The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 41 Yvonnes expression darkened instantly .

I knew what she was turned to Xavier instead ..

out to say , so I cut her off and Your son is never going to want to come with me anyway .

Hes made it clear how he feels about me before the divorce and even now .

Theres no way hed want to go to the beach with me .

What do you mean your son ? Are you not my father ? Xaviers voice shot up so loud it almost woke Jonas .

Keep your voice down .

Your brother is trying to sleep .

Why should I ? You care so much about him , so why did you even bother having me ? His outburst drew every eye in the cabin .

I sighed , my frustration mounting as I stared at Xavier .

How had such a sweet kid turned into this ? Yvonnes influence was written all over him .

Maybe Xavier is upset because you dont pay enough attention to him , Yvonne said , her face flushing as she scrambled for an excuse .

Arent you aware of why I havent gone to see him ? I shot back .

Every time I tried to spend time with Xavier , shed drag Jared along , acting like I was a human trafficker .

Seeing my own kid had turned into an ordeal .

And Xavier ? He refused to even acknowledge me as his dad .

Why should I take his side ? Yvonnes face turned bright red as her eyes widened in disbelief .

Her hand trembled as she pointed at me .

Cole , how could you say something so awful ? Her words were laced with double meaning , and her eyes flicked toward Lorraine for a split second before she continued , Why did you suddenly become so unreasonable after our divorce ? I was like this before the divorce too .

I just used to put up with you .

You- When we were married , I treated her like she mattered .

Now that we werent , did she really think she could still control me ? Not a chance ! I leveled a cold look at her .

Do a better job raising Xavier .

Dont let him grow up spoiled .

Xavier wasnt just my son anymore .

There were limits to what I could say or do .

But as his father , I still wanted him to grow up with some decency .

At the very least , I didnt want him to be a bratty little tyrant .

Who cares what you think ? Worry about your precious Jonas , Xavier sneered , rolling his eyes at me .

I didnt bother responding .

Instead , I turned away and closed my eyes , pretending to sleep .

Even though Yvonne kept quiet after that , I could still feel her gaze on me , heavy with resentment .

By the time we reached our destination , Yvonne casually announced she hadnt booked a room .

You came all this way and didnt think to make a reservation ? I asked incredulously .

What were you planning to do ? Sleep on the street ? It was a last minute trip .

Everywhere was fully booked , she said , trying to justify her lack of preparation .

I thought she was joking until Xavier turned to Jonas with a wide grin .

Hey , can I stay with you ? Jonas , ever the kind hearted one , wouldnt have it in him to refuse .

I sensed his questioning gaze , but I didnt have a chance to respond before Xavier jumped in and said , Why are you looking at him ? Thats your room , Jonas .

This brat was clearly being defiant .

Thats the room I booked , I said firml Oh ? And whats that supposed to mean ? I clenched my fists .

If he werent my son , Id have half a mind to toss him into the ocean to feed the fish .

Jonas , would you be okay with that ? No matter what , there was no way I could stand by and let Xavier go without a place to stay .

Let him stay with me , Dad , Jonas said softly , already sensing my reluctance .

He always looked out for others , even when I didnt want to .

I sighed , still feeling irritated .

Even so , I gave in .

Fine .

But , Xavier , if youre staying in his room , youd better behave .

No bullying your brother .

What ? Id be out of my mind to bully him ! Xavier crossed his arms over his chest , striking a pose that made him look oddly mature .

Who knew where he picked that up ?