#Chapter 26: Butter Me Up

Hannah “Can I talk to you?” Noah asked, taking a hesitant step forward before his eyes flickered over to Viona. “Alone?” Viona scoffed from behind me. “Whatever you have to say to Hannah, you can say in front of me,” she said coldly. Noah shot me an almost pleading look, and I sighed. “Viona, could you give us a moment, please?” I asked, turning to fix my friend with a meaningful look. Viona’s gaze flicked between Noah and me, clearly annoyed by his presence—and I didn’t blame her. But finally, she nodded and picked up her skirt, striding out of the room. An awkward silence took over the room as Noah and I were left alone. I watched as his eyes raked over me, openly drinking in the sight of my body dressed in the slinky black gown. The fabric draped on every curve, leaving just enough to the imagination—something I was sure Noah had noticed already. Then, with his face reddening and his jaw clenched, he looked away. “I’m still your wife for now, you know,” I said,