The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 56

I felt a surge of emotion. There was nothing more gratifying than hearing someone recognize the good in your child.

"It's a relief that you don't hate him," I said softly.

"How could I? He's so adorable," Lorraine replied with a warm smile. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I think… maybe he just wants your attention?"

She wasn't a child psychologist, but her observation struck a chord. Despite Xavier's rebellious behavior, there was no denying how much he wanted his father's approval.

"If that's true, I'd be relieved," I said, though my voice was tinged with doubt. What worried me more was the possibility that Yvonne had deliberately encouraged his defiance just to spite me.

There was no point in discussing this issue any further because I knew Yvonne would never let Xavier stay with me.

Sensing my frustration, Lorraine gently touched my shoulder and patted it comfortingly. It was as if she were soothing a child.

I couldn't help but chuckle, thinking she was treating me like a kid.

Just then, a voice interrupted us. "What are you… Where's Yvonne?" I turned to see Jared standing there, his sudden appearance catching me off guard. For a moment, I was too stunned to react.

"I asked you, where's Yvonne?" he repeated, his tone more demanding this time.

I shot him a look of pure disdain. "Go find her yourself."

"I've been calling her, but she won't answer. She's been crying, and she won't tell me why." His fists were clenched, the veins on the back of his hands popping out. For once, he actually seemed genuinely upset.

"Cole, if you're mad, take it out on me. But why are you targeting a woman and a child?" he said, his voice trembling slightly with frustration.

I looked him up and down. He was thinner than the last time I saw him, though he still carried himself with that self-righteous air. He didn't look like he'd last two punches in a fight.

"Take it out on you?" I scoffed. "What, do you want me to hit you?"

I didn't bother to wait for a response. I just grabbed Lorraine by the hand and started to walk away. But as soon as I opened the door to the room, Jared's eyes lit up.

Jared's entire relationship with Xavier had been about impressing Yvonne. If they got married, the charade would be over. Sooner or later, Jared would want a child of his own. And when that day came, where would Xavier fit in?

I let out a cold laugh and continued to tear apart his facade without hesitation. "It's only a matter of time."

No man could genuinely accept another man's child.

"So, what's the problem if I want to take Xavier back?"

"You actually went through with it! You're trying to take the kid," Jared retorted.

It seemed that Yvonne had brought this up with him before. She had always been worried that I'd take Xavier away. She never expected I'd actually consider it.

"Are you scared now?" I looked at Jared's distorted expression with a sneer. "If you're scared, then stay in your lane and don't get any ideas you shouldn't have."