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?”

was concerned that if their conversation turned into an argument, Jasmine might overhear them.

despite the years of marriage and their strained relationship, they had never really fought. Thorne seemed too indifferent to even bother arguing with her. Charlene, on her

turned to her, asking,

got straight to the point. “Vesta’s uncle bought the villa across my uncle’s, and

that went beyond Maureen and her mother, Sybil. The feud traced back to their grandmothers, who were once

grandmother. This

and the Ross families were

was genuine, and their early days together were happy. However, everything changed after

Charlene’s, shedding any pretense of humility they once showed in seeking assistance from Charlene’s grandmother.

though Charlene didn’t delve into the specifics, were

by bringing it up, he would understand the

And Thorne did.

Charlene was implying.

out a cigarette, hesitated momentarily as if to ask for permission, then inquired, “Mind if I smoke?”

her head.

08.10

hapter 100

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