Chapter 208
It was nearing seven when she climbed the stairs. Jasmine was already awake. Seeing her come back, Jasmine quickly closed her messaging app. Charlene acted like she didn't notice and said in her usual tone, "Go wash up and get dressed." "Okay!"
Charlene was gathering her belongings and about to head downstairs with her purse when she noticed Latonia picking up her pajamas from the night before to wash them. "Just toss them," she said. "No need to wash. And the rest of my things, too. Could you help me throw them out? I probably won't need them anymore."
The divorce papers with Thorne were expected to be finalized soon. Even if she saw Jasmine again, she wouldn't be coming back here or spending the night. These items were no longer needed. Charlene and Thorne had always had issues in their marriage. For the past couple of months, Charlene had hardly come back, signaling the possible end of their relationship. At the start of the month, Thorne had someone move Charlene's belongings out of the master bedroom, confirming their split.
Hearing Charlene speak now, Latonia understood completely. She didn't know what else to say, so she softly replied, "Alright."
Charlene headed downstairs with her purse just as Thorne came back from his morning run. Seeing her, he casually greeted, "Morning." Charlene nodded and replied, her voice calm, "Morning." With that, she placed her purse on the couch and went into the kitchen. Thorne went upstairs.
Breakfast wasn't quite ready yet, so with Latonia handling the remaining tasks, Charlene settled into the living room, reading while waiting for Jasmine to come down. Time was ticking, and Jasmine still hadn't appeared. Charlene remained seated and asked Latonia to go upstairs and hurry her along. Charlene used to handle these things herself. Now, even though she was still around, she treated herself more like a guest, showing less concern for Jasmine's affairs than before. Latonia noticed this change, nodded, and went upstairs.
"Another book?" Thorne's voice broke Charlene's concentration. She looked up, realizing he was downstairs. She nodded. "Can I have a look?" he asked, extending his hand. "You don't have it?" she hesitated, surprised. The book was the latest journal in AI research. Early in their marriage, back when she was still learning the ropes, she'd noticed his study filled with AI-related books, including the latest journals.
He should have a habit of subscribing to these. "Been busy, haven't had the chance," he replied, reaching out. Charlene heard Jasmine's footsteps.
Jasmine was ready for breakfast, so Charlene handed the book to him. Jasmine came downstairs, spotted them, and took Charlene's hand. "Mom, is breakfast ready?" "Yes, it's ready," Charlene replied. As they headed to the dining room, Jasmine glanced back at Thorne, who still held the book. "Dad, aren't you having breakfast?" "I'll be right there," Thorne assured her.
Charlene and Jasmine sat down, and Thorne joined a little later. Just as Thorne started eating, his phone buzzed with a notification. He set down his utensils and picked up his phone. Charlene quietly finished her breakfast, and once done, she left the dining room first. She retrieved the book Thorne had left on the coffee table and put it back in her bag. After Jasmine finished eating, Charlene took her hand, and without saying goodbye to Thorne, they both headed out the door.