The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 40 Im back .

A sweet , feminine voice interrupted Yvonne .

My eyes flashed with a hint of surprise .

Lorraine was usually mindful of her boundaries , and she couldnt possibly have missed seeing Yvonne And this is ? Lorraine asked .

Yvonne felt unease bubbling up inside her.

She probably had a sinking feeling about what was going to happen next .

My ex wife , I replied flatly .

Hi .

Lorraine carried herself with the grace of someone who knew she held the upper hand .

She extended her hand toward Yvonne as if offering an olive branch .

Are you together ? Yvonnes tone was thick with sarcasm as her gaze flicked back and forth between us .

She made a comment about how I had been fast to act and that I hadnt been idle during this period .

No , I shot back immediately .

Yvonnes expression clouded with barely restrained anger .

If you get married now , about the children ? what Thats my business , I said icily , raising my boarding pass before turning and walking away without a backward glance .

No matter how loudly Yvonne called after me , I didnt stop or glance over my shoulder .

I couldnt believe Yvonne had actually followed us here .

She was persistent , always showing up where she wasnt wanted .

Where is he ? I asked , glancing at her .

I brought Xavier on my own this time .

That was a surprise .

Shed never taken care of the children on her own before .

Did this count as a drop in her quality of life ? I remember when we were together , I wouldnt even let her lift a mop .

I have to learn how to do it myself , she said , her tone defensive .

Sure .

Gotta keep up appearances , right ? Especially since Jared has a thing for stay at home moms , I deliberately mocked her .

Seeing Yvonne uncomfortable filled me with a twisted sense of satisfaction .

Chapes Lets go , Lorrafie said , stepping in as the peacemaker .

She took my arm , steering me away .

As we walked off , I glanced back briefly .

Yvonne stood frozen , her face pale and her expression conflicted .

You know , if you want to go after him , just do it Xavier said , breaking the silence .

Yvonne snapped out of her thoughts and lightly ruffled his hair .

No , its not worth it .

She already had Jared .

Why risk everything for me ? Yvonne boarded the plane as well , and as she turned around , a flicker of loneliness flashed in Xaviers eyes .

By some twist of fate , their seats ended up uncomfortably close to ours .

The rift between Xavier and me as father and son wasnt something that could be mended so easily .

He glanced at me , and our eyes met for all of a second before we both turned away .

Half an hour later , I was already dozing off .

On the other hand , Xavier stirred from his light nap and muttered under his breath , So noisy ! I couldnt help but roll my eyes .

What a spoiled kid .

In contrast , Jonas sat quietly , though his face was pale with unease .

Even so , not a single complaint came from him .

Traveling with a kid turned out to be simpler than I had expected .

If everything went according to plan , wed arrive by late afternoon .

Daddy , is Mommy joining us ? Jonas voice carried a note of uncertainty .

I couldnt tell if he was worried or hopeful .

Shes not- Would you like me to join you ? Yvonne cut me off , seizing the moment to make her point .

But Yes , Jonas admitted softly .

Ms.

Sommerton … The poor kid just wanted his family together .

But hed seen enough to know having both women in the same space would be a disaster .

We dont exactly welcome uninvited guests , I said , giving Yvonne a pointed look .

While Jared might be alright with you tagging along , were not .

From the corner of my eye , I noticed Lorraine watching me intently .

She was clearly curious about what I had to say .

I patted Jonas gently on the shoulder .

Be a good boy .

Close your eyes , and well be there before you know it .

Chapter 40 Okay , Jonas mumbled , his eyelids already dro Taking advantage of the quiet moment , I turned remember youre with Jared now , right ? Maybe seeing it and losing it .

Okay , Jonas mumbled , his eyelids already drooping .

He was asleep in no time ..

Taking advantage of the quiet moment , I turned to Yvonne and lowered my voice .

You do remember youre with Jared now , right ? Maybe dont stick so close to me .

We dont want Jared seeing it and losing it .

Chapter 41