Bonds

Chapter 95

-Maya’s POV-

The news of Alex’s wedding had hit me like a physical blow. I knew they were engaged but still. He was marrying her? Even as I mumbled my agreement to Ivan’s job offer, the words echoed in my head, a relentless drumbeat drowning out everything else. Here I es, about to embark on a new chapter with Ivan, and all I could think about was the man who had walked away from me.

Ivan, oblivious to the turmoil within me, continued the tour, his voice a soothing murmur as he introduced me to various departments. Everywhere we went, people greeted him with genuine warmth and respect. It was clear that he wasn’t just the CEO, he was a leader they admired. As I offered polite smiles and returned greetings, my mind was a million miles away.

‘Alex is getting married to Miranda, the thought repeated on a loop, a cruel reminder of the rejection that still stung. The image of them together, a happy couple on their wedding day, sent a fresh wave of pain through me. Why did I f*cking care?

“Amaya?” Ivan’s voice cut through my fog. “Are you okay? You seem a million miles away.”

Startled, I tore my gaze away from the window and forced a smile. “Yes, I’m fine,” I lied. “Just taking it all in.” My voice sounded hollow even

to my own cars.

He scrutinized me for a long moment, his brow furrowed in concern. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. “Maybe I am badgering you with too much information on your first day,” he chuckled. “How about we head back to my office? We can pick up the tour another time.”

I hesitated. A selfish part of me wanted to grab onto this new information, to soak up everything about Ivan’s company, the company I was about to become a part of. But the bigger part, the part still reeling from Alex’s news, craved a distraction, a way to escape the relentless thoughts swirling in my head.

“No,” I blurted out, surprising myself “I’m sorry, Ivan. I really do want to know. Please, continue.”

Relief washed over his face, chasing away the flicker of worry. “Alright,” he cleared his throat, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But be warned, it can get a little dry sometimes. This company is my baby, though, so I tend to get carried away with the details.“”

He gestured for me to follow him as he continued down the hallway, his voice resuming its informative tone. “So, as I was saying, we’re a construction and development company, but not your typical bricks–and–mortar kind. We specialize in what’s called ‘sustainable development–basically, using innovative technologies and practices to design and build structures that are environmentally friendly and energy–efficient.”

important. “Environmentally friendly and energy–efficient structures?” I repeated, trying

building materials, renewable energy integration systems,and even smart home technology that optimizes resource use. It’s a rapidly growing field, and we’re

outside a door with a sleek, silver nameplate that read “Project Development.” “This is where the magic happens,” he announced with a flourish, pushing the

hunched over blueprints, engineers debated designs on holographic displays, and 3D printers whirred in the corner, creating miniature models of buildings. It was a far cry from the sterile office spaces I was used to, and a surge of excitement bubbled

me to a man with a neatly trimmed beard and a warm smile. “He’s the lead architect on

Chapter 95

project.”

Omar greeted me warmly. “We’re always excited to have fresh talent on the team, especially

whatc

experience in interior design wasn’t exactly what came to mind, but a smile found its way onto my

contagious. They talked about energy–efficient skyscrapers, self–sustaining

in the back of my mind. It was like a discordant note in a beautiful

covered with architectural models and blueprints, “is our

I leaned closer to examine the plans. The models showcased a sprawling complex with innovative green

to develop a mixed–use development that integrates cutting–edge sustainability practices

I possessed. But before I could dwell on it, a wave of dizziness washed over me. The bright lights, the constant stream of information, the underlying emotions I

my shoulder, his touch sending a jolt through me. “Hey, are you alright?” he asked,

laced with concern.

stammered, forcing a smile that felt weak even to

for a comforting beat before he removed it. “Come on, let’s grab some coffee. There’s a great little cafe across the street with the most amazing

promise of a break from the overwhelming lab environment was tempting. “Coffee

a playful wink, “they’re legendary. But be warned, they disappear

‘sustainable development.“”

laugh escaped my lips. “A challenge, then?” I countered, forcing a lightness I didn’t quite

air, a shadow.couldn’t quite shake. But for the first time since hearing it, a sliver of genuine interest flickered within me. This