Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
To elevate his status, he targeted the plump woman, knowing she was her family’s sole heiress and would inherit a significant fortune.
Despite her unappealing looks, no man of his impoverished background would typically have a chance with her. He schemed a plan to have a friend impregnate her, and then use the child to force her into marriage.
His friend was initially reluctant to sleep with the plump woman because of her appearance, and it cost him a fair sum to convince his friend.
Using this marriage, he slowly built his wealth and status to reach his current position.
But just moments before, his entire world had crumbled. The crimes he committed might not warrant the death penalty in Aurora, but with the murder cases linked to him in Ardlens, execution was likely the outcome!
Overwhelmed by the prospect of his doomed future, he lost control, pulling out his belt and clenching it, furiously saying, “This cursed child, I’m going to kill him now!”
The plump woman dove to shield the chubby boy, but her husband began to attack them both.
Suddenly, the hospital entrance was overrun with screams and turmoil, utterly chaotic.
The plump woman was struck violently by her husband and could no longer protect the chubby boy.
The chubby boy couldn’t figure out why his usually easygoing dad had become a raging beast, set on killing him. He was hit and tried to dodge, but a swinging punch from his father threw him off balance, and he tumbled down the high steps.
“Thud!” A dull thump resonated as the chubby boy hit the pavement, his head smacking the ground. Blood pooled around him.
The shorter boy peeked out and saw the chubby boy lying motionless, his eyes wide with confusion as though the fall had left him dazed.
This sight nearly terrified the shorter boy to death.
In anger, the plump woman shoved her husband, and just as he was about to fall down the steps, he grabbed her.
The two of them rolled down the steps like tumbling balls, ending at the bottom.
The plump woman’s front teeth were shattered, and her husband’s face was severely injured, both presenting a horrifying scene!
At that moment, the sound of police sirens pierced the air.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene to find the couple and the chubby boy sprawled on the ground and immediately called for an ambulance.
What a scene to the onlookers.
The small garden had regained its usual tranquility.
However, an undeniable awkwardness still lingered.
Audrey cringed as she recalled her bold declaration to the plump woman, professing her attraction to Cornell and her intent to seduce him, alongside a comment on the freedom of unmarried people to love.
She felt she was impulsive. In a desperate attempt to defend Cornell, she had spoken without thinking much. Looking back, it was downright embarrassing.
Concerned that Cornell might be upset, Audrey took the initiative to apologize. “I’m really sorry. I got carried away just now and spouted some nonsense. Please don’t mind it. If you need me to clarify anything…”
Audrey’s thoughts then shifted to Eloise, uncertain of Eloise’s relationship with Cornell. Did Cornell know what Eloise had said to Bryce? Did Cornell realize that Eloise was actually interested in Bryce?
Audrey’s gaze darkened. “I can help clarify if needed.”
After Audrey’s lengthy apology, Cornell responded in a low voice, “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
Since he appeared unconcerned, Audrey found herself at a loss for words. Looking at him, she remembered the times she had secretly watched him practicing, trying to stand without the cane. Her nose tingled, and her heart twisted in pain. What was the issue with his legs?
Audrey had a myriad of questions yet struggled to find the words to ask them. But then she considered that perhaps she had no right to be concerned. To others, it seemed they both had significant others.
Showing concern now might only make her seem Like a jealous busybody.
She had no desire to foster any ambiguous relationships.
“Rest well and recover your health.” After saying this, Audrey turned to leave.
“Audrey!” Cornell called out, stopping her in her tracks.
“How are the babies doing?” he asked.
Audrey turned back, her voice slightly choked. “The babies are doing great. They’re so cute. You should come and play with them once you’re feeling better.”
“I’m sure you’ve been taking good care of them,” Cornell replied, his voice filled with appreciation. He had glimpsed their babies once when Erick brought them over, an act hoping to lift his spirits after seeing his despondent mood.
Realizing the possibility of permanent disability had nearly driven Cornell to despair. It wasn’t until Erick visited, commenting on how much the babies resembled him, that he felt a renewed sense of responsibility. He felt he had to stand strong for his children and the children’s mother, Audrey.
Yet, Cornell gave a bitter smile. Could he really still protect Audrey now?
With Audrey turning to leave, he maneuvered his wheelchair, saying, “Let me see you off.”
Audrey paused, surprised he wanted to accompany her.
They made their way back into their respective wards together. Audrey couldn’t extend an invitation to visit their babies as they had already been discreetly moved to Ardlens to prepare for their upcoming celebration.
Moreover, mounting evidence suggested that Davey was secretly hiding Casey away. Plans were in place to confront Davey during the celebration and, if necessary, to detain him directly.
The baby’s first celebration in Ardlens was unlike any other. It took place on the 42nd day after birth. After marking the one-month-old, the baby would remain hidden for another 12 days before the celebration began.
The legend said it was to avoid the Demon’s Child, who loved to steal children. If they could safely get through those 12 days, their lives would be free from harm.
The celebration invitations had already been dispatched by Stefan, adhering to local customs. They simply had to wait for the right moment to implement their plans simultaneously on two fronts.
Reflecting on the conversation between Eloise and Bryce, Audrey hesitantly asked, “How come I didn’t see Eloise with you?”
Seated in his wheelchair, Cornell looked straight ahead as he responded, “She has her own affairs to attend to. There’s no need for her to stay by my side.”
Audrey paused and then suggested, “You should still keep an eye on her. She’s in a strange place, and it would be unfortunate if she ran into trouble.”
“Isn’t she always with Bryce?” Cornell remarked.
At the mention of Bryce, a pang of concern tightened Audrey’s chest.
She pressed on, “But doesn’t Bryce not really care for Eloise? It might be wise to watch over her a little more.”
Cornell took a moment before replying, “Bryce may seem indifferent, but he wouldn’t overlook Miss Benton if she were truly in danger.”
Miss Benton? Audrey noted Cornell’s formal way of referring to Eloise, which seemed overly distant. Yet, considering Cornell’s typically reserved demeanor, she reasoned that such formality might not be out of character.
Audrey advised, “She’s come here after you, after all. Should anything happen to her, it would impact you as well, wouldn’t it Audrey’s concerns stemmed from Eloise’s flippant remarks about wanting to sleep with many men.”
Although Audrey understood it as a joke, the possibility of Eloise actually visiting a bar troubled her. The security in Aurora was notably lax compared to Ardlens.
Cornell scowled. “She’s an adult capable of making her own decisions. Why should that concern me?”
Surprised by his reaction, Audrey blurted out, “Aren’t you two in a relationship?”
This question made Cornell halt. He lifted his gaze to meet Audrey’s, his dark eyes causing her cheeks to flush. He asked, “You’ve asked so many questions because you think Eloise and I are actually in a relationship?”
Audrey’s heart skipped a beat at his words. Was it not what she had believed? Were they not in a relationship, after all?
“I wasn’t asking too much,” Audrey responded. “It just seemed Like you didn’t care much about her.”
Cornell replied calmly, “She has family, friends, and will eventually have men who care for her. Why should I concern myself with her? We don’t have any special relationship.”
With such a straightforward response, Audrey realized she would be foolish not to grasp his meaning. Suddenly, her thoughts were in turmoil. It turned out she had completely misinterpreted the situation between Eloise and Cornell.
Cornell then looked at her and said, “If you want to know something, just ask me directly. No need to beat around the bush.”
Audrey found herself speechless. She reviewed her earlier questions.
Had her curiosity been that transparent? Upon reflection, her inquiries had indeed been quite pointed. Her eagerness to understand the nature of Cornell and Eloise’s relationship had led her to steer the conversation in that direction, without realizing it.
Recognizing this made Audrey feel suddenly numb. The reason for her intense curiosity. Could it be that…
Audrey hesitated, fearing that delving deeper might draw her into emotions she couldn’t escape. A wave of panic washed over her. Her face clearly showed her distress. After all, she had chosen to keep her distance from Cornell.
What was she doing now? Her unconscious reaction made her realize she truly couldn’t get close to Cornell. At any moment, her deepest thoughts might be revealed.
“I don’t have anything I want to know,” Audrey stubbornly insisted.
Then she told him, “I’ll turn the corner up ahead. You can head back. I’m leaving first.”
Having said that, she didn’t give him a chance to respond and fled as if to escape. She feared that staying any longer would make her innermost feelings increasingly apparent. Especially just now, when he mentioned he and Eloise didn’t share a special relationship, she felt her heartbeat accelerate.
This was dangerous! She had only just recovered from a wave of self-reproach. She really didn’t want to fall back into those feelings.
The next day, Audrey was ready to be discharged from the hospital and return to the villa.
When leaving, she avoided saying goodbye to Cornell. She consoled herself that avoiding him would help suppress the budding thoughts in her heart.
She told herself she was so easily moved because of his condition.
His disability somehow amplified his melancholic aura. That was why she couldn’t control her emotions, feeling either sympathy or pity.