The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 16 My rage flared at Xaviers words .

His morals had become utterly twisted because of Yvonne and Jared .

I said coldly , Xavier , remember this no matter what happens to me and your mom , you two will always be brothers .

If you hurt Jonas like this , youre hurting your family .

Do you understand ? Xavier huffed, then turned and walked away .

I shook my head and scooped Jonas up .

Daddy , can we go home ? I dont want to go to the amusement park anymore , he said quietly .

1 kissed his forehead .

Alright .

Lets go home .

After speaking with the teacher , I brought my son home .

Then , I shot Yvonne a message to briefly explain the situation and told her that I wouldnt bring Jonas over that night .

Her reply was swift , Suit yourself .

Looking at the apathetic reply , I shook my head with a wry smile .

There was a time when I thought we could build a happy family together .

Now , the idea seemed so absurd .

At night , I spent some time playing building blocks with Jonas before telling him a bedtime story .

After watching him fall asleep peacefully , I felt slightly relieved .

I left the room and gave my brother a call .

Hayden , are you free ? I want to talk to you .

He seemed to notice the weariness in my voice .

Whats wrong , Cole ? Are you having some trouble ? I let out a wry laugh .

The divorce is far more complicated than I had imagined .

Told you so .

Hayden sighed .

Its not a good idea to solve your problems with a divorce .

For the children , its particularly- I cut him short , Hayden , I know you want the best for me .

But theres no turning back for me and Yvonne .

Now , Im most worried about the children .

I told him what happened that day .

He was silent for a while before saying , Cole , you have to be strong .

For Jonas , you have to bear the pressure .

As for Xavier , we need to find a way to spend more time with him .

We cant let Yvonne lead him astray .

I nodded .

I understand .

Its just that … I feel so powerless sometimes .

Cole , remember youre a member of the Joplin family .

Haydens voice became solemn .

A 2/2 Joplin never gets beaten down .

Your responsibility right now is to take good care of Jonas .

Give him a happy and healthy environment to grow up in .

Dont dwell on the other things .

After hanging up , I stood on the balcony and looked out at the distant city lights .

Haydens words had given me some strength , but the emptiness in my heart remained .

The next day , I drove Jonas to school as usual .

Unsurprisingly , we ran into Yvonne and Xavier at the school entrance .

I crouched and said to Jonas , who was beside me , Go on .

Pay attention in class .

Ill pick you up after school .

Jonas nodded , greeted Yvonne timidly , and quickly walked into school .

I got up to leave , but Yvonne stopped me .

She said , Cole , I have something to tell you .

I turned around and looked at her with a stolid expression .

What is it ? With a frown , she said , Dont you think youre too cold to Xavier ? In any case , hes still your son .

I scoffed .

Oh ? He doesnt seem to think so .

Yvonne looked upset .

Cole , youve changed .

You werent like this before .

Looking at her , I felt a wave of exhaustion washed over me .

Chapter 12