HannahI sat stiffly at the dinner table, my gaze flickering between Noah and my father.The tension in my shoulders refused to ease as I waited for some sign, some hint of the deal I was convinced they had struck earlier. Lily told me that Noah had handed my father a check to help with his failing
“There we go, little one,” he said in a soft voice. “We’ll have you all clean and comfy in no time.”I must have made a sound because Noah looked up, his eyes meeting mine in the doorway. “Did you need something, Hannah?”I shook my head, still trying to process what I was witnessing. I wanted to pi
HannahNoah’s warm hand rubbed gentle circles on my back as he held my hair, his voice soft and soothing.“I’m here for you, Hannah. Just let it out.”His tone was more tender than I had ever heard it, a contrast to the cold, calculated demeanor he usually wore. The touch of his hand, the reassuranc
As the words left my mouth, I was surprised to feel a pang of… disappointment.Why did I feel this way when all I had wanted lately was to escape? My heart seemed to betray me, caught between the freedom I had sought and a longing for something I thought was lost.Noah nodded solemnly, rising to his
HannahI made my way down to the dining room the next morning, my eyes still bleary from a fitful night of sleep. Today was the day of my father’s birthday party, and I was sure that the day would be a blur of activity. But I had my own plans today.Noah, Lily, and my parents were already at the tab
“Penpal program?” Noah asked, taking the seat opposite me. “That sounds interesting. Tell me more.”I explained the concept to him, surprised by his genuine interest. When I finished, he was nodding, thinking deeply.“That’s a great idea, Hannah,” he said. “I’m glad you have a new project to focus o
HannahThe ballroom was alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. The chandeliers glittered overhead, catching the sequins on my emerald green dress. I floated from group to group, trading gossip and pleasantries with people I hadn’t seen or heard from since last year.I sho
I chewed my lip, thinking. The idea of letting my cousin take over Silvermoon sounded like a nightmare. And Lily couldn’t take over; she didn’t possess the special gene that allowed one to be an Alpha. Only Alpha and I qualified for the role, since he was my father’s only nephew.“So you think I sho