Divorce Time

Chapter 122

ven though Vernon whispered the party invitation to Charlene while avoiding eye contact, she quickly picked

up on it.

“I’ll be there,” Charlene assured.

Helena and Irma were as close as two peas in a pod. Naturally, when Helena’s birthday rolled around, everyone expected Irma to show up.

But Irma was older than Helena, and in their local tradition, it was considered improper for someone older to celebrate the birthday of someone younger with a big bash.

For the past few years, Helena’s birthdays had been low–key affairs, just a simple family dinner, nothing more.

And throughout these years, Thorne hadn’t once made it to celebrate with Helena.

At first, he’d excuse himself citing a busy schedule.

But Charlene knew better. Even when he had the time, he’d rather hang out with friends than attend the family gathering.

Yet, every year as Helena’s birthday drew near, Charlene found herself asking Thorne if he could find the time to come with her to the Ross family home for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, holding onto a sliver of hope. But she was always met with disappointment.

Charlene had resolved not to ask

family celebration, and despite Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship – they hadn’t officially divorced yet – the longstanding friendship

Hendersons chose to attend was another matter.

had initially planned to return to

reflection, she decided to head back

back, Charlene realized Thorne and

back to the old family

her purse, Charlene headed for the shower.

just as she finished drying off, she heard the sound of

Thorne and Jasmine had

sat down to dry her hair, her mind wandering, completely indifferent.

first, throwing her arms

smelled strongly of Vesta

off the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s face. “Have you

not yet,”

you should head to your room and

Thorne entered the bedroom, their gazes briefly meeting. Charlene quickly looked away, focusing on her daughter who was tugging at her, pleading, “Then mommy,

finish drying my hair.”