The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 11 Standing at the courthouse entrance , I watched people come and go in droves .

Some entered with wide smiles , others left with complicated looks on their faces .

I had no idea what my expression would be when I came out .

But I knew , no matter what , that I wouldnt regret this .

We were supposed to meet at 10:00 am , but Yvonne showed up late .

She was in a black business suit , her makeup making her look elegant and modest today .

It seemed as though she was dressed for some important meeting .

Lets go , she said coldly , not even giving me a glance .

We walked into the courthouse side by side .

Nevertheless , we kept our distance from each other .

We used to walk side by side like this as well , but our hands were interlocked back then .

At that thought , I smiled wryly .

Our five year marriage was coming to an end , just like this .

It was surprising how smooth the divorce proceedings went .

Perhaps it was because we were fully prepared , or perhaps because we were both eager to end this relationship .

When the staff asked if we needed to reconsider , Yvonne answered immediately , Theres no need .

Weve thought this through .

I glanced at her wordlessly .

Though I knew she was sulking , I didnt want to get tangled up in such matters anymore .

The moment I received the divorce certificate , I felt a sense of relief I had never felt before .

Our marriage of five years was finally over .

When we walked out of the courthouse , the sunlight was glaringly bright .

On the stairs , Yvonne suddenly turned around and asked me , Cole , are you sure you wont regret it ? I looked at her and shook my head gently .

No , I wont .

Yvonne , we should move on .

Her eyes flickered with an emotion I couldnt place , but then they quickly calmed back down .

Alright .

Thats it for us , then .

If you need anything from now on , contact my assistant .

At that , she turned and left .

The sound of her high heels bounced off the steps .

Standing in place , I watched her vanish into the crowd .

When I reached home , Jonas was waiting for me on the couch .

The moment he saw me come in , he ran over to me , his eyes full of hope .

Daddy , have you made up with Mommy ? I squatted to meet his eyes and said softly , Jonas , weve gotten a divorce .

From now on , youll be living with me .

Is that alright ? Chapter 1 His eyes immediately reddened with tears , and he shook his head vigorously .

No ! I dont want you to get a divorce ! I want to live with Daddy and Mommy ! I took him into my arms , where I could feel his tiny body shaking .

I knew this was devastating for him , but I had no other choice .

to remember , Jonas , things between adults can be complicated at times .

But you have regardless of whether were together or not , we both love you very much .

Jonas cried in my arms for a long time until he tired out and fell asleep .

After carrying him to bed , I gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead .

As I looked at his sleeping face , guilt and remorse filled my heart .

When I walked out of the room , Xavier was standing at the door with a contemptuous look on his face .

It was clear that he had heard our conversation .

What ? Have you just realized you needed to comfort me as well ? His tone was cold and rebellious .

I crouched to be at his eye level .

Xavier , I know Dont give me that , he cut me off .

Youve always wanted to send me off to Mommy , right ? Are you happy now ? My heart twinged .

Xavier , I know you like Jared better .

But no matter what, Ill always be your dad .

He scoffed .

Who cares ? Jareds a hundred times better than you .

Chapter 12 Chapter 12