Yvonne’s face darkened. "Your son," I began, cutting her off before she could speak, "is never going to want to come with me anyway. He’s made that clear."

"What do you mean, your son?" Xavier’s voice exploded, nearly waking Jonas.

"Keep it down," I hissed. "Your brother’s asleep."

"Why should I?" Xavier shot back, his outburst silencing the cabin. "You care so much about him, so why did you even bother having me?"

My frustration boiled. How had such a sweet kid become this… this? Yvonne’s influence was all over him.

"Maybe Xavier's upset because you don't pay enough attention to him," Yvonne offered, her face flushing.

"Aren't you aware why I haven't seen him?" I snapped. "Every time I tried, you dragged Jared along, making me look like a kidnapper! Seeing my own kid became an ordeal. And he refused to acknowledge me."

Yvonne’s eyes widened. "Cole, how could you say something so awful? Why are you suddenly so unreasonable?"

"I was like this before the divorce," I countered. "I just used to put up with you. When we were married, I treated you like you mattered. Now...?" I leveled a cold stare at her. "Do a better job raising Xavier. Don't let him grow up spoiled."

Xavier sneered. "Who cares what you think? Worry about your precious Jonas." He rolled his eyes.

I ignored him, closing my eyes, feigning sleep. Yvonne’s resentful gaze burned into me.

At our destination, Yvonne casually announced she hadn't booked a room.

"You came all this way without a reservation?" I exclaimed. "What were you planning? Sleeping on the street?"

"It was a last-minute trip. Everything was booked," she mumbled.

Before I could react, Xavier grinned at Jonas. "Hey, can I stay with you?" Jonas, ever the kind soul, wouldn't refuse.

I saw Jonas's questioning look, but Xavier jumped in: "Why are you looking at him? That's your room, Jonas."

"That's the room I booked," I said firmly.

"Oh?" My fists clenched. If he weren't my son, I'd toss him in the ocean.

"Jonas, would you be okay with—"

"Let him stay with me, Dad," Jonas said quietly, sensing my reluctance.

I sighed. "Fine. But, Xavier, behave yourself. No bullying your brother."

"Bullying him? I'd be out of my mind!" Xavier crossed his arms, striking a ridiculously mature pose. Where did that come from?