Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Janey was still confused and inquired, “Isn’t Daddy part of our family too? My classmate told me his parents are the closest people to him. Why isn’t it the same with me?”
Audrey was at a loss for words. How could she explain her relationship with Cornell wasn’t close anymore?
Luckily, Cornell stepped in. He gently caressed Janey’s head, maintaining a smile as he said softly, “Janey, it’s late now. You should listen to your mommy and go to sleep.”
Janey had more questions, but she could sense Cornell was somewhat weary. Reluctantly, she Audrey, meeting Cornell’s gaze, remained silent as she carried Janey to the bathroom.
Annis came to help with Janey’s bath. When Audrey went to get Janey’s pajamas, she noticed Cornell was still lingering at the entrance. She eyed him with a frown. “Why haven’t you left yet?”
Cornell returned her gaze with a troubled look and asked in a raspy voice, “Audrey, would you mind seeing me out?”
Audrey’s initial impulse leaned toward refusal.
Observing the pallor on Cornell’s face, Audrey restrained herself from speaking harshly and instead inquired, “Have you asked Matteo to pick you up?” Cornell didn’t seem in any condition to drive.
Cornell paused briefly, and then a faint grin crossed his face as he softly replied, “Yes.”
Annoyed by his smile, Audrey responded icily by dousing him with a bucket of ice water, “Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want you leaving my place and getting into trouble halfway, for which I would have to take responsibility.”
Suppressing his grin, Cornell nodded.
“Stay put,” Audrey instructed before heading into the bathroom with Janey’s pajamas.
Janey, fresh from her bath, was delighted to find Cornell still around. Breaking free from Ann’s grip, she rushed toward him, her expression adorable as she pleaded, “Daddy, could you you tuck me in?”
“Janey, he needs to…” Audrey began, but before she could finish, Cornell had already lifted Janey into his arms.
Turning to Audrey, Cornell asked softly, “Can I spend a little more time with her?”
Audrey hesitated, not wanting to disappoint Janey, and finally nodded.
Janey clapped cheerfully, saying, “Thank you, Mommy. Daddy, I’ll take you to my room.”
Once inside her room, Janey handed Cornell a stack of picture books, requesting him to read stories to her.
Seated at the edge of the bed, Cornell began reading tales from the books.
Janey was filled with joy and anticipation, her eyes closed but her eyelashes fluttering occasionally.
Cornell’s heart warmed at her endearing gestures, a constant smile adorning his lips throughout the storytelling.
Perhaps weary from her earlier tears, Janey struggled to stay awake despite her wish to enjoy more quality time with Cornell, her eyelids drooping. Too drowsy to resist sleep, she mumbled, “Daddy, love you…”
At that moment, Cornell’s chest was akin to a hive filled with freshly harvested honey, incomparably sweet.
Bending down, he gently kissed Janey’s forehead, a gesture brimming with paternal affection.
As Audrey opened the door, she witnessed the scene before her. Even though the moment was warm, an unexpected bitter feeling surged in her heart. She wondered whether she was being selfish. She realized she ha d only thought about her own emotions, not considering Janey’s.
It seemed as though she was punishing Janey for Cornell’s mistakes, depriving Janey of the paternal love she deserved.
Audrey signed. Maybe she shouldn’t block their meetings out of selfishness. Even though she and Cornell weren’t together anymore, the truth that she was the mother and he was the father remained unchanged.
Audrey pondered that regardless of their relationship, Janey deserved the full love of both her parents.
Her mind was in turmoil, and she hardly noticed when Cornell stood up to leave.
When the door swung open, their eyes locked.
Standing tall, Cornell made Audrey appear petite.
Cornell closed the door gently behind him, swallowing hard before softly saying, “Janey is asleep now.”
“Okay,” replied Audrey, at a loss for what more to say.
“Is there something bothering Janey psychologically?” Cornell inquired.
Caught off guard, Audrey asked, “How did you know?”
Cornell looked slightly concerned, “She seems to shiver unconsciously while sleeping.”
After a brief silence, Audrey explained, “Janey shivered when she was smaller. The doctor mentioned it might be due to the mother’s scare.
But she’s gotten much better after treatment overseas.”
The phrase “the mother’s scare” deeply pained Cornell. He wondered how Audrey managed to give birth in such perilous conditions. He dared not to delve deeper into his thoughts. The mere thought was suffocating enough. He scolded himself for not being able to protect Audrey and their child properly. Given another chance, he would guard them with his life.
Cornell’s eyes were resolute, reflecting his firm decision. No excuses or hesitations. He had to be by their side, ready to protect them no matter what.
The intensity in Cornell’s eyes startled Audrey, who quickly regained her composure and hurried downstairs.
Cornell watched her leave, his expression showing a hint of sadness.
Outside, Matteo hadn’t shown up yet. Audrey lingered by the doorway, hesitant to go back inside.
Feeling uneasy and seeing no sign of Matteo, Audrey offered, “Should we call Matteo?”
Cornell responded with a light tone, “Answering calls while driving isn’t safe for him. He’ll be here shortly.”
Audrey was doubtful, but before she could press the issue, she listened as he proposed, “Luis knows a reputable psychologist. let’s meet him first. If you find him suitable, we can bring Janey along, alright?”
Audrey paused, not rejecting the suggestion. Janey tended to become withdrawn when her condition flared up. While it was rare, a complete cure would certainly be better. She trusted Luis’ expertise in the medical field. Any doctor he vouched for would undoubtedly be trustworthy.
Audrey agreed, “Alright, let’s go see him.”
Cornell’s smile then lit up, warm light illuminated his handsome profile, accentuating his particularly charming smile.
While Audrey was still puzzling over his sudden smile, he added, “Yes, both of us.”
She realized his implication and felt a rush of warmth in her cheeks, eager to distance herself.
“Just wait here by yourself…” Audrey couldn’t finish her sentence when he suddenly reached out, drawing her into his embrace.
Audrey’s eyes widened in shock, her look as fierce as a small, defensive hedgehog, she protested, “Hey, what’s this about?”
Cornell remained silent, resting his head against her neck, his breathing causing a ticklish sensation.
Audrey attempted to push him away. “Cornell! Release me!”
“Audrey,” he whispered her name, his voice near her skin.
Audrey froze. Then, he stated again, his voice rough, “Thank you.”
Audrey was taken aback, puzzled by his sudden gratitude.
As Cornell held her, his tears seemed to fall on her neck, touching her deeply.
Audrey stood still, somewhat disbelieving. Was he crying once more?
Though it was just a single tear, its starkness in contrast to his usual demeanor left her stunned.
Cornell, who seemed so strong and invincible, was now showing his vulnerability before her, not for the first time.
After a while, Cornell managed to say, “Thank you for bringing Janey into the world.”
Audrey’s body involuntarily trembled. His simple expression of gratitude stirred a deep emotion within her, bringing tears to her eyes. It transported her back to the terrifying moment when she fell into the river, her sole thought was to protect her unborn child at all costs. This conviction was why she often said Janey was her life, as she had indeed risked everything just to give birth to Janey.
Reflecting on those harrowing times caused Audrey’s heart to throb with renewed pain. The pain made it impossible for her to face Cornell any longer. Almost without any hesitation, she forcefully pushed him away.
Under Cornell’s stunned gaze, Audrey forcefully closed the door, the sound echoing loudly.
The solid red pearwood door didn’t just block Cornell’s access. It symbolized the resolute shutting of Audrey’s heart to him.
Audrey, leaning against the door, felt drained and stood there for what seemed like an eternity, Her emotions transitioning from hurt to a firm resolve. She silently vowed not to let Cornell sway her emotions again.
Outside.
Cornell was left standing, appearing lost and devoid of life.
Matteo came over, calling out to Cornell twice, yet receiving no reaction.
Observing the closed door and Cornell’s distraught expression, Matteo sighed deeply and suggested, “Mr. Clement, let’s return to the hospital.”
In the calm of the evening, after a hectic day at work, Nicole was about to drive home.
As Nicole approached her red Maserati, the headlights of a black luxury sports car abruptly turned on, casting a harsh light.
She shielded her eyes as the car stopped beside her Maserati.
The window of the car lowered, and Jarrod’s distinct features became visible, his voice sounding low and frosty. “Get in.”