Bonds

Chapter 166

-Maya’s POV-

Six month’s later

Epilogue 1

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“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.

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 to finally put the past behind them and move forward much to my relief. There were still a lot of bridges to cross but we

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

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

college, but Sarah was taking it to a whole new

there was something extra unnerving about this whole scene. Weddings were supposed

her father and other extended family. My eyes finally 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 brutal, the two words played in my head. There was something about him that screamed, “I will kill you if you ever take a single wrong breath in my direction.” I felt actual shivers run down my spine. It was like Alex’s aura when I first met him, dangerously quadrupled. I looked away from him just before his eyes flickered in my direction. I

she looked like she had

my mind. But no amount of 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 silent exchange with their eyes. Riley was

sigh.

a question, a silent inquiry if I was okay. I gave him a small nod, trying to mask the unease I felt in this

nothing like a traditional wedding. There were no flowers, no joyful music, and 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

began the ceremony. His words were cold and formal, lacking any warmth or joy. Camila’s responses were barely audible, her voice trembling as she repeated the vows. Her

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Chapter 166

to marry–a man who looked as dangerous as he did

guests seemed to share my sentiments, their eyes darting around the room, as if expecting violence to break out at

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end. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and the room erupted in a smattering of applause, more out of obligation than genuine

his to own

needed air. It was suffocating me in here. Alex didn’t ask;

sighed sadly. “It is how

never get to know what love is.”

a crash. It came from the direction of the room where the twins were. Alex and I stared at each other for a second before we both broke into a run, heading straight to