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.

had resolved not to ask

milestone birthday. Vernon had invited numerous business associates to the Ross family celebration, and despite Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship –

to attend was

to her own

she decided to head

realized Thorne and Jasmine weren’t home yet.

attend to, had gone back to the

down her purse, Charlene headed for the

finished drying off, she heard the sound of a car pulling

Jasmine

dry her hair, her mind wandering,

burst into the room first, throwing her arms around Charlene.

of Vesta

the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s face. “Have you taken your bath yet?”

yet,”

ten, you should head to your room and take a bath. You’ve got school

the bedroom, their gazes briefly meeting. Charlene quickly looked away, focusing on her daughter who was tugging at her, pleading, “Then mommy, will you help me bathe?”

me just finish drying my hair.”