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!"

own treasure-a delicate, handmade snowflake charm-and held it up to the camera. "Look! My aunt gave me

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

just like the

Abby treasure her gift

suddenly wanted it

got

me! You can't

the charm, Alex froze, his fingers tightening

snowflake design was

when his mother would sit by the warm fireplace, knitting small trinkets

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

Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across her small face, an unfamiliar

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

he started taking his mother's gestures

one he didn't entirely understand. It wasn't

turned to Arnold. "Can you buy one

closer. "You can't buy it. My aunt made

phone. "Can you get me one of these? I want

mother yourself," he replied smoothly. Disappointment flickered in Alex's eyes, but only for a moment. His mother had skillful hands. If he

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

discuss something with Uncle Cole" he said

phone from Abby, bringing it to his ear.

voice was steady. "What are you

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