Book Trk
Chapter 65
Chapter 0065 Chapter 0065Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
Noah stared at me for a moment over my handmaid's shoulder, who made no move-thankfully-to tell him the truth. Finally, checking his watch, he took a step back. "Fine. Just hurry."
With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared. My handmaid quickly shut the door, scurrying into the closet to pick something out for me to wear. While she was doing that, I made my way back into the bathroom, my body still feeling wrung out and utterly drained of energy. After splashing some more cool water on my face and dabbing on a bit of makeup to hide how worn and pale I looked, I tugged on the simple knit dress and boots that she had picked out for me. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.
By the time I emerged from the bedroom and made my way down the stairs, Noah stood waiting in the foyer, his arms crossed and his foot tapping with obvious impatience. He glanced up sharply as I approached, his eyes raking over me from head to toe in a single dismissive sweep before checking his watch with a scowl. "Good, you're finally ready," he huffed, already heading for the door. "I almost left without you."
I bit back a wounded retort, swallowing hard around the lump of dejection lodged in my throat as I hurried to catch up with his long stride. If only he knew what I was going through... but no, I couldn't tell him before the divorce was finalized. Not yet. Maybe not ever. An uncomfortable silence lingered between us for the entire drive to the orphanage, Noah's jaw ticking tightly with obvious tension. When we finally arrived, I was more than ready to get out of the car and put some distance between us.
No sooner had the driver cut the engine, however, than a gaggle of young children came scurrying around the side of the building, giggling and shrieking with delight. I blinked in surprise as they swarmed toward us, each one wearing a colorful paper crown perched crookedly on top of their little heads.
Then, a kind-faced older woman-the orphanage director, if I had to guess-followed behind, two larger crowns clutched in her hands.
"Luna Hannah, Alpha Noah, welcome!" she called out warmly as she joined the children. The little ones made these hats for you. Of course, you don't have to wear them if you'd prefer not to."
Before Noah could respond with what was sure to be a curt refusal, I was shaking my head vehemently. Nonsense!"
Bending down with a bright smile, I allowed two of the giggling little girls to place the oversized paper crown on top of my head before straightening, sweeping one of the smallest children up into my arms as I did so. She shrieked happily, her tiny fingers immediately finding their way into my hair.
"Well, aren't you just the sweetest little thing!" I cooed, tickling her belly until she dissolved into a fit of squealing laughter.
When I finally glanced up, still cradling the little girl against my hip, Noah was staring at me with an Indecipherable expression, his paper crown dangling forgotten from one hand at his side. Chapter 0065
An impish grin tugged at the corners of my lips as I jerked my chin toward the top of his head. "Aren't you going to put yours on, Alpha Noah? I think it would be rude not to." At that last statement, I narrowed my eyes fractionally-a warning that I hoped he would head. All eyes turned expectantly toward Noah, dozens of wide, hopeful gazes fixed on him. To his credit, he held my challenging stare for all of two seconds before his shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly with a resigned sigh.
Moving with clear reluctance, he carefully situated the slightly squashed crown on top of his head, smoothing a stray piece of paper back into place.
I beamed at him over the little girl's head, thoroughly pleased with myself. "Well? What do you think?" I asked, turning to face the children again. "Doesn't Alpha Noah look handsome?"
A delighted chorus of giggles and excited squeals erupted around us, all the children clamoring to get a better look at their Alpha sporting his makeshift hat.