Chapter 254

“Suit yourself,” Viona said, leaning back and folding her arms. “Although, with the divorce coming up, this could be used against you…”

“Yeah,” Drake added softly. “The Alpha Council could use the picture to claim that you’re still in love with Noah.”

I didn’t know what to say. The implication in Drake’s words was clear: he wasn’t just talking about the Alpha Council. He was talking about himself.

The rest of lunch passed as usual, though I couldn’t shake those pictures from my mind—and Drake, for his part, couldn’t seem to take his eyes off me. I kept avoiding his gaze, pretending to be fascinated by the layers of my croissant and the foam in my coffee.

After our meal, we paid the bill and headed our separate ways. Drake caught my elbow as I was following Viona—who was still with me—to the car.

“Hannah, can we talk for a moment?” he asked, glancing at Viona. “In private?”

Viona huffed, hands on her hips. Before she could retort, I nodded. “I’ll be right back, Vi.” She huffed again and got into the car, and Drake pulled me a few feet away.

“What’s up?” I asked once we were out of earshot.

Drake took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. He looked nervous, a quality uncharacteristic of him. “I just wanted to let you know. I never found any evidence of Noah and Zoe cheating. I really don’t think he is, Hannah.”

A strange combination of disappointment and relief washed over me. “Oh,” was all I could manage.

“And since I failed, you don’t need to go on that date with me after the divorce,” Drake continued. Then, more hesitantly, “If there even is a divorce.”

“What do you mean?”

He shot me a strange look. “Hannah, it’s clear that you still have feelings for Noah.”

“Drake,” I said incredulously, “there will be a divorce. Nothing has changed.”

He looked skeptical, placing one hand on his hip. “That picture—”

“Was taken during a vulnerable moment when we both needed comfort after a harrowing experience,” I finished for him, feeling my hackles rise. “And I thought you agreed it was a breach of privacy.”

“I did. And I still think it was,” Drake replied calmly. “But you can’t deny the chemistry between you two: the way he was holding you… I don’t think that was just out of necessity.”

My mouth opened and closed as my mind whirled, searching for a response. Finally, I thought back to that night and how, even after everything, Noah didn’t remember our past. He was my hero, and I cared for him, but…

“There is no love between Noah and me, Drake,” I whispered. “Not anymore.”

He sighed, but didn’t seem to want to press the matter. “If you say so. I just… I care about you, Hannah. I want you to be happy. That’s all.”

“I appreciate that,” I said, softening slightly. “But my happiness isn’t your responsibility.”

Drake nodded, a sad smile on his face. “I know. But you can’t blame a guy for caring.”

I watched as Drake walked away, a whirlwind of emotions—relief, frustration, sadness, yearning—swirling inside me. The busy street seemed to fade as I lost myself in thoughts of Noah’s arms wrapped protectively around me. I didn’t love Noah anymore… right?