Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 199

But to me, everyone is a stranger. No one's really my mom or dad, so somehow, everyone becomes them. I get so attached to every adult that walks into my life, looking to make them proud. Looking for that attention. Looking for that confirmation that someone wants me, and I never get it. How could I when that's not their job. Because I'm not their kid.

Suddenly, Suzie puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. Ethel nudges me with his shoulder, whispering that he'll eat my salty food for me if it makes me feel better. I can't help but laugh. I nudge both of them back, smiling, even if I don't fully want to. I affirm to myself that this is enough. It's not everything I've ever hoped for, but it doesn't have to be.

When the luna comes, Carson crosses his arms and refuses to look at her. She furrows her brow and looks at the alpha. He shakes his head, going to say hi to Aiden, but the boy gives him a similar cold shoulder. The parents look at each other again and sigh.

"I guess I'll just have to give Aiden all that food," she says wistfully. "The chicken and rice..." she says wistfully. "...The dessert."

That gets Asher's attention. "Not my half though."

"No, of course not," she says. "I'll eat all of your dessert myself."

Axel chuckles. Asher gasps. "No."

She doesn't pay him any mind. She turns away, holding her heart "What choice do I have? My Ashy doesn't love me anymore."

"I didn't say all that," Asher says quickly.

"Oh yeah?" she asks bending down. "So you're done being a grumpypants?"

"I'm not being a grumpypants, Mom," he grumbles. "And I'm not Ashy anymore. I'm too old for that."

"So what should I call you?" she asks.

He stands square, puffing his chest out. "I'm Carson. No A initial."

She gives her husband a look, but he's currently trying to force a hug out of Aiden. She shakes her head, smiling to herself. "Alright, Carson, no A initial. Are you done being a grumpypants?"