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!"

snowflake charm-and held it up to the

face wavered. He stared at the charm,

just like the ones I used to

yet, seeing Abby treasure her gift so dearly...

suddenly wanted it

you say you got that?" he

Aunt made it for me! You can't buy it

Alex froze,

delicate snowflake design was

would sit by the warm fireplace, knitting small trinkets just like this. Back then,

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

Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across her small

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

had he started taking

strange longing filled him, one he didn't entirely understand. It wasn't just about the charm-it was about what

he turned to Arnold. "Can

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

called, holding up his phone. "Can you get me

the screen before returning his focus to his papers. "If 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 hands. If he asked her,

saying hello to Abby, he politely gestured for Abby to hand the

something with Uncle Cole"

took the phone from Abby,

was steady. "What

excitedly