Bonds

-Maya's POV-

Everything felt different after that moment with Ivan. I meant what I'd said. When he first confessed his feelings, I never imagined we'd be here. Sure, my father had arranged the whole thing, a marriage of convenience, but somewhere along the way, feelings lack in. I didn't want to admit it at first, but after he shared his pain, his past, my heart softened. It wasn't wide open yet, but it was getting there.

And it wasn't just my personal life that was blossoming. I was thriving as his PA. Okay, there were certain activities that made me blush in hindsight, especially since they happened right here in his office and thankfully Alex, who I had realized I was finally moving on from, had disappeared. No physical sightings in over two weeks. But the city was abuzz with his wedding to Miranda. And guess what? I didn't care. I was wrapped up in my own world, happy for the first time in a long time.

The twins were doing great. I still couldn't believe I let them go to school, thanks to Ivan's convincing. Part of me hated seeing my babies grow up so fast, but they were thriving in their play class. My friendships with Sarah, Riley, and Natalia had blossomed too. Everything was clicking into place, and then the unexpected happened.

While my life was finally peaceful, the war between my father and Alex had escalated to a whole new level. Humans had died. Finally, Ivan stepped in. As the mediator between the two, he pushed them to actually talk things through. Not in a private space where they'd probably rip each other's throats out, but in a neutral zone. That's where my crazy werewolf gala idea came in. It was meant to be a joke, but van took it seriously. Somehow, he managed to convince both my father and Alex to attend.

I was ecstatic. A gala was something I'd always dreamed of experiencing. That's why I was currently on a shopping spree with the girls- Sarah, Riley, and Natalia. I'd even invited Riley, werewolf or not, she was welcome in our world for this.

Now, finding a dress that wasn't ridiculously expensive or completely impractical for a werewolf was proving to be a challenge. We'd hit five stores already, and everything was either too sparkly, too short, or looked like it belonged on a queen. Not exactly the vibe I was going for.

"Ugh," I groaned, collapsing onto a plush velvet chair in the latest boutique. "This is hopeless. Maybe a gala isn't such a good idea after all."

Sarah knelt beside me. "Don't give up yet. There has to be something in here that works."

Natalia chimed in, "Maybe we should expand the search. Have you tried the high-end stores downtown?"

Riley added, "And maybe consider something a little less...restrictive? We don't want you tripping over your dress during the night."

I sighed. They all had good points. Maybe my dream of a flowing, elegant gown wasn't exactly practical for a werewolf gala.

"Okay, new plan," lannounced, a determined glint in my eyes. "High-end stores downtown, and we're keeping an open mind. No more Cinderella fantasies. We're going for something functional and fabulous."

The girls grinned, their shopping spirits rekindled. We piled out of the boutique, ready to conquer the next stop. This gala might be a gamble, but I was determined to find the perfect outfit to face it - and maybe even have a little fun along the way.

We left the boutique feeling a bit defeated but not discouraged. The high-end stores downtown were our next target, a fresh battlefield in the war against unpractical gowns

"Alright, I think we have held it in long enough," Sarah started as we walked, "spill the beans. What's really going on with you and Ivan?"

A blush crept up my cheeks, a traitor giving away the secrets my lips were trying to hold. It had been like this for weeks now. Ever since things had shifted between Ivan and me, the girls had been relentless in their pursuit of detalls. Dates, sure, they knew about those. But they were

particularly interested in the...aftermath, shall we say.

Just as I opened my mouth to deflect their questions, a voice chimed in from behind us.

"Can I help you ladies find something special today?"

We turned to see a tall, Impeccably dressed woman with a dazzling smile. Her nametag read 'Evelyn, and she exuded art aura of quiet confidence that put me at ease instantly.

"Actually, yes," Sarah said, stepping forward. "We're looking for a dress for a gala."

"A gala, how exciting!" Evelyn exclaimed, her smile widening, "What kind of gala is it?"

"It's a werewolf themed gala," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Of course I knew she wouldn't actually think werewolves.

Her smile didn't falter. "Interesting," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Not something you see every day. But that just makes it all the more special, wouldn't you say?"

I nodded, surprised by her calm acceptance. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. "Do you have any specific styles in mind?" Evelyn asked, gesturing towards the racks of dresses that shimmered under the soft lighting.

"Well," Natalia started, "we were hoping to find something elegant but also practical. You know, something that moves well."

"Ah, I see," Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps a cocktail dress could be a good option? They offer the elegance you desire with the freedom of movement you need."

Relief washed over me. Cocktail dress? Now that was an idea I hadn't considered. Maybe it wasn't the flowing gown of my dreams, but it could definitely work.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

"That's a great suggestion," A genuine smile spread across my face. "Can we see what you have in mind?"

Evelyn's smile mirrored mine. "Absolutely. Follow me, ladies. I have just the thing for a night of werewolf revelry."

The next hour was a whirlwind of fabrics, sequins, and stifled sighs. We tried on everything from sleek black cocktail dresses that clung to our curves a little too tightly to flowy, floral numbers that looked more like garden party attire than gala- worthy. Each dress felt like it belonged on someone else, failing to capture the essence of who I was or what I wanted to project.

Discouragement started to settle in. Maybe the whole "dress for a werewolf gala" concept had been a bad idea. Maybe there was no such thing as a dress that was both elegant and practical, let alone one that reflected my personality. Just as I was about to throw in the towel and declare defeat, my gaze drifted towards a secluded corner of the store. There, tucked away amongst a sea of jewel tones, hung a dress that seemed to call out to me. It wasn't on a hanger like the others, but draped carefully on a mannequin, its emerald green fabric catching the light in a way that shimmered like a hidden oasis.

"What about that one?" I blurted out, pointing towards the corner.

Evelyn, who had been patiently shuttling dresses back and forth, turned to follow my finger. Her gaze lingered on the green dress for a moment before she gave a small shrug.

"Oh, that one," she muttered dismissively. "It's nothing special, really. Just a leftover from a previous season."

There was something about the way she said it, so nonchalant, that piqued my curiosity. Leftover or not, the dress held a certain allure.

10:32 Sat, 22 Jun J Chapter 97 "Can I try it on anyway?" I asked, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest.

She hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, fine. But I wouldn't get your hopes up. It might not be your style."

A few minutes later, I stood in the dressing room, the emerald green dress clasped loosely in my hands. It was lighter than I expected, the fabric a soft, luxurious satin that felt cool ve against my skin. The dress itself was simple yet elegant, with a fitted bodice that accentuated my curves and a flowing skirt that fell just below my knees. But what truly stole the show was the color. The emerald green was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, rich and vibrant with a subtle hint of gold that seemed to catch the light and dance.

Hesitantly, I slipped the dress on. It fit like a dream, hugging my figure in all m the right places without being restrictive. As I looked at myself in the mirror, a gasp escaped my lips.

This wasn't just a dress; it was an entire transformation.

The emerald green somehow complemented my coppery hair perfectly, drawing out the warmm highlights and making my eyes

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appear brighter. It exuded a confidence I hadn't realized I possessed, a quiet power that whispered of strength and mystery.

"Wow," I breathed out, running my hands over the soft fabric. "This is it. This is the dress."

A smile bloomed on Evelyn's face, genuine and warm. "Sometimes, the most unexpected things turn out to be exactly what you were looking for."

"This is amazing." I swirled.

Relief and excitement washed over me. After all that searching, all those failed attempts, I had finally found it.

The perfect dress for a night unlike any other.