giggling uncontrollably, tugged on a strand of Ivan’s hair with surprising strength. He flinched playfully, his smile widening. He looked…lighter, more carefree than I’d seen him since everything went down.

“He really is,” I admitted, my voice a soft murmur in our bond. “She called him Daddy.”

There was a beat of silence, then a sharp intake of breath from Natalia. “That’s a big step for Ivy. Trusting him enough to want him to be her

father.

I glanced back at them. Ivy, now nestled comfortably in Ivan’s lap, was babbling away incoherently, a content smile plastered on her face. He, in turn, was completely absorbed in her, his earlier tension seemingly forgotten. Nathan and Nate sat in one corner fake wrestling.

“Nathan seems to like him too,” Natalia added, her voice a low murmur. “And you know what they say someone’s energy is bad. That’s not what’s happening over there.”

about kids. They

can always tell when

“You know I love you and I’ll always tell you the truth,” She continued, her voice firm. “I get that you’re upset about how he used you to get back at Alex. But you know as well as I do that Alex can be an arrogant jerk sometimes. He needs to be put in his place. It just sucks that he

used you as a pawn.”

wave of anger washed over me, a bitter reminder of Ivan’s manipulative tactics. He’d used my feelings, our

Alex.

get it. Men like to feel powerful. That’s probably why he didn’t tell you about

careful because he seemed too good to be true,” She continued, her voice laced with a hint of regret. “But with everything you’ve seen, can’t you

surprising reaction to her words. Pushing them back, I forced a watery smile. “You know I missed it,” I let out a whisper through the bond,

atmosphere in the room. Four heads

snagged a strand of

Chapter 66

Sat,

un

nervous smile, his gaze lingering on mine for a

90%

in my stomach tightened. Seeing him interact with Ivy, so relaxed and happy, sent a wave of conflicting emotions through me. There was anger, of

I couldn’t quite

do stupid things, especially when they’re feeling insecure. Maybe he felt threatened by Alex. No he definitely does. I mean Alex is all powerful both in the corporate and

that right. Alex, with his alpha arrogance and undeniable charm, could be

protested, frustration creeping into my tone, “how am I sure he won’t do it again.

Natalia soothed, raising a placating hand. “He messed up, big time. But maybe, just maybe, there’s another way to

of where she was going with

went to Alex because he knew it was the only way to save his company. Maybe

if that’s true,” I argued, “it doesn’t change the fact

that happened with Alex. But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let go

desperately wanted, but it seemed so out of reach. Alex was everywhere- in my thoughts, in my dreams, even

jolt through me.

was that?”

“Nothing,” I looked away.

her voice laced with

secret pressing down on me.

accident…He kissed me.”

head snapped in my direction, her eyes wide with surprise. “He kissed