Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
A stranger? Audrey’s words descended on Cornell like an unanticipated cascade of icy water, causing him to recoil in surprise. So that was what he was to her now. A stranger. Had their baby survived, she would likely have been just as adorable as Janey. Regrettably, it was impossible.
Confused, Janey glanced between Cornell and Audrey, feeling wronged and on the brink of tears. She had chosen Cornell as her daddy since their meeting at the airport.
Audrey let out a sigh, her voice gentle as she spoke to Janey. “Come here, sweetheart. I need you to understand something. The man over there is not your father. If you keep calling him ‘Daddy,’ it might cause some problems for him. Do you understand me?”
Janey, being still in her early years, couldn’t fully comprehend everything. Yet, she instinctively understood the importance of not causing trouble for other people. So, the daddy she had chosen didn’t wish to have a little girl like her? A wave of sadness engulfed her.
At that moment, Janey felt as if she had offered someone her favorite doll, only to have it callously discarded.
Janey’s eyes welled up with disappointment as she responded, “Okay, I see…”
Upon witnessing Janey’s emotional state, Audrey tenderly reached out, gently touching Janey’s head. “Well, say goodbye to him then.”
At this time, Cornell had already stepped out of his car, positioning himself in front of them. He had overheard Audrey’s words to Janey, sensing the weight of the situation. She said Janey’s calling him that way would make him troubled. Well, he didn’t mind. He was prepared to embrace every challenge willingly.
Reluctantly, Janey waved at Cornell and uttered a soft, “Goodbye, sir.”
Her voice carried a somber tone, on the brink of tears.
In an instant, a heavy force seemed to strike Cornell’s heart. The desire to wrap his arms around Janey and comfort her overwhelmed him.
A complex emotion flickered in Cornell’s eyes, an uncertainty about why he felt such a profound connection to a little girl he just met.
As Cornell continued to gaze at Janey, unblinking, Audrey’s unease intensified. She was increasingly reluctant for Janey to be around Cornell.
Unable to bear it any longer, Audrey firmly clasped Janey’s hand, giving a nod to Cornell, and began to walk away without glancing back.
“Hold on a second!” Cornell called out, abruptly halting her departure.
Audrey halted her steps and turned around to face Cornell.
Pausing briefly, Cornell said, “Don’t forget to drop by my office tomorrow.”
With a frown, Audrey replied, “Sure.”
At this point, nothing seemed more crucial to Audrey than finalizing her divorce with Cornell.
Watching their retreating figures, Cornell felt an indescribable pain in his heart. leaning against the car, he took a moment before getting inside.
Upon arriving home, Janey was visibly in a gloomy mood. She kept her head lowered, absently playing with her fingers, choosing silence over words.
Audrey recognized Janey’s distress but felt helpless to console her.
Audrey couldn’t let Janey call Cornell that way. Sometimes, a small sacrifice was better than enduring prolonged sorrow. She consoled herself with the belief that Janey would eventually move on and forget about Cornell as time passed. That way, Cornell’s face would become a distant memory for Janey.
Late at night, as the stars danced in the velvety sky, Audrey felt the weight of the day slowly lifting. The pre-orders for her studio were managed, and the city outside her window embraced a serene quiet.
Despite not being officially open, a few loyal customers had already placed orders.
The clock struck twelve as Audrey wrapped up her work.
Just then, she heard sobs emanating from Janey’s room.
Concerned, Annis moved to check, but Audrey intervened, instructing Annis to go to bed. Audrey decided to investigate Janey’s distress herself.
Entering Janey’s room, Audrey found Janey in a state of restless sleep, occasionally sobbing.
Leaning against the bed, Audrey gently patted Janey’s back and hummed a comforting lullaby.
In response to the familiar melody, Janey clutched Audrey’s hand tightly.
Witnessing her daughter’s vulnerable state, Audrey’s heart melted.
Janey, to her, was a precious gift from God, granting her strength to face any challenges.
After a while, Janey drifted into a peaceful slumber. However, in her sleep, tears clung to her thick eyelashes as she mumbled, “Daddy…”
There was a poignant mix of longing and unspoken expectation in her voice.
Audrey’s expression froze for a moment. She gently touched Janey’s soft hair and asked with tenderness, “Do you truly yearn for a daddy, my little pumpkin?”
Ensuring Janey was sound asleep, Audrey returned to her room. However, slumber eluded her for what felt like an eternity. Perhaps, she should consider finding a stepfather for Janey soon, someone who could play a role in Janey’s upbringing.
Audrey was convinced that Kabir would support her decision if he were still around.
Yet, it would have to wait until her divorce from Cornell was finalized.
The thought of Cornell stirred up annoyance within Audrey. She buried her head beneath the pillow, emitting an indignant snort. That Cornell Clement, a real son of a gun.
A grave ambiance hung heavy in the bar.
Seated at the bar, the three men engaged in a silent bout of heavy drinking.
After the initial round, Luis seamlessly initiated the second round without a pause.
Observing Cornell downing one glass of alcohol after another, Luis was confused. He finally spoke up, his voice tinged with surprise.
“What’s eating you?”
However, Cornell remained silent, his countenance as frigid as ice.
“Isn’t it a reason to celebrate now that Audrey’s back? Why the long face?” Luis inquired, his curiosity piqued.
At that moment, Cornell abruptly asked, “Is it possible for a woman’s pregnancy to last for two years?”
A sudden clink of glass on the table resonated through the air.
Luis burst into laughter at his words. “Now that’s defying common sense, isn’t it? You know, I once heard of this woman who didn’t give birth until eleven months into her pregnancy, and that’s already an exceptionally rare case. Now, you’re pondering if it’s even possible for a woman to carry a fetus for two years. Are you losing your marbles?”
Cornell felt disheartened after hearing Luis’ words. Overwhelmed, he grasped the glass and downed its contents without uttering a word.
“Have you seen Audrey’s child?” Luis asked, sensing something.
Cornell nodded stoically.
Luis nonchalantly inquired, “So, who does the little one take after?”
Upon Luis’ query, Cornell reminisced thoughtfully. Janey possessed round eyes, long eyelashes, and an oval face, bearing a striking resemblance to Audrey, especially when she smiled.
“I’d say she takes after Audrey more,” Cornell finally replied.
As for Kabir, Cornell had investigated, even laying eyes on Kabir’s photograph. Although reluctant to admit it, Kabir bore a faint resemblance to Audrey, leaving Cornell uncertain about whether Janey took after Audrey or Kabir. However, in his view, Janey’s appearance leaned more toward Audrey’s.
Out of the blue, Jarrod interjected, “Have you ever considered the possibility that the little girl might be yours?”
If Audrey could miraculously survive after that car incident, then it was within the realm of possibility that Janey belonged to Cornell.
Hearing that, Cornell felt a twinge of irritation and took a sip of his wine. Naturally, he had harbored doubts and conducted a thorough investigation concerning the paternity of Janey.
Following Erick’s mention of Janey’s biological father, Cornell had already delved into the matter. He had seen Janey’s birth certificate, scrutinized the hospital’s medical records, and even reviewed the video footage from the delivery. All the evidence appeared crystal clear and indisputable.
Following Audrey’s tragic incident, Cornell had finally come to the undeniable conclusion that the baby in Audrey’s belly couldn’t possibly be Henley’s. Henley had always been wickedly cunning. Those words might have been designed to haunt him for the rest of his life.
Yet, there had never been enough time to discuss many things with Audrey. She had simply vanished out of the blue after that car incident.
Judging by Cornell’s expression, Luis could tell that Cornell must have conducted an investigation. Reclining on the sofa, he remarked, “If you’ve already uncovered the truth, why resist the divorce? What are your intentions regarding the little one?”
After all, the Clement family had yet to welcome any grandchildren. If Cornell refused to divorce Audrey, it would undoubtedly involve custody battles over Janey.
With Cornell’s grandfather’s passing, Alexis had taken control of fifty percent of the Clement Group’s shares. Luis doubted Alexis would accept Audrey’s child, whether it was biologically Cornell’s or not.
Every time Janey crossed his mind, Cornell experienced an inexplicable sensation. It felt as if his heart brimmed with warmth.
Putting his arm on the armrest, Cornell stated with unwavering resolve, “If Audrey doesn’t object, I’d like to formally adopt the little girl and welcome her into the Clement family.”
Luis was rendered speechless by that declaration. He hadn’t anticipated Cornell’s willingness to embrace Audrey and another man’s child. It was truly beyond his expectations.
Clinking his glass against Cornell’s, Luis advised, “Don’t mention this idea to Audrey.”
Cornell raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Why not?”
“You fool!” Luis chuckled, chiding, “Put yourself in her shoes. Do you think Audrey will be delighted if she discovers you’re planning to take her child away from her?”
Luis wanted to add that Cornell’s intentions were quite obvious, given the expression on his face.
Luis arched an eyebrow. It appeared that Audrey’s child must be exceptionally adorable. He resolved to meet Janey when he had the chance.
Midway through their drinking spree, Jarrod’s phone abruptly rang.
Uncertainty filled the room as Jarrod’s countenance darkened while conversing on the phone.