After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 116

Chapter 116

She sent the message without hesitation, then immediately turned off her phone.

The silence that followed was almost suffocating, but she forced herself to focus on her work. She had no intention of playing whatever game Arnold was trying to start.

It was nearly an hour later when she finally turned her phone back on, and the moment she did, another message popped up.

**Are you home?**

It was only three words, but to Nora, it said far more than that.

Arnold never liked being ignored. If she didn't reply, he wouldn't hesitate to come over himself.

Before she could decide whether or not to respond, her mindlink suddenly buzzed.

**Mommy, why aren't you back yet?"*

Nora straightened slightly. It was Alex.

**Dad said you'd be back tomorrow for the school's parent-child activity, but it's already after 9:00 p.m., and you're

still not home..."*

There was a quiet expectation in his words, a fragile hope that she could almost hear wavering.

She closed her eyes slightly, still softened, *"Mom's not going back. Tomorrow, I'll go straight to your school."*

For a moment, there was no reply. Then-

*"Oh... okay."*

She could sense the disappointment, the slight dip in his mood even through the mind-link.

*"You should get an early night,"* she reminded gently.

*"Got it."*

The link went silent after that, leaving Nora staring at the message for a long moment before finally setting the

phone aside.

She had no regrets about her decision, but a faint pang lingered in her chest.

The next morning, Nora arrived at Alex's school right on time. The second he spotted her, his small face lit up with unfiltered joy.

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After I left. Alpha father and son went crazy with

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Chapter 116

"Mom!"

Without hesitation, Alex broke into a run and leaped into her arms. She caught him easily, her arms wrapping around his small frame.

She smelled the morning sun and the faint scent of cedar on Arnold-a reminder that no matter how much she tried to distance herself, some things were still inevitably intertwined.

"Aunt Nora, you're here too!"

A cheerful voice piped up beside them. Brian, one of Alex's classmates, grinned as he bounded over.

Nora returned his enthusiasm with a small smile. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."

From her afterglow, she saw Brian's mother's curious gaze glance between her and Arnold with obvious surprise.

As a neighbor, she knew something about Nora.

The rumors of Nora's marriage had never been flattering. Most people assumed it was a failed, unwanted arrangement. But realizing that her supposed husband was *Alpha Arnold*? That was a revelation she clearly hadn't been expecting.

Nora, however, had long since stopped concerning herself with what people thought. She made no effort to explain, and the woman seemed to pick up on that, choosing not to pry.

Soon, the event began, and parents were called to the stage with their children to participate in various games.

Alex immediately tugged Arnold forward. "Come on, Dad!"

Nora stayed back, watching their belongings while the games unfolded before her.

From her seat, she could see everything-the way Arnold and Alex moved seamlessly together, the way their coordination put them ahead in nearly every competition.

Nora sat quietly, observing the other families around her.

Mothers and fathers cheered for their partners, clapping excitedly when their children succeeded, groaning in playful frustration when they fumbled.

They looked "together.*

They looked "whole.*

And then there was her-alone in the crowd, smiling at Alex's victories but never quite part of the picture.

She knew what the other parents were thinking.

This was a semi-private school. It was common knowledge that Alpha Arnold had

a son. But the woman usually seen with him wasn't "her.*

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Chapter 116

At first, there had been whispers, speculation. But now, seeing her sitting apart, detached, most had drawn their

own conclusions.

*Maybe she's just a secretary,* they likely thought. "Someone responsible for recording videos and taking care of logistics.*

Nora didn't mind.

If she had cared about titles, about names, she wouldn't have married Arnold in the first place.

The hardest parts of her life had already passed.

This? This was nothing.

She knew she was only here today because Linda wasn't available. That alone spoke volumes.

When the games started, Nora cheered them up, crossing her legs as she settled into her seat, her posture relaxed but her gaze sharp.

She watched as Arnold and Alex moved onto the field, their coordination seamless, their movements mirroring each other like two parts of a well-oiled machine.

Arnold, as expected, dominated the physical challenges.

Whether it was the relay race, the obstacle course, or the tug-of-war, he executed every task with calculated efficiency. His muscles flexed effortlessly beneath his fitted shirt, his strides powerful, his reactions razor-sharp.

The other fathers struggled to keep up, panting and laughing, while Arnold remained composed, a slight smirk tugging at his lips whenever Alex cheered in excitement.

Alex, for his part, was no less impressive.

Though smaller and less experienced, he had inherited Arnold's athleticism. He sprinted across the field with boundless energy, his eyes gleaming with determination, his small hands gripping the rope tightly during the tug-of-war, refusing to let go even when his feet slipped slightly.

Nora watched them, her fingers idly toying with the hem of her sleeve.

The sight before her was undeniably striking-a picture of father and son working

in perfect harmony. But at the same time, it only served as a reminder of how separate she was from them.

After the games, Arnold and Alex returned, both flushed from exertion.

"Did you get the video?" Alex asked eagerly, peering at her phone.

Nora nodded, already transferring the footage. "I sent it to our group chat. You can

watch it on your tablet later."

Alex beamed. "Thanks, Mom!"

Chapter 116

He clutched the two championship trophies he had won, grinning with pride. After

a moment, he turned to Arnold.

"Dad, take a picture of me!"

Arnold obliged, snapping a few shots of Alex holding up his trophies triumphantly.

Once the shot was taken, Alex couldn't wait to hug his phone and type the picture he had just sent to Linda.

Nora didn't say anything, just silently averted her eyes.

She glanced at the clock, it was time to leave. She had taken the day off to get

this day, and there was still work waiting for her at the studio.

Just as she was about to leave, Alex suddenly tugged on her sleeve.

"Mom, what are we having for lunch today? Barbecue or seafood?"

Nora hesitated.

She hadn't expected to be included in the plans.

Before she could respond, Alex turned to Arnold. "Dad, what do you want to

eat?"

Arnold didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked at her.

"What do you want to eat?"