Divorce Time

Chapter 123

Charlene subtly touched her nose and then, as if nothing had happened, dropped her hand and took a small step back, increasing the space between them.

Thorne seemed oblivious to her actions and, after opening the invitation, casually commented, “Her 70th birthday bash?”

Charlene simply nodded. She didn’t ask him if he was free like before, nor did she plead for him to make some time to attend. She just said, “Could you let my folks know for me?”

It was unclear if Thorne had noticed her lack of inquiry about his availability that evening.

He glanced at her, then set the invitation aside carelessly, saying, “Got it.”

Without another word, he turned and headed into the bathroom.

Charlene watched his retreating figure, put away the hairdryer, and then went to give Jasmine a bath in her room.

After bathing Jasmine and drying her hair, nearly an hour had passed.

Jasmine clung to her arm, snuggling close and asked if she could sleep with her that night.

the current state of things with

master bedroom, gathered her things, and on her

book, just hummed in response, neither asking questions nor raising any

breakfast and dropping Jasmine off at school as per her request, Charlene headed

and with over a month consumed by work, Charlene hadn’t yet found the time to buy her a gift.

called Connie Snyder, asking her to come shopping for a birthday present that evening.

it was for

hadn’t

up, Charlene tried calling Tiffany. The call went through, but no

knew Tiffany wasn’t fond of her, or any of the Ross family, for

the phone could very well

of respect for Irma, Charlene went through

the call naturally ended, Charlene dialed again. This time, the call was

was clear Tiffany was avoiding her calls.

She was

her call and asking when she might be free to receive

didn’t wait for a reply, choosing instead to focus