After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

The sound of a door opening startled him, and he shot up, hope lighting lus face. "Mon?" But the figure stepping through wasn't Nora

Arnold entered, his broad shoulders casting a shadow against the hallway light.

Alex's face fell slightly, disappointment etched in his expression

****It's just you," he murmured, his tone soft but unmistakably let down.

Arnold crouched to meet his son's eyes, his voice firm yet comforting.

Your mother is busy tonight, Alex. But she'll pick you up from school tomorrow."

Alex's frown eased a little at the reassurance, though his pout lingered "She's coming for sure?"

"For sure." Arnold said, ruffling his son's hair. "Now, off to bed, young man. No more waiting up."

With a heavy sigh, Alex trudged to his room, his small footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Once the door to his room clicked shut, Arnold straightened, his calm demeanor slipping just slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He walked to his study, the quiet house enveloping him.

Settling into the chair behind his desk, he flipped open a file of work papers but found himself unable to focus.

Nora had been gone too long.

The next morning, Alex was up earlier than usual, excitement buzzing through him,

He dressed quickly, choosing his favorite shirt, and packed his school bag neatly.noveldrama

At breakfast, he barely touched has food, craning his neck toward the front door every time he heard the slightest noise.

"Master Alex," the maid said kindly, "you'll need your strength for the day. Have a few more bites." But Alex was too distracted

"Mom's coming," he said with a smile, his disappointment from the previous night replaced by a renewed sense of

of anticipation.

The clock ticked closer to the time he needed to leave, and Alex planted himself by the window, his face pressed against the glass.

"She'll be here soon," he murmured to himself, his small fingers drumming against the windowsill. The thought of seeing his mother, of having her attention again, made his heart lighter.

For now, he was content to wait.

Noce stood at the edge of the driveway, staring at the villa she had called house for nearly seven years. The grandeur of the structure hadn't faded, the walls were still pristine, the garden immaculately trimmed Yet, everything felt foreign

The vibrant memories of laughter, warmth, and love that owe filled this place seemed like distant echoes She realized in wasn't the villa that had changed-it was her

The woman who had once been trapped in those walls had walked out, leaving behind an old version of herself.

leep breath, she pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside.

Taking a deep

Arnold was already in the living room, standing near the large windows with his hack to her.

The light streaming through cast a soft glow on his sharp features.

He turned as he heard her enter, his expression unreadable.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The air between them was heavy, a mixture of familiarity and a distance that neither could bridge easily. Arnold's lips parted, as if to speak, but before he could, the sound of small, hurried footsteps filled the

room.

"Mom Alex's voice rang out as he bounded down the staircase,

Nora barely had time to brace herself before Alex fhing his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder.

"I missed you so much," he mumbled, his voice muffled by her jacket.

She crouched to his level holding him close and running her fingers through his soft hair.

I missed you too sweetheart," she said softly, her voice warm

Alex pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes bright. "Will you eat breakfast with me? Please?" Nora smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Of course, I will Lead the way."

At the dining table, the three of them sat together.

Alex was practically bouncing in his sear, his chatter filling the silence that loomed between the adults.

He recounted his school day, his favorite cartoons, and even a dream he had the night before.

Arnold, seated at the head of the table, watched Nora with a quiet intensity.

His usual air of aloofness was present, but there was something else an unspoken desire for her to say something anything, to him.

Nora, however, kept her focus on Alex, responding to his stories with genuine interest and warmth. She never once turned her attention to Arnold, n

not even a passing glance.

It reminded Arnold of that night back at Lancelot Manor-their roles as Alpha and Luna reduced to a façade, making them the closest of strangers.

He frowned, his fork pausing mad air.

Tor years, he had thought their relationship was steady, unshakable.

But now, as he watched Nora effortlessly sidestep him, he realized just how much effort she had poured into maintaining their connection.

It wasn't mutual. it had been her labor, her sacrifice, her perseverance. And now, she wasn't even trying After I left. Alpha father and son went