Hannah “How did you know when you needed to start making a change?” The room was quiet as the journalist, Emily, and I sat across from each other, the only sounds that of the grandfather clock ticking against the wall and the birds chirping outside. A soft breeze blew through the cracked window—
Hannah “Can I take you out to dinner tonight? Just you and me?” I blinked incredulously at Noah for a long time in the wake of his request, trying to figure out whether he was being serious, messing with me, or if he had something else up his sleeve just like that last party that he invited me t
Hannah Noah stepped forward and placed the necktie over my eyes. I held it in place with one hand while he tied it in the back, the cool flesh of his fingers brushing against the nape of my neck as he did so. “Thanks for complying with me,” he said once he had finished tying it. I heard his foot
I didn’t know what to say. The offer was quite possibly the sweetest thing I had heard come out of Noah’s mouth in a long time; and in fact, I could already feel the first prickling of tears behind my eyes. But this was no time for crying—we had food to test. Over the next couple of hours, Noah
Noah & Hannah Noah’s POV Noah burst out of the restaurant and into the cool night air, his gasps of breath mingling with the sound of his shoes on the pavement and the screech of the cab’s tires. There, up ahead, was Hannah—already in the back of a taxi that was pulling away from the curb at b
… When I was finished telling Viona my story—everything from my pregnancy to my death to my rebirth, all of it from beginning to end—the room was utterly silent. Down below, the sounds of the bustling city rose into the air, but I hardly heard any of it. Only the sound of my blood rushing through
Hannah “Right this way, Luna Hannah. Patty will handle your hair and makeup today.” I walked into the makeup room at the stage assistant’s directions, my stomach already in knots the moment I saw that familiar pair of shoulders and that familiar head of hair sitting in the chair. Of course Noa
Hannah The lights were blinding as Noah and I took our seats behind the long judges’ table, our names proudly displayed on plaques in front of us. I squinted against the harsh glare, trying to make out the rows of empty seats that would soon be filled with attendees for tonight’s pageant. My hea
“Almost done…” she murmured, leaning in with a touch of gloss for my lips. I couldn’t help but laugh at how serious she looked, as if I were some delicate art piece she was trying to perfect. Finally, she stepped back with a smile. “There. Now, the dress.” Amber was already at my side, helping m
Hannah The next morning, I woke with a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with morning sickness. Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I blinked up at the ceiling, letting that first realization sink in. It was the day of our wedding. In le
Hannah Mornings had gotten louder since Melody learned to walk. And she wasn’t just walking—she was trying to run, arms flapping and her chubby legs barely holding her up as she went. This morning, she seemed to be hell bent on dashing down the hallway as Noah tried to brush his teeth and I hunted
I laughed, hoping it sounded more natural than I felt. “Hey, I can spoil you once in a while if I want. Just because it’s a Thursday doesn’t mean I can’t surprise you.” We chatted about our day as we ate, filling each other in on all the usual things. But every so often, his eyes would flicker to
Hannah My hands shook a little as I straightened the delicate flower crown over Melody’s soft hair, adjusting it so the petals framed her tiny face just right. She blinked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, slapping her hands contentedly on the top of her high chair. I smiled as I ran my f
Hannah By the time we stepped out of the ring, it felt as if my entire body was on fire. Every muscle seemed to be taut, every heartbeat one thump away from shifting. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run circles around the building or maybe tear up the walls like a caged animal. What was wrong wit
Hannah For what felt like the hundredth time that morning, I sidestepped Drake’s punch with ease, narrowly dodging his hook. Training with him had become an obsession of mine lately. He’d pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected, helping me learn how to use my speed and endurance instead of relying on
Noah pushed himself harder, letting out a playful howl as he gained on her, the hunt pulsing through his veins like a drug. She glanced back, her ears twitching, and he saw her eyes flash with excitement before she put on an extra burst of speed. It became a game of cat and mouse, each of them pus
Noah For the millionth time that morning, Noah’s gaze drifted from the stack of papers on his desk to the stretch of forest that was visible through the office window. The afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting that familiar, deep green hue over the landscape. Just seeing the expans