Chapter 318
Charlene was just about to speak when Thorne’s phone buzzed again.
“Probably Vesta,” Thorne muttered, stepping out to take the call. His voice softened, “It’s not too serious, don’t worry too much…”
When Thorne came back after finishing his call, Jasmine was just waking up. She blinked sleepily at them and mumbled, “Daddy, Mommy.”
Charlene and Thorne replied in unison, “Yes, sweetheart.”
Jasmine, still feeling dizzy, looked from Thorne to Charlene. Barely awake for a moment, she furrowed her little brows and drifted back to sleep.
Thorne and Charlene chose to sit quietly, not wanting to disturb Jasmine. Once she was soundly asleep, Thorne turned to Charlene and asked, “Are you going to stay?”
Charlene didn’t respond verbally, but her stillness was answer enough.
Thorne didn’t press further. He simply settled onto the sofa across the room.
Charlene, sitting by the bed, leaned back and soon found herself dozing off.
When she awoke, daylight was streaming through the windows. She realized she was now lying on Jasmine’s hospital bed.
Charlene blinked, confused. Last night she had been-
She glanced over at the sofa. Thorne was there, dozing with his hand propping up his head.
Feeling her stare, or maybe just by coincidence, Thorne opened his eyes and their gazes met. Charlene quickly looked away, deciding not to ask if he had moved her to the bed.
Thorne didn’t mention it either. He unfolded his legs and stood, “Are you heading home for breakfast, or eating
here?”
Charlene didn’t answer, her plans were her own concern.
Seeing her silence, Thorne didn’t push. He simply nodded and let it be.
A little while later, Jasmine awoke. The doctor came in to check on her just as the housekeeper and Latonia arrived, carrying breakfast boxes.
“Morning, ma’am,” they greeted Charlene as they entered.
Charlene frowned slightly at the title but didn’t comment.
The housekeeper and Latonia arranged breakfast on the coffee table. Thorne had instructed them to bring an extra portion for Charlene.
“Ma’am, would you like to have some breakfast?” the housekeeper offered.
Charlene shook her head, turning to Jasmine, “Mommy’s going home to shower, I’ll be back later to see you, okay?”
“Okay,” Jasmine replied weakly, “But hurry back, Mommy…”
“Of course.”
Charlene picked up her bag, gave Jasmine one last look, and left.
Back at home, she showered and had breakfast before returning to the hospital. On her way, she called Stewart to update him about Jasmine, “I’ll check on things here, might return to the office this afternoon.”
After all, Jasmine was her daughter, and Charlene needed to be there for her.
Chapter 3
“Alright,” Stewart agreed.
At the hospital, Charlene found Granger and Moran in the room when she arrived.
Moran glanced at her, lips pursed, without speaking. Granger looked like he wanted to say something, but with Thorne there, he held back, casting a sidelong glance at him.
Thorne, noticing Charlene’s arrival, spoke first, “You’re here.”
Jasmine called out to Charlene too, “Mommy…”
Charlene nodded, “Yes, sweetie.”
Granger and Moran, with work awaiting them, didn’t linger. After greeting Jasmine and exchanging a glance with Charlene, they took their leave.
Jasmine’s condition wasn’t severe, so one person could easily stay with her.
Charlene thought Thorne would leave with Granger and Moran, but he stayed, managing his work from the hospital room while being there for Jasmine.
Seeing this, Charlene said nothing.
That afternoon, as Jasmine napped, Charlene closed her eyes for a brief rest herself. When she awoke, she saw the housekeeper in the room.
She overheard Thorne, still tapping at his laptop, instruct the housekeeper, “Since she’s awake, take the tonic to her.”
The housekeeper approached Charlene with a smile, holding a small bowl. “Ma’am, Mr. Thorne had some tonic prepared for you. Would you like some?”
Charlene, still groggy, took a moment to process. When she did, she frowned slightly and glanced at Thorne. The housekeeper and Latonia were used to calling her ‘ma’am,‘ but Thorne? What was he playing at?
Just then, Jasmine woke up, and Charlene let the matter drop.
By the next morning, Jasmine had noticeably improved and wasn’t feeling dizzy anymore. After a quick check–up where the doctor confirmed she was fine, Thorne arranged for her to be discharged.
Though Jasmine needed a few days of rest at home, she clung to Charlene’s hand. “Mommy, do you have to go to work? Can’t you stay with me at home?”
Charlene replied, “Maybe next time.”
With Jasmine recovering, Charlene felt her duty was fulfilled. As for Thorne’s place, she had no intention of returning there.
“Okay,” Jasmine sighed.
Thorne, standing by, finally spoke, “Alright, Minnie, say goodbye to Mommy.”
Jasmine waved, “Goodbye, Mommy.”
“Goodbye,” Charlene said, getting into her car and driving away from the hospital.
