The Heart Left Behind

21 I knew this storm was just beginning .

The entire morning was spent dealing with various urgent matters .

At lunchtime , as I was getting ready to step out , my phone suddenly rang .

It was my older brother, Hayden .

His voice sounded a bit anxious as he said , Cole , have you seen the news ? Mom and Dad are furious .

I sighed .

I understand .

Please help calm them down .

Ill find time to visit in the next few days After hanging up , I suddenly lost my appetite .

I knew the coming days would only get tougher .

That afternoon , I went to the school to pick up Jonas .

At the school gate , I saw a group of excited parents and students gathered around a luxury car .

Jared stepped out of the car , causing a commotion .

Meanwhile , Jonas spotted me and quickly ran over .

I crouched down and asked softly , was school today ? How He lowered his head and said quietly , It was okay , but a lot of classmates kept asking Xavier about Jared .

I nodded .

Thats alright .

Theyre just curious .

You dont need to mind them .

On the way home , Jonas suddenly said , Daddy , I dont like Jared .

I paused for a moment and glanced at his reflection in the rear view mirror .

Why not ? Jonas kept his head down as he muttered , Because … Xavier keeps showing off how amazing Jared is , like were nothing compared to them .

I maintained a calm expression as I looked at Jonas , though my mind was already working on how to handle this situation .

Jonas , you dont need to compare yourself to anyone .

We have our own lives , and they have theirs .

What matters most is being the best version of yourself .

Jonas raised his head , his eyes glistening with tears .

But Daddy , a lot of the girls in my class say Jared is a big star , and they want to marry someone like him when they grow up .

It makes me feel really sad .

I gently ruffled his hair .

Jonas , let me tell you a little secret .

Do you know why Im successful in business ? Jonas looked at me curiously , shaking his head .

Chopidi 21 Its because I never care about what others think I focus only on my own goals .

I smiled and said , You should do the same .

Dont worry about what others say .

Focus on what you love doing .

For example , havent you always enjoyed drawing ? Jonass eyes lit up .

Yeah ! I just finished a drawing recently , and my teacher said it was great ! I There you go , I said with a laugh .

How about we go buy some new art supplies this weekend ? That would be amazing ! Thanks , Daddy ! Jonas said excitedly .

The next day , I received an unexpected phone call .

It was from Peyton Armando , a university classmate I hadnt spoken to in years .

Cole , long time no see ! Peytons voice was full of enthusiasm .

I heard youve been going through some trouble lately .

Need any help ? I was a bit surprised .

How do you know about that ? Peyton chuckled .

Dont forget , Im the editor in chief of Business Weekly now .

Im pretty well informed .

I fell silent for a moment before responding , Thanks for your concern , but I can handle it .

Dont be so formal , Peyton said .

I also heard youre working on a new project .

Interested in chatting about it ? Maybe we could collaborate .

I thought it over and agreed , Sure , lets set up a time to meet and talk .

After hanging up , I began organizing the recent project files .

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