Bonds

Chapter 97

-Maya’s POV-

Everything felt different after that moment with Ivan. I meant what I’d said. When he first confessed his feelings, I never imagined we’d be here. Sure, my father had arranged the whole thing, a marriage of convenience, but somewhere along the way, feelings lack in. I didn’t want to admit it at first, but after he shared his pain, his past, my heart softened. It wasn’t wide open yet, but it was getting there.

And it wasn’t just my personal life that was blossoming. I was thriving as his PA. Okay, there were certain activities that made me blush in hindsight, especially since they happened right here in his office and thankfully Alex, who I had realized I was finally moving on from, had disappeared. No physical sightings in over two weeks. But the city was abuzz with his wedding to Miranda. And guess what? I didn’t care. I was wrapped up in my own world, happy for the first time in a long time.

The twins were doing great. I still couldn’t believe I let them go to school, thanks to Ivan’s convincing. Part of me hated seeing my babies grow up so fast, but they were thriving in their play class. My friendships with Sarah, Riley, and Natalia had blossomed too. Everything was clicking into place, and then the unexpected happened.

While my

life was finally peaceful, the war between my father and Alex had escalated to a whole new level. Humans had died. Finally, Ivan stepped in. As the mediator between the two, he pushed them to actually talk things through. Not in a private space where they’d probably rip each other’s throats out, but in a neutral zone. That’s where my crazy werewolf gala idea came in. It was meant to be a joke, but van took it seriously. Somehow, he managed to convince both my father and Alex to attend.

I was ecstatic. A gala was something I’d always dreamed of experiencing. That’s why I was currently on a shopping spree with the girls- Sarah, Riley, and Natalia. I’d even invited Riley, werewolf or not, she was welcome in our world for this.

Now, finding a dress that wasn’t ridiculously expensive or completely impractical for a werewolf was proving to be a challenge. We’d hit five stores already, and everything was either too sparkly, too short, or looked like it belonged on a queen. Not exactly the vibe I was going for.

“Ugh,” I groaned, collapsing onto a plush velvet chair in the latest boutique. “This is hopeless. Maybe a gala isn’t such a good idea after all.”

Sarah knelt beside me. “Don’t give up yet. There has to be something in here that works.”

Natalia chimed in, “Maybe we should expand the search. Have you tried the high–end stores downtown?”

Riley added, “And maybe consider something a little less…restrictive? We don’t want you tripping over your dress during the night.”

I sighed. They all had good points. Maybe my dream of a flowing, elegant gown wasn’t exactly practical for a werewolf gala.

and we’re keeping an open mind. No more Cinderella fantasies.

out of the boutique, ready to conquer the next stop. This gala might be a gamble, but I was determined to find the perfect outfit to face it – and maybe even have a little fun along

the boutique feeling a bit defeated but not discouraged. The high–end stores downtown were our next

in long enough,” Sarah started as we

had been like this for weeks now. Ever since things had shifted between Ivan and me, the girls had been relentless in their pursuit of

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Chapter 97

in the…aftermath,

their questions, a voice chimed in from behind

help you ladies find

Impeccably dressed woman with a dazzling smile. Her nametag read

Sarah said, stepping forward. “We’re looking

her smile widening,

themed gala,” I blurted out before I could

she said, raising an eyebrow. “Not something you see every day. But that just makes it

have any specific styles in mind?”

find something elegant but also practical. You

I see,” Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps a cocktail dress could be a good option? They offer the elegance you desire with the freedom of

hadn’t considered. Maybe it wasn’t the flowing gown of my dreams, but

a great suggestion,” A genuine smile spread across my face. “Can we

have just the thing for

was a whirlwind of fabrics, sequins, and stifled sighs. We tried on everything from sleek black cocktail dresses that clung to our curves a little too tightly to flowy, floral numbers that looked more like garden party attire than gala–worthy. Each

bad idea. Maybe there was no

towel and declare defeat, my gaze drifted towards a secluded corner of the store. There, tucked away amongst a sea of jewel tones, hung a dress that seemed to call out to me. It wasn’t on a hanger

one?” I blurted out, pointing

forth, turned to follow my finger. Her gaze lingered on the green dress for a moment before