Chapter 47

Outside, footsteps resounded. Thome had returned. "Daddy!" "Hmm." Thorne went in and stood by the bed. Charlene attempted to set Jasmine down to make place for Thorne when she saw him, but Jasmine clung to her and reached for her father. Jasmine was raised into Thorne's arms as he approached. Charlene could smell his fragrance as she held Jasmine close. However, there was a faint hint of women's perfume mixed in with that well-known scent. At the dinner party earlier, she had smelled something on Vesta. When the smells subsided, Charlene looked away and stood up to put some distance between them. Thorne, wearing a stylish watch, put his wrist lightly on Jasmine's forehead before turning to face Charlene.

"Is her fever going well? Did it drop a little? Charlene repeated what the doctor had said. "The fever has changed from high to low, although it is still erratic. It could spike once more. "I see." Unwilling to leave, Jasmine curled up in Thome's arms as he sat next to her on the bed. She scowled, though. "Your jacket is really stiff, Daddy. After removing his jacket, Thorne gave it to Charlene. Reflexively, she grasped it and held it close till the blend of scents hit her, bringing up their upcoming divorce with her. In the past, she wouldn't want to let go of his jacket since it would have seemed like a priceless moment of joy.

However, she calmly put the jacket down and said to Jasmine, "I'll go make some soup." Jasmine seems to get a little more animated when both parents are present. When she heard about the soup, she nodded dutifully and said, "Okay, thanks, Mommy." Grinning, Charlene walked out of Jasmine's room. Thorne's eyes landed on the suit jacket she had left on the chair as he watched her go. Charlene started the soup and then started prepping other ingredients. Her hands were clean when she came out of the kitchen twenty minutes later. Charlene reluctantly went upstairs. As she turned a corner on the second level, she noticed Thorne talking on the phone at a window at the end of the corridor.

"Her temperature has decreased. Don't worry," he said. Did he speak to Vesta? Was Vesta truly concerned about Jasmine? Withdrawing her eyes, Charlene went into Jasmine's room. After her treatment, Jasmine had dozed off while perspiring heavily. Latonia was cleaning her tenderly. Presuming Charlene wanted to take care of Jasmine herself, Latonia stepped aside when she saw her and provided her the towel. Charlene had always done it that way. She was involved in everything involving Jasmine and Thorne. Charlene gave a headshake.

Without giving it any thought, Latonia took a moment to quietly assist Jasmine in changing into dry clothes. "Did the doctor leave?" Charlene said as she sat on the couch once Latonia was done. "Yes." "What did the doctor say? Will the fever come back?" She was debating whether or not to spend the night. "The doctor doesn't think so." "That's good." Charlene probably didn't need to stay the night because Jasmine was fine. Downstairs, the soup was still simmering. Latonia was in the kitchen when Charlene went down after sitting for a bit. "I'll watch it closely. It's been a long day for you. Why don't you take a seat and relax a little?