The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 45 I gently ruffled Jonas hair and asked , testing the waters , Jonas , why do you care so much about your brother ? Hes always picking on you .

I swear I wasnt trying to drive a wedge between them I just wanted Jonas to be a little more cautious .

Because hes my brother , he replied simply .

That was it ? Just that ? I wanted to ask more , but the unwavering sincerity in his eyes stopped me .

Jonas was so kindhearted .

No matter how Xavier treated him , he would never act like Xavier , who was always looking for ways to stir up trouble .

How could two kids raised in the same family turn out so differently ? Xavier was a handful , plain and simple .

The sound of a door opening pulled me from my thoughts .

Yvonne entered with Xavier by her side , the two walking closely together .

From the mirror , I caught a glimpse of them Xaviers eyes were puffy and red like he had just finished crying .

Why did you guys get back so soon ? I asked , keeping my tone light for Jonas sake .

I didnt want to make things uncomfortable in front of him .

He deserved parents who didnt argue every time they met .

Are you packing ? Yvonne asked , her sharp eyes immediately picking up on my movements .

After living together for so long , she could read me like a book .

Its none of your business , I said curtly , grabbing my clothes and heading for the door .

As I passed by them , I couldnt help but throw a warning her way .

Dont let Xavier bully Jonas .

Jonas was soft hearted and always willing to give in .

But I wasnt the type of dad to turn a blind eye .

Yvonne raised an eyebrow .

You care so much about Jonas .

Have you ever thought about how Xavier feels ? I followed her gaze toward Xavier , whose eyes were now even redder .

I couldnt tell if he was still upset from earlier or if her words had triggered something .

It was probably the former , but I wasnt about to dwell on it .

I laughed , my shoulders shaking .

Xavier has never cared much for me .

It was the truth .

His heart had always been with Jared , not me .

Youre right .

I dont like you .

So what ? Xavier shouted , his small frame trembling with anger .

Chapter 45 2/2 Fine by me .

Ill get out of your sight , I replied calmly .

There was no point in arguing with a kid .

Once I was out of the room , I leaned against the wall and sighed .

Xavier was a lost cause .

I wondered what Jared had done to my son .

Xavier acted like a spoiled brat without any of the privileges to back it up .

How would he survive out in the real world someday ? I couldnt stop my mind from spiraling , but after ten minutes of pacing , I still couldnt work up the nerve to knock on Lorraines door .

Pathetic , I muttered , slapping my own face lightly .

I had promised myself Id figure this out , but I froze every time I saw that closed door .

Maybe I should forget it and just find somewhere else to stay .

I was about to head to the front desk to ask if any rooms or even a storage closet were available when I heard the faint creak of a door behind me .

How long have you been standing there ? Lorraines voice was casual , almost teasing .

When I turned around , I nearly tripped over my own feet .

She had just gotten out of the shower , her damp hair framing her flushed face .

A light pink towel was wrapped snugly around her , and a faint trace of steam followed her out of the room .

I heard your door close ages ago .

Why didnt you come in ? she asked , tilting her head .

She had heard ? That meant she had heard everything including what I had said to Yvonne .

This place has terrible soundproofing ! I stammered , scratching the back of my head .

Id been so confident earlier , telling her there wouldnt be any drama .

Now , here I was , not even sure where I stood with her , and my ex wife had even barged into the picture .

my ex wife had even barged into the picture .

You dont need to feel awkward , Lorraine said with a small smile , her voice warm and understanding .

I get it .

Man , she really was just out of college .

She was so laidback about everything ! Chapter46 Chapter 46