Chapter 90

Charlene helped Jasmine into her pajamas after a warm shower and dried her hair. Jasmine watched Charlene's focused face in silence, noticing her unusual quietude. Charlene usually filled their time with endless chatter.

Catching Jasmine's thoughtful gaze, Charlene asked, "What's on your mind, love?"

Jasmine shook her head. "Nothing."

Perhaps she was overthinking, or maybe Charlene had something on her mind and didn't feel like talking.

Once Jasmine's hair was dry, she tumbled onto her bed and asked, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?"

Charlene paused, then asked, "Do you want me to stay with you tonight, sweetie?"

"I don't mind either way. But you haven't slept with Dad for a while. Don't you want to sleep with him tonight?"

Charlene hadn't finalized the divorce papers with Thorne yet. If Jasmine hadn't asked her to stay, sleeping in their room could stir up drama, especially if Irma found out. She simply said, "I'll head back in a bit."

Charlene left Jasmine's room and found the light on in their bedroom. Thorne was sitting at his desk, working on his laptop.

He looked up as she entered. Charlene quickly diverted her gaze, heading to the closet for her nightgown before showering.

When she emerged, Thorne was still typing.

Dressed in her nightgown, Charlene sat on the bed, completing her skincare routine before settling in with a book. It was still early.

They remained absorbed in their own worlds, exchanging no words.

Close to midnight, Charlene's eyes grew heavy. She put away her book, switched off her lamp, and slept. She hadn't shared a bed with Thorne in ages and expected difficulty falling asleep. She also half-expected him to leave after finishing his work to be with Vesta.

Despite these thoughts, Charlene drifted off, the soft clicking of the keyboard a lullaby. She slept surprisingly well, feeling warm and cozy.

As Charlene was about to rise, she felt a warm breath near her ear and realized she was being held. Stiffening, she awoke fully.

She opened her eyes to find herself nestled against Thorne, held tightly in his embrace. They were so close there was hardly any space between them. She could feel the warmth of his chest and the strength of his arms.

The night before, she had deliberately slept on the edge of the bed, assuming even if they were together, there would be a gap. It seemed unlikely she had rolled into his arms unless Thorne, accustomed to sleeping with Vesta, had mistaken her for her in his sleep.

With this thought, Charlene withdrew her hand from his chest, slowly clenching it into a fist.

She tried to move, but her movement seemed to awaken him. Thorne's grip tightened, pulling her closer.

Caught off guard, Charlene was about to protest when a kiss landed on her forehead. "Sleep a bit longer," he murmured.

Thorne had never spoken those words to her before.