Chapter 5

I nodded and concurred, "Fine, I won't be mean. I'll have someone kick him out right away." No matter how much Xavier acted out before, I always indulged him. It was his first time seeing me speak to him like this, and he stood there in stunned silence, gawking at me. I gave no heed to him and called security to have someone take Jared away. For the sake of our family dinner tonight, I had sent all the household staff home for the day, leaving only Wyatt to avoid any disruptions. That decision seemed like a colossal mistake now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have to wait for security to arrive—I could've had Jared kicked out immediately. Realizing the embarrassment he would face from being escorted out by security, Jared left on his own before they arrived. As Xavier watched him leave, he fumed, "It's all your fault for making Jared leave!" "Enough!" Jonas immediately clasped his hand over Xavier's mouth. "Daddy's angry right now. Stop it!" Frustrated, Xavier yanked Jonas' hand away and sulked in the corner. Jonas glanced up at me with his red-rimmed eyes and implored, "Daddy, I don't want to leave you. Can you not divorce Mommy?" Seeing him like this broke my heart, but I couldn't compromise. Just as I was about to comfort him, Yvonne began to blame me. "Everything was fine until you brought up divorce. Are you happy now that you've traumatized the kids? I've no idea why you pulled such an act—you're completely ignoring the kids' feelings!" I stared at her and fell silent. At this point, she still thought I was throwing a tantrum. "Forget it," I thought. She never thought she was in the wrong anyway, and I was reluctant to be involved with her any longer. "We've signed a prenup before, so you don't have to worry about the asset division," I began curtly. "What's yours will remain yours, and the same applies to me as well. As for the kids…" I paused and glanced at Jonas. "I'll take Jonas, while you'll have Xavier's custody. Just let me visit him twice a month." Panic flashed across Xavier's face. "As long as you don't force me to study and give me enough time to play, I'll still acknowledge you as my dad," he quickly said. "Meeting twice a month isn't enough! You probably won't be able to bear it either, right?" He stared up at me defiantly, looking proud and condescending—resembling nothing of a kid his age. His stance annoyed me. That arrogant demeanor of his mirrored Yvonne's perfectly, as though he were her exact replica. I couldn't help but sigh. I had only myself to blame; I had spoiled Xavier so much that he believed that I'd never abandon him as long as he gave me an out. But I was no longer willing to raise an ingrate. Beside him, Jonas glanced at me nervously, hesitating as though he wanted to speak but couldn't. His unease made my heart ache even more. I shouldn't have brought up divorce in front of him. It had hurt him. Approaching him, I ruffled his hair and said softly, "It's late. Let me take you both to wash up and get ready for bed. As for the divorce, it's something you kids shouldn't worry about." Jonas could no longer hold back his tears the moment my tone softened. He threw himself into my arms and sobbed, "Daddy, please don't divorce Mommy. I don't want our family to fall apart." His choked sobs struck my heart like a sledgehammer. Heartbroken, I hugged him back, but I couldn't give him an answer.