Chapter 48

Chapter 48 Charlene stepped out of the kitchen and immediately saw Thorne lounging on the living room couch, deeply engrossed in the morning paper.

He glanced up momentarily upon seeing her before his attention swiftly returned to the articles before him.

Charlene paused mid–step.

In the past, she would have seized this quiet moment to sit beside him, enjoying his company without disturbing his reading. But then, there seemed to be an unspoken void between them.

With a heavy heart, she turned to head upstairs, and Thorne made no move to stop her.

But Charlene couldn’t help but feel puzzled. She half–expected him to confront her about the incident with Stewart and their supposed unfair treatment of Vesta. But he remained silent.

As Charlene reached the top of the stairs, Jasmine emerged from her room, looking pale and groggy, “Mommy, I’m starving. Is the soup ready?”

“Almost,” Charlene replied, turning to Latonia, “Is it still cooking?”

Latonia chuckled. “All done.”

Feeling relieved, Charlene returned to the kitchen. After a few minutes, she popped her head out to tell Jasmine. “Sweetie, your soup is ready.”

After serving the soup, Charlene noticed Thorne had followed them into the kitchen.

Jasmine looked puzzled. “Mommy, why is there only one bowl? Dad’s eating with us, right?”

Caught off guard, as Charlene hadn’t realized Thorne wanted to eat, Latonia quickly said, “I’ll grab another bowl.”

Charlene didn’t plan on eating herself but always made extra. Given Jasmine’s small appetite, there would be enough for her and Thorne.

As they began to eat, Thorne’s elegance was unmistakable. His long fingers delicately stirred his bowl with a grace that was truly pleasing to the eye, Jasmine’s eyes erkled with delight after tasting her soup, “It’s been ages. This soup is amazing.”

atonia smiled. “Now that we’re back home, you can have it whenever you want.”

Charlene listened silently, not joining the conversation.

Thome sat across from her, equally silent.

Jasmine, however, was in high spirits. Turning to Charlene, she pleaded, “Mommy, can you sleep with me tonight?” Charlene was about to refuse, but noticing Jasmine’s pale complexion, she agreed, “Okay.”

soup Jasmine only managed one bowl, and Thorne didn’t eat much either. They left the dining table with the pot of unfinished.

Despite feeling under the weather, Jasmine insisted on bathing to stay clean. Concerned she might catch a chill, Charlene supervised her.

After tucking Jasmine into bed, Charlene hesitated before heading to the master bedroom.

Thorne was nowhere to be seen. She half–expected to find her belongings cleared out.

Upon entering, she found everything as she left it. Her slippers, hand cream, facial moisturizer, and water glass were all in their usual spots as if she had never left.

Entering the walk–in closet, she discovered her items untouched.

Perhaps because they hadn’t finalized their divorce, and to avoid upsetting Irma, Thorne hadn’t moved her things.

With a sigh, Charlene grabbed her pajamas and a towel, leaving the master bedroom for Jasmine’s room.

Jasmine was playing on her tablet when she saw Charlene with her clothes. “Mommy, are you taking a shower in my room?”

“Yeah,” Charlene replied.

Shortly after she popped into the bathroom, Thorne headed into Jasmine’s room.

09:52 na