Divorce Time

Chapter 38

The news stirred a wave of reactions in the room, with expressions as varied as a patchwork quilt.

Rumors had swirled around Thorne for years, suggesting he’d tied the knot in a secret ceremony. Yet, the identity of the elusive Mrs. Henderson remained a puzzle no one could solve.

Some whispered that Thorne had never married at all. The truth of the matter was murky, and most were too timid to probe further.

So, when Thome casually mentioned having a daughter, the revelation left many slack–jawed with surprise. Yet, curiosity was quickly gone, replaced by a respectful silence.

After dinner, Jasmine was on pins and needles. She had been waiting for Charlene to come home. But by nine o’clock, with her bath taken, Charlene was nowhere to be seen.

Jasmine’s ears were on any sound from outside.

Just past ten, the hum of a car engine sparked hope, and she dashed downstairs, calling out, “Mommy-” Her voice cut off abruptly as Thorne stepped inside, her excitement deflated. “Daddy?”

Thorne handed his coat to the housekeeper, noting his daughter’s disappointed expression. “What’s wrong?”

I thought it was Mommy coming back.”

Thorne didn’t let the sting of “absent mom, forgotten dad” bother him, pausing before saying, “She hasn’t returned yet?”

“No…”

Not overly concerned, Thorne reassured her, “She’s probably caught up with something. Didn’t she promise to drive you to school tomorrow? Get to bed early, and you’ll see her in the morning.”

spirits lifted

up some work. By the time he finished, it

returned during his busyness. But when he returned to their room, he found it empty. She

come home.

in trouble. With that

following day, due to her school

her

disorientation hit her. She had lived there for nearly

changed, Charlene felt like a stranger.

housekeeper greeted her warmly, “Welcome back, Mrs. Henderson.”

at the title but didn’t correct him, asking, “Is Minnie

up, or she’ll miss breakfast.”

Latonia, the

you had breakfast, Mrs. Henderson?

Charlene declined. “No, thank you. I’ve eaten.”

“Alright then.”

Charlene acknowledged him with a

to speak, when Jasmine bounded

her, ruffling her hair affectionately. “We should

Jasmine’s day brightened instantly at the sight of her mother, her cozy scent filling the air as she snuggled