The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 49 Hearing Jonas pleading voice , I stopped in my tracks .

Jonas , I … I hesitated , my chest tightening .

He didnt deserve this .

I had taken him on this trip to have fun , but instead , he was stuck in this tense , suffocating environment .

Theres plenty of space in my room , Lorraine spoke up unexpectedly , her voice calm but resolute .

I looked at her , surprised .

Are you sure ? I mean .

It was one thing for me to stay in her room , but bringing Jonas along was another matter entirely .

He was well behaved , but he was still a kid .

He was prone to the occasional tantrum , especially in unfamiliar settings .

Jonas , realizing the burden of his request , lowered his head timidly .

However , the hopeful glint in his eyes betrayed his true feelings .

I couldnt stand to see him so conflicted .

At his age , he should be free to ask for what he wanted without hesitation .

Its fine .

I really like Jonas , Lorraine said warmly .

Her words took on an edge as her gaze shifted to Yvonne .

Its mostly because I dont trust certain people .

The subtle jab was clear , and for the first time , I saw Lorraine drop her usual gentleness for something sharper .

It caught me off guard but also filled me with a quiet warmth .

She didnt have to do any of this she could have stayed out of it entirely .

But she stepped in , again and again , for me .

Was this what it felt like to be cared for ? Maybe she liked me too .

Before I could explore the thought further , Yvonne lunged forward , her expression dark with anger .

Mommy ! Jonas shout snapped me back to reality .

I turned just in time to shield Lorraine from Yvonnes wild swing .

The slap landed on my cheek instead , her nails scraping against my skin and drawing blood .

The sting was sharp , but the shock of her actions hurt more .

What has Jared been teaching you ? I spat out , my voice trembling with anger .

First , slander ; now , violence .

Whats next ? I stared at Yvonne , deeply disappointed .

How had she turned into this person ? Yvonnes face twisted with fury , her hands clenched into fists at her sides .

Her voice shook as she hissed , Im Jonas mother .

You cant replace me .

She looked like a woman consumed by bitterness , her anger spilling out in the middle of the hallway for all to see .

Doors creaked open as curious onlookers peeked out .

They were drawn out by the commotion .

217 Yvonne , dont push it , I said firmly , When you took Xavier to meet Jared , did I say anything ? No.

Ive been more than fair .

Her jaw tightened , but she stayed silent .

Were divorced .

I have every right to date whoever I want .

You cant expect me to spend the rest of my life stuck on you .

Holding Jonas in my arms , I turned away , not wanting to waste another second arguing with her .

I kept my voice low for Jonas sake , refusing to escalate things any further .

But I wouldnt hold back next time if Yvonne kept this up .

Back in Lorraines room , the tension finally began to ease .

With Jonas there , the atmosphere was lighter and less awkward .

Maybe you should give Jonas a bath ? Lorraine suggested gently , sensing my unease .

She sat on the bed with her head bowed , seemingly lost in her thoughts .

Good idea .

Thanks for being so understanding .

I had already lost track of how many times Id apologized and thanked her , but Lorraine just smiled patiently every time .

I shook my head as I led Jonas into the bathroom , my thoughts spiraling .

Was Lorraine simply kind hearted , or … I quickly shook that thought off .

I shook my head a little too hard .

It felt like my brain might just slosh into place , but I still couldnt come up with an answer .

Jonas sat in the bathtub , looking at me with those timid , heart wrenching eyes .

How was it staying with Mommy ? I asked softly even though I already knew the answer .

Mommy didnt really talk to me .

Neither did Xavier , he admitted quietly , his little voice tinged with sadness .

Hed been so excited to see Yvonne , even if it meant feeling guilty about leaving Lorraine .

He had missed her so much , and he had hoped this trip would bring them closer .

But , instead , he was met with indifference .

Chapter 50