Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time

The next couple of days passed in a blur of busyness for Charlene, just like

always.

Because she'd been leaving early and coming back late, even though Jasmine

had moved in with the Ross family, mother and daughter barely saw each other.

Thorne was just as busy with work, but Charlene heard he called Jasmine almost

every day. She was never around when those calls happened, though, and had

no idea what they talked about.

Jasmine's birthday fell on a Friday.

Maybe it was because Thorne had always given her plenty of attention and love,

but when it became clear he wouldn't be able to make it home for her birthday,

Jasmine didn't seem all that upset. She just hugged Charlene's arm and said, "It's

okay, Mom. As long as you're with me on my birthday, that's enough."

Charlene had warned her she'd be working late that day too-maybe only enough

time to cook her a bowl of birthday noodles and give her a small present. Jasmine

tried to take it in stride, but Charlene could see the disappointment flicker in her

eyes.

It had been ages since Jasmine tasted one of her mother's homemade cakes.

She missed them-missed that warm, sweet ritual. She'd thought, at the very

least, Charlene would find time to bake her a cake.

But living with the Ross family, Jasmine had seen for herself just how swamped

her mother was. Even if she was disappointed, she didn't throw a tantrum or make

demands. She just sighed and said, "Okay, I understand..."

Charlene was truly overwhelmed these days. PrimeStar, The Henderson Group,

Axiom Flux Technologies every company seemed to have a mountain of issues

waiting for her input. She was working late into the night, barely managing to keep

her head above water.

after all. She'd brought this child into the

a certain responsibility. Even if she and

she'd already let Jasmine down

being there for her.

said, "If I get off work early tomorrow, I'll bake you

cake."

brightened instantly. "Really? Thanks,

be an

or four in the morning. She

was five a.m. by

for nine, there was no way

cake.

was to cook a simple bowl of birthday noodles and

before

returned home that night, it was

at her phone, thinking about the present she'd left

a minute to wish Jasmine

heart twisted with guilt.

noticed her troubled expression. "What's

birthday today," Charlene

could understand the complicated feelings Charlene had

He knew that, no matter what,

at the clock. "It's not too late. Go home you can

time with her."

Charlene nodded.

left the office and drove

in, Helena was

elderly woman

a gentle

all day. Thorne

Minnie hasn't

today."

hadn't expected Thorne to

"She's not asleep yet. Go upstairs and

her."

nodded and

sprawled across

reading a comic.

opened the door,

up and managed a

smile. "You're

her purse, hesitating a moment

sorry I've been so