Divorce Time

Chapter 35

It was nearly 1 a.m. when Thome and Jasmine returned from celebrating Vesta’s winning the car race. Seeing Thore carrying Jasming back so late, the housekeeper couldn’t help but express concern, “Why so late?”

Thome grunted in response, not elaborating further.

After taking Jasmine to her room, Thorne went to his own, flipping the light switch, only to find Charlene missing. He asked the housekeeper, “She didn’t come back tonight?”

The housekeeper answered, “No, Mrs. Henderson hasn’t returned.”

Thorne was puzzled. Charlene had been unusually absent from home. Such frequent nights out were rare for her. Could it be that ‘something significant had happened with the Ross family?

The following morning, Jasmine woke up with a bright smile, having had a blast playing with Vesta. Remembering Charlene, she excitedly ran toward the master bedroom with her teddy bear and called out, “Mommy! Mommy!”

The door was ajar, but there was no sign of Charlene. Jasmine’s face fell, but then, having changed his clothes, Thome emerged from the walk–in closet.

“Dad,

tie, Thorne replied

“Not home? Why?”

want to know,

“Okay then.”

dialed Charlene. Just back from her morning jog, Charlene answered the call before Jasmine excitedly blurted out, “Mommy, where are you?”

reveal her whereabouts, Charlene asked, “What’s up, Minnie? Do you

her independent life and wasn’t eager to be disturbed, so she hadn’t planned on disclosing her location

pleaded with Charlene, “I miss you, Mommy. Can you take me to school today?” Charlene responded, “I’m quite far from you now, darling. I won’t make it back in time to take you to

always known Charlene to prioritize their

a pause, Charlene said, “How about letting your

her eyes welled up. “No, I

finally agreed, “Fine,