The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 26 Watching the children cheer and laugh filled me with an unparalleled sense of fulfillment .

Peyton walked up beside me and said softly , Cole , you know something ? You look less like a powerful entrepreneur right now and more like an ordinary father .

I paused , then smiled , feeling at peace .

Maybe , but this is the real me .

The interview went smoothly .

I guided the reporters around the school , explaining our renovation plans .

When they saw the children studying earnestly in their modest classrooms , their expressions softened with emotion .

Just as we were preparing to leave , a luxury car pulled up at the school gate .

The door opened , and Jared and Yvonne stepped out .

I approached them while frowning .

What are you two doing here ? Jared smiled .

We heard youd be here today , so we thought wed stop by to take a look and contribute something to the kids .

I stared coldly at them .

You dont need to put on a show at this place .

Yvonne frowned .

Cole , what do you mean by that ? We genuinely want to help these children .

At that moment , Xavier jumped out of the car , exclaiming excitedly , Jared ! Mommy ! This place is so interesting ! I noticed Jonas expression tensing up , so I quickly walked over and gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder .

Jared knelt down and said warmly to Xavier , Xavier , go play with the other kids .

Be nice , okay ? Xavier nodded enthusiastically and skipped off toward the playground .

Sensing the awkwardness , Peyton quickly stepped in to smooth things over .

Well , I didnt expect Mr.

Lawson and Ms.

Langley to care so much about charity work .

Why dont we tour the school together ? I frowned slightly .

Spending even a minute longer in the same space as these two was physically revolting to me .

I was about to refuse when Jonas tugged on my sleeve and whispered , Daddy , its okay .

Lets go together .

I remained silent for a moment .

Jonas was too young to understand what divorce really meant .

He just innocently wanted his dad and mom to spend more time together .

Chep As much as Yvonnes presence irritated me , I couldnt vent my frustration on Jonas .

Okay then , I said .

During the tour , Jared maintained a polite demeanor , asking questions about the schools needs .

Yvonne occasionally glanced at Jonas , her expression carrying a hint of complexity .

When we entered one of the classrooms , a little girl suddenly ran up to Jonas , excitedly holding up a drawing .

Jonas , look ! I drew this the way you taught me ! A bright smile spread across Jonas face as he eagerly went over to admire her work .

I noticed Yvonnes expression soften as she asked quietly , Jonas , did you teach her how to draw ? Jonas nodded shyly .

Yeah , last time I was here , I noticed Rainey really liked drawing .

So I taught her some simple techniques .

Yvonnes eyes widened slightly in surprise before she said softly , Thats amazing .

Im so proud of you .

Jonas glanced up at Yvonne briefly before lowering his head again .

Just then , a commotion erupted outside .

We hurried out to see Xavier arguing with a local child .

Thats my toy ! Why are you trying to take it ? Xavier shouted .

The local boy looked hurt as he said , I just wanted to look at it .

I wasnt trying to take it … I frowned and turned to Yvonne and Jared , whose faces betrayed their embarrassment .

Chapter 27