Chapter 186

I studied his face, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was genuine concern and sincerity, and my shoulders slumped slightly.

“Alright,” I said finally. “I believe you. And for the record, I never planned on going back on my promise about Zoe. I’ll set it up soon, okay?”

Drake’s face lit up. “Really? Thanks, Hannah. You won’t regret it.”

“I’d better not,” I warned, though my words lacked conviction. “Now, if you don’t mind, I really should get going.”

Drake nodded, stepping back. “Of course. Take care of yourself, Hannah.”

Nodding, I grabbed my bag and whirled on my heel. Only then, with my back turned to Drake, did I allow my expression to twist into one of pure fear and worry. I had to get out of here—away from him, away from everyone. Goddess, that was too close a call; I couldn’t confirm anything, just in case…

Suddenly, Drake’s gruff voice stopped me in my tracks. “Hey, Hannah?” he called out, his voice echoing in the empty training center. I froze by the door, my hand on the doorknob, but I didn’t turn.

“Yeah?” I called out, my voice trembling.

Drake paused before saying, “Congratulations. If congratulations are in order, I mean.”

My shoulders tensed, my eyes widening. I said nothing, simply swung the door open, and hurried out into the bright morning sun.

As I drove home, my mind raced. Drake knew, or at least strongly suspected, that I was pregnant. How long before others started to notice? How much longer could I keep this secret? How long until I began to show, and there would be no denying it?

I shuddered at the thought, but one thing was certain: this divorce needed to happen before anyone else found out. Especially before Noah did.

When I arrived home, I kicked off my shoes and hurried toward my bedroom—in need of a hot bath to relax my tense muscles. But, as I reached the steps, the sound of muttering and rustling papers in the other room stopped me.

Frowning, I followed the source of the noise and found Noah sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by papers. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, his tie discarded over the arm of a chair beside him. Lunar Festival plans were scattered everywhere, and he looked more stressed than I had ever seen him; or at least, more stressed than in a very long time, which was surprising given how tumultuous our lives had been lately.

I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching his hair fall into his eyes as he bent his head over the papers. With the festival only a couple of weeks away, I could see the toll it was taking on him. Despite my own worries and fatigue, I knew I couldn’t leave him like this.

“Do you need help?” I asked softly.

Noah’s head snapped up, surprise dawning on his face. He blinked a few times, as if processing my offer.

“I… what?” he said, his brow furrowed.

I gestured to the mess of papers around him. “With the festival plans. Do you want some help?”

Noah stared at me for a long moment. Finally, he nodded slowly.

“Sure,” he said, gesturing to the cushion on the floor beside him. “I guess I’d appreciate the help.”