Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
“By the way, Cecilia was also present at last night’s dinner. If she found out what kind of person you really are, would she be disappointed in you?” Audrey said mockingly.
Since Cecilia had been brought up, Cornell would not hesitate to explain it again. “I never had any affection for Cecilia. I tolerated her only because I owed her a favor. Is that clear?”
Audrey answered coldly, “But your tolerance has caused me pain.”
At that moment, Cornell almost felt as if Audrey had regained her memory. Otherwise, how could she look at him with such indifference…
Cornell’s Adam’s apple bobbed with excitement as he inquired, “Audrey, has your memory returned?”
“Nope,” replied Audrey. She just felt a pang of sympathy for her past self.
Hearing her response, a shadow passed over Cornell’s eyes. Deep down, he yearned for Audrey to regain her memories, but he also feared the possibility of her recalling painful experiences. It was a complex mix of emotions for him.
Uncertain about what to say, Cornell eventually managed to utter a heartfelt apology, “I’m truly sorry, Audrey…”
He couldn’t deny that he had committed some terrible mistakes in the past. However, he remained faithful to her, both emotionally and physically. While he did assist Cecilia on occasion, he had never harbored any romantic feelings for Cecilia.
As Cornell wore a distressed expression, Audrey spoke with indifference, “Mr. Clement, have you ever heard the saying that no matter how sincere the apologies may be, not everyone gets a second chance? I don’t possess the authority to decide whether the person I used to be should forgive you or not.”
Her voice was icy and detached, in stark contrast to the enthusiasm she had shown the previous night.
Cornell’s heart constricted, seemingly stirred by a surge of emotions.
At that moment, the doorbell rang, prompting Audrey to hurry over and answer it.
“Are you alright, Audrey?” Stefan entered, gently patting her shoulder while casting nervous glances up and down at her.
Audrey couldn’t help but be affected by his anxious demeanor. “I’m fine, Stefan,” she assured him.
Stefan breathed a sigh of relief, giving her back a reassuring pat.
This small gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Cornell, who watched with a critical eye.
Suddenly, Cornell stepped forward and firmly grabbed Audrey’s wrist, fixing a cold stare on Stefan. “Remove your hand from her,” he demanded, his words dripping with frost.
To everyone’s astonishment, Audrey instinctively grabbed Stefan’s wrist in response.
At that moment, Cornell found himself holding Audrey’s wrist while she held Stefan’s hand, creating a palpable tension in the room.
Cornell’s once-handsome face mow wore a gloomy expression, his forehead marred by a trickle of blood courtesy of Audrey’s actions, giving him an almost demonic appearance.
To evade Cornell’s intense gaze, Audrey moved closer to Stefan, which softened Stefan’s heart amid this awkward atmosphere.
In truth, Stefan’s literary pursuits were merely a facade. The Clifford family held significant influence in the north, but Stefan could no longer bear their tradition of constant conflicts and violence. So, he chose to steer clear away from the Clifford family and spent years living in Swynborough.
Over time, Stefan had become close friends with Erick. When he learned of Erick’s desire to return to Ardlens with Audrey, Stefan decided to settle in Ardlens.
Stefan had researched Ardlens online and was drawn to the city’s charm and its welcoming atmosphere. Unlike his homeland, where powerful clans dominated, people there suffered a lot.
Having grown up in such an environment, Stefan was anything but a coward. He had the guts to protect the woman he liked at a moment like this.
With reassurance, Stefan clasped Audrey’s hand in his and comforted her, “Don’t worry.”
Meanwhile, Cornell was deeply wounded by the sight before him. How could Audrey cozy up to another man right under his nose? It appeared she was completely indifferent to his feelings.
Although Audrey felt a bit uncomfortable when Stefan held her hand, her bias against Cornell outweighed any awkwardness she might have felt.
Audrey shot Cornell a cold stare. “Release my hand.”
Suppressing his anger, Cornell forcefully pulled her hand and gritted his teeth. “Come to my side, and I’ll release it!”
Audrey frowned, feeling a sharp pain in her shoulder as Cornell exerted great force on her hand.
Observing this, Stefan put his arm around Audrey’s shoulder and spoke with a stern expression. “Didn’t you hear Audrey? She asked you to let go of her.”
Cornell’s anger flared instantly at Stefan’s intervention, and his voice turned chillingly cold. “You’re just an outsider. How dare you meddle in our private affairs!”
Stefan’s tone remained gentle, but his resolve was unwavering as he retorted, “Mr. Clement, I’m afraid you have no right to question me like that, considering Audrey is no longer your wife.”
Cornell hadn’t anticipated that Stefan would be aware of their divorce. His once-handsome face turned pallid, almost immediately, as if it had been pierced by a thousand arrows, the pain palpable.
With red eyes, Cornell hoarsely questioned Audrey, “Audrey, what is your relationship with him?”
At that moment, Cornell’s face was deathly pale, marked by bloodshot eyes after a sleepless night. The sorrow in his gaze was painfully evident, making it clear that he was deeply wounded.
However, Audrey met his gaze with a stoic expression. She had no romantic involvement with Stefan, but she chose not to reveal the truth in an attempt to discourage Cornell.
Noticing Audrey’s conflicted expression, Stefan raised his eyebrows and took the initiative to speak. “With Erick’s approval, Audrey and I are in a relationship. If things go well, we plan to get married soon.”
Stefan’s words hit like a thunderbolt, leaving Cornell’s eyes reddening. Ignoring Stefan’s presence, he locked his gaze onto Audrey and asked each word with intensity, “Is he telling the truth?”
Audrey hadn’t anticipated that Stefan would fabricate such a story.
With Erick’s permission? Marriage? She was left dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events.
However, considering Cornell’s dominant personality, Audrey promptly replied, “Yes, it’s true. We are in a relationship!”
The impact of those words was like a bomb detonating. Cornell felt as though his heart had been torn apart by her declaration. His once-handsome face turned deathly pale in an instant.
Taking advantage of the moment, Audrey withdrew her hand and continued, “Mr. Clement, please don’t interfere in my life any longer.
I don’t want Stefan to get jealous.”
Hearing her words, Cornell was left speechless, feeling as though Audrey’s words had fragmented his very being.
“How is that possible?” Cornell exclaimed suddenly, “You promised me that you wouldn’t marry within the next six months!”
“Yes, Stefan and I are in a relationship with the intention of marriage, but we are not married yet,” she clarified.
Audrey added calmly, “Rest assured. I intend to keep my promise and marry in six months.”
Hearing Audrey’s words, Cornell’s anger surged to new heights.
“Audrey, you should think carefully before speaking. I agreed to our divorce because you wanted fairness, not because I’m giving up on you.
Do you think you can marry another man at your whim, and I’ll just stand by and do nothing?” Cornell’s handsome face contorted with rage as he spat out the words through gritted teeth.
Stefan, protective of Audrey, pulled her behind him and spoke resolutely. “Mr. Clement, as far as I know, Ardlens is governed by the law. If you intend to control everything, you should be aware of whom you’re up against. Audrey is now the daughter of the Foster family. She’s no longer the vulnerable girl who endured mistreatment and captivity under your authority. If you ever dare to mistreat her again, both the Foster family and the Clifford family will not let you off lightly.”
Cornell’s expression darkened considerably at the mention of the Clifford family. The Clifford family in the north! It was practically an autonomous nation.
In that land, the royal family served as mere figureheads, with the true power held by two dominant clans. One of the clans was the influential Maxwell family, and the other was the renowned Clifford family. The Clifford family, in particular, wielded immense wealth and influence within the country, making them unparalleled in power.
Cornell couldn’t believe that someone as seemingly mild-mannered as Stefan was actually a member of the formidable Clifford family.
Cornell sneered, “I’ve heard that despite their immense power, the Clifford family places great importance on ethical principles. I’m curious why you would resort to such actions to pursue someone else’s woman!”
Stefan’s demeanor appeared distant, with a slight smirk forming at the edge of his lips. “Mr. Clement, people can indulge in their fantasies, but it is unwise to constantly dwell in illusions. Since Audrey is not currently in a relationship, I am free to pursue her.
What gives you the right to claim that I’ve stolen your woman? It appears to be merely your own unfounded presumption, not hers.”
Cornell’s face turned a deep red, his fury palpable in the air. He grabbed Stefan by the collar and shouted, “I don’t care how arrogant you are elsewhere, but you’re now on my territory, and you won’t be able to take Audrey away from me!”
Cornell’s fury clouded his mind, and he had the sudden urge to rip Stefan apart with his bare hands.
The oppressive aura around Cornell made Audrey uncomfortable, and she quickly tugged at Cornell’s arm, afraid he would do something drastic.
“Cornell, snap out of it! If you dare harm him, I will never forgive you!”
Audrey’s protective instinct hit Cornell’s heart like a poisoned knife. The pain was almost unbearable, but it also had the dual effect of intensifying his anger.
A reckless, deranged laugh burst out of Cornell’s mouth. “If you think you can get rid of me so easily, you have another thing coming!
Be it in this life or the next, you will always be mine!”
The incensed light in Cornell’s eyes convinced Audrey that he had completely lost it.
However, what happened next left Audrey even more astonished.
Cornell opened his robe, revealing his well-muscled, alluring chest and abdomen. He pointed at the hickeys on his skin, a vicious sneer twisting his features. “Is this what you meant by not wanting to get involved with me? I also have recordings. Would you like to hear them?”
Audrey’s ears turned hot, and soon, her heart sank as well. She couldn’t believe she actually had sex with him.
As she gazed at Cornell’s handsome features, a wave of fury washed over Audrey.
“Whack! A ringing sound echoed around the room as Audrey’s palm connected with Cornell’s cheek.
Slapping him did little to quell Audrey’s anger. Furious, she growled at him. “Shame on you! You knew very well what was going on with me.
Yet, you still took advantage of me! You filthy asshole!”