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,

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Chapter 80

gentle gaze toward

a smile,

glancing at Nora with a look of slight

I didn’t bring anything,” he admitted. His shoulders tensed, as if bracing

of

Mom and Dad

instantly. “Oh,” he said, relieved.

Nora’s

Linda’s birthday–not only remembering the date but counting down the days,

into it, made

if he hadn’t had money to buy a gift, he could have drawn something–he was

thought of it. Not even

was that realization that had made her

beside him, Nora forced a small smile, her thoughts swirling beneath the surface like an unmoving tide. Some things, she supposed, were simply not

herbal wine she

Grandma unwrapped the package, the faint yet distinct fragrance of aged herbs

air.

this… full–moon herbal wine?” Grandma murmured,

knew you would appreciate it.”

lady’s gaze as she looked at her granddaughter. “This wine is almost impossible to obtain. How did you

help,” Nora admitted with a

chuckle escaped Grandma’s lips as she turned the wine pot in her hands. “I

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Chapter 80

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

admiration rippled through the

recognized its rarity. Some exchanged glances, impressed that Nora had managed to acquire

Arnold wasn’t here today, but

oak tree with twisting branches and roots that told a silent story of resilience.