CHAPTER 1: THE LETTER SHE COULDN’T FINISH
—like the air itself was holding its breath.
Jax stared at the folded paper in the boy’s hand, but he didn’t reach for it. Not yet.
“Open it,” the boy said softly.
Jax swallowed hard, then slowly took the paper. His rough fingers unfolded it with surprising care. The handwriting inside was uneven… but familiar.
Jax,
If he finds you, it means I couldn’t stay…
His jaw tightened.
I never told you because I was scared. Not of you—but of what your world would do to him.
Jax exhaled slowly, eyes flicking up to the boy, then back down.
His name is Eli. He’s yours.
The words didn’t hit all at once. They sank in slowly… like something heavy dropping deep underwater.
Jax looked at the boy again—really looked this time.
Same eyes.
Same stubborn stillness.
“You’re… mine?” Jax asked, voice low, unsure.
The boy nodded.
“My mom said you didn’t leave,” Eli said quietly. “She said you just didn’t know.”
May you like
Jax closed his eyes for a moment.
That hurt more than anything.
