Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth (Hannah and Noah) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 0073
Hannah
As I picked at the food on my plate, methodically pushing the bits of grilled chicken and roasted vegetables around with my fork, I could feel multiple sels of eyes on me. Out of my peripheral vision, I caught Zoe sneaking glances my way every few moments, her lips pressed into a light line.
Fat, fat, you’re so fat and they all know it, that vicious voice echoed in the back of my mind. Why would you even bother eating when you already look like that? You’re better off just not touching your food at all.
I grit my teeth, my grip tightening around the fork until my knuckles turned white. I needed to get a grip; I had been doing so well lately, eating more and trying to view my body in a positive light. It was just the morning sickness making me relapse, that was all.
I could handle this.
“So, Hannah,” the host spoke up, “I couldn’t help but notice you’ve barely touched your plate this evening. Everything alright there?”
I nodded, maybe too quickly and reached for my water, “Yes, it’s delicious,” I said with a thin smile.” You’ve really outdone yourself.”
The host eyed me for a moment before continuing. “I’m glad to hear it. Actually, I heard a rumor that you were spotted attending some.. eating disorder support group recently.”
I froze, feeling as though all the air had been sucked out of the room, but managed to keep my smile. plastered on my face-a skill I had gotten quite good at since my rebirth. “It’s true,” I said. “I have been attending a support group.”
“Must not be working very well if you can barely even manage a few bites,” another guest pointed out with a light laugh…
My heart clenched painfully in my chest, tears of shame already pricking at the backs of my eyes. I knew that they weren’t trying to be mean, and had no idea how much their words hurt; but I still wanted nothing more than to get up from my chair and run. 1
Just as I began to seriously contemplate bolting from the table, however, Noah surprised me by abruptly speaking up, the clearing of his throat echoing in the quiet room.
“Alright, that’s enough.” he said, his deep voice laced with a commanding edge that immediately silenced the titters of laughter from around the table. “Hannah is doing her best to overcome an incredibly difficult and personal struggle. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mock her efforts.
I could only gape up at Noah, utterly dumbstruck, as he crossed his arms over his broad chest and leveled his friends with a stern look. Never-not once in the entire time I had known him-had I ever witnessed Noah come to my defense like this, especially not regarding my eating disorder.
An ashamed hush fell over the table, the host quickly stammering out an apology. “Oh my Goddess, Hannah, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to-”
1 shook my head quickly, struggling to find my voice. “No, it’s quite alright. I understand that you weren’t trying to offend.” I offered up what I hoped was a reassuring smile as Noah slowly returned his gaze to his plate. “To be perfectly candid… yes, I have been attending a support groun for
25 BONUS
Charter 0073
a struggle, but I plan to continue going for as long as I need that extra help and guidance.”
A smattering of quiet murmurs broke out, a few whispers of admiration and encouragement rippling across the table. The host beamed at me from the end of the table.
“That’s great, Hannah,” he said. “And I’m certain the other attendees will be so proud to have our very own Luna Hannah in attendance with them. And think of the positive impact you could have-others may very well be inspired to seek help thanks to your example.”
I couldn’t quite suppress the small burst of pride that bloomed in my chest at his words. He was right-if my very public admission to the struggle and my commitment to recovery could convince even one other person to take those terrifying first steps, it would be more than worth it.