During their marriage, Thorne had never held her like this while sleeping, and a good morning kiss? That waspletely unheard of. Charlene was convinced Thorne must have thought she was Vesta.


    With pursed lips and slowly reddening eyes, Charlene watched Thorne, who remained asleep. She swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat, took a deep breath, and carefully distanced herself, extracting herself from his embrace. Their bodies were so close that even the slightest movement from her would disturb him.


    Sure enough, as soon as she removed his hand from her waist and sat up, intending to pull her legs away, Thorne woke up. Their eyes met.


    Coming to his senses and realizing the mix-up, Thorne hesitated before unwrapping his legs.


    Charlene withdrew hers, turned away without another nce, and slid into her slippers before heading to the Bathroom. When she finished and came out, Thorne was nowhere to be seen in the room.


    When she stepped out, she saw him at the end of the hallway, still in his pajamas, absorbed in a phone call. Charlene gave him just a quick nce before heading downstairs.


    Irma was already up. Shortly after, Jasmine descended the stairs as well.


    Irma beamed, "Now that everyone''s awake, let''s have breakfast."


    Jasmine cheered, "Sure!"


    Just as Jasmine finished speaking, Thorne came down and sat beside Charlene.


    Recalling the morning''s incident, Charlene shifted slightly, widening the gap between them.


    Munching on her cereal, Jasmine turned to Thorne with wide, curious eyes, "Dad, do you like cuddling with Mommy when you sleep?"


    Charlene, sipping her coffee, nearly choked upon hearing this.


    Thorne remained silent.


    Charlene''s face, flushed from coughing, turned even redder with embarrassment.


    However, Irma was delighted by the question. "Oh? Why do you ask, Minnie?"


    "Just now, when I woke up and went to Mom''s room, I found Daddy holding Mommy in his arms..."


    Irmaughed. A long "Oh" escaped her as she teasingly looked at Charlene and Thorne.


    Still, Thorne said nothing.


    Charlene felt even more awkward, knowing Thorne''s intended embrace was never for her.


    Her phone rang at that moment. It was Helena.


    Charlene answered, "Hey, Grandma."


    On the other end, Helena mentioned that her aunt was back in town and had brought gifts, asking Charlene toe for dinner.


    Looking at Irma, Charlene exined, "Minnie and I are at the Henderson Mansion now."


    Irma had ns for them to apany her to the orchardter.


    The grandmothers were close friends. Upon learning of Helena''s call, Irma suggested, "Then take Minnie back with you."


    08:39


    p


    Turning to Thorne, she added, "Thorne, it''s been a while since you visited Helena. Take this chance to apany Charlene back for a visit."


    Still eating breakfast, Thorne replied indifferently, "I''ve got things to doter."


    Charlene wasn''t surprised by his response. When it came to her, Thorne was always too busy. But for Vesta, he always made time, no matter how upied. That was the difference. Irma''s face fell. "What''s so urgent that you''ve not visited with Charlene in so long-"