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.

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 a testament to the power of time and forgiveness and they had both decided to finally put the past behind them and move forward

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

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 word, we both stood going towards the inner

been wild in college, but Sarah was taking it to a

I knew was that it 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

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

settle on Camilla. She looked nothing like Riley; she looked like

her eyes. I pitied her. She had not stopped staring at Riley, and it felt like they were having

sigh. I couldn’t watch this

me at that point, like we had 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 turned back to Christian, but his hand found mine under the table, giving

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

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 hands shook as she took the ring, sliding it onto the finger

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Chapter 166

marry–a man who looked as dangerous as

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

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

she was his to own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions a

to my feet, excusing myself. I 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.

how things work

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

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