The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 57

I had gotten a good read on Jared's personality after the past few encounters.

Jared was the kind of man who wouldn't stand his ground unless he absolutely had to. If anything, he'd probably be thrilled if I fought with Yvonne and took Xavier off their hands.

"You're absolutely unreasonable," Jared said, shaking his head. His eyes drifted to Xavier. "Xavier, let's go. We're going to find your mommy."

Xavier was standing by the bed with his hands on his hips, bossing Jonas around.

When he glanced at Jared, a flicker of displeasure crossed his face before he reluctantly complied. "Okay, Jared."

How he said those words—soft and syrupy—made my skin crawl. I knocked him lightly on the forehead. "Why don't you ever talk to me like that?"

"You don't deserve it," he shot back, his temper flaring like a little cat ready to scratch.

I smirked. "Quite the attitude."

I had no reason to keep him here, so I let Jared take him. Watching them walk out of sight, I closed the door behind me.

"Daddy, is Xavier gone?" Jonas asked, his face falling.

He was so happy to see his brother again after such a long time. Despite everything, he still cared deeply for Xavier.

Jonas' lip trembled slightly. "When will he come back?"

That question hit harder than I expected. I paused, trying to find the right words. "Jonas, I can't promise when, but I swear, whenever I can, I'll make sure you see him again. How's that?"

Jonas nodded, his eyes shining with a mix of hope and sadness. He grabbed a cup of milk from the table and handed it to me. It was a bit cold, but it didn't matter much in the summer heat.

"Here, Daddy. Have your meal," he said softly.

My throat tightened. How could a kid this young be so thoughtful? If only Xavier could show half the care Jonas did. But then again, I didn't want Jonas to always be this considerate either. Sometimes, he was too good, bottling up his emotions so no one else had to worry.