After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 80

Nora’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

She had anticipated resistance, but hearing it still made something twist in her chest.

“Grandma’s birthday only comes once a year, Alex. You can visit Aunt Linda anytime,” she said, keeping her voice even.

A sigh came from the other side. “I guess…” He didn’t sound convinced.

Nora closed her eyes briefly.

She knew pressing him further would only make him more resistant, so instead, she decided on another approach.

Later that evening, she found Arnold at his cottage, sitting in his usual chair, flipping idly through an old book. He barely looked up when she entered.

“Can you talk to Alex?” she asked without preamble.

Arnold turned a page, his face impassive. “About what?”

“Grandma’s birthday. He’s reluctant to come. Maybe if you talk to him, he’ll reconsider,” she said, crossing her arms.

Arnold finally glanced at her, studying her for a moment. “And you’re not going to ask me to come?”

Nora looked away. “That’s not what this is about.”

He exhaled through his nose, closing the book. “Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll talk to him.”

That was all she needed. She left without another word, walking back home with Alex. They barely spoke, and though she tried to brush off the lingering discomfort, it clung to her like a shadow.

Saturday arrived with a quiet kind of joy.

The house was filled with the warm scent of baked pastries and fresh flowers, the soft murmur of family members exchanging laughter and greetings.

Nora watched as her uncle Alexander presented his carefully chosen gift to Grandma, a beautifully embroidered shawl in her favorite shade of deep blue.

her, Alex shifted awkwardly, hands empty.

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Chapter 80

her gentle gaze toward him.

asked with a smile, expecting

glancing at Nora with a look of slight

admitted. His shoulders tensed, as if bracing for disappointment.

of

What Mom and Dad prepare is what you prepare, too,” she said, her words

In Alex’s frame melted almost instantly. “Oh,” he said, relieved. “That makes

to the way Nora’s expression

scrambled when it came to Linda’s birthday–not only remembering the date but counting down

put thought into it, made it a priority.

if he hadn’t had money to buy a gift, he could have drawn something–he was more than capable of sketching a heartfelt

he hadn’t thought of it. Not even

that had made her reluctant to remind him in the first place.

beneath the surface like an unmoving tide.

the herbal wine she

yet distinct fragrance of aged

air.

Grandma murmured, eyes widening

knew you would appreciate it.”

she looked at her granddaughter. “This wine is almost

admitted with a small smile, not mentioning Leo’s

lips as she turned the wine pot in her hands.

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Chapter 80

laced with nostalgia. “Back then, only the most esteemed elders

admiration rippled

rarity. Some exchanged glances, impressed that

wasn’t here today, but he asked me to pass on the gift to you, a work of art he has prepared for you.”

crafted piece, depicting an ancient oak tree with twisting branches and roots that told