Chapter 200+25 BONUS
Before I could react, a drop of ice cream slid down my pinky, threatening to stain my ceremonial robe. Drake’s hand shot out, catching my wrist. In one swift motion, he leaned in and licked the melting ice cream from my hand.
Our eyes met as he pulled back, and my breath caught in my throat. His gaze held an intensity that made my cheeks burn, yet I was too stunned to look away.
“Careful,” he murmured, his voice husky. “Wouldn’t want to ruin that beautiful robe.”
I blinked, suddenly aware of our proximity. Embarrassment, confusion, and something else unnamable swirled within me. Glancing over Drake’s shoulder, I saw Noah watching from across the festival grounds. The fury in his eyes sent a chill down my spine.
Finally, I reacted. “Drake,” I hissed, yanking my hand away. “What are you doing? That was way too brazen.”
His eyes widened, understanding dawning. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I wasn’t thinking. I just—”
“You can’t do things like that,” I interrupted, raising my hand to emphasize my point. “I’m still married, you know. And even if I weren’t…” My voice trailed off, the unspoken implication clear: even without the marriage, we were just friends.
Just friends. Apparently, contrary to popular belief.
Confusion clouded Drake’s face. “But… I heard a rumor that you… that you wanted me. Romantically, I mean.”
“What?” I exclaimed, nearly dropping my ice cream. “Where did you hear that?”
Embarrassment colored Drake’s cheeks. “… I’m sorry. I must have misunderstood. Goddess, I feel like an idiot.”
I sighed, pursing my lips. Rumors. Of course. “It’s fine, Drake. Just… promise me you won’t do anything like that again,” I muttered.
Drake hesitated, then nodded stiffly before disappearing into the crowd.
As he walked away, I glanced back at Noah, hoping he’d witnessed my rejection of Drake. He was gone. However, I did see Viona looking uncomfortable as a young man attempted to engage her in conversation. I approached, gently linking my arm with hers.
“Everything okay here?” I asked, giving the man a pointed look.
Viona smiled gratefully. “Yes, thank you, Hannah. I was just leaving. It was good seeing you, Andrew.”
The young man, tall and thin with sandy curls, nodded sheepishly. “You too, Viona. Hope to see you soon.”
As we walked away, the tension visibly eased from Viona’s shoulders. “What was that about?” I asked softly, nudging her.
She exhaled deeply, running a hand through her hair. “That’s Andrew. My parents… they’re trying to arrange a marriage between us.”
I nearly choked on my ice cream. “What? Since when?”
“Since, like, two weeks ago,” she admitted. Noticing my withering glare, she added, “You’ve been so busy, I didn’t want to bother you.”
I pursed my lips. “But you’re so young, Viona. Why are your parents suddenly doing this?”
Viona shrugged, her eyes downcast, her ice cream untouched. “I’ve told them I’m not interested, but they keep pushing. They say it’s a good match, that it’ll secure our family’s future.”
“But what about what you want?” I asked, stopping to face her.
She frowned. “I don’t want to get married. Not now, anyway. I want to date, to enjoy my youth. Is that so wrong?”
“Of course not. You should do what makes you happy, Viona. Take it from me—marriage without true love can be… stifling.”
My regret was immediate, not because my words were untrue, but because of who might have overheard. A familiar voice spoke from behind us, and my stomach plummeted.
“Is that so?”