Chapter 59

After they walked away, Connie looked at Charlene with concern. "Charlene..."

Charlene shook her head, her voice soft but firm. "I'm fine."

From the moment Henley divorced her mother, he ceased to be her father in her heart. It wasn't just the divorce that hurt her but was the strain her relationship put on her uncle. And Thorne's preference was like salt in the wound. Thinking about how Thorne only had eyes for Vesta, how he could be so ruthless to Stewart and her uncle for Vesta's sake, never sparing a thought for her feelings, it felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Bleeding, yet unseen. "Charlene, here." Connie hugged her, her heart aching for her friend.

Charlene managed a weak smile, saying nothing.

It was okay. Charlene had decided to move on. She just needed a bit of time. She could do it.

"Want to grab a drink?" Connie felt Charlene needed to unwind.

Charlene shook her head. "No, thanks."