The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 2 Yvonne never mentioned divorce again over the years, and I thought we could live happily forever.

I didnt expect to be proven wrong so soon.

Thinking about the efforts I had put in over the years, I couldnt help but lament.

Yvonnes apathy only made me look like a fool.

I let out a bitter laugh, mustering all my strength to head to the study.

I was going to draft a divorce agreement! Just as I was nearing the desk, a sharp jolt of pain suddenly shot through my head.

I collapsed to the ground before I could even react, and I completely lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I realized I was still lying on the floor.

I had landed on my arm when I fell, and now, a dull ache throbbed in my bones.

Clasping my forehead, I glanced at my phone and realized I had been lying here for over three hours.

A bleak thought crossed my mindif I hadnt woken up on my own, would anyone even notice if I just died here? I fumbled for some painkillers and swallowed them.

As I began to recover, I suddenly heard voices outside.

It was Jared and Xavier.

Jared, its settled, then! You have to take me to the park to fly kites this weekend.

Heres a pinky promiseyoull transform into a puppy if you break your promise! Jared chuckled lovingly.

I wont break my promise, but it depends on whether your dad agrees.

Dont worry, Xavier swiftly replied.

If Daddy refuses to let me go and forces me to stay home to study, Ill just lie and say I want to visit Grandpa with Mommyjust like how we tricked him into thinking Mommy wanted to stay home to celebrate their anniversary so that hed cook for us! Hearing this, I froze and widened my eyes in disbelief.

This morning, Xavier, who was usually somewhat distant toward me, had been unusually affectionate.

As soon as I came out of my room, he grabbed my hand and said sweetly, Daddy, I want to eat brisket and barbecued ribs.

Can you make them for me? He rarely spoke to me like that, and I naturally assumed he was trying to get closer to me.

I was thrilled.

However, I had promised to take them out today.

Even so, I couldnt bear to see him disappointed.

I didnt know how to respond for a moment.

Since Xavier wants to eat your cooking, lets celebrate our anniversary at home this year, Yvonne also chimed in.

Its been a long time since Ive had your cooking too.

Make a few more dishes while Ill take the kids out to buy a cake.

Well celebrate together later.

How about that? Oh, is there anything youd like to eat? I can buy it for you as well.

It was rare for Yvonne to be taking the initiative.

Overwhelmed by joy, I didnt think much about it.

No need.

Just a cake is enough.

Sure.

You can get on with the cooking now.

I was a little puzzled as to why she needed to take both kids to get a cake, but the thought quickly passed.

I was still ecstatic, to say the least.

The table groaned with the number of dishes I made.

Even when I cut my finger while preparing the ingredients, I simply rinsed it off, put on a bandage, and kept going.

I didnt want to waste any time.

Once I finished cooking, I anticipated their return to eat together.

I never expected it was all an elaborate lie, meticulously planned just to keep me home so that they could enjoy their time with Jared.

Staring down at my bandaged finger, I chuckled wryly.

So, I had always been an outsider.

They even went to such great lengths to put on this façade to keep me out of the way.

Xavier, youre so clever, Jared said, his voice dripping with praise.

You already know how to fight for the life you want.