Chapter 470
The next couple of days passed in a blur of busyness for Charlene, just like
always.
Because she’d been leaving early and coming back late, even though Jasmine
had moved in with the Ross family, mother and daughter barely saw each other.
Thorne was just as busy with work, but Charlene heard he called Jasmine almost
every day. She was never around when those calls happened, though, and had
no idea what they talked about.
Jasmine’s birthday fell on a Friday.
Maybe it was because Thorne had always given her plenty of attention and love,
but when it became clear he wouldn’t be able to make it home for her birthday,
Jasmine didn’t seem all that upset. She just hugged Charlene’s arm and said, “It’s
okay, Mom. As long as you’re with me on my birthday, that’s enough.”
Charlene had warned her she’d be working late that day too-maybe only enough
time to cook her a bowl of birthday noodles and give her a small present. Jasmine
tried to take it in stride, but Charlene could see the disappointment flicker in her
eyes.
It had been ages since Jasmine tasted one of her mother’s homemade cakes.
She missed them-missed that warm, sweet ritual. She’d thought, at the very
least, Charlene would find time to bake her a cake.
But living with the Ross family, Jasmine had seen for herself just how swamped
her mother was. Even if she was disappointed, she didn’t throw a tantrum or make
demands. She just sighed and said, “Okay, I understand…”
Charlene was truly overwhelmed these days. PrimeStar, The Henderson Group,
Axiom Flux Technologies every company seemed to have a mountain of issues
waiting for her input. She was working late into the night, barely managing to keep
her head above water.
It was Jasmine’s birthday, after all. She’d brought this child into the world. No
matter what, she owed her a certain responsibility. Even if she and Thorne weren’t
officially divorced yet, Charlene knew she’d already let Jasmine down by not
being there for her.
Thinking about this, Charlene said, “If I get off work early tomorrow, I’ll bake you a
cake.”
Jasmine brightened instantly. “Really? Thanks, Mom!”
But Thursday turned out to be an absolute chaos. By the time Charlene finished
her work, it was already three or four in the morning. She barely had time to go
home, shower, and collapse into bed-it was five a.m. by then. With a meeting at
Axiom Flux Technologies scheduled for nine, there was no way she could make a
cake.
All she managed was to cook a simple bowl of birthday noodles and hand
Jasmine her gift before rushing out the door.
By the time she finally returned home that night, it was after nine.
She glanced at her phone, thinking about the present she’d left that morning and
how she hadn’t even had a minute to wish Jasmine happy birthday in person. Her
heart twisted with guilt.
Stewart noticed her troubled expression. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Jasmine’s birthday today,” Charlene replied quietly.
Stewart could understand the complicated feelings Charlene had toward her
daughter. He knew that, no matter what, she still cared deeply.
He glanced at the clock. “It’s not too late. Go home you can still spend some
time with her.”
Charlene nodded.
She left the office and drove straight home.
When she walked in, Helena was still
awake. The elderly woman greeted
her in a gentle voice, “You’ve been
gone all day. Thorne didn’t call,
either. Minnie hasn’t been herself
today.”
Charlene paused. She hadn’t expected Thorne to go a whole day without calling.
Helena sighed, patting her hand. “She’s not asleep yet. Go upstairs and be with
her.”
Charlene nodded and headed upstairs.
Jasmine was sprawled across her
bed, reading a comic. When
Charlene opened the door, Jasmine
looked up and managed a small,
polite smile. “You’re back, Mom?”
“Yeah.” Charlene set down her purse, hesitating a moment before walking over.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy at work…”
“I get it,” Jasmine said, glancing up. “Mom, I really do.”
Jasmine seemed so mature, but
Charlene could see she wasn’t truly
happy. When Jasmine was happy
she loved to snuggle up and be a
little clingy. In the past, Charlene
always had ways to coax her
daughter into a better mood. Now,
standing there, she suddenly had no
idea what to say or do.
It hit her then on the surface, nothing had changed between them. But deep
down, there was a distance that hadn’t been there before.
Just then, Jasmine’s phone buzzed.
She glanced down at the screen. When she saw the caller ID-“Dad”-her face
didn’t light up, but she answered quickly, her tone a little flat. “Hello?”
Thorne’s cheerful voice came through the line. “Happy birthday, Minnie.”
Jasmine kept flipping through her comic, face blank. “Thanks.”
Thorne seemed to notice her mood, but wasn’t surprised. “Are you mad at me?”
Jasmine pressed her lips together and stayed silent.
“Sorry, sweetheart. I was on a plane all day and couldn’t call you…”
Still, Jasmine didn’t say a word.
Thorne chuckled. “Well, guess what? I’m right outside your grandmother’s
building. Minnie, come down-“
Jasmine shot upright in bed. “Dad, you’re back? You’re not messing with me, are
you?!”
Thorne’s voice was warm and smiling. “I came all this way just to spend your
birthday with you. It’s only a little after ten-I made it in time.”