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,

dressed quickly, choosing his favorite shirt, and packed his school bag neatly.

neck toward the front door every time he heard the

“you’ll need your strength for the day. Have a few more bites.”

was too

from the previous night

of anticipation.

needed to leave, and Alex planted himself by the window, his

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

having her attention again, made his heart lighter.

now, he was content

at the villa she had

faded, the walls were

everything felt

laughter, warmth, and love that owe filled

wasn’t the villa

once been trapped in those walls had walked out, leaving

Chapter 36

open the heavy door and

Taking a deep

room, standing near

a soft glow on his sharp

he heard her enter, his

neither of

of familiarity and

but before he could, the sound of

as he bounded down

time to brace herself before Alex fhing his arms around her,

so much,” he mumbled,

him close and running her fingers through his soft hair.

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