Chapter 1

Charlene Ross arrived at Goldland Airport after nine o'clock in the evening. Her birthday was that day. Her phone exploded with birthday greetings as soon as she turned it on. They were all from friends and coworkers. However, Thorne Henderson said nothing. Charlene's grin dimmed a bit. It was already past ten when she arrived at the villa. When Latonia, the housekeeper, saw her, she was taken aback. "Mrs. Ross, what... what brings you here?" ""Where are Minnie and Thorne?" Miss Minnie is up in her room playing, and Mr. Henderson hasn't returned home yet.

Charlene went upstairs and gave Latonia her luggage. She discovered her daughter curled up in her pajamas, completely engrossed in whatever she was doing at her small table, and too preoccupied to see her mother entering. "Minnie?" "Mommy!" said Jasmine Henderson, beaming as she glanced up. Then she immediately returned to her task. Charlene embraced her, but she was gently pushed away. "Mommy, I'm busy now." Charlene hadn't seen Jasmine in two months, and a hug didn't seem like enough.

She couldn't wait to see her again. Charlene didn't want to depress her since she could see how focused she was. "Are you making a seashell necklace, Minnie?" ""Yeah!" Jasmine became alert. "Next week is Ms. Hawkins' birthday. These shells were chosen by Dad and me, and we polished them ourselves. Don't they look lovely? A knot formed in Charlene's throat, but before she could say anything more, Jasmine enthusiastically added, "Dad also ordered some other things for Ms. Hawkins.

Tomorrow—" Charlene couldn't contain the sharp pain in her chest. "Minnie... do you know what today is?" "What, huh?" After taking a quick look up, Jasmine made her necklace once more and said, "Mom, please, I mixed up the order of the beads now." It's Charlene; Seeing Jasmine not even bothering to look up, she left the room without a word. Latonia noticed her upset expression.

"Earlier, Mrs. Henderson, I gave Mr. Henderson a call. "I understand," he responded, adding, "I'm tied up tonight and asked you to rest." Recalling what Jasmine had said, Charlene called Thorne. He took a long time to respond, his voice aloof. "I'm still occupied. Let's discuss tomorrow. "Who's that late, Thorne?" In the background came the voice of Vesta Hawkins. Charlene's hold on the phone becomes unimportant; Thorne had hung up before Charlene could say anything. Months have passed since their last encounter.

Although Charlene had been to Goldland, he was unable to return home or even remain on the phone long enough to have a meaningful conversation. She had been used to the frigid, irritable, and distant nature of their marriage, which had always existed. Normally, she would have calmly called him back to find out where he was and to ask if he might come home. But maybe she was too tired to find the energy to do it. After some consideration, she called Thorne again the next morning. In Goldland, it was still her birthday because of the time difference between Goldland and her native country.

She arrived wanting to see Thorne and Jasmine, hoping they could eat together as a family on this wonderful day. That was her annual birthday desire. Thorne did not answer. He sent a message a long time after. [How are you?] Charlene: Want to grab lunch? Would you be able to bring Minnie? The three of us alone.] Thorne: [All right, tell me the location.] Thorne fell mute in silence.