Chapter 159

Hannah

“Right this way, Luna Hannah. Patty will handle your hair and makeup today.”

I walked into the makeup room, following the stage assistant’s directions. My stomach tightened the moment I saw that familiar pair of shoulders and head of hair. Of course, Noah was already there, seated in a styling chair. Of course, I wouldn't be able to avoid contact.

He looked impeccably dressed, his dark hair neatly styled, a crisp suit accentuating his broad frame. I caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror; he was strikingly handsome.

Swallowing hard, I pretended to be engrossed in a fashion magazine, sliding into the chair beside him. We hadn't spoken in two weeks—not since I'd fled that restaurant after vomiting. Not since confiding in Viona. She'd urged me to tell Noah, but I couldn't. Not yet.

Part of me hoped he'd forgotten, wouldn't ask. Another part, perversely, hoped he would, forcing my hand. That would be easier than choosing to tell him myself, wouldn't it?

Silence stretched between us as I turned the magazine pages, my eyes glazing over the words. I couldn't focus on anything but him.

Thankfully, the makeup artist arrived, preparing me for the pageant—our eating disorder awareness pageant. The judges were me, Noah, Drake, and Zoe.

The thought of Zoe made me cringe. I didn't want to sit next to her, but my campaign manager insisted it would quell rumors, presenting us as friends.

Ha! Friends. But my manager was right, and Noah agreed, so that was that.

Once the makeup was finished, Noah and I waited alone. I gritted my teeth, avoiding his gaze, but I saw his hands shift in his lap. Here it comes, I thought.

“You look good.”

My cheeks flushed at the unexpected compliment. “Thanks,” I mumbled.

More silence.

Chapter 150 + 25 Bonus

Finally, Noah cleared his throat. “So… are you going to tell me why you ran off that night?” he asked quietly. “Don't give me that food poisoning nonsense. We both know that's not what happened.”

I flipped the page so hard I nearly tore it. Maybe ignoring him would work. But his eyes remained fixed on me.

“It was food poisoning,” I said curtly. “What other explanation could there be?”

Noah stared at me before rising. My heart pounded as he approached, his broad shoulders seeming to darken the room. He placed a finger on my magazine, forcing me to look up.

“Don't play dumb, Hannah,” he said in a low voice, his stern look making me squirm. “We both know something else is going on, and I'm going to find out, whether you like it or not.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but the stage manager rushed in, smiling widely.

“All ready?” she asked. “Five minutes!”

“Just a moment,” Noah said, and she left.

“We should go,” I said, needing an excuse to escape. I shoved Noah aside, rising so quickly I smacked my head against his with a sickening crack. Tears sprang to my eyes as I crumpled to the floor.

“Shit! Hannah, are you alright?” Noah knelt beside me, his hand reaching for my shoulder.

Fuming, I swatted his hand away. “I’m fine,” I muttered, rubbing my forehead. “It’s your fault for standing so close!”

“My fault?!” Noah gaped. “You jumped up!”

“What on earth is going on here?”

We froze. Zoe. Of course, she'd walk in at this precise moment to see us sprawled on the floor like idiots.

Swallowing hard, I averted my eyes as Noah scrambled up, brushing his suit.

“Zoe! We were just… uh…”

Rolling her eyes, Zoe crouched beside me, examining my forehead. “Let me get some cover-up,” she murmured, digging through her makeup kit. “You too, Noah—that's already a nasty bump.”

Chapter 159.1

“Thanks,” I said, rising, “but I can do it myself.”

Zoe sighed almost inaudibly as I reached for concealer. “Suit yourself.”

She went to Noah and began working. I couldn't help but notice her hands on his face, her proximity to him, the way she stood on tiptoe, even though she was tall enough to reach.

“There,” Zoe said, stepping back. “All better. Hannah, you ready?”

I grimaced, finishing my makeup. “Yeah,” I said, plastering on a smile. “Ready.”