Chapter 213: Hannah

The music pulsed through the club, the bass thrumming in my chest as I moved on the dance floor. Viona grinded against me, grinning and giggling. The girls’ night out, Viona's idea, was a chance for us four to let loose, forget our problems, and celebrate Amber's engagement. Even though I couldn't drink, I was glad to be out with my friends.

"Look at this guy!" Viona shouted over the music, shoving her phone in my face. "Isn't he hot?!"

I squinted at the Tinder profile: an extremely attractive man… holding a fish in his first picture. I wrinkled my nose. Was this my dating future?

"Ew, Vi," I groaned. "A fish guy? Really?"

Viona studied the picture. "You're right," she said, swiping. "What about him?" She showed me a mirror selfie of a man in a tight white t-shirt, showcasing his chiseled pectorals. I nodded, gave Viona a thumbs-up, and returned to dancing.

My thoughts drifted back to my promise to Drake: one date after the divorce. I didn't really see Drake that way—not now, at least—but a promise was a promise, and he'd kept his end of the bargain. It had been over a week, and he still hadn't found any evidence of Noah cheating; he'd even been watching Zoe's house at night and hadn't seen Noah enter or leave.

But Noah was cheating. I was sure of it. Drake and I just needed to catch him.

"I need the bathroom," I said, needing a moment to breathe. Viona nodded, and I left the dance floor.

Weaving through the crowd, I saw a familiar figure near the bar: brown hair, wire-rimmed glasses, and a pencil mustache. Jake, Amber's fiancé. His look was distinctive; I'd recognize him anywhere.

But he wasn't alone. He was leaning close to another man, their faces inches apart. My heart sank as I watched their unmistakably intimate body language. Jake's hand touched the other man's lower back; they smiled and leaned closer…

"Amber needs to see this," I whispered, fumbling for my phone. But by the time I got it out, Jake and the mystery man had separated. Jake stood alone, sipping his drink.

Cursing, I went to the restroom.

When I returned, Amber, Viona, and Emma were laughing at our table. I forced a neutral expression, unwilling to spoil the night with my unconfirmed suspicions.

Chapter 213 + 25 Bonus

"Hannah, you okay?" Viona asked, noticing my expression. She pushed back a lock of hair and took a sip of her vodka cranberry.

I forced a smile and sat down. "Yeah, just overwhelmed by the crowd. And the bathroom is gross."

Before anyone could respond, Jake appeared, a charming smile on his face. I pursed my lips, fighting the urge to confront him. "Ladies," he greeted, putting an arm around Amber. "I didn't expect to see you here."