Chapter 49: +25 Bonus

But no amount of fussing could disguise the truth. Deep down, I knew this wasn't about an ill-fitting dress—it was my body, soft and ugly and… "Hannah? Are you okay?"

"Fine!" I squeaked, my head spinning. I hastily unzipped the dress and pulled it over my head.

Emerging from the dressing room, clutching the crumpled green fabric to my chest and now in my jeans and sweater, Viona regarded me with concern. "You don't like it?" she asked carefully.

I swallowed, anxiety clogging my throat. "I just… maybe we should try something else? Something looser."

Understanding flickered in Viona's eyes. She held up a hand. "Hannah… This isn't a relapse, is it?"

Of course she saw through me—she always did. I opened my mouth to protest, but her serious expression silenced me.

"Look," Viona said gently, "tonight will be hard, seeing Zoe. But you've made amazing progress. Don't let this derail all that hard work."

A flush crept onto my cheeks. I felt small and childish. "I know… It's just…"

Viona squeezed my arm, her eyes warm and steady. "If you're struggling, we can skip the support group tomorrow night. But going, even once, would be good for you."

I worried my lip, thinking of our Saturday plans: the eating disorder support group. I'd promised Viona I'd go, with her. I didn't want to break that promise.

"Don't worry," I said. "I'll still go."

Viona beamed. We chose a flowy sage green dress—long sleeves, square neckline, but a more relaxed fit. Perfect—the armor I needed for tonight.

Hours later, I smoothed the dress as Noah's car idled. I felt his eyes on me, heavy and inscrutable. I couldn't meet his gaze, surreptitiously tugging the fabric lower over my abdomen. Anxiety gnawed, despite Viona's reassurances.

When Noah didn't open my door, I sighed and got out, clutching my purse protectively. He followed, his footsteps clipped and tense.

Inside, Drake waited, handsome in a crisp blazer and slacks. His face lit up at the sight of me, though his smile faltered as Noah appeared.

"Hannah, you look beautiful," Drake purred, kissing my knuckles. I felt Noah tense beside me, but ignored him.

The click of heels announced Zoe's arrival—beautiful in a black satin shift dress, dark pantyhose, and tall boots. She looked like a fashion magazine, leather jacket draped over her shoulders, hair perfectly curled. Dark winged eyeliner and sultry eyeshadow emphasized her eyes…

She was everything I could never be.

I averted my gaze, my heart pounding. Home—and diet pills—called to me. It was good I'd flushed them.

"Darling Zoe," Drake murmured, stepping toward her. "It's so good to…"

Zoe sidestepped him, her lips pressed into a thin line. Turning to Noah and me, fire danced in her eyes. "Shall we, then?"

Over Zoe's shoulder, I saw Drake deflate, his hand hanging awkwardly. This was going to be worse than I imagined.

As we were led to our table, I exchanged a loaded glance with Noah. Despite our differences, we agreed on one thing: tonight would be long.