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,

shirt, and

toward the front door every time he heard

said kindly, “you’ll need your strength for the day. Have a few more

was too

said with a smile, his disappointment from the previous night replaced by a

of anticipation.

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

to himself, his small fingers drumming

of having

now, he was content

the

walls were

felt

that owe filled this place seemed like distant

wasn’t the villa that had

had once been trapped in those walls had walked out, leaving behind an old version of herself.

Chapter 36

the

Taking a deep

near the large

light streaming through cast a soft glow

turned as he heard her enter, his expression

moment, neither of

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

if to speak, but before he could, the sound of

Alex’s voice rang out as he

time to brace herself before Alex fhing his arms around

much,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by her

close and

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