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

He stared at the charm,

looks just like the ones I

treasure her gift so dearly... something inside him

wanted it

got that?" he asked,

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

froze, his fingers tightening

delicate snowflake design was familiar-too

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

day, without much thought, he had instructed the maids to clear them out, letting them gather dust in the

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

he once had that same expression?* He couldn't

started taking his mother's gestures

longing filled him, one he didn't entirely understand. It wasn't just about

turned to Arnold. "Can you buy one

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

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

glanced at 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

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

with Uncle Cole" he

the phone from Abby, bringing it to his

was steady. "What are you doing

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