After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 37

“Mom,” Alex chirped, breaking Arnold’s train of thought. “Can you cook dinner for me tonight? Like you used 107”

Nora opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the shrill ring of Arnold’s phone cut through the moment,

All eyes turned to him as he pulled the device from his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his face tightening ever so slightly.

The name “Linda” flashed on the caller ID.

Nora’s expression didn’t change, but the silence that followed was telling.

Alex’s excitement dimmed as he noticed the shift in the atmosphere.

Arnold hesitated before answering.

“Excuse me,” he muttered, pushing his chair back and stepping out of the room.

Arnold’s voice, though muffled, carried from the hallway.

Nora couldn’t make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable–soft, attentive.

It didn’t bother her the way it might have before. Instead, it was as if a wall separated her from the emotions she used to feel about Arnold

Alex rugged on her sleeve.

“You’ll still cook, at night, right?”

Nora smiled down at him, pushing her own thoughts aside.

“Of course. We’ll make something delicious together.”

grin returned, and Nuca couldn’t help but feel a small sense of relief.

found a semblance of peace, even if the rest of the house felt like a storm

answered with a soft, almost tender

he said, his voice a stark contrast to the silence that had blanketed the room moments ago.

hand froze mud reach for her glass of water.

dull ache in her chest as

slightly away, his expression unreadable but unmistakably

in his tone stung

this man, defending their bond, and yet

and again not to let it get to her, that she was above these

mantra, the hurt was always there,

firushed the call, shipping the phone into his pocket

didn’t meet her gaze

have to go,” he said leakly, histone reverting

nodded, keeping her face neutral even though a knot was tightening in her stomach

said, her voce

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

to leave, Alex’s small voice broke the silence. Tad, was that Aunt Linda on the phone?

tracks, glancing

“Yes,” he admitted

Alex asked, his bright eyes flickering

hesitated briefly before

to discuss some things with her.”

further questions, be exited the room, leaving an awkward tension hanging in the air.

turned to his mother, his

go with Dad to see Aunt Linda?”

smile. though her heart sank at the

sweetheart,” she said gently.