Chapter 239
Jasmine absolutely adored Christmas. Every year, she used to decorate the Christmas tree at home with her
mom.
On Christmas Day, they’d stroll through the bustling streets, soaking in the festive spirit with everyone around them.
But ever since Jasmine moved abroad with Thorne, those cherished Christmas traditions had faded. In fact, she had stopped celebrating Christmas altogether. She was trying to move on. After all, Jasmine was her daughter, the one she had carried for nine months and raised for so many years.
Now, as she stood amidst the bustling crowds, memories surged back, stirring emotions she thought she had set aside.
“Ms. Ross?”
Charlene turned around. It was York.
She nodded politely, “Mr. Watson.”
“What brings you here on your own?”
Charlene masked her emotions with a smile, “Just out to pick up some greenery for the house.”
York had actually noticed Charlene standing alone in the crowd, her silhouette and expression seemed steeped
in solitude.
There was an unshakeable sadness about her.
Though he didn’t know Charlene well, he wondered what could have caused such sorrow.
“Care for a drink?” he offered.
Charlene shook her head, replying, “I’m just picking up a few things and heading home.” She returned the courtesy, “What about you? What brings you here alone?” York replied, “I was out for dinner with a friend, but they had to leave early.”
He had heard that there might be a special event later and mentioned, “There’s going to be a big fireworks show here later. Do you want to stick around for it?”
He wasn’t trying to ask her out, just giving her a heads-up.
Charlene smiled, “Oh, that explains why it’s so crowded here.”
Not knowing York well, Charlene was about to say something when she suddenly froze, spotting three familiar figures in the crowd.
It was Thorne, Vesta, and Jasmine.
They were heading towards the square, seemingly there for the fireworks too.
York noticed her gaze and turned to see Thorne, Vesta, and a little girl.
He paused, remembering something Dalton had mentioned recently. There were rumors floating around that Thorne had a child.
For years, there had been rumors about Thorne being married, but nothing was ever confirmed. Whether true or not, many people were left in the dark. Similarly, the idea of Thorne having a child seemed like just another piece of unverified gossip. York had thought so too. But seeing Thorne and Vesta with a little girl on such a festive day was surprising.
Though, this didn’t necessarily mean the girl was Thorne’s daughter, right?
Besides, Vesta was said to be around twenty-five, and she’d been studying abroad.
Surely, she wasn’t balancing grad school and motherhood? It seemed unlikely.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Thorne, Vesta, and the girl vanished into the crowd.
He glanced back at Charlene.
Charlene had already averted her gaze.
York recalled that Charlene and Vesta weren’t exactly on friendly terms, but her reaction upon seeing them had been peculiar…
“Want to go for a stroll?” he suggested.
Fireworks, huh?
Charlene had been looking forward to them.
But now…
Avoiding the fireworks just because of Thorne and Vesta seemed a bit foolish.