Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne)

At Emily's place, she, Tom, and Rachel couldn't exactly coexist peacefully. Emily had told Rachel, "Come with me to the event," which was quite different from "You should come along too." It was clear Emily understood the dynamics at play.

Emily had chosen Rachel for an important event, a decision that Rachel found herself less than thrilled about. The event was happening next weekend, and generally, Rachel's weekends were pretty much open. After all, when kids have an important event, it's a big deal for the family. Most parents tend to prioritize their kids' needs.

In the past, Rachel would have done the same, making Emily's needs her own priority, pushing aside all other distractions. But now... Things were different.

Rachel noticed the eager anticipation in Emily's eyes. Still, she responded somewhat ambiguously, "I'll see if I can make it. If nothing urgent comes up, I'll be there with you."

Over the past six months, Emily had become quite adept at deciphering Rachel's words. She had noticed a pattern: whenever Rachel used phrases like "we'll see" or "if," it was almost certain that she wouldn't be there.noveldrama

Hearing this, Emily felt a familiar sting in her nose, her eyes beginning to well up. She let go of Rachel's hand, sniffled a bit, and simply replied with an "Oh," not pushing the matter further.

Rachel saw this and, though it was impossible to be completely unaffected, she stuck to her decision. She reached out, intending to ruffle Emily's hair before leaving. However, when she did, Emily turned her head away, her lips pouting in defiance.

Rachel paused, withdrew her hand, and without attempting to console her, turned and walked away.

Tom watched the scene unfold without attempting to stop Rachel or convince her otherwise. Emily, still facing away, listened keenly as the sound of high heels tapping on the wooden floor faded into the distance. Realizing Rachel had indeed left without a word of comfort, Emily could no longer hold back. She turned, clinging to Tom's leg, and burst into tears.

Emily's coach watched, a bit taken aback. Emily was much sharper than most kids her age, with a lively spirit and a strong sense of self. Over the past six months, many of her peers at the fencing club had shed tears for various reasons, but this was the first time he'd seen Emily cry.

That morning, Rachel had been attentive and caring towards Emily, agreeing to everything with warmth and patience. It was surprising to see her leave so resolutely, aware of Emily's disappointment.

It seemed to the coach as if Rachel no longer wanted Emily as her daughter, a level of detachment that surprised him. Typically, a father might have been upset, perhaps even confronted the mother for such behavior, but Tom's expression revealed no such intention.

There were no accusations or arguments between Rachel and Tom. He simply watched her leave, silently.

Tom bent down, picked Emily up, and gently wiped her tears with his thumb. "Feeling that upset, huh?"

Emily clung to his neck, her sobs intensifying as she complained, "Mom doesn't care that I'm sad... she just left..."

Tom nodded, "Yeah, I saw that."

Emily's cries grew louder, more heartbroken, "Does that mean she doesn't love me anymore?"

Tom chuckled softly, "Not at all."

Emily sniffled, looking at him with wide eyes, "Really?"

Tom pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her nose, "I promise."

Emily felt a bit better, but remembering how Rachel had left without comforting her, she started to tear up again, "Then why didn't she try to make me feel better?"

Tom pinched her rosy cheeks gently, smiling without saying more.

Emily, still upset, pointed at him accusingly, "I'm so sad and you're just laughing..."

Tom accepted Emily's backpack

from the coach, balancing it as

held her. "How about this: I take you out for lunch to make it up to you?"

Emily hesitated, "I don't want that, I just want Mom."

"That's something I can't promise,

= You've seen for yourself,

r mom, I don't really hos

much say."

Emily pouted, falling silent as they headed out.