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.

year, however, Charlene had resolved not to ask

Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship – they hadn’t officially divorced yet – the longstanding friendship between the two grandmothers meant an invitation was extended

the Hendersons chose to attend was another matter.

to her own place that

she decided to head back to

Charlene realized Thorne and Jasmine weren’t home

to, had gone back to the old family

Charlene headed

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

Jasmine had returned.

to dry her hair, her mind

throwing her arms around Charlene. “Mommy, we’re back!”

of Vesta perfume.

coolly, turning off the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s face. “Have you taken

not yet,” Jasmine

your room

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

me just finish drying