The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 40

"I'm back."

A sweet, feminine voice interrupted Yvonne.

My eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. Lorraine was usually mindful of her boundaries, and she couldn't possibly have missed seeing Yvonne.

"And this is?" Lorraine asked.

Yvonne felt unease bubbling up inside her. She probably had a sinking feeling about what was going to happen next.

"My ex-wife," I replied flatly.

"Hi." Lorraine carried herself with the grace of someone who knew she held the upper hand. She extended her hand toward Yvonne as if offering an olive branch.

"Are you together?" Yvonne's tone was thick with sarcasm as her gaze flicked back and forth between us. She made a comment about how I had been fast to act and that I hadn't been idle during this period.

"No," I shot back immediately.

Yvonne's expression clouded with barely restrained anger. "If you get married now, what about the children?"

"That's my business," I said icily, raising my boarding pass before turning and walking away without a backward glance.

No matter how loudly Yvonne called after me, I didn't stop or glance over my shoulder.

I couldn't believe Yvonne had actually followed us here. She was persistent, always showing up where she wasn't wanted.

"Where is he?" I asked, glancing at her.

"I brought Xavier on my own this time."

That was a surprise. She'd never taken care of the children on her own before. Did this count as a drop in her quality of life? I remember when we were together, I wouldn't even let her lift a mop.

"I have to learn how to do it myself," she said, her tone defensive.

"Sure. Gotta keep up appearances, right? Especially since Jared has a thing for stay-at-home moms," I deliberately mocked her. Seeing Yvonne uncomfortable filled me with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Let's go," Lorraine said, stepping in as the peacemaker. She took my arm, steering me away.

As we walked off, I glanced back briefly. Yvonne stood frozen, her face pale and her expression conflicted.