Chapter 91

During their marriage, Thorne had never held her like this while sleeping; a good morning kiss was completely unheard of. Charlene was convinced he must have mistaken her for Vesta.

With pursed lips and slowly reddening eyes, she watched him sleep. Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, she took a deep breath and carefully extricated herself from his embrace. Their bodies were so close that even the slightest movement would disturb him.

Sure enough, as soon as she removed his hand from her waist and sat up, Thorne woke. Their eyes met. Realizing the mix-up, he hesitated before unwrapping his legs. Charlene withdrew hers, turned away without a glance, and slipped into her slippers before heading to the bathroom. When she returned, Thorne was gone.

She found him at the end of the hallway, still in his pajamas, engrossed in a phone call. She gave him a quick glance before heading downstairs. Irma was already up, and Jasmine soon followed.

Irma beamed. “Now that everyone’s awake, let’s have breakfast.”

Jasmine cheered, “Sure!”

Just as Jasmine finished, Thorne came down and sat beside Charlene. Recalling the morning’s incident, she shifted slightly, widening the gap between them.

Munching on her cereal, Jasmine turned to Thorne with wide, curious eyes. “Dad, do you like cuddling with Mommy when you sleep?”

Charlene, sipping her coffee, nearly choked. Thorne remained silent, his daughter's question leaving him speechless. Charlene’s face, flushed from coughing, turned even redder with embarrassment.

Irma, however, was delighted. “Oh? Why do you ask, Minnie?”

“Just now, when I woke up and went to Mom’s room, I found Daddy holding Mommy in his arms…”

Irma laughed, a long “Oh” escaping her as she teasingly looked at Charlene and Thorne. Still, Thorne said nothing. Charlene felt even more awkward, knowing his embrace had never been intended for her.

Her phone rang. It was Helena.

Charlene answered, “Hey, Grandma.”

Helena mentioned her aunt’s return and the gifts she’d brought, inviting Charlene to dinner.

Looking at Irma, Charlene explained, “Minnie and I are at the Henderson Mansion now.” Irma had planned for them to visit the orchard later. The grandmothers were close friends. Upon hearing about Helena’s call, Irma suggested, “Then take Minnie back with you.” Turning to Thorne, she added, “Thorne, it’s been a while since you visited Helena. Take this chance to accompany Charlene.”

Still eating breakfast, Thorne replied indifferently, “I’ve got things to do later.”

Charlene wasn’t surprised. When it came to her, Thorne was always too busy. But for Vesta, he always made time, no matter how occupied. That was the difference.

Irma’s face fell. “What’s so urgent that you haven’t visited with Charlene in so long—”