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 camera. "Look! My aunt

wavered. He stared at the charm, a flicker of recognition in

looks just like the ones I

seeing Abby treasure her gift

wanted it

you got

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

at the charm, Alex froze, his fingers tightening

design was

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

day, without much thought, he had instructed the maids to clear them out,

Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across

same expression?* He couldn't

had he started taking

didn't entirely understand. It wasn't just about the charm-it was about what

to Arnold.

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

"Can you get me one of these? I want

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

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

with Uncle Cole" he said

the phone from Abby, bringing it to

voice was steady. "What are

excitedly waving her fairy wand. "Taking Abby