Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The sound of a door opening startled him, and he shot up, hope lighting lus face. “Mon?”

But the figure stepping through wasn’t Nora

Arnold entered, his broad shoulders casting a shadow against the hallway light.

Alex’s face fell slightly, disappointment etched in his expression

“““It’s just you,” he murmured, his tone soft but unmistakably let down.

Arnold crouched to meet his son’s eyes, his voice firm yet comforting.

Your mother is busy tonight, Alex. But she’ll pick you up from school tomorrow.”

Alex’s frown eased a little at the reassurance, though his pout lingered “She’s coming for sure?”

“For sure.” Arnold said, ruffling his son’s hair. “Now, off to bed, young man. No more waiting up.”

With a heavy sigh, Alex trudged to his room, his small footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Once the door to his room clicked shut, Arnold straightened, his calm demeanor slipping just slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He walked to his study, the quiet house enveloping him.

Settling into the chair behind his desk, he flipped open a file of work papers but found himself unable to focus.

Nora had been gone too long.

The next morning, Alex was up earlier than usual, excitement buzzing through him,

his favorite shirt, and

his neck toward the front door every time

“you’ll need your strength for the day.

was too

disappointment from

of anticipation.

time he needed to leave, and Alex

be here soon,” he murmured to himself, his small fingers drumming against the windowsill.

of having her attention again, made his

he was content to wait.

the driveway, staring at the villa she had called house for nearly seven

structure hadn’t faded, the walls were still

everything felt

and love that owe filled this place seemed like distant

villa that had

those walls had walked out, leaving behind

Chapter 36

she pushed open the heavy door

Taking a deep

already in the living room, standing near the

soft glow

heard her enter,

neither of them spoke.

them was heavy, a mixture of familiarity and a distance that neither could

lips parted, as if to speak, but before he could, the sound of small, hurried

voice rang out as he bounded down the

fhing his arms around her, burying his face in

much,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by

crouched to his level holding him close and running

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255