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!"

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

He stared at the

like the ones I used

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

suddenly wanted it

you got that?" he

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

the charm, Alex froze,

design was

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

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

Abby hold it so preciously, warmth spreading across

He couldn't

started taking his mother's

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

instinctively, he turned to Arnold.

holding the charm closer. "You can't buy it.

"Can you get me one of these? I want

his focus to his papers. "If it's handmade, you'd have to ask your mother yourself," he replied smoothly. Disappointment

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

discuss something with

phone from Abby, bringing it to his

steady. "What are you doing

at Abby, who was twirling in circles, excitedly waving