Chapter 12

Xavier ran off, leaving me standing there, bitter. The next few days were a blur of post-divorce paperwork. I instructed my assistant to send an internal memo announcing Yvonne and my divorce. The news exploded through the company. I ignored the whispers.

Then Hayden called, his voice tight with worry. "Cole, is it true? You and Yvonne… divorced?"

"Mhm," I replied calmly. "Finalized."

Silence. Then a sigh. "How… how did this happen? Do Mom and Dad know?"

I rubbed my temples. "No. Hayden, could you tell them? I… I'm afraid of their reaction."

"Alright," he sighed, resigned. "But brace yourself. They'll want to talk."

I stared out the office window after the call, bracing for the storm. It arrived swiftly, in the form of a tearful call from Mom.

"Cole, how could you? Your father… he's in the hospital!"

"What happened? How bad is it?"

"It's because of you!" she sobbed. "He had a heart attack! He says he shouldn't have doted on you so much!"

I dropped everything and rushed to the hospital. Dad lay pale in bed, Mom beside him, eyes red and swollen. He scoffed and turned away when he saw me.

"Dad," I whispered, approaching his bed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kept it from you."

He sat bolt upright, pointing. "Sorry? Rip up that divorce certificate! How could my son be so incompetent?"

"Dad," I said firmly, "I know you're disappointed, but I've thought this through. Yvonne and I… we can't go on."

Mom wiped her tears. "Cole, couldn't you talk it out? Why a divorce?"

A bitter ache settled in my chest. "I know you mean well," I said, taking a deep breath, "but some things… I can't explain. Please, believe me, this is best for everyone."

Dad's breathing hitched with anger. "Best? Do you know the impact this will have on the Joplins?"

I offered a wry smile. "Our partnership with the Langleys won't be affected. Yvonne will handle that."

Mom stopped Dad's further outburst, taking my hand. Her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Cole, were you mistreated? Tell me. I'll help."

I shook my head. "Mom, no one mistreated me. You'll understand later."

Back at my new home, Jonas sat hunched on the couch, lost in thought.