Bonds

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.

“F*cktard,” She offered, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

“Yeah, the f*cktard!” 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.”

between us, thick and suffocating. Her gaze held a mix of disappointment and concern,

worked really hard to get you that interview,” she finally

I croaked, the guilt returning with

her head slowly, 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 what you do

truth was, a part of me, a tiny, stubborn part, had always clung to the hope of a future with Alex. A hope I had nurtured despite the constant

voice thick with unshed tears. “And I am truly sorry for dragging you into this

taken its toll. I was exhausted, emotionally drained,

ahead with

10:29 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 87

came back. I’m

heavy in the air, a vow not 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,

understanding replacing the disappointment. “Are

determination burning

into a thin smile, a flicker of relief chasing away the worry lines that

tea. Finally, she broke the quiet, her voice laced with a hint

lips as the memories came flooding back, a welcome escape from the present turmoil. “Freshman year,” I echoed, a low laugh escaping my lips. “Remember how terrified we both were?” It felt like a lifetime ago, a simpler time before Alex, before family feuds, before the weight of the world settled on our

admitted. “I swear

started on the dorm room situation,” I added, shaking my head. The image of two

She continued, her smile widening. “Two complete strangers thrown together,

wave of gratitude washing over me. “Best friends all these years

been a whirlwind of emotions – the excitement of newfound Independence, the terror of being far from home, the constant

constant thump of furniture being dragged down hallways. My arms ached from carrying boxes, and the air hung thick