Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

Chapter 168

Alex's excitement returned as he searched, but the deeper he dug, the more frustrated he became. His small fingers rifled through every compartment, pulling out stray papers and forgotten trinkets. But the silk scarf he had picked out for his mother was nowhere to be found.

"I..." Alex's voice wavered, his confidence shrinking as he realized his mistake. "I think... I forgot to pack it."

For the first time that night, he looked embarrassed.

Sarah, however, remained calm. She reached out and ruffled his hair lightly. "It's okay," she said simply.

It had been a long time since Alex had been close enough to Linda that he forgot to get her a gift. This time, at least he had remembered.

That, in itself, was enough.

The next morning, as the scent of breakfast filled the house, Sarah sipped her coffee and glanced over at Alex. He was sitting on the couch, phone in hand, his small legs swinging as he chatted animatedly.

She didn't need to ask who he was talking to.

A moment later, Alex glanced up, noticing her presence. His expression brightened, and he quickly got up, walking over with the phone still in his hand.

"Mom, Dad wants to talk to you," he said, extending the device toward her.

Sarah took a slow breath before reaching for the phone.

Sarah picked up the phone with deliberate slowness, her fingers tightening slightly around the device as she put it to her ear.

"What is it?" Her voice was cool, detached.

Alex, something about being busy. His words were vague, unbothered, like he was merely ticking off an

nodding occasionally though he couldn't see her. After two or three brief exchanges, she cut the

nor disappointment.... only a quiet numbness that had settled

another call

Leo.

a moment before

was casual but carried a sharp undertone. "Guess who I

before

continued, his voice laced with irritation. "Hand in hand, looking very much like a couple going on a

over and asked, "Mom, who are you talking to on the phone? Let's

heard Alex's voice and he frowned, "So Arnold is going out on his honeymoon alone with Linda,

Leo. It doesn't matter anymore." But Leo was not convinced. “It should matter, Sarah. He's walking all over

book bag for something. Lowering her voice,

stretched between them before Leo sighed heavily.

Instead, she simply ended the call and turned to Alex. "Alright,

next few days,

gliding over the keyboard as she revised her research papers. Occasionally, Alex would come sit beside her, watching her

could feel his quiet longing, but she didn't know how to address

Arnold.... full of easy

silence settle between them, filling the space with work,

just like that, the last day of the vacation

laptop, stretching slightly, a thought crossed her mind. This time tomorrow, I'll

quietly with