Chapter 286

Hannah

With the old ring submerged beneath the pond’s surface and the new ring glittering on my finger, Noah and I made our way back to the house, where the party had apparently returned in full swing—with even more fervor this time.

As we stepped back into the house, we were met with the sound of loud music and laughter. Noah and I exchanged curious glances before making our way to the dining room, only to find Viona, Emma, and Amber standing by the minibar with grins on their faces.

“There they are!” Amber exclaimed, rushing over to me. She shoved a drink in my hand, nearly sloshing it all over my clothes before she pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. “I hope you don’t mind, but we decided to stay and party after all.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I wrapped my free arm around my friend. “I can see that. I’m surprised everyone wanted to stay after what just went down.”

Drake, standing by the window, shrugged one shoulder with a sheepish grin. “You put so much effort into throwing a nice party,” he said. “Might as well put it all to use, right?”

“Can’t argue with that.” Noah stepped forward and began mixing himself a drink behind the bar—a strong one. “Drinks, anyone?”

Before I knew it, a line had formed in front of the bar, with Noah bartending. Clearly, we all needed something to loosen ourselves after everything that had just happened. I sipped my own drink, grateful for the sensation of the liquor burning a hot path down my throat.

“I still can’t believe he actually proposed,” Amber said as she inspected my new ring, the tiny pink diamond glinting in the light of the chandelier hanging overhead. “After all this time, you two are finally getting back together.”

I blushed, admiring the ring along with my friends. “It feels surreal, if I’m being honest.”

“It feels surreal to all of us,” Emma chimed in. “The odds were stacked against you two, and yet here you are, finally happy together.”

Before I could answer, Viona added, “And that ring is absolutely perfect, Hannah. Much more your style than that gaudy monstrosity you just tossed into the pond.”

“Hey now!” Noah’s hands stilled over the bar, although there was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he glared at Viona. “I picked that ‘gaudy monstrosity’ out myself, you know.”

Viona just grinned devilishly. “Yes, well, clearly your taste has improved over the years,” she called back, sticking out her tongue.

As the party intensified throughout the night, I found myself moving through the throng of guests, accepting warm hugs, heartfelt congratulations, and clinking glasses. Suddenly, my sister appeared out of nowhere, practically barreling toward me from amongst the crowd.

“Hannah!” Lily threw her arms around my neck before I could even prepare for the impact, squeezing me so tight it felt like she might suffocate me. “I’m so happy for you. And so proud of you—for catching that bastard,” she murmured in my ear.

I held her tightly, inhaling the familiar scent of her perfume. “Thank you, Lily. I feel like I can finally breathe now that it’s all over.”

My sister pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes, her expression suddenly turning serious. “I mean it, Hannah. I’m here for you. Both of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.” Her gaze flicked briefly toward Noah, who was now in the middle of an animated discussion with Drake.

I blinked back the tears that had been threatening to spill. “I know. I love you, Lily. You’re the best sister I could ask for.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, her fierce demeanor melted into something tender. “I love you too, little sister,” she whispered, leaning her forehead against mine.

Behind me, a throat cleared, and I turned to find my father standing there, his posture awkward.

“Hannah,” he began, taking a tentative step forward, “I… I need to apologize.”

I shook my head immediately, not wanting to open old wounds. “Dad, you don’t—”

“I do.” He closed the distance between us and took my hands in his larger ones, his palms callused with age. “I arranged that first marriage without ever truly understanding Marcus’s character. I was too caught up in the business opportunity, too blind to the man he really was.”

My eyes widened, and I opened my mouth to tell him that he had no reason to blame himself; he was only trying to do what he thought was right at the time. But he held up one hand to stop me, his eyes glistening with unshed tears in the dim light.

“I failed you, Hannah. As your father, I should have known better. I should have protected you.”

His words hung heavily in the air between us, and for a moment, the sounds of the party seemed to fade. I felt myself soften at the sight of my father like this, and I reached up to touch his stubbled cheek. “I don’t blame you, Dad.”

He gave a small, broken laugh. “Still, you’re my daughter. I should have done more. I should have been there for you over the years.” His arms enveloped me, pulling me into a tight hug, and for a moment, I felt like a little girl again as I buried my face in his chest.

When we finally pulled apart, I wiped my eyes quickly, hoping no one had noticed the stray tears that had escaped. As I scanned the room, my gaze found Noah. He was now standing by the buffet table with Viona and Drake, laughing about something as they all sipped from flutes of champagne.

I made my way over just as Drake said, “So when’s the wedding? And more importantly, am I the best man?”

Noah chuckled, clapping Drake on the shoulder. “I never thought I’d say this, Drake… but who else would it be?”

“And obviously, I’m the maid of honor,” Viona declared, shooting me a glare as if silently daring me to contradict her. “After everything we’ve been through, it’s basically a requirement.”

I grinned and pulled her into a hug. “Obviously. Although you might have to wrestle Lily for it.”

Viona just chuckled. “She may be taller, but I’m scrappier.”

“Definitely scrappier,” Drake emphasized.

The rest of the night passed in a blur after that. As the hours slipped by, guests began to trickle out, offering one last round of congratulations, hugs, and well wishes. By the time the final car pulled away, my feet were aching from the heels, and my cheeks hurt from all the smiling.

I sighed, leaning against Noah as we watched the last vehicle disappear into the distance. “What a night.”

He pressed a kiss to my temple, his arm wrapping securely around my waist. “Worth it though, right?”

I held up my hand, letting the light catch the pink diamond on my finger. “Definitely worth it.”

After cleaning up, Noah headed upstairs to check on Melody. I remained downstairs for a little while, nervously checking doors and windows as if Marcus might return—but of course, there was no need.

By the time I made my way up to the nursery, most of the guards had been dismissed now that Marcus was safely out of the house. All except for one guard, who was standing at attention near the nursery door.

But as I approached, she placed a finger on her lips and shot me a silent smile.

I furrowed my brow, quietly creeping forward and peering through the cracked door.

Noah had already gone inside, and was currently lifting our daughter out of her crib. She was awake, but instead of crying, she cooed softly, her tiny hands curling into the fabric of her father’s shirt as he cradled her against his chest.

Then, he began to hum—a lullaby. The sound was sweet and tender, and as I stood there in the doorway, watching him rock our daughter to sleep, tears welled up in my eyes.

It was moments like this that reminded me why the Moon Goddess had given me a second chance at life.

Why she had given all of us a second chance.