Bonds

Chapter 22 -Maya's POV- I hadn't expected the call. After I put my phone down, a series of questions ran through my mind but I was here now, the metal door was the only thing separating us and taking a deep breath, I knocked. A voice, crisp and efficient, called out from within. "Cin." Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, my gaze immediately falling on the woman seated behind the massive mahogany desk. She looked different today, less imposing somehow. Gone was the stern expression, replaced by a hint of a smile. Was it my imagination, or did her eyes hold a flicker of something akin to... respect? "Ms. Stone," she greeted, her voice still holding that scommanding tone, but laced with a touch of warmth that surprised me. “Please, have a seat." I sat down in the plush chair, the smooth leather cool against my skin. My mind raced, replaying Alex's cryptic call over and over again but I had to focus.

If she had calledback it meant I got the job right? Right? "You calledback," I finally blurted out, unable to hold back the question any longer.

Her smile widened, a genuine smile this tthat crinkled the corners of her eyes. "Yes, Ms. Stone, I did," she confirmed. "You know why?" I shook my head, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs.

"Because," she began, leaning back in her chair, "out of all the candidates I interviewed for the design position, you were the only one who truly impressed me." "You weren't afraid to push back," She continued, her voice losing its earlier formality. "You spoke your mind, even when you disagreed with me. That's at quality I value highly, Ms. Stone. Most people just parrot back what they think I want to hear." I swallowed, my cheeks burning with a mixture of surprise and a dawning sense of validation. Had I actually... impressed her with my audacity? It seemed almost unbelievable.

She leaned forward, her gaze sharpening once more. "Now," she said, her voice back to its usual business-like tone, "that doesn't mean your interview was perfect. Frankly, your portfowas a bit... unorthodox, shall we say?" I braced myself, the warmth in my chest giving way to a familiar knot of anxiety. “I like to take risks,” I admitted, "To create something unexpected.” “And sometimes,” she countered, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes, "unexpected clients walk through that door with very specific expectations." She gestured towards a stack of folders on her desk. “These are proposals from sof the biggest design firms in the city. They've all been vying for the sproject - a high-end hotel renovation. The kind of project that could launch a young designer's career," My breath hitched. A high-end hotel renovation? This was a huge opportunity, something I never dared to dream of. But the competition must be fierce.

"Why are you tellingthis?" I finally managed, the question tumbling out in a rush.

Her smile turned enigmatic. "Because, Ms. Stone," she said, her voice dropping to a low murmur, "I saw something in you during your interview. A spark A willingness to challenge the norm. And frankly, the other proposals... well, let's just say they're a tad... predictable." A spark of understanding ignited within me. She wasn't just impressed by my audacity. She saw my potential, my ability to bring something fresh and exciting to the table. This wasn't just an interview anymore. It was a challenge, an invitation to showcase everything I had to offer.

"So," she continued, her gaze unwavering, "are you interested?" Chapter 22 My mind raced. This was a chance I couldn't afford to pass up. But the doubts lingered. Could I compete with established firms? Did I have what it took to take on such a prestigious project? I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her expectation settle on me. Looking her straight in the eye, I spoke with a newfound confidence. "Yes, tam very interested." A slow smile spread across her face, a smile that spoke volumes. "Excellent," she replied, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. Then let's get started." The next hour flew by in a whirlwind of discussion. She outlined the project details, the client's vision, and the tight deadlines. I listened intently, my mind already buzzing with ideas. She challengedwith questions, testing my understanding and creativity. I answered back, fueled by a surge of détermination and a thirst to prove myself.

When the conversation finally ended, I felt exhilarated and slightly exhausted. This was going to be a challenge, no doubt about it. But for the first tin a long time, I felt a sense of excitement, a feeling that anything was possible.

"This is a lot to take in," I admitted, gathering my thoughts.

She nodded, "it is. But I have faith in you. Now, go back and review the project details. I expect a preliminary proposal on my desk by the end of the week.

I stood up, "Thank you, Ms. Edwards. I won't disappoint you." She offered a curt nod, a hint of a challenge still lingering in her eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less." I returned the nod, a newfound confidence blooming in my chest. Stepping towards the door, a nervous energy vibrated through me, a welcchange from the suffocating uncertainty that had plaguedearlier.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the doorknob, the weight of the high-end hotel renovation project settling on my shoulders. It was a daunting task, a pressure cooker of deadlines and demanding clients. This was my chance, my opportunity to prove myself, not just to Ms. Edwards, but to myself.

Just as I opened the door, hervoice cut through the air. "Amaya?" I turned back, unsure of what she might say. A full-blown smile, genuine and warm, spread across her face, momentarily erasing the usual sternness. “Welcto the team," she said, the words a simple yet powerful endorsement.

as A grin stretched across my own face, mirroring hers. Stepping out of the office, the sterile hallway seemed to hum with possibility. My phone buzzed impatiently in my pocket, pullingback to the present. A wave of exhilaration washed overas I answered the call. "I got it!" I practically shouted, the words tumbling out before she could even speak.

"Of course you did," Natalia replied, her voice laced with unyielding confidence in me. In the background, I could hear Ivy's excited chatter, "Is that Mummy?" "Yes, sweetheart," She cooed, "And she is coming to see you and that stubborn twin of yours soon. Right Amaya?" I laughed, “Right." Briefly, I filled her in on the good news, embellishing slightly about how awesI was during the interview. It was a white lie but! was just too happy. It felt like an escape from all the that seemed to surround my life from the moment I met Alex. Something new.

Natalia took over the conversation, regalingwith hushed details about how she'd kept the kids occupied and how proud she was of me. When she finished, her voice vibrated with barely contained excitement. “So? How are we celebrating? Drinks? Food? Unleashing our wolves and howling at the moon? What? Tell me! Tell me!! TELL ME!!!!!!* A burst of laughter escaped my lips. Natalia's infectious enthusiasm was always a mood booster. "Slow down there, tiger," I teased. "Will Nathan be alright watching the kids tonight?" "Absolutely! We already discussed it," she confirmed.

"Okay then, Drinks sound perfect. Actually, I have the perfect place already and I do need to fix something there first. So, I'll text you the address, and you meetthere. Deal?" 12:02 Thu, 20 Jun MD Chapter 22 "Deal," She agreed. Just as I was about to end the call, she spoke again, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Are you going to see him?" B3%

The question hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the elephant in the Ο' room. I'd been deliberately trying to push Alex's cryptic call to the back of NO my mind, focusing all my energy on this incredible opportunity His voice echoed in my head, "We need to talk" What at did he need to talk about? The thought sent a tremor of anxiety through me.

"No," I finally answered, my voice firm despite the turmoil within. "There's y I'm nothing left to say. I'm going to m celebrate tonight, have a fun day with my kids tomorrow, and then deal with whatever Ivan throws my way. There's no room for Alex in my life anymore."

My wolf rumbled a low growl in my chest, a sound that spoke volumes.

Even as the words left my lips, I knew Wel it was a lie, a flimsy shield I was trying to hide behind. Natalia, bless her perceptive nature, didn't callout on it, "Alright," she said, her voice laced with a hint of understanding. "Textthe address. I'll meet you there." The call ended and I scrolled through my phone, going straight to his number. My fingers didn't hover this time. I immediately clicked on his name, then blocked and deleted his number.

Like I said...

It didn't matter that I still loved him. There was no space for Alex Thorne in my life anymore.

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