Chapter 63

• The air buzzed with the lively hum of the community event—a charity fundraiser held at the town square. Stalls lined the perimeter, filled with baked goods, crafts, and raffle tickets, while children ran through the crowds with painted faces. Rafael stood near a booth selling handmade jewelry, keeping an eye on Maya and the kids as they mingled nearby. He was trying to enjoy the afternoon, to focus on the normalcy of the event, but the tension in his shoulders refused to ease.
• And then, as if summoned by his unease, Rafael spotted him—Luke. The man was standing by the refreshments table, chatting casually with a group of volunteers, his polished appearance and easy demeanor blending seamlessly with the crowd. But Rafael saw through it. His jaw tightened as he watched Luke laugh at something one of the women said, the sight sparking a surge of irritation he couldn’t suppress.
• Luke glanced up, as if sensing Rafael’s gaze, and their eyes locked across the square. His expression didn’t falter; if anything, his smile widened. He gave a small nod of acknowledgment, then made his way toward Rafael with the confident stride of someone who had nothing to hide.