Chapter 10

Yvonne’s protectiveness of Jared silenced me. "Let's stick to our agreement," I said. "One child each. Jonas stays with me. Refuse, and it's court." I slid the divorce papers and a pen across the table. She’d sign. Her affair was headline news; court would expose our marriage, branding Yvonne an adulteress and Jared a homewrecker. The press would destroy them.

Gripping the pen, Yvonne looked like she wanted to snap it. She signed, then threw the pen down. "Cole, you'll pay for this!"

I smiled, relief flooding me. What price? A free marriage. Before she could leave, I said, "Courthouse tomorrow? Finalize it."

"Such a rush?" she snapped.

"Ten a.m. See you there," I replied calmly.

The house, my marital home, was hers. I left that evening, moving my things to my apartment. Jonas saw me packing. "Daddy," he sobbed, "are you and Mommy really getting a divorce? What about me and Xavier?"

I knelt, patting his head. "You'll stay with me. Xavier will be happy with Jared. He loves him."

Xavier, standing by the door, frowned. "You're abandoning me! Jared plays with me. You’re an irresponsible dad! I’ll tell Grandpa!"

I met his glare indifferently. "Let Jared play with you. No more homework."

Speechless, he yelled, "You're a bad guy!" and ran off. I didn't chase him, instead telling Jonas to pack. He wanted one more night, and I agreed.

The next day, I waited for Yvonne at the courthouse.