Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

Chapter 164

Sarah hesitated as she read Cole's message. Fireworks sounded nice, especially since Abby would be there, but the thought of standing together under the night sky, watching the bursts of color explode above them, felt... too intimate. Too much like something a family or a couple would do.

She had already seen how others mistook them for a family. The warmth in Abby's eyes whenever she looked at her, the way Cole always made space for her in

their little outings—it was too easy to fall into the illusion. And illusions were dangerous.

So, with steady fingers, she typed back:

**Sarah:** *I can't tonight. Already have plans with my family at Center Square.*

Cole's response was immediate.

**Cole:** *Alright. Have fun.*

Simple. No pressure, no further questions.

Sarah exhaled softly, relieved.

Meanwhile, Abby, still giddy from her conversation with Sarah, accepted another video call this time from Alex.

"Abby!" Alex's voice rang out, his face filling the screen. "Guess what I brought back for you?"

He grinned, holding up a small stuffed wolf with a jeweled collar. "Cool, right? Limited edition! Got it from a specialty store."

Abby's eyes widened. "That's so cute!" she giggled. "Thank you, Alex!"

her own treasure-a delicate, handmade snowflake charm-and held it up to the

stared at the charm, a flicker of

like the ones

her gift so dearly...

suddenly wanted it

you say you got that?" he asked,

tilted her head. "My Aunt made it for me! You can't buy it in stores!"

the charm, Alex froze, his fingers tightening

snowflake design was

by the warm fireplace, knitting small trinkets just like this. Back then, he had thought little of them, accepting them absentmindedly before tossing them

he had found them childish, unnecessary. One day, without much thought, he had instructed the maids

warmth spreading across her small face, an unfamiliar ache settled

once had that same expression?* He couldn't recall the exact moment

had he started taking his mother's

understand. It wasn't

Arnold. "Can

charm closer. "You can't

holding up his phone. "Can you get

returning his focus to his papers. "If it's handmade, you'd have to ask your mother yourself," he replied smoothly. Disappointment flickered in Alex's eyes, but only for a moment. His mother had skillful hands. If he asked her, she would make one

something, Arnold took the phone from Alex's hand. After saying hello to Abby, he politely gestured

discuss something with Uncle Cole" he

from Abby, bringing it to his

"What are you

at Abby, who was twirling in circles, excitedly