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.

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

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 I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. Even though she’d reconciled with

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.

head, amused. Natalia had been wild in college, but

the underground world. All 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 supposed to be peaceful affairs where everyone wore a smile because they

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

nothing like Riley; she looked like she

Sarah took 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 silent exchange with their eyes.

a sigh. I

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

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,

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

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Chapter 166

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

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

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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

him kissing her in what looked like a promise that she was his to own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions a stark contrast–her face filled with sorrow and resignation,

I rose 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

“It is how things work in their

“Doesn’t make it suck any less. I feel so sorry for her. She will never get to know what love is.” I turned my gaze. There wasn’t really anything I could do. “We should probably

came from the direction of the room where the twins were. Alex and I