The Heart Left Behind

0 Chapter 30 What brings you here ? I was surprised by Yvonnes unexpected visit .

Yvonne remained quiet for a moment before saying , Cole , theres something I think I should tell you .

I put the documents in my hand and gestured for her to continue .

Xavier got into a fight at school the other day .

It happened because … some kids were saying he doesnt have a father , she said .

I asked indifferently , And ? Yvonne let out a heavy sigh .

I tried handling it myself , but I realized … I really dont know how to communicate with him .

Cole , I know I havent been a good mother , but I was hoping .

Could you please help ? I looked at her , noticing for the first time a hint of confusion and helplessness on her face .

I could not help but laugh .

If you knew this day would come , why did you do those things that hurt our children in the first place ? Or did you mistake my kindness for weakness ? She froze , opening and closing her mouth several times , unable to find the right words .

If you made mistakes , you need to face the consequences , I stated coldly .

Besides , dont you have Mr.

Lawson ? Ask him for help .

I stood up and added , I need to drop off Jonas .

Take care .

Yvonne grabbed my sleeve , seemingly wanting to say more .

However , I shook her off without hesitation and walked straight out of the office .

By the time I returned to the office after dropping off Jonas , it was almost 9:00 am .

I had barely settled into my chair when my secretary knocked and entered .

Mr.

Cole , Mr.

Hayden is here to see you .

I nodded .

Send him in .

Soon after , Hayden walked in .

He was five years my senior and the companys CEO , known for his reliability and level headedness .

Cole , hows work going lately ? Hayden asked with genuine concern.

I managed a smile .

Not bad , Hayden .

Whats the matter ? Hayden sat in the chair across from me and hesitantly began , Well , Cole , you know Ive been worried about you since your divorce from Yvonne .

Chapter20 My heart sank as I had a feeling where this was heading .

Sure enough , Hayden continued , I have a friend whose sister is 28 and works at an advertising agency .

Shes great beautiful and has a wonderful personality .

I think you two might hit it off .

Would you be interested in meeting her ? I shook my head with a weary smile .

Hayden , I really dont have the headspace for this right now .

I have Jonas to take care of , plus work Hayden cut me off , Cole , I understand youre concerned about Jonas , but you must think about yourself too .

Youre still young , and you cant spend the rest of your life alone .

Besides , having someone around would be good for Jonas too .

I fell silent , knowing Hayden had a point .

However , something inside me still resisted the idea .

Seeing my hesitation , Hayden pressed on , How about having lunch together today and meeting her ? If it doesnt feel right , well drop it What do you say ? I thought about it and eventually agreed , Alright.

Lets give it a shot .

Haydens face lit up with relief .

Great ! Its at the coffee shop near the office .

Lets head there at lunch .

After Hayden left , I let out a long breath and turned my attention to the pile of documents on my desk .

Even though I had agreed to the meeting , I still felt somewhat anxious .

When lunchtime arrived , I followed Hayden to the coffee shop and spotted a young woman sitting by the window .

As we approached , I got a better look at her .

She was wearing a light blue dress .

She had shoulder length hair and delicate features that exuded a gentle charm .

Cole , this is Ms.

Sommerton .

Lorraine , this is my brother , Cole , Hayden introduced us warmly .

Lorraine stood up with a smile and extended her hand .

Hello , Mr.

Cole .

Im Lorraine .

Sommerton .

I shook her hand politely .

Hello , Ms.

Sommerton .

After we sat down , a waiter came to take our orders .

Lorraine ordered a latte , while Hayden and I each got an Americano .

You must be quite busy with work , Mr.

Cole ? Lorraine asked , breaking the brief silence .

I nodded .

Yes , quite busy .

What about you ? Working at an advertising agency must be demanding too ? Lorraine smiled .

Its not too bad .

We sometimes have overtime , but the work is interesting and exposes me to many new things .

We continued discussing our respective careers , and I could not help but notice how well- Chapterjun spoken and intelligent Lorraine was .

I had to adı As our conversation flowed , we moved on to d Do you enjoy reading ? I nodded .

Yes , I try to read when Im not worki educational psychology .

Lorraines eyes lit up .

Wow , that sounds quite a Chapter 30 spoken and intelligent Lorraine was .

I had to admit that she was undeniably impressive .

As our conversation flowed , we moved on to discussing personal interests .

Lorraine asked , Do you enjoy reading ? I nodded .

Yes , I try to read when Im not working .

Im currently reading a book on educational psychology .

Lorraines eyes lit up .

Wow , that sounds quite advanced .

Is it work related ? C