Alpha's Regret After Her Rebirth by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0143

Hannah

I waved my hand as | stepped up to the podium, that well practiced smile of mine spread across my face. The

flash of the cameras was nearly blinding, but | didn’t let it faze me-this moment was too important for that.

“Hello, everyone,” | said warmly as | leaned into the microphone. “Thank you all for coming today.”

There was a ripple of murmurs across the assembled crowd in response, | swept my gaze over the audience to

take stock of everyone who had come; it was a better turnout than | had expected. It seemed as though, despite

the fact that | had decided to hold this event far sooner than | had initially anticipated, a lot of people were

excited for it.

And so was |; after all, | had been working on this event for weeks, unbeknownst to Noah. | had managed to hide

my plans that day that he had seen all of my other notes for the Lunar Festival because | wanted to keep this to

myself. | didn’t need him stepping in and commandeering everything like he did so often. My idea for the Eating

Disorder Awareness campaign had taken root just after my first attendance at the support group about a month

ago when | was chatting with the counselor one night.

We had mentioned the concept of one day moving the support group to a new location, as the church that it was

located in was planning on converting the room into storage. | had suggested opening an office somewhere

downtown.

But slowly, over time, it had blossomed into something more-a full month-long campaign to not only raise

awareness for those with eating disorders, but also to fundraise for a center for eating disorders.

Initially, | had figured that this campaign could be good for my approval ratings. | figured that it would help

people likemore for the divorce and preparefor an easy exit from my marriage to Noah.

But eventually, that goal shifted. | wanted to see the small counseling sessions blossom into something more: an

entire center for eating disorder support and recovery. A place where anyone of any age and gender could go for

therapy, information, and even inpatient assistance in severe cases.

“As the Luna of Nightcrest,” | began, keeping my voice carefully chipper, “it is my duty to ensure the safety and

wellbeing of my people. That's why I've decided to run this campaign-to not only increase awareness for one of

the most deadly mental disorders, but also to provide help to anyone who suffers from an eating disorder.”

| paused then, gesturing to the woman behind me. “That is why I've partnered with Sophia, the head counselor

for our local eating disorder support group.”

As | spoke, | waved Sophia forward and wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “Sophia and | have recently been

discussing opportunities to expand the support group,” | said. “We hope to extend the group's outreach,

eventually focusing on developing a new, state-of-the-art center for eating disorder support.”

Over the next few minutes, | slowly unveiled my plans for the new building a relatively small but modern

structure that would hopefully be located in the heart of the city, right next door to the local hospital campus.

The building would be staffed 24/7, allowing anyone who needed help to apply for counseling or

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Chapter 0101

admission. It would have twenty private rooms that were free to those who needed them, and there would be

specialized nurses and doctors on staff to monitor the patients‘ recovery.

Here, at this new center, patients would receive personalized care. Those with eating disorders would not be

lumped into the psych ward at the hospital where the staff lacked certain expertise, but would rather receive the

niche care that they needed. And insurance wasn’t necessary, everything would be completely free.

“You know...” | paused after giving my spiel, cautiously licking my lips as | surveyed the crowd. “I, too, suffer

from an eating disorder.”

The crowd murmured softly and shifted in their seats.

“It's true.” | said. “I have suffered from anorexia for years; binging and purging, starvation, diet supplements,

fear of food. | have experienced it all and suffered greatly. But...” | paused again, drawing in a shuddering breath.

“Thanks to the help of those like Sophia and my friends, | have begun the road to recovery.”

Scanning the crowd, | finally caught sight of who | was looking for: Drake. | pointed at him, grinning widely.

“One of my confidants is none other than Alpha Drake, a wonderful friend of mine,” | said. “On more than one

occasion, he has convincedto eat, even when I'm terrified to do it even going so far as to feedwith his

own hands.”

All eyes turned to Drake then, who blinked curiously atfor a moment. | hadn't warned him about this. but it

didn’t matter, all that mattered was that people bought it, and that it detracted from those damn tabloids.

After all, that was part of the reason why | had held this event today, instead of two weeks from now like |

originally planned. If | could change the narrative of what had been going on in that picture-and technically, |

was telling the truth-then all of this nonsense about a ‘sordid affair’ would blow over in an instant.

Before the crowd could bristle for too long. | continued, “A wonderful support system is key for any recovery.” |

said. “And that is why I'm beginning this campaign; to provide support for those who need it. Sophia, would you

like to unveil our first fundraising event?”

“Certainly, Hannah.” Sophia leaned into the microphone next. “In two weeks’ time, we will be hosting a

pageant.”

The crowd shifted uncomfortably at that, just as | suspected they would.

“A beauty pageant?” someone called out. “Isn’t that counterintuitive for an eating disorder campaign?”

| smiled and shook my head. “This pageant will be different. We will not be choosing the winners based on looks;

only on merit and pureness of heart. All of the contestants will be hidden behind a screen for this reason, forcing

the judges-and all of us-to choose a winner without being swayed by appearance.”

For several moments, the people in the crowd looked at each other with uncertainty. | saw a few people shake

their heads and purse their lips, but | expected this; of course speople would be against it.

But, as the first person rose to begin the applause, | knew that the majority would approve.

Soon, the entire room had erupted into applause. Sophia and | grinned at each other, and she gavea tight

hug.

Chapter 0143

“Thank you,” she whispered as we pulled apart. I'm so excited.”

too,” | replied with a grin.

Together, Sophia and | stepped off of the podium to begin mingling. We shook hands and answered questions,

smiling for the cameras as we slowly made our way through the crowd.

But then | felt the sensation of a familiar pair of eyes on me. Lifting my head, | saw him.

Noah stood in the doorway, his mouth hanging open in shock.

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