The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 45

I gently ruffled Jonas' hair and asked, testing the waters, "Jonas, why do you care so much about your brother? He's always picking on you."

I swear I wasn't trying to drive a wedge between them—I just wanted Jonas to be a little more cautious.

"Because he's 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—Xavier's 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 didn't want to make things uncomfortable in front of him. He deserved parents who didn't 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.

"It's none of your business," I said curtly, grabbing my clothes and heading for the door.

As I passed by them, I couldn't help but throw a warning her way. "Don't let Xavier bully Jonas." Jonas was soft-hearted and always willing to give in. But I wasn't 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 couldn't tell if he was still upset from earlier or if her words had triggered something. It was probably the former, but I wasn't about to dwell on it.