After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Cole had always struck her as someone who moved through life with ease, as if the things others struggled to grasp were merely passing interests for him.

The only exception was when he sought cooperation with STARLINE Studio-it was the first time he chose to handle everything personally... low-profile, meticulous, revising the plans multiple times until they were just right.

She and Leo had been confused back then. Why would someone like Cole go through such lengths for a business deal that, to him, should have been insignificant?

Now, looking into his deep, unreadable eyes, Nora wondered if she had overlooked something all along.

Cole tilted his head slightly, watching her reaction. Then, as if reading her thoughts, he asked, "You think I'm joking?"

His voice was calm, but there was a weight to it.

A seriousness that sent a strange, unsteady feeling through Nora's chest.

She swallowed, trying to find the right words. "But..... I have a mate."

It was meant to be a statement. A reminder of reality.

But Cole's expression didn't change.

"Aren't you and Arnold getting a divorce?" he asked, his voice still composed. "I can wait."

The certainty in his words startled her.noveldrama

Nora had no doubt that Cole was a patient man. He had always been precise, deliberate... never rushing, never acting impulsively.

But this...

Her heart thudded uncomfortably.

"You're assuming too much," she said, her voice quieter now. "Even if Arnold and I rejected each other... that doesn't mean I'd love you."

Cole raised an eyebrow. "Whether or not I can make you fall in love with me is up to me. As long as you don't deny me the right to pursue you, I'll figure out the rest on my own."

Nora's breath hitched slightly at his words. He spoke with such confidence, as if her heart was merely an equation to be solved, a challenge he was willing to take on without hesitation. She wasn't used to being pursued like this... not with sincerity, not with someone who actually saw her.

She shifted slightly on the hospital bed, fingers brushing against the cool fabric of the sheets. "Cole," she murmured, trying to steady herself,

"this isn't some business negotiation where persistence guarantees success. Feelings don't work that way."

Cole leaned in slightly, his eyes locked onto hers. "Don't they?" His voice was low, smooth, yet laced with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Love is built, Nora. You think people just wake up one day and fall for someone?

No. It's in the moments, the choices, the things we do for each other. And I'm willing to show you... if you let me."

Nora opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, a small hand tugged at hers. She turned, startled, to find Abby looking up at her with wide, earnest eyes.

"I love Aunt Nora, and I want Aunt Nora to be my aunt!" Abby declared with unwavering determination. Then, turning to Cole, she added with a bright grin, "Uncle Cole, you must go for it!"

Nora was momentarily stunned. "...Abby," she started, but before she could figure out what to say, the hospital room door burst open.

Alex stormed in, his face flushed with anger and his eyes red-rimmed from crying. Without hesitation, he shoved Abby aside, causing her to stumble back a few steps.

"You're trying to take my mom away!" he shouted, his small body trembling with emotion. "Get out, all of you! I don't need you here!"

Nora's heart clenched as she sat up abruptly. "Alex!" she scolded, reaching for him. "That's enough!"

Alex ignored her, turning his rage toward Abby, who was looking at him in shock. "She's my mom! You don't get to take her from me!"

Cole's expression darkened as he caught Alex's wrist before he could push Abby again. His grip was firm but not harsh, a silent warning in his steady gaze.

"That's not how you talk to people, Alex." His voice was controlled, but there was an edge to it. "Apologize."

Alex yanked his hand back, his small frame trembling with frustration and fear. "Why should I? She's the one trying to take my mom!"

Abby, still wiping her tears, looked at him with quiet conviction. "You said before that you didn't want your mom," she said simply. "You always said she was annoying, and you liked Aunt Linda better."

Alex froze, his mouth opening slightly in shock.

Abby sniffled, determination shining through her hurt. "I want Aunt Nora. She's kind, and she makes me feel safe. You had her first, but you didn't care. Now that someone else does, you suddenly do?"