Chapter 14
Arnold lay in bed, staring at the empty space beside him, feeling a deep discomfort
Doce upon a time, he had deliberately avoided Norn, coming home late and waiting for her to fall asleep before he rested
But he had never realized that her presence in the house had always given him an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
Now that she was gone, the house felt empty and lifeless.
Even the lingering scent of her–bellflower and freesia–had completely faded from the sheets. He couldn’t help but wonder how long had it been since she was last here?
Hasn’t she finished her tantrum yet?
Even her kid didn’t seem to matter to her anymore,
Nors had been cold with him before, but no matter what, she had always cared about Alex.
Arnold thought coldly. “Perhaps life as Luma has been too easy for her. Maybe she needs a reminder of what she’s missing.”
The next morning, at breakfast, Arnold told Alex, “I’ve added a few extra classes for you. Someone will take you there after you’ve eaten.
Alex wrinkled his nose in protest. “But then I won’t have time to play with Auntie Linda
Before Arnold could respond, his phone rang
It was a call from the old house.
When he answered, his grandmother’s voice came through. “When are you coming tonight?
Arnold glanced at his schedule. “TI be late.” he said. “Nora and the kids will get there first”
His grandmother’s tone shifted, clearly displeased. “Why can’t the three of you come together as a family?”
“I have work to handle. Arnold replied curtly.
“You always use work as an excuse,” she said sharply. Then, after a pause, “Put Nora on the phone. I need to speak with her.”
“She’s not here.”
“Not there? Isn’t it breakfast time? Where did she go?”
“I don’t know.”
“As Alpha, you don’t even know where your Luna is?”
Arnold fell silent.
“You-
His grandmother sighed deeply, finally giving up.
She knew Arnold well–he’s been an opinionated man since he was a kid Trained rigorously from a young age, he had left home early and had limited emotional ties to his family, except for the respect he showed her.
His marriage to Nora had been her insistence, a compromise Arnold had begrudgingly accepted. It was the furthest he’d ever bent to her wishes, and she knew better than to push him further.
After a moment, his grandmother softened. “Have a good breakfast. I’ll see you at Lanslot coraght.”
“Alright,” Arnold replied quietly. “Take care of yourself. And don’t drink too much.”
“You-“She hesitated, then relented “Fine, take care of yourself as well!”
With that, she hung up.
Alex looked up curiously, “Dad, who was that?
“Your great grandmother,” Arnold replied.
Alex’s face lit up. “That’s great! I haven’t seen her in so long. I miss her.”
The grandmother was a kind and loving woman always doting on the younger generation Alex adored her.
Arnold picked up his phone and began dialing Nora’s number. “Tonight, we’re going to Lanslot for dinner, he announced.
Alex cheered
But the call to Nora went unanswered, and Arnold frowned.
He disliked mindlinking her directly. Every time he did, the unique “connection between them flared to life, a constant reminder that their emotions and fates were bound together.
Meanwhile, Nora had just finished her morning exercise when she noticed Arnald’s missed call.
he hesitated, torn. His calls no longer filled her with excitement or joy; instead, they left her feeling conflicted and weary
After a brief pause, she sighed and dialed him back.
“Arnold?” she said cautiously.
“Don’t forget, Grandmother told us to come back tonight. We’re having dinner at the Lanslot estate,” Arnold said in a cold voice. You should be back for Alex in a few minutes. You two go together.”
y to see her.
Nora thought for a moment. Even if she went to pick up her son herself. Alex might not necessarily be happy t
The next moment, she heard Alex’s young voice on the other end of the phone.
“Dad, I just thought of something!”
Alex’s eyes sparkled with excitement as an idea struck him. He said cheerfully, “I won’t be able to play with Auntie Linda these days, but I can call her and ask her to take me to school!”
“Do whatever you want,” Arnold replied flatly, showing little interest.
“Oh, that means I’ll get to see Auntie Linda again!” Alex exclaimed, clearly delighted.
Nora paused for a moment before saying, “Let the driver take Alex over. I have work today, so I’ll drive myself there tonight.”
This arrangement seemed the
e most practical.
Once upon a time, if something involved Alex, no matter how inconvenient, Nora would always handle it personally.
Arnold was momentarily surprised by her suggestion, but he didn’t dwell on it. Such small matters weren’t worth his concern.
“Alright,” he said curtly before hanging up.
Alex, still bubbling with excitement, glanced at his father and asked casually, “Dad, who else were you talking to?”
Arnold set the phone aside and said, “Your mother.”
