Chapter 61
Thorne owned many companies and was always busy with work.
With Thorne away on business in the next few days, Jasmine was battling boredom at home. Unable to resist, she dialed up Charlene
once more.
When Jasmine called, what happened in the past few days had faded for Charlene.
Seeing Jasmine’s name flash on her phone, she picked up eagerly.
Jasmine sighed into the phone, “Mommy, when are you coming home?”
Learning Thorne was out, Charlene promised to swing by after work.
Charlene’s return lit up Jasmine’s world. She clung to Charlene, sharing a barrage of school stories, and introduced her to the latest video game craze, insisting on teaching Charlene how to play.
With her homework done, Charlene indulged in whatever Jasmine wanted to do or explore, as long as it was healthy and safe.
It didn’t take Charlene long to understand the game, and they teamed up for a good hour of playtime.
That night, Jasmine was over the moon and insisted on Charlene staying by her side until she fell asleep, a request Charlene happily
bliged, preferring it to the emptiness of the master bedroom.
On Thursday evening, as Charlene turned off the exhaust fan and was about to exit the kitchen with dinner, Jasmine’s voice rang out, “Daddy, you’re back!”
Followed by a deep, pleasant voice. “Yeah, have you guys eaten yet?”
“Not yet, but Mommy’s just about done.”
“Is that so?”
Charlene paused, then stepped out with the dish in her hands.
By then, Jasmine and Thorne had come from the living room.
“”Mommy, Daddy’s back.”
Charlene glanced at Thorne briefly before returning to the meal at hand.
After hanging up her apron, they took their usual seats at the table.
Munching on the veggies Charlene had served her, Jasmine asked, “Daddy, weren’t you supposed to be back tomorrow?”
Wrapped things up early, so I came back.”
“Oh…”
Dinner at the Henderson family was a casual affair. Jasmine was lively, and though Thorne wasn’t much of a talker, he always engaged with his daughter.
Bubbling with stories, Jasmine turned to Charlene, “Mommy, why aren’t you saying anything?”
Charlene replied softly, “I enjoy listening to you two.”
“Oh…”
Even the housekeeper couldn’t help but notice something was off with Charlene.
While she often kept conversations with Thorne to a minimum that wouldn’t bother him, she never missed an opportunity to welcome him warmly upon his return from trips. However, she barely even looked at him today. Thorne seemed clueless to Charlene’s weird vibes, and his face didn’t change.
Then, Thorne’s phone started ringing. It was a call from Irma.
“Off on another trip?”
“I just got back.” Thorne set down his phone, switched on the speaker, and continued eating as he talked, “What’s up, Grandma?”
Irma chuckled. “I haven’t seen Charlene and Minnie in a fortnight. It’s getting colder now. Why don’t you bring them over to Sapphire Springs Resort tomorrow? We could all do with a warm soak in the springs.” Thorne nodded. “Got it.”
Hanging up, Jasmine was thrilled. “We get to soak in the hot springs again. Yay!”
Thorne looked at Charlene, saying, “I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up tomorrow evening.”
Without looking up, Charlene said, “No need. I’ll drive over from the office myself.”