Chapter 3

It was just past nine when Thome and Jasmine got home.

Jasmine clung to her dad's shirt. Her movements were sluggish as she got out of the car. She didn't want to come home because her mom was there.-

But Vesta had told her that Charlene came specially to spend time with her and her dad. They couldn't just stay out, which would break Charlene's heart.

Thome had also mentioned that if they didn't come home tonight, Charlene would join them on their boating trip tomorrow.

Reluctantly, she agreed to return. Still, she couldn't help worrying, muttering, "Dad, what if Mommy insists on coming with us tomorrow?"

"It won't happen," Thorne said with assurance.

Over the years of their marriage, Charlene always tried to find chances to spend more time with him, but she was sensible enough to back off whenever he made it clear he needed space.