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.

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

six 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 her to know she wasn’t alone. Even though she’d reconciled with her father, the forced marriage

better. “Can I 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

had been wild in college, but Sarah was taking

wedding was black, and I knew that I had never understood 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 were happy to be there, happy

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

Riley; she looked like she had been picked out from a painting where

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

sigh. I

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.

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

deep voice, began the ceremony. His words were cold and formal, lacking any warmth or joy. Camila’s responses were barely audible, her voice

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Chapter 166

she was about to marry–a man who looked

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

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and wife, and the room erupted in a smattering of applause, more out of obligation than

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

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

sighed sadly. “It is how things work

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 check on

heard a crash. It came from the direction of the room where the twins were. Alex and