The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 12

After saying that, Xavier turned and ran off. I was left standing in place, feeling bitter.

In the following days, I was busy dealing with various post-divorce matters. Regarding the company, I told my assistant to send out an internal memo stating that Yvonne and I had divorced. As soon as the word got out, the company was in an uproar.

I knew everyone had to be talking about it behind my back, but I chose to turn a blind eye.

Unexpectedly, my elder brother, Hayden Joplin, called me. He sounded worried. "Cole, did you and Yvonne actually get a divorce?"

"Mhm," I replied calmly. "All the paperwork has been finalized."

The other end of the call was silent for a while before I heard Hayden sigh. "How did you two end up in this situation? Do Mom and Dad know?"

I rubbed my temples. "I haven't told them yet. Hayden, could you tell them for me? I'm afraid they'll take it badly."

"Alright," he said with resignation. "But you need to brace up. I'm sure they'll want to talk to you."

After hanging up, I sat in my office chair and stared out the window. I knew there would be more storms ahead. As was expected, before long, I received a call from Mom.

Her voice was tearful. "Cole, how could you? Your dad became so angry that he had to be hospitalized!"

I was shocked. "What happened to Dad? How bad is it?"

"It's because of you," Mom sobbed as she said. "He said he shouldn't have doted on you. He was so furious that he had a heart attack. Come quickly to the hospital!"

Dad's breathing quickened with anger. "Best? What good does it even do? Do you know how much of an impact this will have on the Joplin family?"

I gave a wry smile. "Dad, our partnership with the Langley family won't be affected. Yvonne will talk to them."

Dad still had more to say, but Mom held him back. She took my hand, looking at me with her eyes that were filled with sorrow. "Cole, have you been mistreated? Tell me. I'll help you."

I shook my head. "Mom, no one mistreated me. It's just that some things are hard to explain right now. You'll understand later."

After leaving the hospital, I returned to my new home. Jonas had already moved in with me, but he was still having trouble settling in. I pushed the door open to find him sitting on the couch. He was hugging his knees while spacing out.