Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
The evening’s menu featured safe, nutritious seafood options suitable for pregnant women to enjoy in moderation, all carefully chosen by Stefan after extensive reading.
Hearing this, Audrey eagerly began eating.
Some dishes, particularly those with shells, were difficult to handle, so Stefan assisted her by peeling several shrimp and promptly heaped more onto her plate.
Feeling a bit self-conscious, Audrey protested, “Stefan, focus on your own meal. I have plenty here.”
Yet, Stefan continued to serve her, saying, “Eat as much as you wish today. You won’t have this luxury during your confinement.”
Audrey’s due date was just two weeks away.
They faced a significant dilemma. Allowing Audrey to return home for the birth raised concerns. If she faced any complications, they would be powerless to help. However, being in a place surrounded by medical staff guaranteed more security for the childbirth.
The matter regarding breaking into Davey’s manor had to be postponed further.
Seeing Audrey enjoy her meal and appear contented made Stefan smile.
After reflecting for a moment, he decided to express his feelings.
“Audrey, after spending this time together, I’ve realized my feelings for you have deepened from simple affection to true love.”
Stunned by his sudden declaration, Audrey could only stammer, “Stefan, you…”
She was at a loss for words, recalling the last time he had spoken so candidly back in Ardlens.
Back then, his words had seemed more about needing a partner for marriage than expressing true love. Today, however, his tone was serious as he confessed his feelings.
Audrey sensed that Stefan’s confession was genuine, which immediately made her feel burdened.
To ease her discomfort, Stefan clarified, “What I mean is, I’d like the opportunity to win your heart. You’re free to say no, but I want to give it a try.”
He paused for a bit and added playfully, “First, can I brag about myself a little?”
This lighter tone helped relax Audrey, prompting her to smile and respond, “Okay.”
Stefan’s aim was to soothe Audrey’s anxiety, but once she consented to listen, he began to feel nervous himself. This was new for him, having been single for 30 years and never before feeling this strongly.
“Though my family background isn’t the best, I’ve made a point to distance myself from it. In the future, I promise no bad habits, no infidelity. I’ll love only you. If we start a family, I’ll commit fully to it and strive to be a good father. Regarding children, if you decide against having more, Janey, Juan, and Westin will be the only kids in my life.”
Juan and Westin were the names Audrey had chosen for her unborn babies.
Audrey simply wanted her children to lead carefree and simple lives.
Honestly, Stefan’s declaration was touching. He was prepared to forego having biological children and instead embrace her three as his own. Such dedication was rare.
But Audrey was hesitant to open her heart to love again. She had often heard that love led to heartache. She had faced many challenges and, despite her efforts, had yet to see a favorable outcome.
Suddenly, Audrey thought of Nicole who had suffered immensely because of the so-called love, her spirit crushed and seemingly irreparable.
Yet now, having broken free, Nicole appeared to be thriving.
Audrey then considered her three children. She believed she could raise them well, yet she worried about the absence of a father figure and its possible effect on their development.
Noticing Audrey’s pensive look, Stefan reassured her, “Audrey, there’s no need to rush your response. We can address our current challenges first and proceed at a comfortable pace. Even if you decide against it, I’ll understand.”
Hearing this made Audrey feel increasingly self-conscious. “Stefan, my life is far from ordinary. I fear I might only end up disappointing you…” she confessed.
Though Stefan was undeniably noble, Audrey doubted her ability to reciprocate his romantic feelings. For her, Stefan had always been like a brother, akin to Erick. Their bond felt familial to her. She questioned whether their relationship could evolve beyond this without causing complications.
Responding now would be premature and irresponsible. Thus, she found herself deeply conflicted.
Stefan smiled warmly, “Audrey, the choice is mine. You shouldn’t feel any pressure. It’s my decision to pursue you, and I am prepared to handle the outcomes of my actions. Please, don’t feel obliged. I have no intention of masquerading as a husband just to be close to you. That would be contemptible. My wish is to convey my feelings transparently and with integrity. But, you always have the freedom to withdraw.”
Anyone listening to this conversation would undoubtedly be touched.
It wasn’t just about romantic interest. It was admiration for Stefan’s forthrightness.
Confronted with such sincerity, Audrey felt undeserving of his affection. After a moment of reflection, she responded, “Stefan, I truly value your sentiments…”
This kind of start usually signals a rejection.
Stefan’s expression darkened slightly. He hadn’t pressed for an immediate response because he feared a swift rejection. That would leave him without even the consolation of unrequited love.
“I’ll think about what you said,” Audrey told him.
Stefan was caught off guard, not expecting her to consider his proposal.
Audrey admitted to herself that she didn’t dislike Stefan. If she were to consider starting a new family, Stefan would indeed be an excellent partner. Moreover, she aspired to be a better person, someone who could effectively guide her children. Having a stable, supportive partner like Stefan would undoubtedly simplify her life.
Previously, when she got only Janey in her life, Audrey thought she could handle it alone. Now, with two more children on the way, her perspective had shifted. Stefan was emotionally mature, though he tended to avoid grandiose declarations.
After a pause, Stefan managed to say, “Thank you, Audrey.”
Audrey playfully responded, “Thank you as well.”
Audrey’s response that she would think about what he said, made Stefan joyful, nearly overflowing with happiness.
As they exited the restaurant, snow began to fall once again.
Aurora was enchanting, but the cold was intense. Audrey had to wrap up warmly whenever she went outside.
Stefan helped her into her fluffy gloves and took her hand as they walked.
The streets were bustling tonight, and holding hands helped them avoid being bumped.
But unexpectedly, Audrey saw the familiar figure in the distance once more. That distinct silhouette momentarily made her think it was Cornell.
Stefan noticed her sudden distraction and followed her gaze, quickly grasping the situation. The figure did indeed look like Cornell.
However, Audrey quickly composed herself and tugged at Stefan’s hand, urging, “Let’s go.”
Stefan had briefly considered approaching the figure, not out of altruism, but because he recognized that Audrey and Cornell’s past was a reality that couldn’t be ignored indefinitely.
Facing it sooner rather than later seemed prudent since Cornell was the father of Audrey’s children. Avoiding Cornell forever wasn’t an option. His plan was to acclimate to the situation gradually, so interactions concerning the children in the future wouldn’t be uncomfortable.
But Audrey’s prompt dismissed his thoughts, and he simply nodded in agreement. “Okay, let’s go.”
On the way back, Audrey seemed downcast, likely upset by her repeated misidentifications. She couldn’t understand why she kept thinking about Cornell.
Upon arriving home, Stefan escorted Audrey to the manor gates and presented her with a packet of sleep-inducing herbal incense.
He explained that his clan elders, who followed ancient health regimens, had recommended it. It was reputed to be highly effective for sleep and safe for pregnant women.
After confirming with Audrey’s doctor that it was safe, Stefan handed it over to her.
Audrey’s sleep had deteriorated as her pregnancy advanced, leading to noticeable dark circles under her eyes, which Stefan had observed.
Gratefully accepting the incense, Audrey thanked Stefan and headed inside, planning to check on her brother first.
But as she entered the hall, the packet of herbs suddenly slipped from her grip and fell to the floor with a thud!
Upon entering the hall, Audrey was greeted with a familiar figure.
It was Cornell, still as tall and handsome as ever. And when he turned his head and gazed at Audrey, his eyes twinkled brightly like the stars in the night sky.
Audrey looked at him in a daze. She had been imagining his presence everywhere tonight. She didn’t expect it to become a reality.
After locking eyes for a while, Audrey turned around, intending to walk away.
Her mind was in turmoil, entertaining tons of questions. Why did he come? Wasn’t he injured? Had his leg recovered? Yet, she didn’t spot a cane by his side. Did he really get better? Or did he only come here to see her, although he had not fully recovered yet?
Audrey didn’t hear any footsteps following behind her, so she stopped.
She thought for a moment and then turned back.
Cornell maintained a calm face and didn’t stop Audrey from Leaving.
Instead, he just stood there and stared at her.
“Mi… Mr. Clement…” Audrey stammered. Thinking Cornell had come here to mend relationships with her, she felt the need to make things clear. In any case, she shouldn’t entangle herself with him anymore.
Besides, if he had not fully recovered yet, she didn’t want to carry the guilt if something happened to him.
Pausing for a bit, Audrey remarked firmly, “I thought I made myself clear last time.”
Cornell replied calmly, “I’m here because I have something to attend to.”
Audrey wasn’t convinced. What could possibly trigger a patient who had not fully recovered yet would travel to the frigid Aurora?
Already anxious and troubled every single day because of her pregnancy and her mother’s situation, Audrey really didn’t want to add more to her worries. She felt like everything had piled up, weighing her down and suffocating her.