Bonds

Chapter 107

-Maya’s POV-

I don’t know how long I stood there staring blankly at the closed gates. My legs felt like lead weights, stuck in place. Finally, I managed to tear my gaze away and somehow forced my feet to move. It felt more like dragging myself than walking, but inch by inch, I made my way to Natalia’s house.

The head of security officers said something to me, but it was like background noise, a distant murmur I couldn’t focus on. My brain had shut down, overloaded with the emotional blow.

en I reached Natalia’s doorstep, I fumbled with the keys, my hands shaking so badly it took several tries to unlock the door. Even the simple act of turning the knob felt like a monumental task.

As I stumbled inside, the sound of the twins‘ happy shrieks filled the air. They spotted me right away and came barreling towards me, their little arms wrapped around my legs in a tight hug then got distracted almost immediately. Their innocent joy was a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me.

Natalia appeared in the doorway, her brow furrowed in concern. One look at my tear–streaked face told her everything she needed to know. Without a word, she reached out and pulled me into a tight hug. We just stood there for a while, the only sound the muffled sobs escaping my lips and the faint pitter–patter of tiny feet as the twins ran off to continue playing.

The warmth of her embrace offered a sliver of comfort in the vast emptiness that had opened up inside me. Finally, she gently pulled back, her eyes searching mine.

“Come here, heney,” she whispered softly, leading me to the couch and settling me down. We sat there in silence for a while, a silent language passing between us, a shared understanding that transcended words.

Natalia eventually rose and disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a steaming mug of coffee. She placed it carefully in my hands, her touch lingering for a moment. Then, she sat down beside me on the couch.

“I gave you some time to calm down. Now, tell me exactly what happened.”

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my scattered thoughts. “He said he wants a divorce,” the words tumbled out, raw and shaky.

“Why? Because of what happened at the gala?” Her question wasn’t accusatory, but I knew she was still upset with me.

I nodded slowly, unable to meet her gaze. She didn’t speak for a moment, her face unreadable. Then, she sighed.

“Did you tell him you don’t want the marriage to end? Did you tell him how you feel?” There was a pointed edge to her voice now, a hint of

frustration.

see right through me. She didn’t need me to spell things out; my

…I

…” I stammered, the words catching in my throat. “He asked me if I still loved

in her hands. “Oh, Amaya,” she muttered. “What are

silence, a heavy weight settling over the room. My mind was a chaotic mess, swirling with questions and self- recrimination. Natalia seemed to be deep in thought as well, carefully choosing

Chapter 107

silence. “Where is he

I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t let this be the end, Natalia. I can’t lose him. I wouldn’t know what to do

long sigh and took the coffee cup from my hand, placing it on the coffee table. Then, she pulled me back

finally subsided, leaving behind a trail of exhaustion and a throbbing ache in my head. Wiping my eyes

see

I croaked. “I need Ito find Ivan and talk to him. Tell him how

biting her tongue, refraining from mentioning Alex again. We both knew that wouldn’t solve anything

freshen up. You can throw on some of my clothes. And with everything going on, I think it’s best you and the twins don’t stay at that

of my shattered world, was more than could bear right now. The simple act of following instructions

coldness that had settled in my heart. As I scrubbed the tears from my face, I forced myself to focus on

Finding Ivan.

I stepped out of the shower. They were far too big on me, but the soft fabric felt comforting against my raw skin. After drying off and pulling on the clothes, I looked at myself in the mirror. My reflection barely resembled the woman I knew. My eyes were red–rimmed and puffy, my face

awful,” I mumbled, the words catching

hand reassuringly. “You look like someone who’s been through a lot, honey.

at me. Was I strong

those doubts aside for now. I needed to focus on finding Ivan. “Do you have any idea which hotel he might be

a few luxury hotels in the area

in

over me. At least there was a plan. We spent the next hour on the phone, calling each hotel on a list Natalia compiled. I knew she knew this city way more than anyone I knew. Disappointment followed disappointment with each negative response. Just

Meridian! They say a Mr. Ivan McCall checked in about an hour ago.” Her voice held