Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne)

Chapter 376
At Jasmine’s place, she, Thorne, and Charlene couldn’t exactly coexist peacefully. Jasmine had told Charlene, “Come with me to the event,” which was quite different from “You should come along too.” It was clear Jasmine understood the dynamics at play.

Jasmine had chosen Charlene for an important event, a decision that Charlene found herself less than thrilled about. The event was happening next weekend, and generally, Charlene’s weekends were pretty much open. After all, when kids have an important event, it’s a big deal for the family. Most parents tend to prioritize their kids’ needs.

In the past, Charlene would have done the same, making Jasmine’s needs her own priority, pushing aside all other distractions. But now… Things were different.

Charlene noticed the eager anticipation in Jasmine’s eyes. Still, she responded somewhat ambiguously, “I’ll see if I can make it. If nothing urgent comes up, I’ll be there with you.”

Over the past six months, Jasmine had become quite adept at deciphering Charlene’s words. She had noticed a pattern: whenever Charlene used phrases like “we’ll see” or “if,” it was almost certain that she wouldn’t be there.

Hearing this, Jasmine felt a familiar sting in her nose, her eyes beginning to well up. She let go of Charlene’s hand, sniffled a bit, and simply replied with an “Oh,” not pushing the matter further.

Charlene saw this and, though it was impossible to be completely unaffected, she stuck to her decision. She reached out, intending to ruffle Jasmine’s hair before leaving. However, when she did, Jasmine turned her head away, her lips pouting in defiance.

Charlene paused, withdrew her hand, and without attempting to console her, turned and walked away.

Thorne watched the scene unfold without attempting to stop Charlene or convince her otherwise. Jasmine, still facing away, listened keenly as the sound of high heels tapping on the wooden floor faded into the distance. Realizing Charlene had indeed left without a word of comfort, Jasmine could no longer hold back. She turned, clinging to Thorne’s leg, and burst into tears.

Jasmine’s coach watched, a bit taken aback. Jasmine was much sharper than most kids her age, with a lively spirit and a strong sense of self. Over the past six months, many of her peers at the fencing club had shed tears for various reasons, but this was the first time he’d seen Jasmine cry.

That morning, Charlene had been attentive and caring towards Jasmine, agreeing to everything with warmth and patience. It was surprising to see her leave so resolutely, aware of Jasmine’s disappointment.

It seemed to the coach as if Charlene no longer wanted Jasmine as her daughter, a level of detachment that surprised him. Typically, a father might have been upset, perhaps even confronted the mother for such behavior, but Thorne’s expression revealed no such intention.

There were no accusations or arguments between Charlene and Thorne. He simply watched her leave, silently.

Thorne bent down, picked Jasmine up, and gently wiped her tears with his thumb. “Feeling that upset, huh?”

Jasmine clung to his neck, her sobs intensifying as she complained, “Mom doesn’t care that I’m sad… she just left…”

Thorne nodded, “Yeah, I saw that.”

Jasmine’s cries grew louder, more heartbroken, “Does that mean she doesn’t love me anymore?”noveldrama

Thorne chuckled softly, “Not at all.”

Jasmine sniffled, looking at him with wide eyes, “Really?”

Thorne pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her nose, “I promise.”

Jasmine felt a bit better, but remembering how Charlene had left without comforting her, she started to tear up again, “Then why didn’t she try to make me feel better?”

Thorne pinched her rosy cheeks gently, smiling without saying more.

Jasmine, still upset, pointed at him accusingly, “I’m so sad and you’re just laughing…”

Thorne accepted Jasmine’s backpack from the coach, balancing it as he held her. “How about this: I take you out for lunch to make it up to you?”

Jasmine hesitated, “I don’t want that, I just want Mom.”

“That’s something I can’t promise, sweetheart. You’ve seen for yourself, with your mom, I don’t really have much say.”

Jasmine pouted, falling silent as they headed out.