Chapter 23

Inna was unable to suppress her frustration. She felt that Charlene's too kind and indulgent treatment of Thorne had cost them many chances over the years and prevented their relationship from moving on. But Irma didn't bring up the subject since Charlene had already made up her mind. After supper officially began, there was a lovely mood as everyone ate and spoke. But Charlene spoke very little, keeping her head down and concentrating on her food. The pair had not spoken to each other since Thome had arrived more than ten minutes earlier.

As was customary in their relationship, they did not communicate throughout the nighttime. There was nothing out of the ordinary, and everyone appeared accustomed to it. * Jasmine used to rely on Charlene to get things from the table, but she had become accustomed to asking Thorne directly. But her eyes went to Charlene when she wanted shrimp. Charlene had a custom of peeling shrimp for Thorne and herself.

When Jasmine stated, "Mommy, I want some shrimp," Jasmine was Charlene's kid, despite the fact that she was thinking about getting a divorce and didn't want to argue over child custody. She believed it was her obligation to look after her and meet her needs as best she could. Ama observed something when Charlene set down her fork to peel the shrimp after Jasmine urged her to do so. "Of course, sweetheart." "Charlene, where's your ring?"

Thorne and everyone else's eyes were drawn to Charlene's hands by the inquiry. Irma had created Charlene a wedding band, which she wore despite the precarious state of her marriage to Thorne. Thorne, on the other hand, had never worn his, and no one knew where it was. Everyone had become used to the fact that Charlene had never been without her ring throughout the years. She was frequently made fun of for it by Tiffany. Before Irma pointed it out, no one had realized that it was the first day she had not been wearing it.

When peeling the shrimp, Charlene's hands faltered, but she immediately recovered and replied nonchalantly, "I rushed out of the house this morning and left it behind." Actually, she had removed the ring as she was getting the divorce papers ready and put it in an envelope with them. Charlene, however, decided not to share the full truth since she knew Irma would never approve of the divorce and she and Thorne had not formally split. When Irma heard the explanation, she laughed. "Oh, is that so?" Everyone then went back to their supper as if nothing had occurred.

After dinner, the party continued to chat while moving to the living room for desserts and fruit. Irma, ever the matchmaker, suggested that Charlene and Thorne sit together in an attempt to persuade them to become closer. However, Thorne didn't even look at Charlene, who sat next to him grudgingly since she didn't want to turn down Irma's pleas once more. They hadn't sat so close in months, and Charlene could smell Thorne's mild, familiar fragrance clearly. However, her heart stayed at ease, and she savored her fruit pudding in silence without making an effort to speak to Thorne. Irma, however, appeared happy as she examined them and remarked, "You two make a lovely couple." Yes, they were a match from the outside. While Charlene was quiet, kind, and stunningly beautiful, Thorne was a dapper and sophisticated man.