**Alpha Novel 378**
**Chapter 378**
Stanley stood at a pivotal junction in his life after departing from Polin’s house, the weight of an important decision pressing down on him like a heavy fog. He had a scheduled meeting with Alexander’s father, an encounter that could potentially reshape his future, yet he found himself instinctively opting to cancel it. The allure of a rare, obligation-free morning called to him, urging him to prioritize spending time with his daughter, Nora. However, as fate would have it, he soon discovered that Nora was engrossed in her studies, diligently preparing for her GED test with the guidance of a tutor. A full-time caretaker was also present, ensuring that Nora had all the support she needed.
As he ambled through the bustling streets of the city, a swell of pride filled his heart at the thought of Nora’s blossoming independence. Yet, lurking beneath that pride was a gnawing anxiety, an unsettling feeling that with each passing moment, she was gradually drifting away from him. It was a bittersweet realization; he had dedicated his life to safeguarding her, yet now it felt as though she was on the brink of forging her own path, one that might lead her away from him.
This unsettling thought spiraled into an obsession—his mind fixated on the tantalizing possibility that Olivia could be his daughter. He had no intention of replacing Nora; rather, he craved the unvarnished truth, no matter how painful it might be for him or for Olivia. Shouldn’t she have the right to know her origins? The truth, he realized, was a double-edged sword, and he was prepared to wield it, even if it meant inflicting deep wounds.
With a heavy sigh, Stanley pushed open the door to his favorite coffee shop, a familiar refuge amidst the chaos of the city. The barista behind the counter, a young woman who knew his order by heart, greeted him with her usual warm smile and inquired about his name, as she always did. He ordered a large Americano and a blueberry muffin, the comforting routine of it all momentarily grounding him in the swirling sea of his thoughts.
The morning air was thick with humidity, clinging to his skin like a second layer, but he opted to take his breakfast outside. He settled onto a stone bench, the rough surface jabbing uncomfortably into him, yet he found solace in this spot. It was here that he often untangled the knots in his mind, watching the world rush by—taxis honking, people bustling—while he sipped his scalding espresso, its bitterness contrasting sharply with the sweetness of his muffin. For a fleeting moment, he wondered what it would be like to step into someone else’s shoes, to escape his own reality, even if just for a day.
***
Across the street, Hana kept a vigilant watch on her husband. Though she trusted Stanley implicitly, the nagging fear of a misstep that could unravel their lives loomed large in her mind.
Huddled in the backseat of a sleek silver business car, she observed him from a distance, partially concealed by another vehicle. There he was, munching on his muffin, lost in his thoughts, a portrait of melancholy and introspection.
Stanley had always been a romantic at heart, a dreamer whose mind often drifted into the realm of possibilities without ever taking the necessary steps to manifest those dreams. This endearing trait made him vulnerable, easier to manipulate.
But lately, something had shifted.
Hana’s brow furrowed as she scrutinized her husband. What was he up to? Why had he ventured to Olivia’s parents’ house?
Her musings were abruptly interrupted by the sharp click of a camera shutter. It was her assistant, Nikolai, capturing candid shots of Stanley as he sat there, blissfully unaware of the scrutiny he was under.
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