Bonds

Chapter 116

-Maya’s POV-

My hand hovered over the pen, reaching for it with the intention of jotting down a note. But instead of a smooth connection between my fingers and the plastic, my hand knocked over the entire cup that held all the pens on my desk. The clatter echoed in the sudden silence, rolling pens scattering across the surface.

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, crouching down to gather the runaway writing instruments. My movements were clumsy, jerky even, a reflection of the turmoil brewing inside me. Just an hour ago, I’d been at the ice cream parlor with my friends, trying to decipher the. Now, I was back at the office, the mental door between me and my wolf still firmly slammed shut. Dealing with that would have to wait. Right now, all I could manage was basic functionality, and even that seemed like a massive effort.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ivan’s voice broke through my haze of frustration. It wasn’t the first time he’d asked that question since I’d returned from lunch, his concern evident in his tone. It was a valid question, I knew. My usual efficiency had taken a turn, replaced by a string of fumbled tasks and near–misses.

I managed to pack the pens back into the cup, offering him a strained smile. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I mumbled, the word lacking conviction even to my

own ears.

He wasn’t convinced. Pushing himself away from his desk, he walked towards me, his face etched with worry. “If you’re not feeling well, you should go home. You haven’t been yourself since we got here.”

I sighed, a heavy exhale that seemed to carry the weight of the world. “I’m not sick, Ivan. It’s just…my mind is all over the place right now. And honestly, being at home wouldn’t change that. That’s not why I don’t want to leave. It’s just…” My voice trailed off, the frustration bubbling over. “I don’t want you to keep doing me favors just because we’re married. I want to work hard and earn my place here. Just because you own the company doesn’t mean I should get a free pass.”

He nodded, his understanding evident. But even as his words soothed the irritation simmering beneath the surface, his actions spoke a different language. His hands came to rest on my shoulders, a comforting gesture that sent a jolt through me. “Maybe we could occupy your mind with something else,” he suggested with a smirk.

The playful glint in his eyes usually sent a thrill down my spine. Today, it felt like a misplaced note in a somber symphony. But before I could respond, a throat cleared from behind us, sharp and deliberate.

We both turned in unison, and my stomach lurched. Standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable, was Alex.

What was he doing here now?

I groaned, the irritation that had been simmering since the ice cream parlor now reaching a boiling

Ivan spoke, his voice laced with surprise. “Alex. I didn’t

lips, a smirk that felt like a deliberate jab. “I heard there was an important meeting today,” he drawled, his voice devoid of

don’t attend meetings. That’s

of the change in how things will be run from now on, but there was no answer. You should really consider hiring

fierce battle within me. He was clearly trying to get under my skin, and judging by the heat rising

the air thick with unspoken tension until Ivan spoke again. “This isn’t part of the deal, and

a defense of my work and a subtle jab at Alex’s intrusion. Yet, Alex seemed unfazed. He simply ignored the comment, sliding further into the

directly across from Ivan’s desk. Ignoring the empty chair beside me the one usually reserved for my presence

he carried himself, the casual arrogance that reeked of

anymore. A frown etched itself onto his forehead, mirroring the deepening furrow between my brows. “Alex,” he began, his voice tight with controlled anger, “this isn’t how

Chapter 116

nonchalance. He shrugged one shoulder, the movement dismissive. “Last I checked,” he drawled, his voice laced with a smug satisfaction that grated on my nerves, “you offered me 45 percent of this company in exchange for my money. It is still yours, that much is true. But with that kind of investment,

was news to me. Forty–five percent? Ivan

I blurted out, unable to contain my surprise any longer. All eyes turned to me, Alex’s

cleared his throat, his gaze flickering between me and Alex. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice strained. “It was a necessary step to keep the

afloat.”

and start attending meetings,” Ivan continued, his voice gaining strength

did little to cool the rising heat in Ivan’s voice. “Procedure and protocol? We both know the company needs fresh ideas, a new approach. And

within him. Probably on

tension.

the battle to stay calm let out a breath, “I appreciate your offer. But attending meetings

neutrality. “Of course,” he conceded, his voice smooth as silk. “Boundaries are important. But let’s not

civilized adults?”