After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Nora hesitated as she read Cole's message. Fireworks sounded nice, especially since Abby would be there, but the thought of standing together under the night sky, watching the bursts of color explode above them, felt... too intimate. Too much like something a family or a couple would do.

She had already seen how others mistook them for a family. The warmth in Abby's

eyes whenever she looked at her, the way Cole always made space for her in

their little outings-it was too easy to fall into the illusion. And illusions were dangerous.

So, with steady fingers, she typed back:

**Nora:** *I can't tonight. Already have plans with my family at Center Square.*

Cole's response was immediate.

**Cole:** *Alright. Have fun.*

Simple. No pressure, no further questions.

Nora exhaled softly, relieved.

Meanwhile, Abby, still giddy from her conversation with Nora, accepted another video call-this time

from Alex.

"Abby!" Alex's voice rang out, his face filling the screen. "Guess what I brought back for you?"

He grinned, holding up a small stuffed wolf with a jeweled collar. "Cool, right? Limited edition! Got it. from a specialty store."

Abby's eyes widened. "That's so cute!" she giggled. "Thank you, Alex!"

Feeling playful, she lifted her own treasure-a delicate, handmade snowflake charm-and held it up to the camera. "Look! My aunt gave me this!"

The smile on Alex's face wavered. He stared at the charm, a flicker of recognition in his gaze.

*That looks just like the ones I used to have...*

And yet, seeing Abby treasure her gift so dearly... something inside him shifted.

He suddenly wanted it again.

13:45

After I left, Alpha father and son went crazy

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"Hey, where did you say you got that?" he asked, his tone casual.

Abby tilted her head. "My Aunt made it for me! You can't buy it in stores!” she said proudly.

Looking at the charm, Alex froze, his fingers tightening around the phone.

The delicate snowflake design was familiar-too familiar.

His mind reeled back to childhood winters, when his mother would sit by the warm fireplace, knitting small trinkets just like this. Back then, he had thought little of them, accepting them absentmindedly

before tossing them aside.

As he grew older, he had found them childish, unnecessary. One day, without much thought, he had instructed the maids to clear them out, letting them gather dust in the attic.

But now, seeing Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across her small face, an unfamiliar ache

settled in his chest.

*Hadn't he once had that same expression?* He couldn't recall the exact moment when he stopped

caring.

When had he started taking his mother's gestures for granted?

A strange longing filled him, one he didn't entirely understand. It wasn't just about

the charm-it was about what it represented.

Almost instinctively, he turned to Arnold. "Can you buy one for me?"

Abby shook her head, holding the charm closer. "You can't buy it. My aunt made it herself."

"Dad," he called, holding up his phone. "Can you get me one of these? I want one, too."

Arnold glanced at the screen before returning his focus to his papers. "If it's handmade, you'd have to ask

your mother yourself," he replied smoothly.

Disappointment flickered in Alex's eyes, but only for a moment. His mother had skillful hands. If he asked

her, she would make one for him too-right?

At that moment, as if remembering something, Arnold took the phone from Alex's hand. After saying

hello to Abby, he politely gestured for Abby to hand the phone over to Cole.

"I want to discuss something with Uncle Cole" he said gently..

Cole took the phone from Abby, bringing it to his ear. "Hello?"

Arnold's voice was steady. "What are you doing tonight?"

13:45

After I left, Alpha father and son went craz

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Cole glanced at Abby, who was twirling in circles, excitedly waving her fairy wand. "Taking Abby to see

the fireworks."

Arnold hummed in acknowledgment before continuing, "Alex has nothing planned. Would you mind

letting him join you?"

Cole hesitated.

It wasn't a direct request-it was a test. Arnold rarely asked for favors, which meant this wasn't just aboutnoveldrama

fireworks.

Cole's grip on the phone tightened slightly. "Tonight's not convenient," he replied evenly.

Arnold was silent for a moment before saying, "I see. No matter. I'll have a servant take him."

The call ended.

Cole returned the phone to Abby and ruffled her hair absentmindedly, his gaze unreadable.

The night air was crisp, filled with the lively hum of conversation and bursts of laughter. Center Square was already bustling with people-couples, families, groups of friends all enjoying the festival lights and street performers.

Nora had agreed to take Elisa out since Alexander was busy, and as soon as they arrived, a few of Elisa's friends swarmed around her, excited to see her.

"Nora, you're the best sister ever!" Elisa beamed before running off with her friends.

Nora smiled, watching them chatter excitedly. She didn't mind waiting-she enjoyed the festive energy.

She was standing near a decorative lantern display when she heard someone call her name.

"Nora!"

She turned around to see Cole walking toward her, Abby skipping beside him. The little girl held a sparkly fairy wand, waving it in the air like she was casting spells.