LOGINYork and Dalton were in a comfortable stillness until York's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, groaned, and put the phone back. York remarked, "Looks like I've got something to take care of," in an apologetic tone. "I ought to leave. Would you like to accompany me? Dalton's eyes became more focused as he jolted out of his reverie. "No, I'm holding out for someone. You may proceed. We'll talk again later. "Alright, see ya." York waved and walked off, blending into the street's commotion. After seeing him go, Dalton pivoted and headed toward the coffee shop across the street.He almost ran into Vesta, who was escorting young Jasmine to the bathroom, as he pushed open the café door. Oh, Mr. Ramirez? What a shock! Vesta's eyes widened in recognition as she exclaimed. "Yeah," Dalton said, allowing the door to close behind him. He looked around the room before focusing on Thorne, who was engrossed in a discussion with the barista behind the counter. Dalton's gaze shifted
"Hey there, want to buy some candied apples?" Charlene pivoted. She was drawn to the shiny, vivid crimson of the candied apples, and her heart was somewhat pulled. She hadn't had one in a very long time. She looked at Jasmine with that thinking. As it turned out, Jasmine was contentedly eating her own candied apple. Nearby, Vesta was curled up close to Thorne, engrossed in conversation while holding a bouquet of red flowers. Jasmine offered Vesta her partially consumed goodie in a lighthearted gesture. Vesta chuckled and took a mouthful from Jasmine's palm. Jasmine then offered it to Thorne after taking another bite.Thorne simply declined, shook his head, and murmured something Charlene couldn't hear. Charlene returned her focus to the seller. "I'll take a bunch of strawberries, please." She started to ask York if he wanted anything, but he interrupted her. "I've got this." He took the candied apples from the vendor and gave them to her while hastily pulling out his phone to make the
After giving it some thought, she laughed quietly and said, "Alright." They followed the throng. Vibrant fireworks burst over the river as soon as they got to the railing, causing the throng to gasp and giggle, but the loud noises of the explosions soon drowned them out. While others made wishes beneath the glittering display, many were preoccupied with taking pictures with their phones. "Want me to record a video for you?" he offered, observing Charlene watching in silence. Charlene gave a headshake. "No need; I'm just enjoying the view." York did not follow up.Vesta turned to look at them at that moment. York stood out despite their distance of many meters thanks to their tall stature and unique appearance. They were slightly acquainted, having met York a few times previously. Vesta was debating whether to tell Thorne, who was holding Jasmine, about it and approach them when she spotted Charlene, who had been briefly hidden by York. Vesta's joy dimmed when she saw Charlene. How com
Jasmine loved Christmas so much. She and Hermon used to decorate the Christmas tree at home each year. They would walk through the busy streets on Christmas Day, taking in the joy of everyone around them. However, those beloved Christmas customs had diminished since Jasmine and Thorne relocated overseas. She had actually given up on Christmas completely. She was making an effort to move on. Jasmine was, after all, her daughter, whom she had reared for so many years after carrying for nine months. Now, as she stood in the middle of the thronging masses, memories came flooding back, evoking feelings she had previously dismissed.Charlene looked around and said, "Ms. Ross?" York was the place. With a courteous nod, she said, "Mr. Watson." "What brings you here on your own?" With a smile on her face, Charlene said, "Just out to pick up some greenery for the house." In fact, York had seen Charlene standing by herself in the crowd; her look and silhouette seemed to be mired in loneliness. S
They desired to speak with her briefly. "Charlene..." Henley began. "Mr. Hawkins, are you here to announce to everyone about you and Charlene?" Stewart asked with a laugh before Charlene could reply. "Mr. Ferguson, I have something to discuss with Charlene, if you could just—" Stewart didn't even let Charlene speak before he stepped in. "If Mr. Hawkins wants to let everyone know about you and Charlene, by all means, go ahead." Henley's smile wavered a little, but he quickly forced a laugh. Henley did not want to irritate Stewart.Thus, he and Laverne were forced to depart with a dejected sigh. However, he told Charlene, "I'll give you a call later, don't forget," before leaving. Charlene chose not to answer. She just didn't give a damn. She was most definitely not going to answer the phone. "I'd love to just let it all go up in flames," Stewart said, clearly irritated. Charlene had similar feelings. However, she had yet to uncover any evidence that would absolve her of the Thorne even
Their eyebrows furrowed slightly as they looked at Thorne, Charlene, and then Vesta. "Been a while since you played chess?" Thorne asked abruptly during the quiet. Without looking up, Charlene simply replied, "Yeah," as she concentrated on undermining his plan. She had essentially given up playing chess since becoming married to him. "You seem a bit rusty," Thorne remarked. Charlene remained focused on the board and did not respond. The circumstances were not favorable to her. There appeared to be a promising path close to Thorne's side, but in fact, he had put traps there, waiting for her to fall for them so he could surprise her. After giving it some thought, Charlene moved away from his traps. At last, the board started to clean up. Thorne was now at a disadvantage.Thorne smiled and arched an eyebrow, pausing for a long moment before continuing. Once again, the game became tense. Charlene lost by a slim margin after a few more exchanges. "Pity," said Campbell, "but compared to the
Charlene was not at all shocked to see that Vesta had picked up the phone. She and Thorne were almost inseparable, after all. What if she picked up Thorne's phone? Charlene said calmly, "I'm looking for Thorne." "He's taking a shower," Vesta said icily, identifying Charlene's voice on the other end
The sound of youngsters playing in the distance and the soft rustle of trees blended with Charlene's and Daisy's laughing as they successfully launched their kite into the clear sky. Granger observed them, a faint smile spreading across his face as he took in Charlene's contagious laughter. The ent
That is, she was responsible for caring for Jasmine every weekend. Thorne's visits to Jasmine have been more regular in recent years, for unknown reasons. If Thorne was unable due to personal or truly unavoidable circumstances, it was up to Charlene to step in and take Jasmine under her wing. Charl
Jasmine had requested Charlene drop her off at school the next day, and Charlene had granted her every request. They hadn't seen one another in ten days since their retreat at Sapphire Springs Resort. Charlene thus spent the night at the villa. master She did not, however, go back to the master bed







