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

stared at the charm, a flicker

just like the ones

her gift so dearly... something

suddenly wanted

say you got that?" he asked,

me! You can't buy it in stores!" she said

the charm, Alex froze,

snowflake design was

fireplace, knitting small trinkets just like this. Back then, he had

One day, without much thought, he had instructed the maids to clear them out, letting them gather dust in

Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across her

expression?* He couldn't recall the exact moment when

he started taking his mother's gestures for

one he didn't entirely understand. It wasn't just about the charm-it

Arnold. "Can you buy one

shook her head, holding the charm closer. "You can't buy it. My aunt made

"Can you get me

mother yourself," he replied smoothly. Disappointment flickered in Alex's eyes, but

Alex's hand. After saying hello to Abby, he politely gestured for Abby to hand the phone

something with Uncle

the phone from Abby, bringing it to

was steady. "What are you

was twirling in circles, excitedly waving her fairy wand. "Taking Abby to see the