The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 55

"He's just a kid, Cole. Do you think Xavier really knows what it means to be happy or not? Just because he looks upset doesn't mean my parenting is the problem," Yvonne shot back. "What about you? Can you honestly say you haven't let him down?"

Her words were sharp, but they played right into my hands.

"I know I've let him down. That's why I'm standing here, trying to have a civil conversation with you. Do you think I enjoy wasting my time like this?"

"What did you just say?" Yvonne blinked, clearly caught off guard.

She'd never seen this side of me before—the one that wasn't smiling and was unwilling to simply smooth things over. I wasn't the easygoing Cole she was used to manipulating.

"You've changed, Cole. You're bitter and spiteful, just like her," Yvonne spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Even when her name was not explicitly mentioned, the mention of Lorraine made Yvonne's eyes darken with jealousy and anger. "You'd better not set a bad example for Jonas."

"I think that's something I should be telling you."

The difference between the two kids was obvious at a glance.

Yvonne's habit of playing the victim hadn't changed one bit.

I had spoiled her in our marriage. Was she expecting me to swallow my pride even after we got a divorce?

"Yvonne, I'm sparing you out of respect for the fact that you're the mother of my children. I don't want to argue with you, and I certainly don't want to make a scene. But listen to me carefully—if I find that Xavier keeps up this attitude and behavior, I won't hesitate to take him back with me."

This was my bottom line and the last shred of goodwill I was willing to give her.

"Cole, are you saying you'd take the child away from me?"

Yvonne's voice came from behind me. The weather was stifling, the kind that made you break out in sweat, but I couldn't feel the heat. Instead, I felt a chill run through me.

She was upset after such an exchange. I turned around, and sure enough, Yvonne stood there with her brows furrowed and her lips pulled into a frown. Her left cheek puffed out as her tongue was pressed against it.

It was her usual habit—something she always did when angry.

But in her expression, I caught a hint of fear. Was she afraid of losing Xavier?