Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time

The next couple of days passed in a blur of busyness for Charlene, just like always.

Because she'd been leaving early and coming back late, even though Jasmine had moved in with the Ross family, mother and daughter barely saw each other. Thorne was just as busy with work, but Charlene heard he called Jasmine almost every day. She was never around when those calls happened, though, and had no idea what they talked about.

Jasmine's birthday fell on a Friday.

Maybe it was because Thorne had always given her plenty of attention and love, but when it becclear he wouldn't be able to make it hfor her birthday, Jasmine didn't seem all that upset. She just hugged Charlene's arm and said, "It's okay, Mom. As long as you're withon my birthday, that's enough." Charlene had warned her she'd be working late that day too-maybe only enough tto cook her a bowl of birthday noodles and give her a small present. Jasmine tried to take it in stride, but Charlene could see the disappointment flicker in her eyes.

It had been ages since Jasmine tasted one of her mother's homemade cakes. She missed them-missed that warm, sweet ritual. She'd thought, at the very least, Charlene would find tto bake her a cake.

But living with the Ross family, Jasmine had seen for herself just how swamped her mother was. Even if she was disappointed, she didn't throw a tantrum or make demands. She just sighed and said, "Okay, I understand..." Charlene was truly overwhelmed these days. PrimeStar, The Henderson Group, Axiom Flux Technologies every company seemed to have a mountain of issues waiting for her input. She was working late into the night, barely managing to keep her head above water.

It was Jasmine's birthday, after all. She'd brought this child into the world. No matter what, she owed her a certain responsibility. Even if she and Thorne weren't officially divorced yet, Charlene knew she'd already let Jasmine down by not being there for her.

Thinking about this, Charlene said, "If I get off work early tomorrow, I'll bake you a cake." Jasmine brightened instantly. "Really? Thanks, Mom!" But Thursday turned out to be an absolute chaos. By the tCharlene finished her work, it was already three or four in the morning. She barely had tto go home, shower, and collapse into bed-it was five a.m. by then. With a meeting at Axiom Flux Technologies scheduled for nine, there was no way she could make a cake.

All she managed was to cook a simple bowl of birthday noodles and hand Jasmine her gift before rushing out the door.

By the tshe finally returned hthat night, it was after nine.

She glanced at her phone, thinking about the present she'd left that morning and how she hadn't even had a minute to wish Jasmine happy birthday in person. Her heart twisted with guilt.

Stewart noticed her troubled expression. "What's wrong?" "It's Jasmine's birthday today," Charlene replied quietly.

Stewart could understand the complicated feelings Charlene had toward her daughter. He knew that, no matter what, she still cared deeply.

He glanced at the clock. "It's not too late. Go hyou can still spend stwith her." Charlene nodded.

She left the office and drove straight home.

When she walked in, Helena was still awake. The elderly woman greeted her in a gentle voice, "You've been gone all day. Thorne didn't call, either. Minnie hasn't been herself today." Charlene paused. She hadn't expected Thorne to go a whole day without calling. Helena sighed, patting her hand. "She's not asleep yet. Go upstairs and be with her." Charlene nodded and headed upstairs.

Jasmine was sprawled across her bed, reading a comic. When Charlene opened the door, Jasmine looked up and managed a small, polite smile. "You're back, Mom?" "Yeah." Charlene set down her purse, hesitating a moment before walking over.

"I'm sorry I've been so busy at work..." "I get it," Jasmine said, glancing up. "Mom, I really do." Jasmine seemed so mature, but Charlene could see she wasn't truly happy. When Jasmine was happy she loved to snuggle up and be a little clingy. In the past, Charlene always had ways to coax her daughter into a better mood. Now, standing there, she suddenly had no idea what to say or do.

It hit her then on the surface, nothing had changed between them. But deep down, there was a distance that hadn't been there before.

Just then, Jasmine's phone buzzed.

She glanced down at the screen. When she saw the caller ID-"Dad"-her face didn't light up, but she answered quickly, her tone a little flat. "Hello?" Thorne's cheerful voice cthrough the line. "Happy birthday, Minnie." Jasmine kept flipping through her comic, face blank. "Thanks."

Thorne seemed to notice her mood, but wasn't surprised. "Are you mad at me? Jasmine pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

"Sorry, sweetheart. I was on a plane all day and couldn't call you..." Still, Jasmine didn't say a word.

Thorne chuckled. "Well, guess what? I'm right outside your grandmother's building. Minnie, cdown-"

Jasmine shot upright in bed. "Dad, you're back? You're not messing with me, are you?!"

Thorne's voice was warm and The call this smiling. "I call this way just to spend your birthday with you. It's only a little after ten-I made it in time."