Charlene nodded, but before she could speak, Thorne added, "There''s no rush. We can pick some more before we leave."


    "...Okay."


    The estate also boasted vineyards, apple orchards, and, down in the valley, fields of corn and peanuts, all ripe for harvest. After the pomegranates and peaches, Jasmine insisted on picking grapes. Once they had a basketful, she even made her own fruit juice with the help of the staff.


    The manager smiled. "Our resident winemaker happens to be on-site today. If Mr. Henderson and Ms. Ross are interested, you could try your hand at making your own wine."


    Before Charlene could decline, Jasmine pped her hands. "Yes, please!"


    But her energy was finite. After drinking her juice, she grew tired, snuggling into Charlene''s arms, her eyelids drooping. Still, she fought sleep, murmuring about wanting to pick corn, dig for peanuts, and catch fish in the pond.


    Seeing Charlene struggle to hold her, Thorne gently took Jasmine into his own arms. "You''re tired. Get some rest. You can do all that when you wake up."


    "Okay..." Jasmine mumbled, letting out a big yawn. Within moments, she was fast asleep.


    Thorne turned to the manager. "Could you arrange a room for us?"


    The manager smiled. "A room is already prepared, sir. Please, follow me."


    Thorne nodded and then looked at Charlene. "Let''s go."


    Charlene, exhausted from being pulled all over the estate by Jasmine, was ready for a rest. But when she heard Thorne ask for only one room, she hesitated.


    The vi on the estate was clearly designed for the wealthy elite-it was spacious and impably decorated. When they reached the second floor and entered the room, Charlene understood why Thorne had only requested one. It was a family suite, enormous, with three separate bedrooms.


    After opening the door for them, the manager discreetly left.


    "You must be tired too," Thorne said to Charlene. "Go get some rest."


    Charlene nodded. "Okay... I''ll sleep with Minnie."


    Thorne smiled. "Of course."


    He carried Jasmine into one of the bedrooms,id her on the bed, and carefully removed her shoes. Then he went into the adjoining bathroom and returned with a warm, damp towel to gently wipe her face.


    Charlene stood by the door, watching him.


    When he was finished, he turned to her. "Go on, rest."


    "...Alright." Remembering what was on her mind, she nced at the sleeping


    Jasmine and lowered her voice. "About finalizing the divorce..."


    "As soon as my schedule clears up, I''ll be in touch."


    Charlene wasn''t satisfied. "You can''t find thirty minutes?"


    Thorne just smiled, a look of weary resignation on his face. He didn''t say a word but his expression clearly conveyed to you really think if t Could spare the time, I''d be dragging this out?*


    She knew he was more eager for this divorce than she was.


    "There are clean robes in the closet," he said softly. "Get some sleep."


    Before she could reply, he turned and left, gently closing the door behind him.


    Charlene stood frozen for a long


    moment before finally moving to the


    closet. She quickly washed her face, changed into a robe and slipped into bed beside Jasmine, falling asleep almost instantly.


    She must have slept for a long time. When she woke, the space beside her was empty.


    She changed back into her clothes and went out into the living area of the suite. Thorne was the only one there. Hearing her, he turned with a smile. "You''re awake."