Divorce Time

Chapter 100

Awesome!” Jasmine skipped upstairs, her mood visibly lifted.

Charlene had just shut down her laptop and was tidying up her things when she stepped out of the master bedroom to find Jasmine hurling herself into her arms, exclaiming, “Mommy!”

“Uh–huh,” Charlene responded, stroking her daughter’s hair but not embracing her in return.

Jasmine, oblivious to her mother’s lack of affection, chattered away happily. It was then that Thorne made his way upstairs. As Charlene caught his eye, their gazes locked momentarily.

Thorne’s expression was unreadable, and Charlene’s was equally composed. She turned to Jasmine and suggested, “How about Mrs. Thompson gives you a bath tonight? Mommy has something to discuss with Daddy.”

Upon hearing this, Thorne paused mid–step.

Jasmine, having had a blast over the past two days, was in high spirits. Though slightly reluctant, she didn’t Protest and went off to have Mrs. Thompson help her with her bath.

Charlene, noticing Thorne leaning against the wall and fiddling with his phone, proposed, “Shall we talk in the room?”

“Sure.”

Charlene entered the room first and, as Thorne followed, she said, “Could you close the door, please?”

if their conversation turned into an argument, Jasmine might overhear

Thorne seemed too indifferent to even bother arguing with her. Charlene, on her part, valued every moment with him too much to spend it

the door and turned to her, asking, “What’s up?”

across my uncle’s, and they’ve been renovating for a while. I reckon they’ll move in soon.”

complicated history with the Ross family that went beyond Maureen and her mother, Sybil. The feud traced back to their grandmothers, who were once close

often supported by Charlene’s grandmother. This friendship extended to their granddaughters, Maureen and Sybil,

and the Ross families were well–matched

days together

against Charlene’s, shedding any pretense of humility they once

the specifics, were something

bringing it up, he would understand the gravity of the situation.

And Thorne did.

Charlene was

momentarily as if to ask

her

08.10

hapter 100

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