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.

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

months had 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

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 word, we

shook my head, amused. Natalia had been wild in college, but Sarah was taking it

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 were happy to be there, happy for

as I was told. A wedding of darkness and 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 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 I first met him, dangerously quadrupled. I looked away from him just before

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

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

out a sigh.

silent inquiry if I was okay. I gave him a small nod, trying to mask

and 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

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.

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Chapter 166

man who looked as dangerous

couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease. This was a union built on 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 at any moment. The tension was palpable, and I found myself

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officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and the room erupted in a

promise that she was his to own then they turned to face the guests, their expressions a stark contrast–her face filled with

air. It was suffocating me in here. Alex didn’t ask; he just followed me outside. I finally let out a breath

is how things work in

sorry for her. She will never get to know what love is.” I turned my gaze. There wasn’t really anything I could do.

had specifically said no children, and all children had been 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 second before