Chapter 110
Hannah smoothed her hands over her dress one last time, allowing the stylist to adjust a stray lock of hair and apply a final dusting of powder. Across the foyer, Noah underwent a similar last-minute primping—his necktie straightened, his dark hair styled with pomade. We didn’t dare make eye contact. Not yet. The tension between us was heavy, suffocating. I longed for this ordeal to end so we could return to our usual pretense of indifference.
Still, I couldn’t stop replaying last night: our couples’ spa treatment. Being in such close proximity to Noah for so long, feeling his gaze on my nude body, had awakened a primal desire, a yearning for physical intimacy we’d never easily shared. Raw, untempered longing, a desire I’d fought to suppress. Goddess, I craved something hot and passionate, and no matter how much I tried to deny it, I wanted it from him.
But it would never happen.
Now, I carefully avoided Noah’s gaze as the stylists worked, even as I felt the heat of his eyes on my face. Finally, they drew back, giving us a moment to breathe before our guest arrived. A heavy silence fell over the foyer, so thick it was almost stifling.
Then, Noah shifted. My head turned involuntarily, my gaze meeting his. He was already looking at me. Fire surged through my veins. Noah’s eyes were dark, his pupils nearly engulfing his irises, leaving only a thin ring of green. His jaw tightened as I looked at him, his handsome chin straining under the tension.
We stared at each other, grappling with unspoken thoughts. But before I could speak, the doors opened, revealing two guards flanking a woman.
“Announcing Luna Alanna, the Luna Queen,” a steward announced.
Noah and I were jolted from our reverie as the Luna Queen, in a sleek black pantsuit, her gray hair perfectly styled, entered. Noah bowed beside me, and I curtsied, striving for flawless execution.
“My Queen,” I stammered, my voice timid despite my efforts. “We are honored to welcome you to our home.”
“Stand up straight,” the Luna Queen barked. “And speak clearly. I won’t tolerate sniveling.”
I flushed, my ears burning as I obeyed. Smoothing my skirt, I stood tall, lifting my chin.
“Please accept my sincerest apologies,” I said, striving for a crisp, clear tone. “It will not happen again.”
The Luna Queen regarded me with hawk-like eyes for several moments, her arms folded across her chest. Finally, she nodded curtly, seeming satisfied before turning to Noah.
“Now then,” she said crisply, turning to leave. “Let us begin the tour. I haven’t got all day.”
Noah and I exchanged a pained look as she marched ahead. This tour would be merciless; she’d find fault with every inch of the estate. With my already frayed nerves, it would be a miracle if I didn’t burst into tears.
Over the next two hours, the Luna Queen stalked from room to room, pointing out every flaw and imperfection—microscopic dust specks, slightly askew paintings—things no one else would have noticed.
“Tsk, tsk… you call this a properly maintained residence?” she’d chide. “Shameful. Absolutely shameful.”
I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to retort, glancing at Noah. He was valiantly maintaining composure, which I admired. I, however, felt like a live grenade.
Blaming it on pregnancy hormones, I schooled my face into an impassive smile.
“Thank you for pointing that out, Luna Alanna,” I’d say, dipping my head. “I’ll ensure this space is cleaned immediately.”
But at one point, as the Luna Queen complained about a microscopic scuff on a bannister, my gaze slid to Noah. Almost involuntarily, the corner of my mouth twitched upwards in a rueful half-smirk, silently pleading for his understanding.
To my surprise, Noah’s mask faltered slightly, his jaw softening as he inclined his head. A hint of wry amusement flickered in his green eyes, and for the first time in a long time, I thought I saw a trace of camaraderie.
Suddenly, it was as if no time had passed. We were simply Hannah and Noah, the teenagers who had bonded over shared experiences and maybe, just maybe, loved each other.
My heart stuttered. No. It wasn’t like that anymore. I quickly looked away, continuing my measured responses to Alanna’s complaints.
Finally, the Luna Queen seemed finished. “Very well,” she said, and with a dismissive wave, swept towards the front door without a goodbye.
Noah and I followed her, watching in silent shock as she climbed into her car and drove away.
“The hell?” Noah blurted, running a hand through his hair. “She didn’t even say if she was appeased, or… anything.”
I snorted. “I think it’s impossible to appease the old bat,” I huffed.
Behind me, Noah chuckled—a sound of amusement. His taut jaw relaxed, revealing his teeth in an expression of humor I hadn’t seen in ages.
Goddess, he looked handsome when he smiled.