The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 44 What are you staring at ? I pulled Lorraine behind me protectively .

The moment my hand brushed against hers , I felt her tremble slightly .

Are you two staying together ? Yvonne asked , her tone sharp .

Yeah , so ? What about it ? I shot back , tired of her endless questions .

If youve got an issue , keep it to yourself .

I had no obligation to explain anything to her .

Grabbing Lorraines hand , I glanced back at Xavier .

He clearly didnt like me anyway , so he was better off sticking with Yvonne .

As we walked toward the rooms , my steps grew heavier .

My room was right next to Lorraines , and the closer we got to her door , the harder my heart pounded .

I felt an uneasy anticipation building inside me .

Should I stop by her door on my own or wait for her to invite me ? What if she didnt ? Should I bring it up , or would that make me seem too eager ? My palms were clammy , and I could barely hold onto Jonas hand without it shaking .

Daddy , are you- Jonas , are you hungry ? I cut him off , having guessed where this conversation was headed .

No , Daddy .

I- Then lets grab dinner later .

I gave him a quick wink .

He didnt seem to understand but nodded anyway , always the cooperative one .

We were almost there … Just a few steps away.

My nerves were so frayed that I was practically grinding my teeth .

When I was right outside Lorraines door , my heart felt ready to leap out of my chest .

Cole .

Yeah ? I froze , stiffly turning to face her .

Lorraine was smiling at me , clearly amused .

Arent you coming in ? Yes , of course .

Definitely .

I nodded like a fool , my brain running on autopilot .

Ill just go grab my clothes first , I blurted out , trying to sound casual .

I had two key cards , and one of them was for the room I had just passed to Yvonne .

Okay , hurry up .

Ill be waiting , she said , smiling as she stepped into her room .

As the door closed behind her , I exhaled , my heart finally slowing down .

It felt like falling from a great height , only to land on a soft cushion .

Daddy , are you okay ? Jonas asked , his sharp little eyes noticing my flustered state .

Chapter 44 Im fine .

Im just … alittle overwhelmed .

What should we do , then ? he asked , tilting his head with innocent curiosity .

Dont worry .

Ill be fine in a bit , I reassured him .

Back in my room , I grabbed a pair of pajamas and some essentials .

I wasnt planning on staying in Lorraines room for long .

I would check if any other rooms were available tomorrow .

Preferably one far away from Yvonne .

As I packed , Jonas sat on the bed , cradling his face in his small hands like he wanted to say something but couldnt find the words .

What is it ? I asked .

Jonas eyes lit up , filled with admiration .

Daddy , how did you know I was going to say something ? Because Im your dad , I replied with a smile , pulling him close .

Do you miss Xavier ? He didnt need to answer as his eyes gave him away .

He was too kind and pure hearted to hide his feelings .

But Xavier treated him like a toy , pushing him around for fun .

I didnt want the two of them to spend too much time together .

I couldnt stand the thought of Jonas getting hurt .

When will they be back ? he asked , clearly thinking about Xavier .

He just didnt want to be left without a playmate .

And Xavier , as tricky as he was , knew exactly how to keep Jonas attached to him .

Theyll be back soon , I said , though part of me hoped otherwise .

I didnt have the heart to tell him the truth .

Chapter 45 Chapter 45