Chapter 5 Strangers

• Stewart and Charlene had become strangers to each other over the years, their meetings few and far between. Yet, even with these brief encounters, Stewart could tell the vibrant spirit that once defined Charlene seemed to have dimmed considerably.
• He remembered Charlene in her prime, a force to be reckoned with, and could hardly believe she could ever be associated with the word ‘insecure.‘
• Stewart wasn’t privy to the intricacies of Charlene’s marriage to Thorne, but he had heard enough to form his suspicions. Without delving into details, he earnestly advised Charlene, “Falling behind for a bit doesn’t really matter, Charlene. You’ve got skills and talents that aren’t just run–of–the–mill. It’s never too late to start over if you’re still passionate about this path. Don’t forget you were the student the professor was most proud of in his teaching career.”
• Charlene chuckled at that. “If our professor heard that, he’d probably scoff, saying he was picking the tallest dwarf.”
• When recalling their refined yet sarcastically sharp professor, Charlene’s smile faded slightly. “I saw in the news that he’s back for the celebration. How is he doing?”
• “Pretty well, just constantly annoyed by us, his students, always embarrassing him,” Stewart replied.
• Charlene laughed, her heart swelling with nostalgia for the days spent learning from their professor and tirelessly working on research papers.
• Come back, Charlene,” Stewart urged.
• Holding her coffee mug tightly, Charlene took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”
• Her passion for artificial intelligence started at a young age, and she loved the field. But her love for Thorne had led her to abandon her dreams for nearly seven years.
• Returning after such a long hiatus, catching up would undoubtedly take time. Yet, Charlene believed that with effort, it was still possible. “When do you plan on coming back?” Stewart inquired.
• “I need to hand over my current projects. It might take a while.”
• Stewart said, “That’s fine. There’s no rush.” Waiting a bit longer was no issue if she were willing to return.
• After chatting more, Stewart glanced at his watch and mentioned, “A friend introduced me to a genius in algorithms who just returned to town. We’ve scheduled a meet–up soon. Since you’re here, why not join me?”
• Charlene shook her head. “I’m not familiar with your team. Maybe next time.” Charlene
• “Sure thing.” Stewart smiled.
• As soon as Stewart left, Charlene saw Thorne’s sister, Tiffany Henderson, approaching.
• Charlene had seen her in the news but hadn’t expected to run into her there.
• “Greetings, Tiffany.”
• Tiffany didn’t respond immediately. Her brows furrowed as she asked, “What are you doing here?”
• “I came for the Starlight University anniversary celebration,” Charlene replied.
• Tiffany seemed to have forgotten that Charlene was also a graduate of Starlight University.
• The day was for honored graduates invited by the university, except for faculty and current students. In Tiffany’s eyes, Charlene was an ordinary graduate without significant achievements.
• Tiffany decided not to dwell on it. She couldn’t be bothered to care if Charlene didn’t speak out of turn and embarrass the Henderson family.
• Thinking of her son, Tiffany bluntly stated her purpose. “Cain mentioned he misses your cooking. I’ll have the driver drop Cain off at yours and Thorne’s place later.”
• Cain, Tiffany’s son and two years older than Jasmine, had grown increasingly rebellious due to his parents‘ strained relationship and Tiffany’s busy career. Knowing Cain enjoyed Charlene’s home-cooked meals, Tiffany had started sending him over whenever she could.
• No one in the Henderson family cared much about Charlene except for Irma Henderson, Thorne’s grandmother.
• kids often mimic what they see. Tiffany’s son was no exception. He enjoyed Charlene’s cooking but looked down on her from his heart, treating her more like a servant than a family member.
• In the past, Charlene had gone out of her way for Thorne and never taken Tiffany’s child’s disrespect to heart. But then, as she and Thome were on the brink of divorce, Charlene refused to bend backward for him any longer.
• “I’m sorry, Tiffany. I’m busy tomorrow,” Charlene stated when Tiffany asked for a favor.
• Charlene was determined to focus on her career, putting her time into her work rather than worrying about Thorne or Tiffany after the divorce. It was time for her to stop wasting her time on them.
• Tiffany was stunned by the refusal. Charlene had always gone out of her way to please, especially with Thorne and his side of the family.
• But Tiffany figured Charlene must genuinely be busy. Otherwise, why would she pass up the opportunity to curry favor? Tiffany couldn’t hide her displeasure. “Thorne and Minnie are not around. What could be so important?”
• Charlene couldn’t help but smile bitterly. For years, she had lost herself in her role as wife and mother, revolving her entire world around Thorne and Jasmine. Tiffany’s words were harsh, but not without reason. But Charlene was ready to move on.
• As they spoke, a group approached, calling out, “Ms. Henderson!”
• They were looking for Tiffany. After giving Charlene a once–over, one asked, “Ms. Henderson, and who might this be?”
• Without acknowledging Charlene’s relation to her, Tiffany coldly replied, “A friend.”
• The group, all graduates of Starlight University back for a reunion, expected someone of significance. But Tiffany’s dismissive tone shifted their attention away from Charlene despite a few lingering glances at her striking appearance.
• After the group left with Tiffany, Charlene, who might have been hurt by such treatment in the past, now felt indifferent. She picked up her purse and left.
• Later that night, Thorne and Jasmine arrived home from their flight. Jasmine fell asleep before they even got home. Thome carried her upstairs, noticing the master bedroom door ajar and the room dark. After settling Jasmine in her room, he noticed Charlene was not in their bedroom.
• The butler carried their luggage and informed him, “Mrs. Henderson has gone on a business trip.”
• It was unusual for Charlene to travel for work and even more so to be gone for half a month. Thorne’s inquiry ended with a nonchalant hum, his question hanging in the air unanswered.