Divorce Time 23
Inna couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Charlene was too mild and indulgent toward Thorne, which she believed had led them to miss out,
numerous opportunities over the years, resulting in little progress in their relationship. But since Charlene had decided, Irma didn’t press the issue.
Once dinner officially started, everyone chatted and ate in a rather pleasant atmosphere.
Charlene, however, barely spoke, quietly keeping her head down and focusing on her meal.
From the moment Thome had arrived over ten minutes ago, the couple hadn’t exchanged a single word. There was no interaction between them throughout the evening, which was typical for their relationship. Everyone seemed used to it and found nothing unusual. *When Jasmine wanted something from the table, she once relied on Charlene but had been used to asking Thorne directly. However,
when she wanted shrimp, her gaze shifted to Charlene. It was a tradition for Charlene to peel shrimp for her and Thorne.
“Mommy, I want some shrimp, Jasmine said.
Even though Charlene was considering divorce and didn’t want to fight over custody, Jasmine was still her daughter. She felt it was her duty and responsibility to take care of her and fulfill her needs as much as possible.
So, when Jasmine asked her to peel shrimp, Charlene responded, “Of course, sweetheart.”
Ama noticed something when Charlene put down her fork to peel the shrimp. “Charlene, where’s your ring?”
The question turned everyone’s attention, Thorne included, to Charlene’s hands.
Even though her marriage with Thorne was on thin ice, Charlene still wore the wedding band Irma had made for them. On the contrary, Thorne had never worn his, its whereabouts unknown.
Over the years, Charlene had never been without her ring, and everyone had grown accustomed to it. Tiffany had often mocked her for it. It was the first day she wasn’t wearing it, and nobody had noticed until Irma pointed it out.
Charlene’s hands hesitated while peeling the shrimp, but she quickly recovered and said casually, “I rushed out of the house this morning and left it behind.”
In reality, she had taken off the ring when preparing the divorce papers, placing it in an envelope along with them. But since she knew Irma would never approve of the divorce, and she and Thorne hadn’t officially separated, Charlene chose not to tell the whole truth. Irma chuckled upon hearing the explanation. “Oh, is that so?”
fterward, everyone resumed their dinner as if nothing had happened.
Post-dinner, the group moved to the living room for fruit and desserts, continuing their conversations. Ever the matchmaker, Irma tried to bring Charlene and Thorne closer by suggesting they sit together.
But Thorne didn’t even glance at Charlene, who reluctantly sat beside him, not wanting to refuse Irma’s requests again. That was the closest they had sat in months, and Charlene could distinctly smell Thorne’s familiar, subtle cologne.
But her heart remained calm, and she quietly enjoyed her fruit pudding, not attempting to start a conversation with Thorne.
Yet, Irma seemed pleased, looking at them and commenting, “You two make a lovely couple.”
Indeed, from the outside, they were a match. Thorne was a handsome and distinguished guy, while Charlene was quiet, gentle, and absolutely gorgeous.