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.”

Nuca couldn’t help but feel

innocent joy, she found a semblance of peace, even if the rest of the house

the phone and answered with

his voice a stark contrast to the silence that had blanketed the room

hand froze mud reach for her glass

a dull ache in her

slightly away, his expression unreadable

his tone stung

loving this man, defending their bond, and yet here she was feeling like a spectator in her own

it get to her, that she was above these emotions.

repeated the mantra, the

into his pocket without a word to

meet

histone reverting to its usual detached

neutral even though a

voce calm, almost too

constructed exterior.

Chapter 37

Arnold turned to leave, Alex’s small voice broke the silence.

glancing back at his

“Yes,” he admitted

see her?” Alex asked, his bright eyes flickering

briefly before nodding

need to discuss some things with

further questions, be exited the room, leaving an awkward tension

his mother, his young face etched with confusion.

Dad

forced a smile. though her heart sank at the

him, sweetheart,” she