Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel 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 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.”