Chapter 13

The day of the charity ball, I wore the dress Amber had found, paired with black stilettos. I applied smoky eye makeup and scarlet lipstick, letting my hair cascade down my back in loose waves. A small black clutch held my phone and wallet.

As I waited for Scott, I admired myself in the mirror. I hadn't looked this good since our wedding night, a warmth spreading through me as I giggled. I might have wanted a divorce, but there was a certain justice in getting back at Noah for his betrayal. I wouldn't be the one embarrassed and undermined this time.

My security app alerted me to someone at the door. It was Scott, impeccably dressed in a black three-piece suit with a navy tie. While not as handsome as his half-brother, he certainly made an impression.

I took my time answering, unwilling to let him think he controlled me. When I opened the door, I grinned at his wide-eyed reaction.

“Luna Hannah…” he trailed off.

“Good evening, Scott,” I replied, tilting my head. “How do I look?”

“I…don’t know what to say,” he stammered. “Are you sure about that dress? Noah won’t appreciate it.”

My lips pursed. That wasn't the response I'd expected.

“I need you as a chauffeur, not Noah’s spokesperson,” I snapped.

Scott frowned. “Everything I do is to help you and Noah,” he insisted. “That dress is too…provocative.”

I waved him off dismissively. He blushed, and I felt a surge of pride. I pushed past him toward the black Porsche.

“Come on,” I said over my shoulder. “We’re going to be late.”

Scott parked while I entered the charity ball alone. Long rectangular tables formed a parallelogram around the dance floor, with Noah and my seats at the head. I immediately saw Noah near our assigned places, with Zoe.

He wore a maroon three-piece suit; Zoe, a matching maroon mermaid gown, her hair in a neat side bun. She wore an elegant gold heart-shaped locket.

“Have you seen who the Alpha’s with?” I overheard a waiter ask a waitress. “She’s beautiful. Is that the Luna?”

The waitress shook her head. “No, that’s his childhood friend, Zoe,” she whispered. “They’re so in tune. Like a team.”

“Wow,” the waitress replied. “I wonder what the real Luna will look like. Do you think she’ll top her?”

“She’ll have to try.”

The waiter approached me. “Bacon-wrapped date, ma’am?” he asked.

I offered a half-hearted smile. “Thank you,” I said, taking one.

My chest ached; the hors d'oeuvre tasted bland. Was this how people saw me? An outsider in my own relationship?

I finished it, tossing my hair. It didn't matter. I would shine.

I motioned to a waiter with wine. He poured me a generous glass.

“Thank you, sir,” I said, taking a sip. “Anything for a beautiful woman,” he replied, smiling.

I smiled, covering my lips in mock surprise. I took a seat, ignoring the assigned place.

“Who’s that hottie?” a male voice asked nearby. “She seems familiar.”

“I don’t think I’ve seen her before,” his companion said, “but she’s gorgeous. Like a black swan!”

I sat straighter, savoring the stares and compliments. I’d never received such attention with Noah; I’d been his shadow. Now, I was the light.

I stiffened as someone slid into the seat beside me. Calm down, I told myself. It’s just someone taking a seat.

I forced myself to relax, remaining guarded. A waiter arrived, placing a gin and tonic before me. He nodded towards the person beside me.

A handsome blonde man with sparkling blue eyes smiled brilliantly. I blushed.

“My compliments, of course,” he said, his voice surprisingly deep and soothing.

“Well, thank you,” I replied, taking a sip. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Being the most beautiful woman in the room.”

I giggled; it was cheesy, but I enjoyed the attention. It felt good to be looked at again.

“So, who is this amazing man?” I asked.

He produced a business card. “Mickey Jackson, lawyer,” he said.

“A lawyer, huh?” I said, hovering over the card.

He nodded. “And to whom do I have the pleasure?” he asked. “An angel, perhaps?”

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. I was about to answer when Noah approached. His icy stare sent chills down my spine, but I didn’t flinch.

“I don’t think that’s what my Luna should be wearing.”