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!"

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

stared at the charm, a flicker of recognition in his

just like the ones I

gift so

wanted

where did you say you got that?" he asked, his tone

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

Alex froze, his fingers tightening around

design

mind reeled back to childhood winters, when his mother would sit by the warm fireplace, knitting small trinkets

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

so preciously, warmth spreading across her small face, an unfamiliar ache

He couldn't recall the exact moment when he stopped

started taking his mother's gestures

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

to Arnold. "Can you

"You

holding up his phone. "Can you get me one of these?

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

that moment, as if remembering something, Arnold took the phone from Alex's hand. After saying hello to Abby, he politely

discuss something with Uncle Cole" he said

phone from Abby, bringing it to his

steady. "What are you doing

excitedly waving her fairy wand. "Taking