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.

Jasmine's birthday, after all. She'd brought this child into

certain responsibility. Even if she

Charlene knew she'd already

being there for her.

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

cake."

instantly. "Really? Thanks,

out to be an absolute

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

was five

for nine, there was no way

cake.

a simple bowl of birthday

before rushing out the

the time she finally returned home that

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

had a minute to

heart twisted with guilt.

her troubled

birthday today," Charlene

understand the complicated feelings

that, no matter what, she still

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

time with her."

Charlene nodded.

left the office and drove straight

in, Helena

elderly woman

in a gentle

day.

Minnie hasn't

today."

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

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

her."

nodded and

was sprawled

reading a

the door,

up and

smile. "You're

set down her purse, hesitating a moment before

I've been so busy