After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 68

Cole.

It was Charles, reaching him through the mindlink.

Hey, there's a party tonight. You should come.

Cole hesitated. He glanced at Abby, who was rubbing her eyes. The excitement had drained her energy, and she was starting to look sleepy.

I don't think so. Abby might be too tired.

Charles chuckled. She can hang out with Alex. Kids love playing together. You don't have to worry about her.

Cole still wasn't sure, but Charles was persistent.

Come on, man. It'll be good for you.

Abby yawned and stretched her arms. Nora smiled as she watched her.

"Looks like someone's ready for bed," Nora said softly.

Abby shook her head. "No, I'm not sleepy!" she insisted, though her drooping eyelids betrayed her. Nora laughed and gave her a gentle pat on the head. "I had a great time today, you two. Let's do this again.

soon."

Cole met her gaze. "If you want, we can hang out more often," he offered.

Nora hesitated for just a second before nodding. "I'd like that."

With that, she got into her car, waved goodbye, and drove off, leaving Cole standing there in the cool evening air.

Are you ignoring me now? Charles teased through the mindlink. Or are you too busy on a date? Cole rolled his eyes. It's not a date.

Sure, sure. Then I expect to see you at the party.

Cole exhaled. Fine. I'll be there.

Chapter 58

That evening, the party was already in full swing when Cole arrived with Abby. Music pulsed through the air, mixing with the lively chatter of guests. The grand hall was decorated with shimmering lights, casting a warm glow over the attendees.

Charles and Arnold were waiting near the entrance. As soon as they spotted Cole, Charles smirked. "Finally, he shows up," Charles remarked, nudging Arnold. "I was starting to think he'd rather be somewhere else... with someone else."

Cole ignored him and looked down at Abby. "You good?" he asked gently.

Abby nodded, gripping his hand. The crowd was overwhelming, but her eyes brightened when she spotted Alex in the distance..

"Go on," Cole encouraged her. "Alex is right there."

After a brief hesitation, Abby let go of his hand and rushed toward Alex. The two children quickly fell into a conversation, giggling as they ran off to play.

"She's settling in well," Arnold observed.

"Yeah," Cole agreed, though his eyes kept drifting toward her every few minutes.

Charles picked up on his distraction almost immediately. "What's on your mind, Cole?" He poured a drink and slid it over to him. "Or should I say, who's on your mind?"

Cole took the glass but didn't answer.

Arnold raised an eyebrow. "Wait. Are you actually interested in someone?"

Charles grinned. "That's the look of a man who's found his mate."

Cole exhaled, swirling the liquid in his glass. He didn't confirm it, but he didn't deny it either. That was all the answer they needed.

Arnold leaned back in his chair, looking impressed. "Well, I'll be damned."

Just then, a quiet conversation nearby caught their attention.

The two small children sat at a small table, eating snacks as Linda smiled and walked over to them. greeting them, and Alex hugged Linda warmly.

Abby, wide-eyed with curiosity, turned to Alex. "Is this aunt your mom?"

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Chapter 68

Cole, Charles, and Arnold exchanged glances, sensing that they were witnessing something important. Abby tilted her head, still puzzled, but sensing the awkwardness, she didn't press further.

Cole, however, was watching Linda closely. Something in her expression didn't sit right with him. There was a flicker of something...

Alex's fingers curled slightly against the table. He hesitated before speaking, his voice quieter than before. "No. My mom... She didn't come today."

Abby, still holding her doll, looked at him curiously. "Then why isn't she here?"

Remembering that he had stood Nora up during the day, Alex was a little embarrassed and could only reply vaguely, "Uh..... She doesn't like to participate in such occasions." After saying that, he fell silent. Before the silence could grow uncomfortable, Cole stepped in. "Abby, I think I saw some souvenirs at the party. Want to go pick some up?"

Abby's eyes lit up instantly. The heavy moment was forgotten, and she eagerly nodded. "Yes! Let's go!" Alex, relieved by the change in topic, followed along.

At the souvenir stand, Abby carefully examined the little trinkets and toys displayed on the table. She ran her fingers over soft plush animals, shiny keychains, and colorful dolls before settling on two dolls: a smaller one for herself and a larger one for someone special.

"I want to give this to Aunt," Abby announced, hugging the bigger doll. "I had so much fun with her today." Charles, who was next to him, heard the comment and his eyes lit up as he guessed that the aunt Abby was talking about was Cole's date for the day.

He smiled and knelt down to ask Abby, "Abby, how many times have you met the aunt you're playing with today? What's her name, do you know?"

Cole frowned, "Charles!"

Abby thinks for a second, then says unguarded, "Three times! As for what her name is

Chapter 69

Chapter 69