The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 22 This new project was an education investment plan I had been planning for a long time , aimed at providing better learning environments and opportunities for children in remote mountainous areas .

A few days later , I met Peyton at a quiet café .

After some small talk , we quickly got down to business .

Cole , the concept of your education project is fascinating , Peyton said thoughtfully .

But have you considered that it might spark some controversy ? I raised an eyebrow .

What do you mean ? Peyton set his coffee cup down and explained , Look , theres a certain bias in society against wealthy people doing charity work .

Some might question your motives , accusing you of seeking publicity or whitewashing your reputation .

I chuckled .

Peyton , Im not doing this to please anyone .

I simply believe every child deserves .

a fair chance .

If people want to criticize , let them Youre right .

Peyton nodded , appearing to reflect on my words .

But I have a suggestion .

Why not turn this project into a foundation ? That way , it would be more transparent and could attract additional resources from the community His idea sparked my interest .

Thats a great suggestion .

Its definitely worth considering .

Just then , my phone rang unexpectedly .

It was a call from Jonas school .

The teacher sounded a bit troubled .

Mr.

Joplin , could you come to the school ? We need to discuss something regarding Jonas in person .

Suppressing a sigh , I headed to the school .

In the principals office , I found Jonas sitting quietly to the side with his head down while the principal and his homeroom teacher looked serious .

The principal began , Mr.

Joplin , weve noticed that Jonas has been emotionally withdrawn lately .

He often isolates himself and interacts very little with his peers .

Were concerned that this might affect his learning and personal development .

I took a deep breath and turned to Jonas .

Jonas , is this true ? Jonas raised his head slightly and said , Daddy , L.

I just dont know how to get along with them .

They keep asking about Mommy , and I dont know how to answer .

I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and reassured him , Jonas , Im so sorry youre going through this .

But remember , youve done nothing wrong .

Were a complete family , even if its just the two of us .

Chapter 22 I turned to the principal and teacher and said , Thank you for your concern .

Ill talk to Jonas about this , and I hope the school can provide support and guidance as well .

The principal nodded .

Of course .

Well arrange for the school counselor to spend more time with Jonas .

If needed , we can also organize team building activities to help him integrate better with his classmates .

After leaving the school , I took Jonas to our favorite park .

While sitting on a bench by the lake , I asked softly , Jonas , is there something on your mind lately ? Jonas remained silent for a moment before whispering , Daddy , am I causing you trouble ? I was taken aback , then pulled him into a hug .

How could you cause me trouble ? Youre my most precious treasure and will never be a burden .

Jonas looked up with a hint of sadness .

But … Xavier keeps saying that if it werent for me , you and Mommy wouldnt have divorced .

Anger flared in my chest .

Xavier was still stirring up trouble , after all ! I crouched down to look Jonas in the eye and said firmly , Jonas , listen to me .

You had nothing to do with any of this .

Grown ups have complicated problems , but none of it is your fault .

No matter what happens , Daddy and Mommy both love you .

As I watched him slowly calm down , an idea came to me .

I smiled and said , Jonas , Im working on something very meaningful right now .

Ill be helping children from underprivileged families .

Would you like to join me ? We could deliver school supplies to them and spend time chatting with them .

How does that sound ? Chapter 29