Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Having just celebrated his 18th birthday, Bryce considered himself a grown man.
And now, he felt indignant after being asked to apologize to Audrey for his prank.
With bloodshot eyes, he roared, “I didn’t mess with any of you!”
With that, he stormed off to his room.
Audrey was surprised by this twist of events. After all, Hector once said he had wrongly brought Bryce up to be such a spoiled kid. She had assumed Hector wouldn’t be tough on Bryce’s wrongdoing. She had to admit, though, that she, too, had felt the urge to discipline Bryce herself when Bryce was being unreasonable.
But this was not her concern.
After a moment of thought, Audrey said, “Hector, if there’s nothing else, I’ll leave now.”
Hector donned his coat at once and led the way.
“We’re headed in the same direction. Let’s go together.”
Audrey hesitated and racked her brain on how to decline Hector’s offer.
After all, Hector was Bryce’s father and also Cornell’s uncle. She would rather not get too involved with him.
As she reached the door, Hector’s flashy sports car was already revving. Upon seeing her, Hector rolled down the window and glanced at his watch, indicating he was in a hurry.
“Get in.”
Since it appeared they really were headed the same way, refusing now would seem contrived. So, Audrey reluctantly got into his car.
The car had only two seats, so Audrey had no choice but to sit in the passenger seat. After fastening her seatbelt, the car surged forward.
While they were at a red light, Hector unexpectedly asked, “Can we talk about something?”
Audrey was taken aback and assumed the topic would be Bryce.
“Sure.”
“What did you see earlier?”
Hector’s straightforward question caught Audrey off guard. She blushed, unsure of how to respond.
His tone was even as if he was merely posing a mundane question.
Well, the study was well-lit, so she saw Hector’s well-defined muscles, abs, and…
Audrey saw everything!
Hector undeniably had an impressive physique and a big…
She could not admit that, could she? That would be too mortifying.
“I… I didn’t get a clear look…”
As soon as she said these words, she realized her words carried an undertone. It meant that she saw something.
At this realization, Audrey hurriedly corrected herself, “I mean, I didn’t see anything.”
Hector was unconvinced but had to resume driving as the light had turned green.
Audrey’s ears turned red in embarrassment. Nonetheless, she kept her cool and added, “Don’t worry. I’ll stay in Bryce’s room only.”
Hector, who was focused on the road, said flatly, “I don’t have any woman around me, but occasionally I need to satisfy my physiological needs.”
Audrey felt bewildered. He did not have to say that, and she did not want to hear his explanation.
Feeling somehow uncomfortable, Audrey bluntly asked, “What are you trying to say?”
Hector took a moment and calmly stated, “You’re Bryce’s teacher. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”
Upon hearing this, Audrey met his gaze and assured him, “Mr. Clement, my job only concerns students, not their parents. You don’t need to be concerned about that.”
The distinction between students and their parents was crucial.
Audrey knew it well.
At this moment, Hector gripped the steering wheel tightly and continued, “Bryce can be mischievous, but he has a good nature.
Please forgive him.”
Audrey nodded.
“Don’t worry. I’m committed to teaching him well.”
“I’d appreciate if you could also pay attention to his personal development, not just his academics.”
“Of course. And I haven’t yet thanked you for what you did for my grandmother. I’ll make sure Bryce receives the best education in return.”
As they halted at a red light, Hector glanced at Audrey and, to her surprise, chuckled.
“You’re always so polite to me and keep your distance. I thought you’d forgotten me.”
“No, I remember what you did at the nursing house. It’s something I’m truly grateful for,” Audrey earnestly replied.
Hector acknowledged her gratitude but steered the topic elsewhere.
“There’s no need for such formality.”
“What?” Audrey uttered in surprise.
On second thought, she realized it made sense. Perhaps her excessive formality made him feel odd.
Hector cast a quick glance at her and then added, “And about Cornell and you…”
Upon hearing Cornell’s name, Audrey felt a sudden jolt.
“I have nothing to do with him,” she asserted.
Seeing her reaction, Hector sensed her unresolved feelings toward Cornell.
“I never said there was something.”
The rest of the journey passed in silence.
Audrey gazed out at the stars. The moonlight cast half of her face in a pearly glow, making her look ethereal.
Hector caught a glimpse of her and, for a moment, thought he was looking at a painting.
The sight of her face stirred uncomfortable memories within him, which made him look away.
Upon reaching her destination, Audrey exited the car and offered Hector a polite thank you. She did not want to impose further.
A moment later, she noticed Hector was still there, looking at something from a distance.
Curious, she followed his gaze, and her mouth gaped at what she saw.
Ahead, a black Maybach sat at the community intersection. Its lights were off, resembling a dormant beast.
Cornell leaned against the car. His long legs stretched out, and a cigarette was casually held between his fingers.
As Audrey stepped out, he straightened up and approached her. Dressed in a sleek grey suit, he looked dashing.
Audrey’s heart raced. Although she had not done anything wrong, for some reason, she felt a twinge of guilt.
In the faint night light, Cornell’s face appeared ghostly as he walked over to her.
Not only that, his height and presence were also imposing.
Despite Audrey’s outward calm, she felt an urge to flee.
But it was too late.
Cornell had anticipated her reaction. He swiftly wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“Why didn’t you ask me to pick you up?” he asked, his voice deep and magnetic.
Reagan could not help but think how ironic it was. She had just said she had nothing to do with Cornell. Yet here they were, standing intimately close, closer than they ever were during their marriage.
As Cornell held her, he looked down at Hector in the car and politely acknowledged him.
“Uncle.”
Hector gave a nod in response.