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.

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

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 her father, the forced marriage of her sister was a heavy

borrow you for a 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, “Use a you know what in there! And

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

unnerving about this whole scene. Weddings were supposed to be peaceful affairs where everyone wore a smile because they were happy to be there, happy for the couple. But everyone here was on guard, eyes flickering around like they were waiting for something dreadful

fear. The union of the two of 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

on Camilla. She looked nothing like Riley; she looked like she had been picked out from a painting where a goddess once

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. Riley was

a sigh. I couldn’t watch this

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

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 more like a

warmth or joy. Camila’s responses were barely audible, her voice

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Chapter 166

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

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ceremony came to an end. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and

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,

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

is how things work

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

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