Chapter 226: Hannah

The man smiled down at me, his piercing blue eyes meeting mine. My friends' excitement was palpable, causing my cheeks to flush.

“Oh, thanks, but that’s not necessary,” I said, displaying my wedding ring. “I’m married.”

His eyes flickered to my ring, but surprisingly, his smile widened. “A man can still buy a lady a drink, no?” he asked. “I assure you, there will be no strings attached.”

My cheeks burned under his gaze. That was certainly bold. I shook my head. “Really, thank you. But I’m not interested.”

“I see. Well, if you change your mind… I’m David,” he said, extending his hand.

I hesitated before shaking it. “Hannah.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hannah,” David said, glancing at my friends. “And you as well, ladies. Are you from around here?”

“We’re visiting,” Viona said, leaning forward with a sly grin and gesturing to Amber. “Fresh breakup.”

Amber’s eyes widened, but David simply smiled. “I’m sorry to hear that. Well… I’ll leave you to it, then. Have a nice night.”

“You too.”

He turned to leave, then paused, giving me one last intense look. “You know,” he said, “there’s a great hiking trail nearby, leading to a beautiful waterfall. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to show you and your friends sometime.”

I smiled politely. “That’s very kind of you, but I think we’ll be okay on our own.”

David nodded, unfazed. “Of course. Well, if you change your mind…” He produced a business card and slid it across the bar. “Give me a call. For hiking tips, or… anything else.”

With a final smile, he left. Immediately, my friends swarmed me. “Ooh, Hannah!” Viona squealed, gripping my arm. “That guy was totally into you!”

Emma nodded enthusiastically. “Seriously, he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

My face flushed. “Come on, guys. He was just being friendly,” I said, looking at the business card in my hand—the hand with my wedding ring. “And besides, I told him I was married.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t seem too bothered by that. He practically undressed you with his eyes.”

“You should call him,” Viona said, taking the card. “David Thompson, local real estate agent. Ooh, fancy. I bet you could tour some of the lavish mansions around here and have some fun in the bedrooms while you’re at it.”

I snatched the card back. “I’m not calling him,” I said, a growl in my voice. “Besides, I’m still married. How many times do I have to say that?”

“Yeah, to a cheating a**hole,” Viona muttered.

I shot her a withering look. “We don’t know that for sure. Drake hasn’t found anything yet.”

Viona sighed. “Come on, Hannah,” Amber said gently. “Even if Noah isn’t cheating, you two are getting divorced. There’s no harm in a little flirtation.”

I shook my head firmly and tossed the card in a nearby trash can. “No. I’m not dating anyone until the divorce is final. End of discussion.”

The girls exchanged glances and dropped the subject. Once seated and our meals ordered, the conversation thankfully shifted. I was relieved, though the thought of the man and his card lingered.

“So, Amber,” Viona said, sipping her drink, “how are you holding up? Really?”

Amber sighed, pushing her food around her plate. “It’s… hard. I keep thinking about all the signs I missed, you know? I thought something was up when he wanted to have the wedding so quickly, but I completely ignored that feeling. But I’m glad I found out now, before the wedding.”