Chapter 72

The driver parked the car, and I quickly checked my lipstick in my compact before we went inside. "I should let you know," Noah said matter-of-factly, "Zoe is going to be here."

I froze, my stomach plummeting. Zoe. I hadn't seen her since that disastrous double date. Why hadn't he told me? "Gee, thanks for the warning," I muttered, returning to my reflection.

Of course, he hadn't warned me. Why would he? He knew how much her presence bothered me. Part of me wondered if he'd omitted the information deliberately.

For a few moments, the car was silent. I reapplied my dark red lipstick and adjusted my hair, but my anxieties remained. My cheeks, usually fuller, looked gaunt, and those persistent shadows under my eyes were back, despite the concealer. I needed to increase my calorie intake.

Stepping out of the car, I caught my reflection in the shiny exterior and felt a fresh wave of anxiety. "I look fat," I blurted, smoothing my dress.

Noah, already heading toward the house, stopped. His shoulders tensed before he turned. "Hannah," he sighed, "you're not fat. Not even close."

"But—"

"I won't hear any more of it."

I stared, my breath catching. Noah's eyes scanned my face, then dropped to my trembling hands, clutching my shawl. Without a word, he took one of my hands in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I stared at our joined fingers, my heart racing.

When had he last touched me willingly? When had he last tried to comfort me? My throat tightened, words failing me.

But the moment was fleeting. Noah cleared his throat, releasing my hand and stepping back. "Enough dawdling. Let's go inside," he said gruffly, avoiding my gaze as we walked to the door. Another silence fell as we waited for the buzzer to be answered.

Chapter 72 (Continued)

"If you decide to stick close to me tonight, I won't hold it against you," he blurted.

I started to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Before I could reply, the door opened, and Noah's friends ushered us inside, taking our jackets, offering drinks, and giving us a tour.

"And here's the dining room," the host announced, gesturing to the spacious room. A delicious-looking spread was laid out, soft music playing.

But I barely saw it. I only saw Zoe, standing at the window with a glass of wine, wearing a dress almost identical to mine. And she looked so much more beautiful in it than I did.

Instinctively, I moved closer to Noah.