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.”

Jasmine’s spirits

to wrap up some work. By

he returned to their room, he

come home.

in trouble. With

day, due to her school run duty, Charlene

a quick bite, she was on her way, driving out of the neighborhood.

had lived there for nearly seven years. But after just a three–week absence, it felt like a

changed, Charlene

her warmly, “Welcome back,

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

about time she got up, or

asked Latonia, the maid,

housekeeper offered, “Have you had breakfast, Mrs. Henderson? It’s ready if

Charlene declined. “No,

“Alright then.”

descended the stairs, Charlene acknowledged him with a nod

paused, about to speak, when Jasmine bounded

ruffling her hair affectionately. “We should

the sight of her mother, her cozy scent filling the air as she snuggled