Chapter 16

Hannah. Everyone blinked at me, patiently awaiting my announcement. My face flushed crimson under their gaze; I'd become so engrossed in daydreams that I'd forgotten to even record my vote.

"Oh… Just a moment," I said hastily, grabbing my pen and a ballot.

The announcer grinned into her microphone. "Daydreaming, Luna Hannah?" she teased.

Another ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, making my heart race. However, I managed a smile and a quick retort: "Yes. I got a little lost. I was admiring my handsome husband. My apologies."

"Aww…"

The crowd practically swooned, and beside me, Noah shifted uncomfortably. Good, I thought. At least I wasn't the only one squirming. Behind him, Zoe's face remained impassive, while Drake grinned at me over Noah's shoulder.

"He's quite the looker, isn't he?" Drake remarked, eliciting more laughter.

Having completed my ballot, I stood and offered it to the announcer. "Sorry about that," I said with a pleasant laugh and a wave. "I promise I was paying attention to our lovely contestants' speeches."

"No need to apologize, Luna Hannah," the announcer said, shuffling the ballots. "It's sweet to see our beloved Luna and Alpha so in love."

I almost snorted. Yeah, right; in love. Nevertheless, as I sat down, I offered Noah a smile for the cameras. When he returned it, my heart leaped.

Thankfully, the announcer's voice quickly diverted my attention. "And the winner of the pageant is…" She paused dramatically. "...Felicia Green!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and I smiled; Felicia, the contestant with the red espadrilles, had been my favorite. The curtain rose, revealing her: petite and curvy, in a simple skirt and sweater, her red hair neatly bunned. She wore glasses, had freckles across her aquiline nose, and rosy cheeks.

"Thank you so much," she said, her hands trembling as she accepted the microphone. "I've never received an award like this. It's truly an honor."

I rose and crossed to the center stage where Felicia stood. An attendant presented me with a flower crown, which I carefully placed on the winner's head.

"Well, you deserve it," I said gently, hugging Felicia as the crowd cheered. "You did wonderfully."

"Thank you, Luna Hannah… Thank you…"

Chapter 16 + 25 Bonus

"Luna Hannah? May I speak with you for a moment?"

I looked up from my iced tea to see Felicia's familiar glasses and red hair. She beamed at me, still wearing her flower crown, clutching a drink and a cupcake.

Smiling and nodding, I gestured to the bench beside me. "Of course, Felicia. Please, sit."

As the nervous winner settled beside me, I surveyed the small luncheon—all the contestants, their families and friends, and the show's crew were celebrating a successful afternoon.

Except for Noah. He'd slipped away without a word, and I hadn't seen him since. Perhaps he'd left; after all, he'd fulfilled his on-stage duties.

This led me to wonder… Did he genuinely care, as I'd hoped, or was it all an act?