Divorce Time

Chapter 37

Just then, Josh stepped into the break room, catching the tail end of the conversation and pausing in surprise.

He and Coy had always believed Charlene would never be content to leave the company. They thought she would seize any opportunity to stay. When Sunny, Charlene’s replacement, showed up for work the day before, they half–expected Charlene to make a move. After all, Sunny was beautiful.

How could Charlene be comfortable leaving someone like Sunny around Thorne?

But over the past few days, Charlene hadn’t just accepted Sunny, she’d actually started getting along with her pretty well. And she was even passing on her coffee–making secrets to Sunny. What on earth was going on?

Josh couldn’t figure it out, and Charlene wasn’t giving anything away.

She diligently completed her work and declined Sunny’s dinner invitation, planning instead to head home for a quick meal before diving back into her research on Al.

No sooner had she left the office than her phone rang.

It was Jasmine. “Mommy, are you off work?”

Charlene got into her car and asked, “Yeah. What’s up?”

Jasmine said, “I want mac and cheese and chicken noodle soup. Could you make some for me?”

Charlene paused. She and Thorne hadn’t officially divorced yet. And Thorne hadn’t asked her to move out. She was heading home to cook dinner for her daughter, confident Thorne wouldn’t object.

But she was tired and had her plans. Jasmine was her responsibility, but Charlene had her life, too. She wouldn’t sacrifice her time unconditionally for her anymore.

She said, “Mom’s got something on today, sweetheart. Next time, okay?”

twice in one day. Not picking up on this shift, Jasmine thought Charlene was genuinely busy. But, accustomed to being

are you always so busy lately? I don’t care. I want mac and cheese, and

a

up the phone in a fit of pique.

her car, Charlene’s eyes reddened. She covered her eyes, remained silent, and drove off.

home, she settled for pasta. As her computer booted up, Stewart called, “There’s a gala coming up in a few days. Do you want to join me? I want to introduce you to some

“Sure.”

“When can you wrap things up on

next few days, I

“Great.”

waited and waited. Over an hour passed, nearing eight in

might be starving, the housekeeper suggested, “Since your mom’s busy, why not have a little something

to!” Jasmine pouted, feeling genuinely aggrieved as Charlene hadn’t returned or called. The housekeeper’s suggestion brought her to tears, “I just want what Mommy

“But-”

choice, decided to call Thorne. It took a moment for Thorne to pick up the

housekeeper explained everything in detail.

her the phone,” Thorne instructed.

Jasmine sobbed,

“Eat

your

dinner.”

Jasmine stubbornly remained silent.