As it turned out, she wasn''t wrong. Satisfied, she didn''t message him again.


    After dinner, Nadine Ross and her brother left to meet up with their friends. Jasmine was eager to go out too. She wasn''t sure what she wanted to do until she saw a news report on TV showing families strolling through the festive city streets. The sight of the bustling crowds and colorful attractions made her eyes light up.


    "It looks so much livelier outside during the holidays!" she eximed. "I don''t think I''ve ever been out with both Mommy and Daddy during Christmas before. I want to go for a walk!"


    It was true. In the first few years of their marriage, Thorne had been distant, often spending holidays abroad. Even after he started making an effort with Jasmine, their holiday outings had never included Charlene.


    As Charlene was lost in thought, she heard Thorne''s simple reply to their daughter. "Okay."


    Charlene looked up, her eyes meeting his. Jasmine tugged on her hand. "Mommy?" She pulled her gaze away from Thorne. "Alright, sweetie."


    Soon, the three of them were strolling down the main promenade, which was just as lively as it had looked on TV. Jasmine was ecstatic, pointing at food stalls, begging for a uniquely shaped balloon, and running over to watch a group of people singing carols outside a pub. A grin was stered on her face the entire time.


    To keep her from getting lost in the crowd, Thorne stayed close by her side. When she darted ahead, he gently pinched her cheek. “Don''t run so fast," he chided, ncing back at Charlene, who was trying to keep up. “You''re leaving your mother behind."


    "Okay, I''m sorry," Jasmine said, immediately contrite.


    She stopped in front of a stall selling artisan candy, deciding she wanted a figure shaped like a superhero. The woman running the stall looked


    from Thorne to the approaOoked


    Charlene and smiled. "Are these your parents, little one?" she asked


    Jasmine. "They make such a


    beautiful couple."


    Jasmine, her hands already full of other treats, nodded enthusiastically. “Uh-huh! They''re my mommy and daddy."


    "They look like movie stars," the woman chuckled. "Just lovely."


    Charlene and Thorne both offered polite smiles but said nothing.


    The streets grew more crowded as the evening went on, and fireworks began to light up the sky. While making sure Jasmine didn''t get jostled Thorne would often pufa protective arm around Charlene''s back to shield her from the throng. Each time, Charlene felt no particr emotion, simply offering a quiet, courteous "thank you."


    After walking for a while, Jasmine stopped at a small stall selling decorativenterns. "I want that one!" she said happily, pointing at a rabbit shapedntern. She turned to her mother. "Daddy bought me one of thesest year, remember, Mommy? I showed it to you."


    At the mention of it, Charlene''s gaze fell to the ground. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I remember."


    Of course, she remembered. She remembered buying an identical rabbitntern for Daisyst Christmas. But she hadn''t bought one for Jasmine.


    Oblivious to her mother''s inner turmoil, Jasmine beamed when Thorne bought her


    the newntern. She took it happily and said, “Daisy had onest year, too! I wonder


    if anyone got her one this year. I''ll call and ask herter!"