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!"

delicate, handmade snowflake charm-and held it up to

smile on Alex's face wavered. He stared at the charm, a flicker

just like the ones

Abby treasure her gift so dearly... something inside him

wanted

got

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

at the charm, Alex froze,

snowflake design was

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

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

hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across

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

started taking

strange longing filled him, one he didn't entirely understand. It

he turned to Arnold.

head, holding the charm closer. "You can't buy it. My

up his phone. "Can you get me one of

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

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

something with Uncle Cole"

the phone from Abby, bringing it to his

voice was steady. "What

glanced at Abby, who was twirling in circles, excitedly waving her fairy wand. "Taking Abby to