Chapter 427
Charlene knelt down and gently stroked Jasmine’s hair. “Mommy has to go to work now, sweetheart. Your great-grandma isn’t feeling well lately and needs lots of rest. Once she’s better, you can visit her, okay?”
Although the old lady had never truly blamed Jasmine for being close to Vesta, ever since she learned Sybil was also unwell, it was as if half her life had drained from her. If Jasmine visited now, the reminder of her closeness to Vesta would only weigh heavier on the old woman’s heart.
Jasmine’s eyes widened with concern. “Great-Grandma Helena’s sick? Is it serious? Why didn’t you tell me, Mom?”
Charlene hesitated for a moment before answering softly, “I didn’t want you to worry, darling.”
She gently disentangled Jasmine’s arms from around her waist and stood up. “It’s getting late, sweetheart, and Mommy has a lot to take care of today. Please look after yourself, alright?”
Jasmine clung a little tighter, reluctant to let go, but seeing how busy Charlene seemed, she finally let her arms drop. Still, her voice trembled with disappointment. “Mom, why are you so busy these days? You’re even busier than Dad. When will you have time for me?”
Charlene’s gaze softened, but her answer was no less vague. “I’m not sure, honey.”
As she spoke, thoughts of her impending divorce from Thorne surfaced. She knew she couldn’t keep this from Jasmine forever. Still, once the separation was final, if Thorne decided to marry Vesta, he would likely be the one to talk to Jasmine about it. There was no need for her to bring it up now.
Jasmine lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “You always say that, Mom…”
Charlene felt a pang of guilt. She knew this excuse had become a shield she relied on far too often.
She reached for her bag. “I have to go now, darling.”
Jasmine’s shoulders slumped. “Oh… okay.”
Just as Charlene turned to leave, she caught sight of Vesta emerging from the restroom down the hall. Jasmine and Thorne were standing in the lobby, clearly waiting for someone, and it was obviously Vesta.
Vesta, surprised to see Charlene, paused mid-step. Her gaze was cool, bordering on indifferent, before she looked away.
Charlene’s expression didn’t flicker. She averted her eyes, gave Jasmine a final glance, and walked away without another word.
Jasmine, too wrapped up in her own disappointment, didn’t notice Vesta at all. She grabbed at Charlene’s fingers, her eyes pleading, but Charlene gently pulled her hand free. “Goodbye, sweetheart.”
Seeing her mother’s determination, Jasmine let her go, her spirits sinking. “Bye, Mom.”
Thorne watched the exchange, seeing how hard it was for Jasmine to let Charlene go. Still, he didn’t try to stop Charlene from leaving.
And just like that, Charlene was gone.
Jasmine stood there, staring after her mother, unwilling to look away until she disappeared from sight.
Only when Charlene had left did Vesta walk over, ruffling Jasmine’s hair. She turned to Thorne, who’d been silent up until now. “It’s getting late. Let’s grab some lunch.”
“Alright,” Thorne agreed.
Jasmine finally tore her eyes away, glancing at her father, her voice subdued. “Dad, can we just go home for lunch? I want to eat at home.”
“Of course,” Thorne replied, his tone gentle. “We’ll go home.”
With that, the three of them left the hospital together.