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.”

development? It sounded cutting–edge and important. “Environmentally friendly

“We develop things like green building materials, renewable energy integration systems,and even smart home technology that

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

It was a far cry from the sterile office

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

Chapter 95

project.”

“We’re always excited to have

whatc

blush crept up my cheeks. Design skills? My experience in interior design wasn’t exactly what came to

Ivan continued to introduce me to other members of the project development team, their passion for their work was contagious. They talked

positive energy surrounding me, the echo of Alex’s upcoming wedding still lingered in the back of my mind. It was like

“And this,” he gestured towards a large table covered with architectural models

plans. The models showcased a sprawling complex with innovative green features like rooftop gardens

pride. “We’re aiming to develop a mixed–use

dwell on it, a wave of dizziness washed

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

laced with concern.

stammered, forcing a smile that felt weak even

Ivan chuckled, his hand lingering on my shoulder for a comforting beat before he removed it. “Come on, let’s grab some coffee. There’s a great little cafe across

promise of a break from the overwhelming lab environment was tempting. “Coffee sounds good,” I agreed, trying to sound

buns,” Ivan continued with a playful wink, “they’re

‘sustainable development.“”

my lips. “A challenge, then?” I countered, forcing

of Alex’s news still hung heavy in the air, a shadow.couldn’t quite shake. But for the first time since hearing it, a sliver of genuine interest flickered within me. This company, these people, their dedication to something bigger than themselves