Divorce Time

Chapter 48

Charlene stepped out of the kitchen and immediately saw Thorne lounging on the living room couch, deeply engrossed in the morning

paper.

He glanced up momentarily upon seeing her before his attention swiftly returned to the articles before him.

Charlene paused mid–step.

In the past, she would have seized this quiet moment to sit beside him, enjoying his company without disturbing his reading. But then, there seemed to be an unspoken void between them.

With a heavy heart, she turned to head upstairs, and Thorne made no move to stop her.

But Charlene couldn’t help but feel puzzled. She half–expected him to confront her about the incident with Stewart and their supposed unfair treatment of Vesta. But he remained silent.

As Charlene reached the top of the stairs, Jasmine emerged from her room, looking pale and groggy, “Mommy, I’m starving. Is the soup ready?”

“Almost,” Charlene replied, turning to Latonia, “Is it still cooking?”

Latonia chuckled. “All done.”

Charlene returned to the kitchen. After a few minutes, she popped her head out

soup, Charlene noticed Thorne had followed them into the

looked puzzled. “Mommy, why is there only

to eat, Latonia

eating herself but always made extra. Given Jasmine’s small appetite, there would be enough for

stirred his bowl with a grace that

erkled with delight after tasting her soup, “It’s been ages. This

smiled. “Now that we’re back home, you can have it whenever you want.”

listened silently, not joining the conversation.

across from

in high spirits. Turning to Charlene, she pleaded, “Mommy, can you sleep with me tonight?” Charlene was about to refuse, but noticing Jasmine’s pale complexion, she

soup

much either. They left the dining table with

unfinished.

stay clean. Concerned

Jasmine into bed, Charlene hesitated before heading to the master bedroom.

to be seen. She half–expected to find her belongings cleared out.