After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of rain that had yet to fall.

As Nora stepped out of her car in the hotel parking lot, a familiar vehicle pulled in nearby.

The headlights swept over her briefly before dimming, and moments later, the

back door flew open.

A small figure burst out.

"Aunt Nora!" Abby's bright, excited voice rang out as she ran toward her.

A genuine smile spread across Nora's face as she bent down to catch Abby in a warm embrace.

The little girl's arms wrapped tightly around her neck, her warmth infectious.

Abby was dressed in a delicate pastel pink dress adorned with tiny embroidered flowers along the hem.

The bodice featured soft lace detailing, adding an elegant yet youthful touch, while the short, puffy sleeves enhanced her charming, princess-like appearance.

A satin ribbon cinched at her waist, tied into a neat bow at the back.

Her dark curls were styled loosely, a pink headband with tiny pearls resting atop her head, completing

the look.

"You came early," Abby said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I thought I'd have to wait forever!"

Nora smoothed Abby's curls with a fond chuckle. "I wouldn't miss your birthday for anything. And I had

to make sure I got you the perfect gift." She lifted the shopping bag slightly.

Abby gasped, her curiosity piqued. "Is it for me?"

"Of course," Nora teased. "But you'll have to wait until we're inside to open it."

Behind them, Cole had stepped out of his car, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves as he observed the interaction. His gaze lingered on Nora longer than necessary, watching the ease with which she and Abby

connected.

The warmth in Nora's smile, the tenderness in her touch... it was effortless, natural.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips.

"You two seem to be having fun already," he remarked as he approached them.

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After I left, Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

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Nora turned to him, her expression light. "She's the birthday girl. She deserves all the fun in the world

today."

Cole let out a soft chuckle. "Then let's not keep her waiting."

Abby, still clutching Nora's hand, extended her other hand toward Cole.

With an amused shake of his head, he took it, and together, the trio made their way toward the entrance of the hotel. Abby swung their hands playfully, her laughter echoing in the cool evening air.

Just then, the sharp click of a car door slamming shut cut through the moment.

Linda.

She had just stepped out of her vehicle, a phone still in hand from a recently ended call.

Her mind had been occupied with business matters, but the moment she turned around, her gaze landed

on the trio walking toward the hotel entrance.

And she froze.

For a brief second, her world narrowed to that single image... Cole, Nora, and Abby together.

The easy smiles, the warmth, the familiarity.

They looked like a family.

Her grip on her phone tightened, her nails pressing into the smooth surface. A strange, unwanted

sensation twisted in her chest.

Cole had always kept his distance from women.

He never let anyone get too close, never showed particular interest in anyone, not even the women who openly pursued him.

Yet here he was, walking beside Nora with a presence that was neither distant nor indifferent.

Linda's fingers curled around the edges of her phone, her nails pressing against her palm. A slow breath escaped her lips, controlled and measured, yet her heart was anything but calm.

Nora.

It was always Nora.

For the past few weeks, Linda had sensed something shifting, but she had

brushed it off as insignificant.noveldrama

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After I left, Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

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After all, Cole had never shown any real attachment to women before. Why would Nora be any different?

And yet, the way he looked at her now... subtle, but undeniably present... made Linda's stomach coil with

unease.

Nora hadn't even done anything special. She wasn't wearing anything extravagant, nor was she putting

on any kind of show.

And yet, she was the one beside him. She was the one holding Abby's hand.

Linda stood frozen, her breath hitching as a rush of thoughts overwhelmed her. Her fingers curled unconsciously, nails pressing against her palms as she struggled to process what she had just realized.

Was she mistaken? Was her mind playing tricks on her?

The pieces of the puzzle didn't fit at first, but now they clicked together with unsettling clarity.

Abby had mentioned her "aunt" several times before, always with admiration and excitement.

Linda had assumed it was just some distant relative or a close family friend.

Never... never in her wildest thoughts... had she considered that it could be *Nora.*

Her first instinct was to reject the idea. It was absurd. Impossible.

But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

She clenched her jaw as memories surfaced. Last year, Cole had attended a meeting and... against everyone's expectations... had walked straight up to Nora, initiating a conversation.

That moment had stuck with her, gnawed at her. And then there were the banquets.

Whenever Nora and Leo were present, Cole wouldn't simply exchange pleasantries and move on.

No, he would *stay*, engaging in conversation, showing subtle yet undeniable interest.

Linda had dismissed it before, brushing it off as mere politeness or coincidence.

But now? Now, doubt seeped into her confidence like ink spreading through water.

Could Cole really have a crush on Nora?

No.

It couldn't be.

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