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.

she mumbled, but the excitement in her eyes didn’t dim. I glanced at the men. Ivy and 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

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 I

moment?” I mouthed. He nodded, and without another word, we both stood going towards the inner cabin. Just as we closed the door, Sarah shouted,

Natalia had been wild in college,

about this whole scene. Weddings were supposed to be peaceful affairs

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

let my eyes settle on Camilla. She looked nothing like Riley; she looked

the thought right out of 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

out a sigh.

always been attuned to each other, stopping the conversation he was having with Christian. 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 this room filled with tension. He seemed to understand and

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

joy. Camila’s responses were barely audible, her voice trembling as she repeated the vows. Her hands shook as she took the

1/2

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

Chapter 166

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

and power, not love. The guests seemed to share my sentiments,

+5

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

own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions a stark

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

is how things work in their

get to know what love is.” I turned my gaze. There wasn’t really anything I could do. “We

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 before we both broke into a run, heading straight to the room. The moment the door