Chapter 56
Thinking of this, she said, “Got it. I’ll be back soon.”
Charlene prepared beef steak for Jasmine that evening and also simmered a soup. She stayed over for the next two days.
By Friday, Helena called, asking her to come home for dinner.
Charlene took Jasmine back to the Ross family. Only Helena was home. Everyone else was either busy with social engagements or still at school.
Helena was unaware Jasmine had returned from abroad. Seeing Charlene bring Jasmine along, she was delighted. Jasmine and Helena had a close bond, bringing much joy to Helena. That night, Charlene and Jasmine stayed over at the Ross family.
The following morning, Charlene got up early to make homemade pasta.
Seeing how skilled Charlene was, Helena reminisced about the days before Charlene was married, when she hardly did any household chores, and couldn’t help but sigh.
Understanding what Helena was thinking, Charlene smiled and said, “Cooking is my way of finding peace. I quite enjoy it.”
Noticing Charlene had gained a bit more weight since her last visit, Helena felt more at ease.
After finishing the pasta and chatting with Helena, Charlene went upstairs.
Jasmine was already up, getting ready for the day.
While tidying up the pajamas Jasmine had changed out of, Charlene noticed Jasmine’s tablet ping with a message from Vesta. [Minnie, awake yet? I will be back this afternoon, and we’ll have dinner together. How about I take you out tomorrow?] Charlene glanced at it and looked away, putting Jasmine’s changed clothes in the washing machine.
When she got back, Jasmine was holding onto the tablet tight, trying to keep her chat with Vesta from Charlene. Charlene didn’t expose her, saying, “Breakfast’s ready. Come downstairs.”
Jasmine leaped from the bed excitedly. “I haven’t had Mommy’s homemade pasta in so long. Yay!”
During breakfast, Helena happily asked, “Minnie, what would you like for dinner tonight? Grandma can have it made just for you.”
Hasmine knew Helena wasn’t fond of Vesta. After hearing that, her eyes darted around before she whispered, “Grandma, Daddy’s coming home tonight. I want to go home for dinner.”
Helena was a bit reluctant, having not seen Jasmine for a while. But knowing how attached Jasmine had become to Thorne over the
she didn’t think much of it. years,
Charlene knew Jasmine was lying but pretended otherwise, serving Helena some food. “It’s okay. I’ll stay here with you.”
It seemed unreasonable for a wife to stay at her parents’ house when her husband returned from a business trip. But Helena had always disapproved of Charlene’s dedication to Thorne and would fully support her if she wanted a divorce. So, upon hearing Charlene say this, Helena smiled, “Good. Our Charlene is such a darling.”
Jasmine, worried about how to ditch Charlene to meet Vesta that evening, breathed a sigh of relief hearing Charlene’s words.
When Jasmine left, Helena prepared a bunch of her favorite foods. But Charlene declined, suggesting they be saved for her cousin’s kids instead.
When Jasmine left, Charlene contacted Thorne’s housekeeper to arrange for someone to pick her up rather than going herself. Helena found this odd but didn’t dwell on it further.