Chapter 0369 Chapter 0369 Hannah I was in my room, trying to distract myself with a book, when I heard the crunch of tires on gravel.
My heart leapt as I immediately recognized the red car pulling up the sunlit driveway. Viona.
Without thinking, I tossed the book aside and raced down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet in my haste. I burst through the front door and sprinted down the drive, meeting Viona halfway as she climbed out of her car.
We collided in a tight embrace, swaying together as tears pricked at my eyes. For a moment, just a moment, I felt like I could breathe again.
Iâd been home in Silvermoon for two days now, although it felt like an eternity. My friends had gotten wind of what had happened, but only a little bit. Iâd told them that Noah and I finally divorced, but the rest of it...
I couldnât bear to tell them everything. Not over the phone, at least.
But Viona had come. Sheâd said she would, and she did.
Viona pulled back, her hands on my shoulders as she looked me over with concern. âHannah, are you okay? You look exhausted.â She turned me around and around as if Iâd have a broken bone jutting out somewhere.
I managed a weak smile. âIâm fine. Just... tired. And humiliated.â
âLetâs go inside. We have a lot to talk about.â
1 nodded, leading her up the path to my parents-my-house. As we entered the foyer, I noticed Vionaâs gaze drop to the floor. My mother had tried to cover the deep gouges Iâd left that first night with a rug, but the edges were still visible, peeking out like accusatory fingers.
âWhat happened there? Viona asked before I could nudge the rug back into place.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. âThat was me. The night I came back... I was a mess. I couldnât control myself. I clawed at the floor like an animal.â
Viona huffed softly, a small smile playing at her lips despite everything. âThereâs my psycho friend,â she teased, bumping her shoulder against mine.
Despite myself, I chuckled at her jibe. It felt good, like a release valve had been opened. âCome on,â I said, leading her to the living room. âIâll tell you everything.â
We settled onto the plush sofa, and I poured out the whole story-the sweet words and promises, the nights spent in the throes of passion, and then the abrupt change into a cold demon who had thrown those divorce papers in my face like he hated my guts, Viona listened intently the entire time, not saying a word, although her face went more and more ashen as I told my story.
When I was finished, she looked as if sheâd just seen a ghost. She shook her head in disbelief. âHannah, this doesnât make any sense. Noah genuinely seemed to have changed. That night at your baby shower, he was all over you, head over heels like a madman in love. Everyone heard you howling from the woods.â
××× Chapter 0369 I felt my cheeks flush at the memory. That night had been amazing. Too bad it had been tainted by... everything #25 BONUS âYeah, well, apparently it was all an act,â I spat bitterly. I guess he planned this whole thing from the start. Maybe with Zoeâs help, although who knows?â
I couldnât decide which was worse; the idea that he had planned this with Zoe, that little minx, or that he had done it all on his own.
Vionaâs frown deepened. âBut Hannah, he canât be that good of an actor. I mean, the way he looked at you at the baby shower, the things he said and did... it seemed so real.â
I stood up abruptly, pacing the room. âWell, it wasnât. And you know what? It doesnât matter anymore. I have other plans. Ones that donât involve him.â I paused, turning to face her. âIt looks like Iâm going to become Alpha of Silvermoon after all.
Vionaâs widened. âSo soon? Are you sure youâre ready for something like that?â
I nodded firmly. âIâve never been more sure of anything in my life. Itâs about time I took my rightful place. He may think he shattered me, but he didnât. Not permanently.â
A slow smile spread across Vionaâs face. âWell then, I guess I made the right choice.â
âWhat do you mean?â
My friend stood and crossed the room, taking my hands in hers. âI made you a promise, remember? If you and Noah got divorced, I would come to Silvermoon with you. Iâve already applied to transfer to the cosmetology school here.â
J felt a lump form in my throat. âVi, you donât have to-your apartment-â
âOh, screw the apartment. I want to come,â she interrupted. âYouâre my best friend, Hannah. Where you go I go.â
Overcome with emotion, I pressed my forehead against hers. âThen my first act as Alpha will be to accept you into my pack,â I whispered.
We stood like that for a moment, sharing breath, until a familiar voice called out from the doorway. Hannah?â
I looked up to see Drake standing there, backlit by the sun streaming in from outside. His eyes were glowing with anger, his chest heaving as if heâd run all the way here. Without thinking, I broke away from Viona and ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. Viona watched from where she stood by the window, wringing her hands.
Drake held me tightly, one hand stroking my hair while the other pressed against my back. I could hear low growls of fury rumbling in his chest. âI heard what happened. Iâll kill the bastard,â he murmured. âIâll shred him. Playing with your heart like that...â
I pulled back, wiping at my eyes. âThat wonât be necessary,â I said. âItâs in the past now. Iâm moving forward-Iâm going to take over as Alpha of Silvermoon.â
Drake sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening slightly. âReally?â
thing that breaks Noah-knowing that despite what he did to me, I moved on Chapter 0359 quickly and came out stronger. Heâll be the humiliated one in the end. Not me.â
+25 BONUS A slow smile spread across Drakeâs face. âWell then, consider me your ally in this. Whatever you need, Iâm here. And my aunt is on your side too. Although I guess you already knew that.â
I let out a small breath. I did know, but hearing it out loud was a relief. âThank you, Drake. For coming, for supporting me... for everything.â
âAlways, Hannah. You know that.â
Suddenly, a gasp from behind us made us both turn. Viona had her phone clutched in her shaking hands. Her face had gone pale, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at the screen.
âThat prick...â she croaked.
Drake and I exchanged glances. âWhat is it?â I asked, walking over to her.
Wordlessly, she turned the screen toward us. I felt the blood drain from my face as I took in the image-a photo of...
A photo of Noah and Zoe, both smiling... With Zoeâs hand pressed against Noahâs chest.
A big diamond ring glittered on her finger.
An engagement ring.
My eyes dropped to the headline, and I thought I might be sick.
âThe star-crossed lovers announce their engagement!
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