Chapter 91

Thorne had never slept with her like this during their marriage, and a kiss in the morning? That was totally unheard of. Charlene was certain that Thorne must have mistaken her for Vesta. Charlene studied Thorne, who was still asleep, her lips pursed and her eyes steadily turning red. She took a long breath, swallowed the resentment building in her throat, and gradually pulled away from him. Even the smallest movement from her would startle him because their bodies were so near. Indeed, Thorne woke up as soon as she took his hand off her waist and sat up with the intention of pulling her legs away.

Their gazes locked. Thorne hesitated before unwrapping his legs after recognizing the error and coming to his senses. Withdrawing hers, Charlene turned away without another look, slipped into her slippers, and went to the restroom. Thorne was not in the room when she was done and emerged. He was still in his jammies and engrossed in a phone call at the end of the corridor when she emerged. Charlene glanced at him briefly before going downstairs. Irma was awake already. Jasmine came down the stairs shortly after. Irma was beaming. "Now that everyone's awake, let's have breakfast." "Sure!"

exclaimed Jasmine. Thorne descended and took a seat next to Charlene as Jasmine was wrapping up her remarks. Charlene moved a little, creating more space between them as she remembered what had happened that morning. Jasmine glanced to Thorne, her eyes wide with curiosity as she munched on her cereal. "Dad, do you like cuddling with Mommy when you sleep?" When Charlene heard this, she almost coughed while drinking her coffee. Thorne said nothing. Coughing caused Charlene's cheeks to flush, but embarrassment made it much redder. But the question delighted Irma. Oh? Minnie, why do you ask?

"Just now, when I woke up and went to Mom's room, I found Daddy holding Mommy in his arms..." Irma chuckled. She gave Charlene and Thorne a playful glance and let out a loud "Oh." Thorne remained silent. Knowing that Thorne's intended embrace was never for her made Charlene feel even more uncomfortable. Just then, her phone rang. Helena was the one. In response, Charlene said, "Hey, Grandma." Helena, on the other hand, asked Charlene to join her for supper and explained that her aunt had returned to town with gifts. Charlene said, glancing at Irma, "Minnie and I are at the Henderson Mansion now."

Irma intended for them to go to the orchard with her later. The grandmothers had a close friendship. When Irma heard that Helena had called, she said, "Then take Minnie back with you." 08:39 p.m. "Thorne, it's been a while since you visited Helena," she continued, turning to face Thorne. Seize the opportunity to visit Charlene once more. Thorne, who was still having breakfast, said apathetically, "I've got things to do later." His reply did not surprise Charlene. Thorne was always too preoccupied with her. But no matter how busy, he always found time for Vesta. That was the distinction. Irma's expression darkened. "What's so urgent that you've not visited with Charlene in so long—"