NovelsFreeChapter 51 "Mom," Alex chirped, breaking Arnold's train of thought. "Can you cook dinner fortonight? Like you used to?" Sarah opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the shrill ring of Arnold's phone cut through the moment, All eyes turned to him as he pulled the device from his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his face tightening ever so slightly.
The n**Linda** flashed on the caller ID.
Sarah's expression didn't change, but the silence that followed was telling, Alex's excitement dimmed as he noticed the shift in the atmosphere.
Arnold hesitated before answering, "Excuse me," he muttered, pushing his chair back and stepping out of the room.
Arnold's voice, though muffled, carried from the hallway.
Sarah couldn't make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable-soft, attentive.
It didn't bother her the way it might have before. Instead, it was as if a wall separated her from the emotions she used to feel about Arnold.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAlex tugged on her sleeve.
"You'll still cook, at night, right?" Sarah smiled down at him, pushing her own thoughts aside.
"Of course. We'll make something delicious together." His grin returned, and Sarah couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief.
In Alex's innocent joy, she found a semblance of peace, even if the rest of the house felt like a storm waiting to break.
Arnold picked up the phone and answered with a soft, almost tender tone.
"Linda," he said, his voice a stark contrast to the silence that had blanketed the room moments ago.
Sarah's hand froze mid-reach for her glass of water.
She felt a dull ache in her chest as she watched him speak.
He turned slightly away, his expression unreadable but unmistakably focused.
The intimacy in his tone stung.
She had spent years loving this man, defending their bond, and yet here she was, feeling like a spectator in her own life.
She had told herself tand again not to let it get to her, that she was above these emotions.
But no matter how many times she repeated the mantra, the hurt was always there, lurking beneath her carefully constructed 08:00 Crippled Luna's Farewell, Half A Life Without My AKT 38.5% 1 Chapter 51 exterior.
Arnold finished the call, slipping the phone into his pocket without a word to her.
He didn't meet her gaze as he stood.
"I have to go," he said briskly, his tone reverting to its usual detached coolness.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSarah nodded, keeping her face neutral even though a knot was tightening in her stomach, "Of course," she said, her voice calm, almost too calm.
As Arnold turned to leave, Alex's small voice broke the silence. "Dad, was that Aunt Linda on the phone?" Arnold stopped in his tracks, glancing back at his son.
"Yes," he admitted.
"Are you going to see her?" Alex asked, his bright eyes flickering with curiosity.
Arnold hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Yes, I need to discuss sthings with her." Without waiting for further questions, he exited the room, leaving an awkward tension hanging in the air.
Alex turned to his mother, his young face etched with confusion.
"Mom, can I go with Dad to see Aunt Linda?" Sarah forced a smile, though her heart sank at the question.
"You can ask him, sweetheart," she said gently.
Alex hesitated, looking at the door his father had just walked through.
"But... I don't want you to be mad atif I go."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
