The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 77

Looking at the blurry photos circulating online, I felt nothing but disgust. Whoever stooped to such tactics was clearly desperate.

"Spread the word," I instructed Murphy. "Announce that I'm getting married."

He froze, confusion etched on his face. "And the bride?"

"Leave that out for now," I said, my tone firm.

Though perplexed, Murphy nodded and got to work. Within hours, news of my supposed wedding was everywhere.

…

The news of Joplin Group CEO's upcoming wedding spread like wildfire in no time.

Jonas, who was quietly working on his programming project in the background, saw the headline and nearly dropped his laptop in shock.

"Is Daddy really getting married?"

He distinctly remembered me stating at a previous press conference that I had no plans to pursue a relationship anytime soon. He asked himself, "So why is Daddy suddenly getting married?"

Jonas glared at the phone sitting beside him, hesitating for a moment before dialing my number.

The call was answered quickly, and my warm voice came through. "Jonas?"

On the other end, I heard nothing but heavy breathing, almost like he was holding back tears. "Daddy… are you really getting married?"

So, this was what upset him. I sighed, closing my laptop, and gesturing for Murphy to pause his updates. "Jonas, it's not real. Don't worry about it."

Jonas was a sensitive kid, far more attuned to things than Xavier ever was. I knew he secretly hoped I'd reconcile with Yvonne, though that was one promise I could never make.

Hearing my reassurance, he finally calmed down.

Grandma's number flashed on the screen as soon as I ended the call.

An hour had passed by the time I looked up at Murphy again.

"Go on," I said.

He continued reporting the information he had just gathered. "It doesn't seem like Jared is behind this."

After listening to the evidence he laid out, I had to agree—it didn't seem like Jared had much to do with this. But if not him, I couldn't think of anyone else who would go to such lengths to mess with me.