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.

all. She'd

her a certain responsibility.

Charlene knew she'd already let Jasmine down by

being there for her.

about this, Charlene said, "If I get off work early tomorrow,

cake."

instantly.

to be an absolute chaos. By

it was already three or four in the morning. She barely

collapse into bed-it was five

Flux Technologies scheduled for nine, there was no

cake.

was to cook a simple

her gift before rushing out

home that night, it was

glanced at her phone, thinking about

minute to wish Jasmine happy

heart twisted with guilt.

her troubled

Jasmine's birthday today," Charlene replied

understand the complicated feelings Charlene

He knew that, no matter what, she still

not too late. Go home you can still

time with her."

Charlene nodded.

left the office and drove

walked in, Helena

The elderly woman

in a gentle

all day.

hasn't

today."

paused. She hadn't expected Thorne to go a whole day

patting her hand. "She's not asleep yet. Go upstairs

her."

and headed

was sprawled

reading a comic.

opened the

up and

smile. "You're

set down her purse, hesitating

sorry I've been