The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 42 Given everything Xavier had done recently , I couldnt shake the unease creeping over me .

As much as I hated to admit it , there was still Yvonne to deal with too .

Dont even look at me .

Theres no way Im sharing a room with you , she said bluntly .

As for Lorraine ? No chance .

Why would she share a room with someone she barely knew ? Its fine .

I can sleep anywhere , Yvonne replied with a casual shrug and turned to leave .

Mommy , where are you going ? Xavier called after her , his voice tinged with panic .

He might not see eye to eye with me , but the sight of Yvonne walking away unsettled him .

He sprinted after her .

Whats the matter ? Are you planning to sleep on the streets too ? Leave me alone .

Its none of your business ! Xavier snapped , yanking his arm away and landing a solid smack on my side .

The sting made me wince .

Jonas face turned bright red with fear as he grabbed Xaviers struggling hands .

Xavier , stop it ! You hit Daddy ! Thats exactly what I meant to do , Xavier shot back , his voice sharp .

Hes a heartless jerk anyway ! Excuse me ? I narrowed my eyes .

Heartless ? Didnt I just let him stay with Jonas ? And who taught you to talk like that ? Jared ? Or your mommy ? It was unbelievable .

Yvonne was the one in the wrong , but somehow , I was the bad guy in Xaviers eyes .

What kind of logic was that ? Thats not for you to know .

Just give me back my mother ! Xaviers voice cracked as tears welled up in his eyes .

He might act like he was all grown up , but without his mother around , the cracks in his tough exterior started to show .

I didnt make her leave , I said firmly , trying to keep my patience .

But before I could say more , Lorraine suddenly grabbed my arm .

Let her come back , she said softly .

What ? I asked , certain I hadnt heard her right Let her stay .

She can have my room .

Lorraines expression was calm , but I knew she was doing this for me to ease the tension .

Lorraine probably knew that I took her into consideration when making my decision .

After all , Yvonne and I used to be husband and wife .

There was no problem for us to stay in the same room together .

Chapter 42 2/2 No , I said immediately .

Im not putting you in that position .

Lorraine was being kind , but it didnt feel right to let Yvonne take advantage of that .

Putting everything aside , Yvonne was still the mother of my kids .

I didnt want to see her sleeping outside either .

I plan to give up my room and crash on the couch in the lounge , Lorraine explained hesitantly .

The suite had two rooms , and Jonas was too young to sleep alone .

Thats not a good solution , I said , frowning .

Lorraine hesitated for a moment , her cheeks turning to a shade of pink .

Then … maybe you could share a room with me ? Her suggestion caught me off guard .

I hadnt expected that .

Even after having two kids , the idea of sharing a room with her made me feel awkward .

Thats … not a good idea , I mumbled , rubbing the back of my neck .

Alone in a room with her ? That didnt seem right .

What if I couldnt keep my thoughts in check ? Lorraines brows furrowed slightly , faint worry creasing her delicate features .

Then what are you going to do ? It was a good question .

What was I going to do ? Why couldnt you have come another day ? I asked Xavier , unable to hide my irritation .

And why do you care ? Xavier retorted with a smirk , his bratty attitude firmly in place .

He suddenly leaned forward and bit down on my arm .

You little punk ! I hissed , jerking my hand away just as he darted off .

Yvonne was already out of sight .

If Xavier kept running , where was he going to find her ? Get back here ! I called out , my heart racing as panic set in .

Thankfully , Lorraine reacted quickly and grabbed Xavier by the arm .

Xavier , stop being so stubborn , she said firmly her voice calm but authoritative .

Let go of me , you ugly witch ! Xavier snapped , thrashing against her hold .

Xavier , stop this nonsense ! I barked , my voice sharp with frustration .

Chapter 43