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Chapter 30
“What brings you here?” I was surprised by Yvonne’s unexpected visit.
Yvonne remained quiet for a moment before saying, “Cole, there’s something I think I should tell you.
I put the documents in my hand and gestured for her to continue.
“Xavier got into a fight at school the other day. It happened because… some kids were saying he doesn’t have a father,” she said.
I asked indifferently, “And?”
Yvonne let out a heavy sigh. “I tried handling it myself, but I realized… I really don’t know how to communicate with him. Cole, I know I haven’t been a good mother, but I was hoping. Could you please help?”
I looked at her, noticing for the first time a hint of confusion and helplessness on her face. I could not help but laugh.
“If you knew this day would come, why did you do those things that hurt our children in the first place? Or did you mistake my kindness for weakness?”
She froze, opening and closing her mouth several times, unable to find the right words.
“If you made mistakes, you need to face the consequences,” I stated coldly. “Besides, don’t you have Mr. Lawson? Ask him for help.”
I stood up and added, “I need to drop off Jonas. Take care.”
Yvonne grabbed my sleeve, seemingly wanting to say more. However, I shook her off without hesitation and walked straight out of the office.
By the time I returned to the office after dropping off Jonas, it was almost 9:00 am.
I had barely settled into my chair when my secretary knocked and entered. “Mr. Cole, Mr. Hayden is here to see you.”
I nodded. “Send him in.”
Soon after, Hayden walked in. He was five years my senior and the company’s CEO, known for his reliability and level–headedness.
“Cole, how’s work going lately?” Hayden asked with genuine concern.
I managed a smile. “Not bad, Hayden. What’s the matter?”
Hayden sat in the chair across from me and hesitantly began, “Well, Cole, you know I’ve been worried about you since your divorce from Yvonne.”
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My heart sank as I had a feeling where this was heading.
Sure enough, Hayden continued, “I have a friend whose sister is 28 and works at an
advertising agency. She’s great–beautiful and has a wonderful personality. I think you two might hit it off. Would you be interested in meeting her?”
I shook my head with a weary smile. “Hayden, I really don’t have the headspace for this right now. I have Jonas to take care of, plus work–“–
Hayden cut me off, “Cole, I understand you’re concerned about Jonas, but you must think about yourself too. You’re still young, and you can’t spend the rest of your life alone. Besides, having someone around would be good for Jonas too.”
I fell silent, knowing Hayden had a point. However, something inside me still resisted the idea.
Seeing my hesitation, Hayden pressed on, “How about having lunch together today and meeting her? If it doesn’t feel right, we’ll drop it What do you say?”
I thought about it and eventually agreed, “Alright. Let’s give it a shot.”
Hayden’s face lit up with relief. “Great! It’s at the coffee shop near the office. Let’s head there
at lunch.‘
After Hayden left, I let out a long breath and turned my attention to the pile of documents on my desk. Even though I had agreed to the meeting, I still felt somewhat anxious.
When lunchtime arrived, I followed Hayden to the coffee shop and spotted a young woman sitting by the window. As we approached, I got a better look at her. She was wearing a light blue dress. She had shoulder–length hair and delicate features that exuded a gentle charm.
“Cole, this is Ms. Sommerton. Lorraine, this is my brother, Cole,” Hayden introduced us
warmly.
Lorraine stood up with a smile and extended her hand. “Hello, Mr. Cole. I’m Lorraine. Sommerton.”
I shook her hand politely. “Hello, Ms. Sommerton.”
After we sat down, a waiter came to take our orders. Lorraine ordered a latte, while Hayden and I each got an Americano.
“You must be quite busy with work, Mr. Cole?” Lorraine asked, breaking the brief silence.
I nodded. “Yes, quite busy. What about you? Working at an advertising agency must be demanding too?”
Lorraine smiled. “It’s not too bad. We sometimes have overtime, but the work is interesting and exposes me to many new things.”
We continued discussing our respective careers, and I could not help but notice how well-
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spoken and intelligent Lorraine was. I had to adı
As our conversation flowed, we moved on to d Do you enjoy reading?”
I nodded. “Yes, I try to read when I’m not worki educational psychology.”
Lorraine’s eyes lit up. “Wow, that sounds quite a
Chapter 30
spoken and intelligent Lorraine was. I had to admit that she was undeniably impressive.
As our conversation flowed, we moved on to discussing personal interests. Lorraine asked, Do you enjoy reading?”
I nodded. “Yes, I try to read when I’m not working. I’m currently reading a book on educational psychology.”
Lorraine’s eyes lit up. “Wow, that sounds quite advanced. Is it work–related?”
C
