“she stood before the mirror, Charlene couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease at her own reflection. Yet, she didn’t loathe it. So, she wore it anyway.

Wrapped in a bathrobe, Charlene paused momentarily as Thorne’s gaze fell on her, reminding her of the lingerie. underneath. But she quickly shrugged off the moment and walked past him as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Approaching the sink, she set down her belongings and shrugged off the bathrobe, revealing her lingerie in full “view to Thorne.

There was a brief pause from Thorne.

Charlene was pretty sure Thorne knew the lingerie was a gift from Irma. By choosing to wear it, she guessed Thorne might think she was hinting at something more between them. But that wasn’t her intention at all. What he thought was his business, not hers. She decided not to skip wearing something she really liked just Because it might be taken the wrong way.

With that thought, Charlene felt no discomfort as she shed her bathrobe, nor did she pay much attention to Thorne’s gaze.

She stepped down into the hot tub, choosing a spot about two arm’s lengths away from Thorne.

Thorne looked away, and both of them settled into a quiet calm. Charlene could catch glimpses of his toned chest from the corner of her eye but subtly shifted her gaze away.

Just when she thought they’d remain in this silent peace, Thorne asked, “Hungry? The lodge prepared quite a spread for us.”

He pushed a tray of snacks toward her.

…Thanks,” Charlene replied, picking up a pastry to taste. But finding herself not really hungry, she ate just one before pushing the tray back towards Thorne.

The water was clear, and as Charlene returned the tray, she couldn’t help but notice Thorne’s physique. No

reaction.

Some women might take that as a sign of disinterest. But Charlene knew better. His lack of reaction wasn’t about her allure; it was simply that she never really attracted him. And she had guessed as much. Their marriage was on its last leg, and she had no interest in rekindling anything. The lingerie was not a tactic

meant to work on him.

Charlene discreetly averted her gaze, enjoying the soothing embrace of the hot tub. After a while, feeling drowsy yet content, she decided to call it a night. “I’m heading back,” she informed Thorne. “Mm,” was all Thorne said.

Charlene wrapped herself in her bathrobe and left, noticing Thorne also getting out of the tub.

As she waited for the elevator, Irma happened to pass by. “Done with your soak already?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

Irma seemed about to say more but stopped upon seeing Thorne also heading up to change. She had hoped something would happen between them, but their distance spoke volumes. Another one of her plans had come to naught. With a sigh, Irma said, “I got a call from a friend who’s here for a doctor’s visit. I need to step out for a bit. You two have fun, okay?”

After patting Charlene’s hand and warning Thorne not to bully her, “You hear?” Irma left them with a knowing look,

Got it,” Thorne replied.