Chapter 17
“Yes, I’ve changed. Because a lot of things are much clearer to me now. Yvonne, this is it for us. We’ll take care of our own child separately. If there’s anything, have your assistant contact
me.”
At that, I turned and left.
Once I was back at the office, I buried myself in work, trying to forget the upset that morning.
In the afternoon, my peace was shattered by a ringing phone. When I saw Jared’s name appear on the screen, rage surged through my chest.
His tone was courteous and tentative as he said, “Mr. Joplin, I wish to have a word with you. I believe there are some things that I need to explain in person. When would be a good time?”
After a moment’s silence, I said coldly, “Mr. Lawson, with all due respect, there is nothing to
discuss between us.”
He seemed to have expected that and chuckled. “Mr. Joplin, I understand that you have assumptions about me. But I hope you can give me a chance to explain. Yvonne and I truly were just friends in the past, until you got a divorce-”
I sneered, cutting him short. “Mr. Lawson, drop the act. Do you think such an explanation is in any way meaningful?”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, then came a sigh.
“I know this sounds far–fetched, but I sincerely hope that we can have a positive relationship: After all, we’re both adults. We should handle this more maturely.”
I took a deep breath, fighting to push down my rage. “Mr. Lawson, do you think it’s appropriate to intrude on someone else’s marriage and then ask to establish a positive relationship?”
“Mr. Joplin, I know my actions have caused you harm.” His voice grew somewhat fraught.” But what’s done is done. I genuinely want us to become friends. It’d be good for everyone.”
In an icy tone, I said bluntly, “Jared, I don’t think we have anything to talk about. If that is all, I’m hanging up.”
“Wait, Mr. Joplin
He had more to say, but I hung up without hesitation. I was aware doing that was probably unwise. Yet when faced with the culprit who had ruined my family, I really couldn’t smother my hatred and fury, much less talk with him calmly.
When I picked Jonas up from school in the evening, I noticed he looked glum. My heart.
clenched.
Chapt
“What’s wrong, Jonas? Did something happen at school today?” I asked gently.
He shook his head and said softly, “Daddy, Xavier said they had a lot of fun at the amusement park yesterday. He even said… He even said that Jared is better than you because Jared would play with him.”
My heart twinged, but I kept my composure. “Jonas, everyone has a different lifestyle. I might not be able to play with you all the time, but I’ll try my best to give you the best in life.”
Jonas nodded, but the disappointment in his eyes cut through my heart like a blade. I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t let my child grow up in such pain.
Back at home, after tucking Jonas in, I sat in my study and began to consider how I should tackle the current situation.
Moonlight filtered in through the window, casting a veil of silver over the study. I picked up the picture frame on my desk. Inside was a photo of me and my two sons. It was taken before the divorce. In it, Jonas and Xavier were both beaming with joy.
It felt like ages ago.
While I was lost in thought, my phone vibrated.
Chacter
