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.

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

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 I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. Even

of sympathy for Riley and her sister altogether. Alex’s gaze met mine, and I smiled. He had a way of making me feel instantly better. “Can I borrow you for a moment?” I mouthed. He nodded, and without another

Natalia had been wild in college,

was filled with blood, maybe even more blood than the world I knew but there was something extra unnerving about this whole scene. Weddings were supposed to be peaceful affairs where everyone wore a

the strongest mafia families. All of us were seated at a round table except for Riley, who was seated with 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

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

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 saying, “I am so sorry,” and Camila was saying, “I am going to be fine.

let out a sigh. I couldn’t watch this

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

room was dimly lit, with dark drapes hanging from the walls and chandeliers casting eerie shadows. The

words were cold and formal, lacking any warmth or joy. Camila’s responses were barely audible, her voice

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Chapter 166

to marry–a man who looked as dangerous as

fear and power, not love. The guests seemed to share my sentiments, their eyes darting around the room, as if expecting violence to break out

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officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and the room erupted in a smattering of applause, more out of

kissing her in what looked like a promise that she was his to own then they turned to

needed air. It was suffocating me in here. Alex didn’t ask; he just followed me outside. I finally let out a breath and turned to him. “Well,

sadly. “It is how things

feel so sorry for her. She will never get to know what love is.” I turned my gaze.

kept in a room that was 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