The town square glowed with anticipation. Strings of twinkling lights wrapped around lampposts, evergreen garlands draped across storefronts, and the towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the center, waiting for its grand reveal. The air smelled of cinnamon, pine, and the sweet richness of cocoa.
Holly bustled beside her employees, handing out steaming cups of hot chocolate and trays of sugar-dusted cookies. Laughter and chatter filled the crisp night air, and for once, she felt perfectly at peace.
That peace faltered when Jon appeared—Crystal clinging to his arm like a trophy.
Jon’s smile was too wide, too forced. “Well, well. Holly. Looks like you’re keeping busy.”
Crystal leaned in, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “We thought we’d stop by. Such a shame you couldn’t make
