Chapter 0254
Chapter 0254
“Suit yourself,” Viona said, leaning back and folding her arms across her chest. “Although, with the divorce coming up, this could be used against you…”
“Yeah,” Drake added softly. “The Alpha Council could use the picture to claim that you’re still in love with Noah.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. The implication in Drake’s words was clear: he wasn’t just talking about the Alpha Council. He was talking about himself.
The rest of lunch passed by as usual, although I couldn’t take my mind off of those pictures–and Drake, for his part, couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of me. I kept avoiding his gaze, pretending to be fascinated by the layers in my croissant and the foam in my coffee.
After our meal, we paid the bill and headed our separate ways. Of course, Drake caught my elbow just as I was following Viona–who was still staying with me–to the car.
“Hannah, can we talk for a moment?” he asked, glancing at Viona. “In private?”
Viona huffed, placing her hands on her hips. But before she could come up with a retort, I nodded to her. I’ll be right back, Vi.” She huffed again and stepped into the car, and Drake pulled me a few feet away.
“What’s up?” I asked once we were out of earshot.
Drake took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. He looked nervous, a quality that was uncharacteristic for him. “I just wanted to let you know. I never found any evidence of Noah and Zoe cheating. I really don’t think he is, Hannah.”
There was no helping the strange combination of disappointment and relief that washed over me. “Oh,” was all I could manage.
“And since I failed, you don’t need to go on that date with me after the divorce,” Drake continued. Then, more hesitantly, “If there even is a divorce.”
“What do you mean?”
He shot me a strange look. “Hannah, it’s clear that you still have feelings for Noah.”
“Drake,” I said incredulously, “there will be a divorce. Nothing has changed.”
He looked skeptical, placing one hand on his hip. “That picture-”
“Was taken during a vulnerable moment when we both needed comfort after a harrowing experience,” I finished for him, feeling my proverbial hackles raise. “And I thought you agreed that it was a breach of privacy.”
“I did. And I still think it was,” Drake replied calmly. “But you can’t deny the chemistry between you two: the way he was holding you… I don’t think that was just out of necessity.”
My mouth opened and closed a few times as my mind whirled to come up with a response. Finally, I thought back to that night and how still, after everything. Noah didn’t remember our past. He was my hero, and I cared for him, but at the same time.
“There is no love between Noah and me, Drake,” I whispered. “Not anymore.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0254
He sighed, but didn’t seem to want to press the matter. “If you say so. I just… I care about you, Hannah. I want you to be happy. That’s all.”
“I appreciate that,” I said, softening slightly. “But my happiness isn’t your responsibility.”
Drake nodded, and there was a sad smile on his face. know. But you can’t blame a guy for caring.”
I watched as Drake walked away, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside of my chest: relief, frustration,
sadness, yearning. The busy street seemed to fade away as I lost myself in thoughts of what it felt like to have Noah’s arms wrapped protectively around me.
I didn’t love Noah anymore… right?
