Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Audrey’s gaze met the man’s, his slicked-back hair revealing a mature face with strong, earnest features that exuded a steady, reassuring presence. Despite his middle-aged appearance, he carried himself with a refined, sophisticated air that commanded attention.
Resplendent in a vivid red velvet suit, the luxurious fabric shimmered strikingly under the light, yet he wore it with a quiet confidence that belied any hint of ostentation or impropriety, as if he were born to wear such vibrant splendor.
The man’s gaze met Audrey’s, holding her eyes for a moment.
Audrey’s mind reeled, and she instinctively took a step back.
Luckily, Stefan was quick to react, catching Audrey by the elbow and steadying her before she could stumble.
However, the brief disturbance didn’t go unnoticed by the man standing before them.
The man’s lips curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile as he asked, “Miss Foster, do you recall who I am?”
His tone was calm, yet it exerted a palpable pressure, like a gentle yet insistent probing that demanded a response.
Audrey’s body shook with a subtle tremor, her face instantly draining of color, leaving her pale and clammy. A creeping sense of dread washed over her.
But recognizing her reaction was disproportionate, she swiftly composed herself, taking a deep breath before speaking. “Sir, I don’t actually know you. I must have twisted my ankle just now.”
However, the man’s piercing gaze lingered, his deep voice asking, “Miss Foster, why do you look so afraid?”
His piercing, icy gaze seemed to bore into her, its intensity laced with a subtle, unsettling menace.
Audrey’s heart raced wildly, her panic surging as she struggled to withstand the intensity of his piercing gaze.
Stefan interjected smoothly, “Davey, Audrey’s unease stems not from fear of you, but from the harsh climate of Aurora, to which she’s unaccustomed. Her homeland, Ambrosia, boasts a far more temperate environment.”
“Really?” Davey’s skepticism shone through in his tone, yet he chose to let the matter rest, forgoing further interrogation.
“Audrey, this is Davey, a longtime family friend and close associate of my father’s.” Stefan maintained a tranquil demeanor, but his hand was stealthily positioned to support Audrey’s back, offering a silent gesture of protection.
Audrey had been leaning on him for support just moments before.
Concealed beneath the elegant folds of her wedding dress, Audrey’s faint tremors were observed only by Stefan. She was scared. He was puzzled for a second. Why would she fear Davey? They had never met before.
Audrey sensed Stefan’s intentions and, with Stefan’s support, her fear began to recede. She collected herself and extended a courteous greeting, “Davey, I’m Audrey.”
Audrey’s gentle voice disarmed Davey, softening his heart for a moment. He pondered, if that little girl had survived, she’d be roughly Audrey’s age by now. She must be stunning, with her parents’ genes.
“Davey, then I’ll take Audrey back to rest now,” Stefan said, preparing to leave.
Davey’s gaze intensified, his piercing eyes seeming to see beyond Audrey’s wedding dress, as if glimpsing a hidden truth. He said, “Miss Foster, you’re with child. Your health is paramount. Beware of colds, for the baby’s sake.”
Audrey’s heart skipped a beat once more Whenever Davey mentioned her baby, Audrey sensed a hint of menace in his tone, which made her uneasy.
Stefan stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Audrey, his voice calm and reassuring. “I’ll keep her safe. Don’t worry.”
Davey’s Lips curled into a wry smile as he uttered a dry, “Not bad.”
“Please, enjoy yourself,” Stefan said to Davey, offering Audrey his arm and escorting her away.
Just a few paces away, a young man burst into a sprint, his arms open wide, ready to envelop Audrey in a warm embrace.
Stefan’s brow furrowed, and he swiftly extended his arm, halting the young man’s eager approach with a firm but gentle gesture.
Bryce’s face flushed with embarrassment as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, his greeting trailing off with a hesitant. “Audrey…”
Audrey’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Bryce, what are you doing here?”
“Hector’s tied up, and I happened to be in the area on vacation, so I thought I’d drop by,” Bryce said cheerfully.
Who would have imagined that the former troublemaker, once notorious for dodging his studies, had now achieved a master’s degree?
After entering university, Bryce discovered a passion for scientific inquiry, delving deeply into research and becoming utterly absorbed in its pursuit.
After years of intense study, their paths finally crossed again when Audrey returned to Ardlens, and Bryce reached out to her through email, rekindling their connection.
Despite years apart, their connection felt natural and effortless, like no time had passed at all, and they slipped back into each other’s company with effortless ease, no awkwardness whatsoever.
Stefan, noticing the chill in the air, concern etched on his face, suggested, “Let’s move inside to talk.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
Then, side by side, the three of them walked in together.
Unbeknownst to the trio, Davey lingered behind, his eyes fixed on Bryce with an intensity that bordered on fascination. Audrey’s presence evoked a sense of familiarity, reminding Davey of Casey, but Bryce’s demeanor struck a deeper chord, echoing memories of his own youthful persona.
The feeling of familiarity lingered, and Davey couldn’t shake it off.
He frowned, a rare glimpse of emotion.
Meanwhile, Cornell emerged, resplendent in a new suit, and lent against a sleek black cane, stood in the corner, watching everything silently.
Cornell spotted Audrey and Stefan, arms entwined, beaming as they raised their glasses in a joyful toast to the gathering. He also noticed Audrey leaning on Stefan, in a familiar pose that echoed the way she used to lean on him.
Previously, Cornell had always regarded Stefan and the Clifford family with disdain, but now, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy toward Stefan.
After Audrey and the others left, Cornell noticed Davey, who was still there in his bright red velvet suit, his eyes lingered on Audrey and Bryce as they walked away, his gaze distant and lost in thought.
Cornell was unfamiliar with Davey. Despite the Glyn family connection, Davey’s interactions with the Glyns in Berton had been Limited and superficial.
Knowing Davey was Katie’s uncle, Cornell’s gaze paused on him for a moment.
After chatting with Bryce for a bit, Audrey still appeared uneasy.
Bryce thoughtfully excused himself, allowing her some respite.
Audrey was truly unwell, for she wouldn’t have let Bryce depart so promptly if she were feeling her usual self.
Bryce smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Audrey, get some rest first. I’ll be staying in town for a few more days, and Stefan has already arranged a place for me to stay. We can catch up outside when you’re feeling better.”
Bryce appreciated Stefan’s arrangement.
Stefan smiled warmly. “Make yourself at home, and don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything you need or if anything’s amiss.”
“That’s great. I’ll be in touch as soon as I’m feeling better,” Audrey said.
Once left alone with Stefan, Audrey’s composure crumbled, and she let out a sigh of relief, her tense arms relaxing ever so slightly.
“Audrey, what happened just now?” Stefan asked, his voice laced with concern.
“I…” Audrey’s voice trailed off, her words stuck in her throat as her arms continued to tremble, revealing the depth of her distress.
Stefan fetched a blanket and wrapped it gently around her shoulders, speaking softly. “Don’t worry. I’ll get your brother. Whatever it is, T can…”
He paused, seeming to realize his mistake, and cleared his throat.
“We’ll all help you through this.”
Audrey nodded, opening her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, Erick had already entered the room.
“Audrey!” Erick stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Stefan said you’re not feeling well. What’s wrong, Audrey? Do you need a doctor?”
Audrey shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. “No, it’s not that kind of problem.”
Stefan tactfully excused himself, leaving the siblings alone as the conversation turned personal.
Despite Audrey’s reassurances, Erick’s concern lingered. “It’s not physical? If you don’t want to see the Clifford family’s doctor, I’ll take you to someone else. We’ll find someone you’re comfortable with.”
As he spoke, Erick gently took Audrey’s arm, guiding her toward the door.
“No, Erick. I just saw Katie’s uncle, Davey. That’s all.”
Erick’s brow furrowed in concern, “What happened, Audrey? Did Davey say something to upset you?”
Audrey shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “No, Erick. I was simply terrified when I saw him. His gaze sent shivers down my spine, and I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before… But I can’t quite place where.”
“Seen him before?” Erick didn’t know much about Davey, but he thought it was unlikely Audrey had met Davey before. Davey had been Living abroad for years. It seemed improbable that their paths had crossed even when Audrey was a child.
For all these years, Davey had been absent from Ardlens. Despite being a member of the Glyn family, Davey’s relationship with his relatives appeared strained.
“Audrey, are you exhausted and overwhelmed? Has the stress become too much to bear?” Erick thought Audrey was tired and needed rest.
Erick took Audrey’s hand in his, offering a reassuring squeeze. “Your priority now is to focus on your pregnancy and your well-being. Let me handle everything else.”
“Have the gifts been dispatched?” Audrey enquired.
“They’ve all been sent out, Audrey. Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll be reunited with our mother soon,” Erick replied reassuringly.
Audrey was escorted to the room to rest by Victor.