Chapter 162

Above the Comet River, lights from the cruise ship cast a golden haze across the night. On the bow stage, a local group played music, their vibrant tunes and pounding beats thrilling the guests. Everyone moved with the rhythm.

Hannah was dressed in a gown the color of deep teal, her hair swept up with casual grace.

Felix kept sneaking glances at her, wanting to invite her for a dance, but each time he extended his hand,he hesitated and pulled it back.

Just then, Hannah grabbed his hand. "Come on.Let's dance."

Felix glanced at their linked fingers, a bright grin forming on his face.

There were no set steps-only spontaneous movement. She was sometimes flirtatious, sometimes playful, and Felix's gaze was full of admiration, affection, and a hint of nervous anticipation.

Right now, he was dancing with the woman he adored, beneath the stars during a Comet River voyage. A scene he'd never imagined for himself.

"Does this make you happy?" he asked.

"So much!" Hannah replied, her expression alight with joy.

Meanwhile, Brinley and Daphne made their way toward the dancing event, tugging Vincent behind them.

Vincent instantly noticed Hannah and Felix amid the dancers. His mood turned sour.

"This sucks. Let's leave," Brinley mnuttered and grabbed his hand, clearly trying to distract him from the sight of Hannah.

Vincent jerked his hand away from hers. "I'll stay a while."Daphne, too, had caught sight of the couple in the spotlight and remarked, "Hannah and Felix look fantastic together."

Vincent shot her a cold glance. She fell silent at once.

Vincent remained near the dance area, his stare locked onto Hannah.

Then, as the melody hit its peak, Hannah spun like a breeze.Her teal-blue gown fanned out like a blossom mid-bloom, tracing a graceful swirl in the air.

And in that second, her eyes happened to land on Vincent. Surprise flickered through her features, but she quickly steadied herself. No biggie. She would just act like he was a stranger.

Cheers rang out around them.Hannah and Felix gave a bow and quietly stepped away from the dancing crowd.

The band kept playing, and others stepped up to join.

Vincent marched toward Hannah. "Well... This is unexpected," he said after a pause, managing nothing better.

He was full of thoughts-wanted to ask about her meds, her health, and offer help. He wanted to say sorry. But none of those phrases would come out.

Hannah's brows furrowed slightly. What was wrong .with him?

Felix, noticing her tension, moved up. "Mr. Jones,we've got other things to do. Please excuse us."

Suddenly, Vincent gripped Hannah's wrist and tugged her nearer. "Can we talk?"

Above them, on the second deck, a host was scanning the crowd for a pair to feature in a marriage ceremony segment.

A spotlight swung across the lower area,sweeping over guests.

Just as Vincent ended his question, the beam stopped-squarely on him and Hannah. Just as Hannah tried to yank her hand free, the host's voice boomed. "What a stunning young duo!Absolutely perfect-congratulations to you both for being selected for our marriage celebration experience! Our crew will now welcome them!"

Hannah froze for a second and then urgently replied,"We're not-"

But the host ignored her completely.

The music switched to an upbeat tempo.

A cheerful crowd of cruise staff hurried down,gleefully guiding Vincent and Hannah along.

Hannah resisted every step of the way.

One staff member gave her a comforting smile. "No worries-just relax and enjoy the moment!"

"She's here with me!" Felix shouted repeatedly,trying to be heard, but the noise drowned him out.

Brinley, of course, had seen it all, but she couldn't push her way through the crowd. All she could do was watch in bitter frustration as Vincent was led away.

Hannah, utterly lost in the moment, was brought up to the second floor, where stylists dabbed on powder and arranged an orange veil over her hair.

"Orange means joy in our culture," one of the stylists said while adjusting the veil. "You look breathtaking."

Hannah replied earnestly, "You all look wonderful too -but I swear I'm not married to that guy. Please pick a real couple instead."

She attempted to rise, but the stylist gently eased her back down. "Ah, you two must've had a fight,right? Happens all the time-couples argue and then deny they're even married. But the gentleman outside showed us the wedding ring."

Immediately, Hannah held up her hand. "See? No ring! He and I are truly not a couple!"