Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Audrey was frustrated. Cornell simply whitewashed himself by echoing Matteo’s words.
Matteo had two extra vehicles over, informing Stefan, “Mr. Clifford, please let us handle the vehicle situation.”
Stefan gazed at Audrey, inquiring, “Would you like to join me?”
Before Audrey could respond, Cornell cut in, “She doesn’t need to go out of her way. I’ll send her home.”
Annoyed, Audrey responded, “I’m not on your way.”
Stefan was about to respond when Matteo reassured them, “No concerns, Mr. Clifford. We have enough vehicles. Miss Foster will be safely escorted home.”
Knowing Stefan had important documents and money in his car that required his attention, Audrey stated, “Go ahead, Stefan. I’ll manage.”
Though hesitant, Stefan gave in since he had confidential family documents in his car that needed his care. And with Cornell present, Audrey seemed safe. He gave a nod, saying, “Let me know once you’re home.”
Feeling responsible for the inconvenience to Stefan, Audrey agreed quietly.
Cornell watched, opening and closing his fists to control his feelings.
Stefan addressed Cornell, “Appreciate it, Mr. Clement.”
Cornell replied with depth, “I’m merely doing my duty.”
Their exchange had an underlying rivalry, each viewing Audrey as their own.
Stefan diverted his gaze first, offering Audrey a soft look before departing.
Watching Audrey’s eyes track Stefan, Cornell felt his heart feeling torn, his expression growing pained.
Audrey approached the vehicle Matteo had arranged and climbed in, not waiting for Cornell. “Head to West lake Villa,” she directed the driver.
The driver hesitated, noticing Cornell hadn’t entered yet.
Audrey’s expression hardened, questioning whether Matteo had arranged her transport.
While she contemplated, the driver’s door opened, and the driver tactfully left, making room for Cornell.
Audrey’s expression turned cold. “Cornell, didn’t you vow not to bother me anymore?”
Cornell, newly seated, experienced a painful twist in his heart hearing her words. His eyes lost some of their brightness. Her desire to avoid him was clear in her actions and words. Yet…
“But you visited the hospital today. It seemed you were concerned about me,” Cornell whispered. His excitement had peaked when he spotted Audrey on the security footage, driving him to see her before he was fully healed.
Audrey now wished she hadn’t visited. If she’d known he was well, she wouldn’t have gone. She regretted acting on a fleeting impulse, providing him with an excuse to pester her. “Cornell, I went to the hospital because I felt it was necessary. You fainted at my place, and I wanted to avoid any complications, so I checked on you.”
Cornell’s eyes subtly shifted, a wave of pain washing over him. He longed to probe whether her visit indicated she still cared for him, even in the slightest.
Audrey faced him, her smile lacking warmth. “Do you have any more questions?”
Cornell’s complexion turned noticeably paler. He couldn’t handle another blow. Despite being disheartened, he attempted a smile, shifting the conversation. “I apologize for your lack of transportation. Allow me to drive you today. How’s that?”
“No!” Audrey rejected instantly, her face stern. “You leave, or I do.”
Cornell showed no signs of leaving.
Audrey had her hand on the door handle, ready to step out of the car.
Seeing this, Cornell hastily called out, “Audrey, Janey…”
Audrey halted and turned to look at Cornell. Cornell whispered, “Janey must be feeling frightened today. She’s probably worried about me. I want to see her.”
Audrey hesitated.
Cornell knew Audrey always put Janey’s feelings first. He added, “Please, let me visit Janey. I won’t come by every day. Just tonight, can I?” His voice was low, his pride set aside.
Audrey’s hand on the door handle froze, her mind struggling.
“Audrey, I’m asking you to let me see Janey just for tonight,”
Cornell pled.
Noticing Cornell’s pale, yet handsome face, Audrey was torn. Yet, she was firm in her decision. The memory of her past pain and suffering chilled her heart instantly. But Janey’s possible tears swayed her.
After a moment’s indecision, Audrey let go of the door handle and remained quiet.
Cornell took her silence as agreement. He felt a mix of happiness and sadness. Without Janey, he knew he’d stand no chance.
At West lake Villa.
Reaching the entrance, Audrey saw Annis pacing the yard, holding Janey. Annis was gently patting Janey’s back, trying to soothe her.
Seeing this, Audrey rushed over, calling out, “Janey!”
Janey cried, “Mommy…”
Janey’s face was red as if she had been crying for a long while. Her long eyelashes were dry and stuck together, giving her a pitiful appearance.
Audrey’s heart ached as she extended her hands to embrace Janey.
“Janey!” Cornell’s voice was laden with sorrow as he called out to Janey.
When Janey caught sight of Cornell, her eyes grew wide and bright.
She cried harder, “Daddy, you’re still here…”
Cornell reached out to embrace Janey, smiling. He reassured her, “Daddy’s fine, not that easy to break.”
Janey clung to Cornell’s neck, scanning him from head to toe through her tearful eyes. She seemed to be checking whether Cornell was hurt.
Audrey watched this, feeling a twinge of sadness. Once, Janey only had eyes for her. Now, Janey was showing concern for Cornell.
Though Audrey was aware of Janey’s unwavering love for her, a hint of jealousy crept in. She found herself standing still, recognizing the cause of her jealousy.
Audrey pondered whether she should allow Janey to grow so attached to Cornell. She feared if Cornell had to make a tough decision one day, it might end up hurting Janey.
Janey scrutinized Cornell’s face, finding no faults, which lightened her spirits. She joyfully placed her hands on Cornell’s cheeks and planted a big kiss on his face.
Cornell’s heart swelled with joy.
Janey inquired, “Daddy, why did you collapse earlier?”
“I didn’t eat enough and fainted because of the lack of strength.
Remember, Janey, eating on time is important…” Carrying Janey, Cornell walked inside, his expression serious as he said softly.
As they moved inside, Cornell whispered something to Janey that made her giggle.
Annis observed, somewhat amazed. “Mr. Clement has a real knack for bonding with kids. I tried to cheer Janey up for so long in vain.”
Audrey’s brow furrowed upon hearing this. Sometimes, the bond of family was undeniable. Janey had many male figures in her life, like Erick, Stefan, and her grandpa… Despite the affection from these men, Cornell held a special place in her heart. Their bond seemed natural and effortless. Was it true, as Janey’s psychologist suggested, that a father’s love was irreplaceable, despite the presence of other caring male figures?
Yet, Audrey recalled the psychologist had pointed out children would likely thrive under the care of loving parents. With so many misunderstandings and hurts between them, how could they possibly nurture love again?
Inside the room.
Janey was exceptionally attached to Cornell that evening, wanting his embrace for everything except when she had to use the bathroom.
Cornell looked at Janey lovingly, cherishing their time together.
However, Audrey noticed Cornell was not in the best of health, spotting occasional beads of sweat on his forehead when he leaned over. Clearly, he hadn’t completely recovered from his earlier ordeal.
But he persisted in smiling and engaging with Janey.
Audrey approached and gently took Janey into her arms, softly saying, “Janey, it’s getting late. Time for a bath and bed.”
Janey was reluctant to part ways with Cornell. She wrapped her arms around Audrey’s neck, pleading in a sweet tone, “Mommy, is it okay if Daddy stays over tonight?”
Audrey was caught off guard by Janey’s request. She froze, while Cornell awaited her response with hopeful eyes.
Cornell’s face was noticeably pale. It was devoid of color.
A wave of heartache washed over Audrey. Upon recognizing her feeling sorry for him again, she felt a surge of alarm. She reminded herself not to be swayed by her emotions.
Regaining her composure, Audrey answered Janey, “No.”
Janey was puzzled and questioned, “Erick stays over sometimes. Why can’t Daddy?”
Audrey responded, “Erick is part of our family, so it’s different for him.”
Audrey’s statement struck a chord in Cornell’s heart. He felt as though his heart was bleeding. His already pale face lost even more color.