Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Barely holding onto consciousness, she uttered weakly, “You’re shameless, Cornell. What are you trying to prove?”
Of course, Cornell intended to make a point as evident in his actions.
“What do you think I’m trying to prove?” He stood there, his breathing slightly labored. He pressed a fingertip against her Lips.
The air was thick with an intoxicating scent.
“Don’t deny it. You still have feelings for me, don’t you?”
Not wanting to see his smug expression, Audrey averted her gaze. But Cornell grasped her chin, forcing her to look into his intense eyes.
Cornell’s handsome face, sharp-featured, was dotted with sweat beads.
His shirt, drenched with perspiration, gave off the impression of self-restraint.
He raised an eyebrow and pushed her for an answer.
“You’re with Henley just to make me jealous, aren’t you?”
Although her words about being with Henley were nothing but to provoke Cornell, Audrey refused to admit it.
She had made the mistake of falling in love with him before, and she wouldn’t compound it with another one.
With a faint smile playing on her lips, Audrey looked him in the eye and asked back, “Mr. Clement, what are you to me now? Do you think I’d risk my reputation just to upset you?”
For a moment, Cornell’s face Lost color. Then, with his brows creased into a frown, he snarled, “Audrey, your body doesn’t lie.”
Audrey tilted her head, pursed her lips, and nodded in agreement.
“I won’t deny it. I did feel something just now.”
Cornell’s expression shifted slightly, and his mood was lifted.
But then, Audrey smirked and added, “But let’s be clear, Mr. Clement.
It was your kissing skills. Nothing more.”
She bent down to retrieve her purse, pulled out two bills, and tucked them into Cornell’s collar.
“Is two hundred dollars enough for your services?”
Cornell’s attractive features immediately took on a shadowed cast.
Audrey scoffed.
“I refuse to order any dish that costs more than two hundred dollars.”
This was a first for her to voice such words, yet it was Cornell who had shown her disrespect first.
Despite knowing the significance of the occasion, he had ripped her dress and demeaned her in the men’s restroom. Did he ever pause to consider her emotions?
Hence, Audrey resolved to not just retaliate but to shame him even greater than the slight he dealt her.
“Audrey!” Enraged, Cornell’s expression turned thunderous as he bellowed.
“What? Does it anger you? Mr. Clement, is this the extent of your control?”
Clutching her chest, Audrey laughed lightly.
“Here’s a piece of advice. No amount of good looks will pave your way to business success. Better check that temper, or you’ll frighten everyone off.”
Cornell’s visage was frosty as snow, his gaze piercing her as though he might snap her neck at any moment.
Undaunted, Audrey tilted her chin up defiantly, meeting his stare.
It was a remarkable triumph for her to leave him at a loss for words, a feeling too grand for mere Language.
Their eyes locked in a silent confrontation.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, he offered a smile, opened the door, and left without a word.
Audrey exhaled in relief, sinking onto the toilet seat, her heart pounding wildly.
She had to admit, Cornell still had an effect on her… It was all too close to a breakdown.
He was right. Her body didn’t lie.
The fact that she was stirred by Cornell yet again, barely a month after their split, was mortifying.
Could anyone else ever influence her this way?
It wasn’t something she welcomed.
Though she might appear in control for the moment, infuriating Cornell further could prove risky.
After a moment’s reflection, she shook off these tumultuous thoughts.
Right now, her focus was to work diligently and earn more in the days ahead to settle her debts. Then, she would save money to study abroad.
That way, she’d distance herself from Cornell for good.
As she rose, pondering her exit, Cornell’s suit jacket on the hook caught her eye.
It would serve well to cover her.
Disregarding her annoyance with him, she donned the jacket and exited the hall to hail a taxi.
Only when safely inside the vehicle did she call Henley, explaining she had to return early due to unforeseen circumstances.
Henley’s tone, soft and gentle over the phone, invited Audrey to reach out if she ever needed help.
Feeling a wave of guilt wash over her, Audrey found Henley’s kindness a stark contrast to Cornell’s demeanor, Like comparing an angel’s grace to a mere mortal’s.
An apology slipped from her lips to Henley once more, unbeknownst to her that Henley stood at the hotel’s entrance, eyes tracking the taxi that took her away.
A chill flickered in his gaze, belied by the silky smoothness of his voice that said, “Rest well, Audrey.”
Then he ended the call.
The warmth in Henley’s smile faltered for a heartbeat.
He had entertained thoughts of treating Audrey with tenderness, yet Cornell had once again outmaneuvered him, prompting Henley to quicken his pace.
Meanwhile, Cornell had made his way to a bar after leaving the hotel.
Luis was there, becoming slightly drunk after a few drinks with Cornell.
Holding a cigarette between his fingers, Luis commented, “It looks like your father keeps close tabs on you. He arranged a blind date the moment he learned about your divorce.”
Cornell, his face expressionless, inquired, “Have you located that woman?”
Luis, shaking his head, responded, “She’s vanished without a trace.
Could she be dead?”
Cornell remained silent for a moment, then added, “Even if she’s gone, the child might still be alive. Now, Alexis is hell-bent on amassing wealth, probably for that bastard.”
“Your father’s been covering that child’s tracks well. You’ll need to play along for now and wait for his slip-up.”
With a subdued tone, Luis added, “I’m not entirely convinced that they never make contact with each other.”
Cornell stayed silent, continuing to drown himself in drink.
As Cornell downed his drinks, Luis teased, “What’s wrong? Things didn’t go well with your ex-wife?”
The mention of Audrey caused a visible shift in Cornell’s expression, a blend of indifference and a deeper, darker brooding.
Observing this, Luis’s curiosity piqued.
“Audrey really got under your skin, huh? Need any advice?”
Luis knew Cornell all too well.
Given Cornell’s history of arrogance and never bowing to any woman, he would undoubtedly maintain his pride, even in pursuit of a woman.
Cornell glanced upwards, his reply icy.
“Do you even have a wife?”
The question left Luis at a loss for words.