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.

with Thorne,

her way out, informed Thorne, “I’m crashing in Minnie’s

book, just hummed in response, neither asking questions nor

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

a month consumed by work, Charlene hadn’t yet found

asking her to come shopping for a birthday present that evening.

upon hearing it was for

invitation for Tiffany hadn’t been

hanging up, Charlene tried calling Tiffany. The call

her, or any of the Ross family, for that

silence on the phone could very well

of respect for Irma, Charlene went through

dialed again. This time, the call was deliberately cut off.

was clear Tiffany was avoiding

was merely following protocol.

Tiffany, explaining the reason for her call and asking when she might be free to receive the

Charlene didn’t wait for a reply, choosing