Chapter 17

"Yes, I've changed," I said. "Things are clearer now. Yvonne, this is over. We'll raise our son separately. If anything comes up, have your assistant contact me." I turned and left.

Back at the office, I buried myself in work, trying to forget the morning. The afternoon's peace shattered with a ringing phone. Jared's name flashed on the screen, igniting rage.

"Mr. Joplin," his voice was tentative, courteous. "I need to speak with you. There are things I need to explain in person. When would be convenient?"

"Mr. Lawson," I said coldly, "with all due respect, there's nothing to discuss."

He chuckled. "Mr. Joplin, I understand your assumptions, but please, let me explain. Yvonne and I were just friends—until your divorce—"

"Mr. Lawson, drop the act," I sneered. "Do you think that's meaningful?"

Silence. Then a sigh. "I know this sounds far-fetched, but I hope we can have a positive relationship. We're adults. We should handle this maturely."

I took a deep breath, fighting the rage. "Do you think it's appropriate to intrude on someone's marriage and then ask for a 'positive relationship'?"

His voice was strained. "Mr. Joplin, I know I hurt you. But it's done. I genuinely want to be friends. It would be good for everyone."

"Jared," I said icily, "we have nothing to talk about. If that's all, I'm hanging up."

"Wait, Mr. Joplin—"

I hung up. It was unwise, I knew. But facing the man who'd shattered my family, I couldn't control my hatred.

Picking up Jonas from school, I saw his glum face. My heart clenched.

"What's wrong, Jonas?" I asked gently.

"Daddy," he whispered, "Xavier said they had fun at the amusement park yesterday. He said… he said Jared's better than you because Jared played with him."

A sharp twinge, but I held my composure. "Jonas, everyone has a different lifestyle. I may not always play with you, but I'll give you the best life I can."

He nodded, but the disappointment in his eyes cut me to the core. I had to do something. I couldn't let my son suffer.

That night, after tucking Jonas in, I sat in my study, moonlight casting a silver glow. I picked up a photo—me and my sons, beaming, before the divorce. It felt like a lifetime ago.

My phone vibrated.