Bonds

Chapter 166

-Maya’s POV-

Six month’s later

Epilogue 1

+5

“I can’t believe I’m actually going to Italy!”

Sarah’s squeal pierced through the cabin, a high–pitched contrast to the general mood. Natalia and I exchanged a tired look. We’d both tried to temper Sarah’s excitement for Riley’s sake. For Sarah, Italy was a dream vacation. For Riley, it was a nightmare. She was about to watch her sister, Camilla, take her place in a forced marriage to a man Riley described as the devil incarnate.

Riley was staring out the window, lost in thought. Sarah’s voice cut through again. “I’ve always wanted to see–”

“Sarah!” Natalia interrupted sharply.

Nate were engrossed in a chess lesson, while Alex, Christian, and Nathan argued over the rules. A smile crept onto my face. Alex had changed significantly in the past six months. He was more relaxed, more open. He laughed more, talked more, and had even started attending family dinners with my parents. His relationship with my father was a testament to the power of time and forgiveness and they had both decided

had been a rollercoaster. Alex had fully reclaimed his company, had found his PA bringing her back in. We’d been through it all together. When it came time for Riley’s sister’s wedding, I’d suggested we use his jet to be there for her. She was going through a lot, and

smiled. He had a way of making me feel instantly better. “Can I borrow you for a moment?” I mouthed. He nodded, and

wild in college, but Sarah

knew but there was something extra unnerving about this whole scene. Weddings were supposed to be peaceful affairs where everyone wore a smile because they

went to the groom, the one who Riley said could be the devil himself. He did not look like the devil. This man was beautiful, but one didn’t need to look twice to know that he was dangerous. Beautiful and

like Riley; she looked like she had been picked out from a painting where a goddess once

beauty could mask the fear and sorrow in her eyes. I pitied her. She had not stopped staring at Riley, and it felt like they were having a

sigh.

silent inquiry if I was okay. I gave him a small nod, trying to mask the unease I felt in this room filled with tension. He seemed to understand and turned back

no laughter. The room was dimly lit, with dark drapes hanging from the walls and chandeliers casting eerie shadows. The guests were all dressed in black, their expressions serious and guarded. There was an air of dread that hung over the event, making it feel more like a

deep voice, began the ceremony. His words were cold and formal, lacking any warmth or joy. Camila’s responses were barely

1/2

FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest

Chapter 166

about to marry–a man who looked as dangerous

union built on fear and power, not love. The guests seemed to share my sentiments,

+5

ceremony came to an end. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and the room erupted in a

her in what looked like a promise that she was his to own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions a

suffocating me in here. Alex didn’t ask; he just followed me outside. I

sighed sadly. “It is how things work in their

will never get to know what love is.”

turned into a playroom. Alex stretched out his hands and opened his mouth to reply when we suddenly heard a crash. It came from the direction of the room where the twins were. Alex and I stared at each other for a second