Chapter 45
26 BONUS
I was an engaged listener, laughing at all the right moments and politely sipping my coffee. To any outsiders observing, we seemed like old friends enjoying each other’s company.
Eventually, however, the curious onlookers lost interest. The restaurant thinned out, and finally, our conversation shifted to… darker topics. Our voices dropped, and maintaining my smile became increasingly difficult.
“I have to ask,” Drake said, swirling his wine pensively, “how did things get so complicated between you and Noah? Aside from the obvious, I mean.”
A pang of pain shot through my chest at the indirect mention of Zoe, but I dismissed it with a soft snort.
“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Noah and I… we really were good together. We got along in many ways.” I took a sip of my coffee, letting the bitterness linger. “But somewhere along the way, things shifted. He grew distant, cold, always prioritizing the pack’s interests over my own. And… her…” I trailed off, clenching my jaw. Drake knew who I meant.
He let out a soft, humorless laugh. “They always were the star-crossed lovers, weren’t they? And what were we? Unwilling bystanders?”
I quickly shook my head. “No. Not unwilling.”
Drake’s brow furrowed as his eyes searched my face. “What do you mean?”
I shrugged, reflecting on my past behavior—my inability to stand up for myself, my lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Then I considered Drake’s infidelity and met his gaze. “Maybe we’re not as blameless as it seems.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “I don’t see her as a bad person anymore.”
“You don’t hate her, then? Even after everything?”
“Hate her?” I echoed with a wry smile. “Goddess, no. It’s not Zoe’s fault she was once fated to Noah.”
I leaned back with a sigh. “Although I do wish it had been different, that’s all.”
Drake’s eyes widened slightly, his fingers stilling on his glass stem. “It sounds like you have a very unique perspective on the whole situation.”
“Maybe I do,” I said with a shrug, trying not to picture the moment I died in my bathroom. “But I’m learning to accept it all and move on, one way or another. Speaking of…”
I trailed off as our car pulled up to the curb. The chauffeur opened the door, and I gathered my clutch as Drake settled the check.
Soon, we were on our way back to the mansion. The car ride was silent, each of us lost in thought. Finally, the mansion came into view, its dark brick edifice a stark contrast against the deep green pines.
“Well… this was nice,” I said, unbuckling my seatbelt.
+25 BONUS
Drake nodded. “We should do something like this again.”
Just before I could exit the car, Drake caught my wrist. “Wait, I almost forgot…”
He fumbled in one of his shopping bags before producing a small gift bag, elaborately wrapped in crisp white paper and a satin ribbon. My eyebrows rose as he pressed it into my palm.
“I picked that up for you while we were out,” he said with a sheepish grin. “You know, as a little thank-you for… showing me around.”
My lips curved into a grin as I peered into the bag, catching a glimpse of something silver. “Drake, you shouldn’t have…”
“I wanted to,” he insisted firmly, his fingers tightening around my wrist for a moment. “It was my genuine pleasure, Hannah. Truly.” He winked, and realization dawned on me: the Lunar Festival. I’d almost forgotten that was the real reason for all of this.
“Thank you,” I murmured, flashing him a tight smile as he released my wrist. Then, with a deep breath, I straightened and slid out of the car. I was just turning toward the front steps when a flicker of movement in the mansion’s front window caught my eye. Noah was there, staring at me with an inscrutable expression.