The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 156

"I haven't agreed to it yet," Xavier announced. His fists clenched tightly as he accused me like a little adult.

"You don't have to agree." After making sure both mother and son understood my stance, I grabbed Lorraine's hand and turned to leave.

She hesitated and stood rooted to the spot. I shot her a confused look as she handed me Jonas and walked toward Yvonne.

"Ms. Langley, I may not match up to you in many ways," she calmly began.

Yvonne's brows arched slightly, and her tone was cold and proud. "At least you know your place."

Lorraine continued, "But as a mother, you'll never measure up to me." Her gaze landed on Xavier.

"You have money, but that shouldn't be all there is to life. You have people who matter waiting for you. Don't let him down."

Yvonne's expression darkened, and her frown deepened with each word. Then, she snapped, "Are you telling me what to do?"

She tightened her grip on Xavier's hand. "No matter what you do, Xavier and Jonas are bound to me by blood, and that's something you can never replace."

She glanced in my direction as she spoke. I followed her gaze and saw Jonas sneaking a look at her.

"Jonas, do you want to leave with them?" I asked.

Jonas clung to my neck tightly. "No, Mommy doesn't like me."

I heard the sorrow in his voice and gave him gentle pats on the back. "Let's go, Lorraine. Jonas doesn't want to see them."

Yvonne's expression cracked slightly, but I didn't care. I held Jonas' hand and walked away.

Lorraine got into the car with a tense expression. Noticing her worry and pressure, I held her hand. I didn't want her to feel any pressure since we had decided to be together.

"Lorraine, I won't give anyone the chance to hurt you," I promised.