SWNOVELS Chapter 45
Chapter 45 I gently ruffled Jonas hair and asked , testing the waters , Jonas , why do you care so much about your brother ? Hes always picking on you .
I swear I wasnt trying to drive a wedge between them I just wanted Jonas to be a little more cautious .
Because hes my brother , he replied simply .
That was it ? Just that ? I wanted to ask more , but the unwavering sincerity in his eyes stopped me .
Jonas was so kindhearted .
No matter how Xavier treated him , he would never act like Xavier , who was always looking for ways to stir up trouble .
How could two kids raised in the same family turn out so differently ? Xavier was a handful , plain and simple .
The sound of a door opening pulled me from my thoughts .
Yvonne entered with Xavier by her side , the two walking closely together .
From the mirror , I caught a glimpse of them Xaviers eyes were puffy and red like he had just finished crying .
Why did you guys get back so soon ? I asked , keeping my tone light for Jonas sake .
I didnt want to make things uncomfortable in front of him .
He deserved parents who didnt argue every time they met .
Are you packing ? Yvonne asked , her sharp eyes immediately picking up on my movements .
After living together for so long , she could read me like a book .
Its none of your business , I said curtly , grabbing my clothes and heading for the door .
As I passed by them , I couldnt help but throw a warning her way .
Dont let Xavier bully Jonas .
Jonas was soft hearted and always willing to give in .
But I wasnt the type of dad to turn a blind eye .
Yvonne raised an eyebrow .
You care so much about Jonas .
Have you ever thought about how Xavier feels ? I followed her gaze toward Xavier , whose eyes were now even redder .
I couldnt tell if he was still upset from earlier or if her words had triggered something .
It was probably the former , but I wasnt about to dwell on it .
I laughed , my shoulders shaking .
Xavier has never cared much for me .
It was the truth .
His heart had always been with Jared , not me .
Youre right .
I dont like you .
So what ? Xavier shouted , his small frame trembling with anger .
Chapter 45 2/2 Fine by me .
Ill get out of your sight , I replied calmly .
There was no point in arguing with a kid .
Once I was out of the room , I leaned against the wall and sighed .
Xavier was a lost cause .
I wondered what Jared had done to my son .
Xavier acted like a spoiled brat without any of the privileges to back it up .
How would he survive out in the real world someday ? I couldnt stop my mind from spiraling , but after ten minutes of pacing , I still couldnt work up the nerve to knock on Lorraines door .
Pathetic , I muttered , slapping my own face lightly .
I had promised myself Id figure this out , but I froze every time I saw that closed door .
Maybe I should forget it and just find somewhere else to stay .
I was about to head to the front desk to ask if any rooms or even a storage closet were available when I heard the faint creak of a door behind me .
How long have you been standing there ? Lorraines voice was casual , almost teasing .
When I turned around , I nearly tripped over my own feet .
She had just gotten out of the shower , her damp hair framing her flushed face .
A light pink towel was wrapped snugly around her , and a faint trace of steam followed her out of the room .
I heard your door close ages ago .
Why didnt you come in ? she asked , tilting her head .
She had heard ? That meant she had heard everything including what I had said to Yvonne .
This place has terrible soundproofing ! I stammered , scratching the back of my head .
Id been so confident earlier , telling her there wouldnt be any drama .
Now , here I was , not even sure where I stood with her , and my ex wife had even barged into the picture .
my ex wife had even barged into the picture .
You dont need to feel awkward , Lorraine said with a small smile , her voice warm and understanding .
I get it .
Man , she really was just out of college .
She was so laidback about everything ! Chapter46 Chapter 46