The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 27 Jared quickly stepped forward , trying to mediate , but Xavier pushed him away .

Jared , dont interfere ! This is my toy , and they cant touch it ! I took a deep breath and walked over .

Xavier , didnt I teach you to share with others ? Or has Jared spoiled you so much that youve forgotten what manners are ? Xavier glared at me defiantly .

You dont want me anymore , so why should you care what I do ? The words hung in the air , silencing everyone around us .

A sharp pain cut through my chest , but strangely , it also felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted .

My tone grew colder without me realizing I.

Fine .

Then dont call me Daddy anymore , and I wont concern myself with you .

Xaviers eyes widened in shock .

He was clearly unprepared for such a response from the father who had always given in .

The already tense atmosphere grew even heavier , Sensing the discomfort , Peyton quickly suggested , Its getting late .

Should we start heading back ? I nodded slightly , ready to voice my agreement .

However , Jared interrupted , his tone carrying a note of eagerness , Mr.

Joplin , since were all here , why dont we find a place to have dinner together ? It would give us a chance to discuss our thoughts on this school .

After all , educating children is a shared priority for us .

A wave of irritation surged within me .

I frowned and coldly declined , Im not interested .

Youre free to do as you please .

Without another word , I grabbed Jonas hand and turned to leave this unpleasant scene behind .

Cole ! Yvonne suddenly called out from behind as she grabbed my arm .

Her expression seemed strained , as if she was struggling to find the right words .

I stopped and turned to face her , my gaze cold and expectant as I waited for her to continue her sentence .

This cant keep going on , she finally said , summoning her courage .

We need to talk about the children .

My brows furrowed together , and my tone grew impatient .

Whats there to talk about ? Custody has already been settled Jonas is mine and Xavier is yours .

Were divorced , Yvonne .

Lets be mindful of appearances .

I have no desire to be caught in some tabloid photo that might ruin your happy relationship with Mr.

Lawson in the future .

I added the last part with a mocking tone , using it to mask the frustration simmering inside Yvonnes face twisted into an uncomfortable grimace .

It looked as though she had just swallowed something bitter .

She knew I was referencing the rumors and scandals surrounding her and Jared in the past .

Cant I even invite you to a meal anymore ? she asked through gritted teeth .

I could hear that her voice was laced with frustration .

Sorry , but Im not interested in having dinner with you post divorce , I replied curtly .

Then , after a deliberate pause , I let a faint smile curl my lips .

It was devoid of warmth .

To put it plainly … youre no longer worthy .

Each word fell cold and sharp , piercing Yvonnes composure .

How can you speak to Yvonne like that ? Jared stepped in , shielding Yvonne as if performing some chivalrous act .

Youre a grown man ! Is this how you treat a woman ? His tone was filled with indignation .

like nothing I I looked at Jared , thinking that his self righteousness made him appear than a clown .

I let out a cold laugh , unwilling to engage in any further arguments .

Instead , I dropped a comment that was light in tone but cutting in its impact .

I wish you and the twice married Ms.

Langley a blissful union .

Ill be sure to send a generous wedding gift when the time comes .

My words dripped with sarcasm , and I continued with a smirk , After all , I hear your feelings for Ms.

Langley ran deep even before she married me .

Yet you still graciously let her go back then .

Now , youre even helping me raise my son .

Truly , a debt of gratitude is owed .

I emphasized the final line , making it sting even more .

You- Jareds face turned crimson with rage , but he was too flustered to respond .

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