The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 17 Yes , Ive changed .

Because a lot of things are much clearer to me now .

Yvonne , this is it for us .

Well take care of our own child separately .

If theres anything , have your assistant contact me .

At that , I turned and left .

Once I was back at the office , I buried myself in work , trying to forget the upset that morning .

In the afternoon , my peace was shattered by a ringing phone .

When I saw Jareds name appear on the screen , rage surged through my chest .

His tone was courteous and tentative as he said , Mr.

Joplin , I wish to have a word with you .

I believe there are some things that I need to explain in person .

When would be a good time ? After a moments silence , I said coldly , Mr.

Lawson , with all due respect , there is nothing to discuss between us .

He seemed to have expected that and chuckled .

Mr.

Joplin , I understand that you have assumptions about me .

But I hope you can give me a chance to explain .

Yvonne and I truly were just friends in the past , until you got a divorce- I sneered , cutting him short .

Mr.

Lawson , drop the act .

Do you think such an explanation is in any way meaningful ? There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone , then came a sigh .

I know this sounds far fetched , but I sincerely hope that we can have a positive relationship : After all , were both adults .

We should handle this more maturely .

I took a deep breath , fighting to push down my rage .

Mr.

Lawson , do you think its appropriate to intrude on someone elses marriage and then ask to establish a positive relationship ? Mr.

Joplin , I know my actions have caused you harm .

His voice grew somewhat fraught .

But whats done is done .

I genuinely want us to become friends .

Itd be good for everyone .

In an icy tone , I said bluntly , Jared , I dont think we have anything to talk about .

If that is all , Im hanging up .

Wait , Mr.

Joplin He had more to say , but I hung up without hesitation .

I was aware doing that was probably unwise .

Yet when faced with the culprit who had ruined my family , I really couldnt smother my hatred and fury , much less talk with him calmly .

When I picked Jonas up from school in the evening , I noticed he looked glum .

My heart .

clenched .

Chapt Whats wrong , Jonas ? Did something happen at school today ? I asked gently .

He shook his head and said softly , Daddy , Xavier said they had a lot of fun at the amusement park yesterday .

He even said … He even said that Jared is better than you because Jared would play with him .

My heart twinged , but I kept my composure .

Jonas , everyone has a different lifestyle .

I might not be able to play with you all the time , but Ill try my best to give you the best in life .

Jonas nodded , but the disappointment in his eyes cut through my heart like a blade .

I knew I had to do something .

I couldnt let my child grow up in such pain .

Back at home , after tucking Jonas in , I sat in my study and began to consider how I should tackle the current situation .

Moonlight filtered in through the window , casting a veil of silver over the study .

I picked up the picture frame on my desk .

Inside was a photo of me and my two sons .

It was taken before the divorce .

In it , Jonas and Xavier were both beaming with joy .

It felt like ages ago .

While I was lost in thought , my phone vibrated .

Chacter