Chapter 206
That’s good to hear.” Granger felt a sense of relief and didn’t press further.
Charlene exchanged a quick goodbye with Stewart before leaving the office.
When she arrived at the house and entered Jasmine’s room, Thorne was seated at the desk engrossed in work. Seeing her, he glanced up and said, “You’re here.”
Charlene replied, “… Yeah.” She set her purse down and moved to the bed to check on Jasmine.
Jasmine was still hooked up to an IV, looking a bit tired with her brow furrowed as she slept.
Charlene didn’t wake her and instead asked Thorne, “How is she doing?”
“When I got back, she was in pain, but she seems to be doing much better now.”
“Okay.”
Charlene settled into an armchair nearby, pulled out a book, and planned to read while waiting for Jasmine to wake up.
Thorne glanced over, asking, “Have you eaten yet?”
Charlene shook her head and replied, “No.”
Just as Thorne was about to say something more, Jasmine stirred awake.
Spotting Charlene, she exclaimed in surprise, “Mom? You’re home!”
“Yes.” Charlene closed her book, moved to sit by the bed, and before she could speak, Jasmine sat up to hug her neck, adding, “Mom, you’re finally back.”
Feeling her daughter’s soft little body against her, Charlene hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace, careful of the IV line.
After resting with the IV for over half an hour, Jasmine seemed much more energetic and sheepishly admitted, “Mom, I’m hungry.”
Thorne turned in his chair, asking, “Should we have someone bring food up?”
Jasmine peeked out from Charlene’s arms, replying, “No, I want to eat something you made, Mom.”
Charlene considered this. “How about we eat what’s ready now, and I’ll cook for you next time?” “Okay,” Jasmine pouted a bit but quickly added, “but you have to eat with me, Mom.” “Of course.”
Jasmine visibly brightened with Charlene’s presence.
With the IV almost finished, Thorne carefully removed the needle, and Jasmine promptly demanded to be carried downstairs for dinner.
As Charlene lifted her, she noticed Jasmine felt a bit heavier and slightly taller. Had she really grown this much in just twenty days?
“Mom?” Jasmine reached up to touch Charlene’s face, sensing something was on her mind.
Charlene said nothing, just carried her downstairs.
Thorne closed his laptop, trailing behind them, and when he saw Jasmine grinning on Charlene’s shoulder, he gently pinched her cheek. Jasmine, in high spirits, didn’t mind.
09:34
Downstairs, Jasmine sat beside Charlene, picking at the food Charlene served her while chatting about what she wanted for breakfast the next day. Seeing Jasmine was mostly back to her usual self, Charlene explained, “I have some work to do later, so we’ll have to save those breakfast plans for next time.” Thorne glanced at Charlene but kept quiet.
Jasmine wasn’t satisfied. “Mom, you’re always busy with work. You finally came back, and now you’re leaving again? I don’t like it!”
Seeing her daughter’s puffed-up cheeks, Charlene realized that visiting just once a month wasn’t enough. “Alright,” she relented, “Mom will stay with you tonight.” Jasmine beamed and quickly added, “And take me to school tomorrow.”
Charlene, eating, nodded, “Okay.”
Having missed Charlene, after dinner, Jasmine dragged her upstairs, eagerly sharing stories from school about Ter friends, teachers, and hobbies.
Charlene listened and after a while noticed Thorne leaning against the doorframe, watching them with a soft expression. She wondered when he had come over.