After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

At first, it hadn't bothered Alex.

In fact, when he was younger, he had convinced himself that it was better this

way.

After all, what was so great about having a mom pick you up from school?

He had always thought it was childish, something that made kids look weak, too dependent.

He had felt cooler being one of the few who was picked up by a professional driver, like some VIP. It had made him stand out.

But now, standing there, watching Brian's mom scoop him up into a tight hug before leading him toward their car, Alex felt a strange weight settle in

his chest.

His fingers curled slightly around the strap of his backpack.

Maybe he had been wrong.

Maybe having your mom pick you up wasn't childish at all.

Maybe it meant something.

Maybe it meant you were "wanted".

The sound of an approaching engine snapped him out of his thoughts.

His driver had finally arrived.

Without a word, Alex climbed into the backseat, shutting the door with more force than necessary.

As the car pulled away from the school, he turned his head slightly, watching through the tinted window as Brian, still grinning from ear to ear, climbed into the car with his mom beside him.

They were laughing about something. Brian looked completely at ease, completely "happy".

Alex averted his gaze.

Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his contacts until he found Nora's number.

His thumb hovered over the call button for a moment.

But he didn't press it.

He hesitated, staring at the screen as if willing it to give him an answer to a question he didn't fully understand.

After a few seconds, he sighed and scrolled down, stopping at another name. Dad...

Without thinking too much, he tapped the screen and held the phone to his ear.

It rang a few times before a familiar voice answered.

"School's out?" Arnold's voice was casual, but there was an undertone of understanding in his tone.

Alex swallowed. "Uhm."

Arnold let out a small chuckle on the other end. "Missing Mom?"

Alex sat still for a while. His small hands curled around a cushion as he stared at the phone on the table.

His little brows furrowed in deep thought, the weight of a child's dilemma pressing on his heart.

15:47

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

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"I miss Mom," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But if I call her... what if she doesn't answer?"

Arnold, replied: "She'll answer today," he said with certainty.

Alex's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really." Arnold suggested gently: "Go on, try."

With shaking fingers, Alex pressed the call button. The phone rang once, twice.... his heart thudded in anticipation. Then, the line clicked.

"Hello?"

Nora's voice was soft, but there was hesitation in it. Alex didn't notice. He grinned, pressing the phone closer.

"Dad said you'd answer the phone! Mom I miss you. Are you coming home today? I want to eat your cooking!"

Silence. A long, heavy pause stretched between them.

Nora paused, and her hand on the mouse stopped.noveldrama

Two seconds later, she snapped back to her senses and said, "I'm still at the office, today-"

Alex's excitement didn't fade. "I miss you, Mommy! I'm gonna come get you and we're gonna play today!"

The innocence in his voice squeezed her heart. He truly believed that as long as he came to her, she would be there. That no matter what, she would never turn

him away.

Nora sighed, Alex's earlier stumble and fall on his head had cast some shadow over her.

She couldn't help but bring a hint of apology to him in her tone, "I'll be home later, let's have dinner then."

That night, long before Nora had even stepped onto the patio, Alex had already heard the hum of an approaching car. His ears were sharp, attuned to that familiar sound.

The second Nora opened the door, Alex threw himself into her arms.

"Mommy!"

She staggered back slightly but caught him, his small body warm against her chest.

At the dinner table, Alex never left her side. He clung to her sleeve, his little hands gripping tightly as though afraid she would disappear if he let go.

"Mom, can we have home-cooked food?" His eyes were wide and hopeful. "I haven't had it in so long."

Nora paused, her spoon hovering midair. His bright gaze pinned her down, filled with longing. He didn't ask for toys or games. He only wanted something simple.... something warm, something familiar.

She sighed, her lips curving in defeat. "Alright, let's cook together."

Alex beamed.

As they ate, he chattered happily, swinging his legs under the chair. Somewhere between spoonfuls of rice, he mentioned offhandedly, "Daddy left for a trip today." Nora's hand stilled. She looked at Alex. "Today?"

"Mm-hmm. He said he'll be back soon" Alex didn't seem bothered, but something twisted inside Nora.

So Arnold had left him alone,

She glanced around the villa. Spacious, luxurious, but empty.

She exhaled slowly. "Finish your food first," she said gently, stroking Alex's hair.

15:47

Later that night, after making sure Alex had showered and changed into his pajamas, Nora finally stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the fatigue of the day.

She barely noticed when her phone buzzed outside.

Alex, curled up in bed, heard it. He looked at the screen, recognizing the name.

With a small frown, he picked it up and pressed answer.

"Hello?"

A brief pause. Then, a deep, slightly surprised voice came through.

"Alex?"