Chapter 4 — Reunion at the Fundraiser

Jaxon

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Town Square, filtering through the sprawling oak trees and dappling the cobblestones with shifting patterns of shadow and light. Jaxon Vale lingered near the edge of the plaza, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn jeans, his gaze fixed on the lively scene before him. The faint hum of cheerful conversations and the clink of glasses drifted toward him, mingling with the warm scents of baked goods and roasted coffee wafting from the bakery. It felt alive, vibrant—the kind of moment he used to take comfort in. And yet, his chest tightened, his breath hitching for a moment. He didn’t belong here—not really. Not anymore.