Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Jasmine leaped out of bed, her voice filled with excitement. “Really?”

Yeah “Then why didn’t Ms. Hawkins tell me about it?”

“It’s just been confirmed. I haven’t had the chance to tell her yet.”

Jasmine’s excitement was palpable. “Let’s not tell Ms. Hawkins yet, Dad. How about we surprise her when we get back home?”

“It sounds like a plan.”

“Dad, you’re the best! I love you to the moon and back!”

After hanging up the phone, Jasmine’s happiness didn’t fade. She kept dancing and singing on her bed, brimming with joy.

Suddenly, she remembered Charlene. These past few days had been good since Charlene hadn’t called. To avoid talking to Charlene, Jasmine had been leaving the house early and deliberately placing her phone far away or turning it off when she got home from school.

After a few days, worried about Charlene getting mad, she stopped doing that. To her surprise, Charlene didn’t call in the following days. At first, Jasmine thought Charlene knew she was avoiding her calls. But then, knowing her mom, if she had done something wrong, Charlene would have corrected her immediately rather than staying silent.

She couldn’t believe Charlene would stay mad at her and not call. With that thought, Jasmine suddenly missed Charlene. It was the first time in days she had felt this way. She couldn’t resist and dialed Charlene’s number.

But when she did, she remembered. Even though she would soon see Vesta back home, her mom would likely do everything to keep them apart, just like before. She couldn’t see Vesta whenever she wanted, like she could here. The realization dampened Jasmine’s spirits.

Back home, it was the middle of the night.

Jasmine’s call woke Charlene.

As she was about to answer, Jasmine hung up in anger.

Even though Charlene had given up her custody rights to Jasmine in the divorce agreement with Thorne, Jasmine was still her daughter, and she felt a responsibility toward her.

Worried that something might be wrong after Jasmine abruptly hung up, Charlene quickly called back. Jasmine saw the call but turned her face away, refusing to answer.

Charlene’s worry grew, so she decided to call the house landline instead.

Latonia picked up quickly. After hearing Charlene out, Latonía reassured her, “Miss Minnie should be fine. She went to bed late last night and woke up late today. I saw her just now, still half asleep. Let me check on her, and I’ll call you back.”

Charlene felt relieved hearing Latonia’s words. “Thank you. That would be great.”

When Latonia checked on Jasmine, she was getting ready for the day. After explaining what had happened, Jasmine lied, saying she had accidentally dialed the number while brushing her teeth.

None the wiser, Latonia went back downstairs to call Charlene.

Jasmine huffed, feeling somewhat better after the small act of defiance.

After hearing from Latonia, Charlene finally felt relieved. However, the sudden wake–up call meant she struggled to fall asleep again, leading to a groggy morning at work the next day.

Thorne had forgotten the divorce agreement envelope Charlene had sent to him since the day Vesta called him.

Thorne ensured he had all his documents before leaving the house, unaware of what awaited him back home.