After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

"Hmm,” Nora murmured absentmindedly, flipping a page of her notes. Totally unaware of where he was

Alex paused, expecting more, but nothing came. He blinked in confusion. Did you hear me? I just go

back."

"Yeah," Nora replied simply, still not shifting her attention from her work

A brief silence settled between them.

Not picking up on her indifference, Alex pressed on, eager to talk. "I missed you Mommy you know? Every day. The pack wasn't the same without you. I really wish you'd come home soon," he said softly, lowering his voice as if it would make her respond more warmly.

But Nora didn't react.

"And you know what I've been thinking about?" he continued, smiling to himself "How nice it would be to wake up with you again. Mommy! You'd make me breakfast like before, right? Those pancakes you always made for me?"

Still, there was no excitement, no promise in her response. Just a casual, “We'll see."

Alex's smile faltered slightly. "Come on, mom! Say something nice to me. I've been gone for so long."

"You sound fine," she replied neutrally.

His heart sank slightly at the lack of enthusiasm, but he wasn't ready to let the conversation go just yet "How about we talk a little longer? It's been too long-"

"I have work to do," she interrupted, her voice polite but firm.

He tensed, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. "Just a few more minutes?"

"I'll talk to you next time," she said. And then, without waiting for his response, the call ended.

Alex stared at his phone screen, his heart sinking. He hadn't even gotten the chance to tell her about the gift he bought for her.

The anticipation that had built up since she answered was now completely replaced by disappointment.

Alex let out a sigh, rubbing his face as he sat back against his pillows. *Why is she like this?* He had

hoped things would feel normal again once he was back in the pack, but Nora was still as distant as ever.

Needing a distraction, he stood up and walked out of his room, heading down the hall until he reached his father's study. The door was slightly ajar, and warm light spilled into the hallway.noveldrama

Arnold was seated at his desk, flipping through reports. When he saw Alex enter, he looked up. "You look like someone just kicked your puppy. What's wrong?"

Alex opened his mouth to say something, but hesitated. He wasn't even sure how to put it into words.

"Did something happen?" Arnold pressed, setting his pen down.

"I... don't know," Alex admitted, leaning against the doorway. "I just feel like... Mom isn't as warm as she

used to be."

Arnold studied him for a moment before sighing. "People change, Alex. Maybe you should think about

why."

Alex frowned but said nothing.

Meanwhile, in her quiet room, Nora set her phone down, massaging her temple. The conversation with Alex had left her unmoved, but the moment her phone buzzed again, she glanced at the screen and immediately knew this call would be different.

It was Cole.

And she had a strong feeling that the person behind the call wasn't actually him- but rather, Abby.

She answered, and sure enough, Abby's bright, smiling face appeared on the

screen.

"Aunt Nora!" the little girl chirped, holding up a small pendant shaped like a delicate snowflake. "Look! I love it! Thank you so much!"

A genuine smile spread across Nora's face. "I'm glad you like it, Abby."

The little girl grinned, turning the pendant in her hands. "It's so pretty! I showed it

to my friends, and they were all jealous!"

Nora chuckled. "Well, I'm happy it makes you smile."

As she watched Abby's excitement, a thought crept into her mind.

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Once upon a time, during the holidays, she used to make crafts for Alex, too she'd spend homes making something by hand, pouring love into every detail. But as the years passed, he had grown initian barely glancing at the gifts she gave him. She shook off the thought.

Abby, at least, still appreciated the things she put effort into.

Suddenly, Abby's screen froze for a moment. The little girl pouted, "Oh, I think my

friend is calling me Aunt Nora, can I call you later?"

"Of course," Nora said warmly.

"Bye-bye!"

The call ended, and the room fell silent again.

But just as she was about to go back to her work, another message lit up her screen

**Cole:** *Want to go watch the fireworks tonight?*

Nora stared at the message for a moment, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.