Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception novel Chapter 162

Arnold finally spoke, his tone even. “He’s my son too. I’ll take care of him.”

At this, Grandma’s expression darkened. “Take care of him?” she repeated sharply. “When he was young, you barely spent time with him. It was always Sarah who held him when he was sick, Sarah who taught him how to read, Sarah who comforted him. And now, you speak as if you’ve always been the one by his side.”

Arnold’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he simply stated, “I’ll rectify that.”

Grandma let out a weary sigh, closing her eyes briefly. “Just don’t take too long, Arnold,” she said. “Children grow up faster than you realize.”

Checking his watch, Arnold rose from his seat. “I have to go. Alex’s flight has landed.. You take care of yourself and I will remember whatever you have said.. .”

She gave a faint smile..

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.

…

The airport was bustling with travelers, families reuniting with warm embraces, friends laughing as they exchanged gifts.

Amid the crowd, a small boy ran forward, his face lighting up with excitement as he spotted Arnold and Linda.

“Dad! Linda!” Alex’s voice was bright with joy as he threw himself into their arms. Arnold caught him effortlessly, ruffling his hair in greeting.

Linda crouched down to his level, smiling warmly. “Did you miss us?”

Alex nodded enthusiastically. “I brought gifts for you!” He rummaged through his small bag, pulling out souvenirs from his trip—small trinkets, postcards, and a scarf he had picked out for Arnold. “I thought you’d like this, Dad.”

Arnold took the scarf, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers. “Thank you,” he said, though his expression remained unreadable.

On the drive home, Alex was restless with excitement. He had been away for a while, and though he had enjoyed his travels, he was most eager to see his mother.

As soon as they pulled into the driveway, he unbuckled his seatbelt in a hurry, pushing open the door before the car had even fully stopped.

He ran inside, calling out eagerly, “Mom!”

His voice echoed through the house. But there was no response.

Frowning slightly, he turned back toward Arnold. “Where’s Mom?”

Arnold’s tone was casual, almost indifferent. “She’s not here.”