Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
So Audrey had been sharing their marital issues to Henley?
His fists clenched in preparation for pummeling Henley, but he caught himself just in time.
He knew Henley was baiting him.
Cornell tilted his head upward and sneered, “No matter what you think, she’s still my wife.”
Observing the rage flash across Cornell’s face, Henley decided to pour more gasoline on the fire.
“Mr. Clement, wouldn’t it be thrilling to make this a true competition?”
Bang! Cornell’s fist came flying, colliding with Henley’s face.
Henley’s nose started to bleed. Holding a hand to his face, he tried to maintain some semblance of dignity.
Cornell was now a live wire, eyes ablaze. He raised his foot, preparing for the next strike.
“Enough!” Audrey appeared, stepping between them.
“What’s gotten into you, Cornell?”
Noticing her defensive stance over Henley, Cornell’s eyes squinted, his heart wrenching.
He scoffed.
“I see. I’ve arrived at an inconvenient moment, haven’t I?”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Audrey shot back, a bitter taste forming in her heart.
Cornell’s face twisted in anger as he saw her come to another man’s defense. His words turned caustic.
“If you dare to cheat on me, why couldn’t I talk about it, huh? “
A paleness washed over Audrey’s face, and it felt as if a weight was compressing her chest, suffocating her.
A mixture of exhaustion, numbness, and disillusionment whirled in her head, plunging her into a deeper state of despair.
Hadn’t she already given up hope on her relationship with Cornell?
What could be more disheartening? Clearly, nothing.
Turning her attention to Henley, she offered, “Henley, let’s get you to a doctor.”
“You dare to leave with him? Stay!”
Cornell’s fury boiled over. He tried to grab Audrey but was thwarted by Henley.
Blood smeared on his face, Henley confronted Cornell, “Mr. Clement, planning to strike a woman now?”
Glasses knocked off, Henley’s usually calm demeanor vanished, replaced by a fierce gaze. His slender yet powerful arm acted as a barrier between Cornell and Audrey.
He was unquestionably provoking Cornell.
Silent, Cornell’s fist flew, landing squarely on Henley and sending him tumbling to the ground.
But one punch wasn’t enough to quell Cornell’s fury. Veins pulsed visibly on the back of his clenched hand as he lunged to strike Henley again.
“Stop it, Cornell!” Audrey cried out, rushing forward to shield Henley.
Seeing that the fist was about to hit her, Audrey clenched her eyes shut.
Yet, the anticipated blow never landed.
When she opened her eyes, Cornell’s fist hovered mere inches from her face, halted by his own willpower.
Cornell’s demeanor turned icy. How could he have the heart to raise a hand against Audrey?
His gaze remained locked onto Audrey’s face as he yelled with frustration, “Are you taking his side?”
“Cornell, stop using your authority to intimidate people.”
Audrey felt Cornell had crossed a line.
She’d already told Henley to stay away from her, not wanting any harm to come to him again. Yet, he’d unduly suffered again because of her.
How could she just stand idle and see Cornell continue to harm Henley?
Cornell’s gaze turned icy as he sneered, “Am I the bully, or is he just weak?”
He didn’t understand why Audrey defended a man who couldn’t even take a hit. Was she blind?
“Come on, Henley.”
Kneeling down, Audrey helped Henley to his feet. She had no desire to engage with Cornell.
She was all too familiar with his irrational logic. Reasoning was futile.
“Stay!” Cornell seized her forcefully.
“Audrey, don’t you see your own audacity? I’m standing right here, and you’re leaving with another guy?”
Cornell’s face was indescribable. Watching them laugh and protect each other earlier, he wanted nothing more than to chain her down and keep her by his side.
Pulling her closer, his voice tinged with loathing.
“What? You can’t exist without a man by your side?”
His derisive words stabbed Audrey like needles.
She tried to speak but found herself choking on air.
He had an uncanny ability to wound her deeply.
Fuming with anger, Audrey struggled to pull away, but his grip was too strong.
Her eyes red, she glared at Cornell.
“Let go of me!”
At that moment, jealousy clouded Cornell’s judgment, making it impossible for him to gauge the impact of his words.
“Let you go? So that you can chase after another man? Not a chance!”
Summoning all her strength, Audrey slapped Cornell with her free hand.
That resounding slap silenced the onlookers instantly.
Tears trickled down Audrey’s cheeks.
“Why bother with me, Mr. Clement, when you think I’m so worthless and despicable? Why not divorce me and let me go?”
Cornell felt a sharp sting in his heart, sparking his anger.
Yet, seeing Audrey’s tear-streaked face, a flicker of remorse crossed his mind.
Had his words been too harsh?
He extended a hand to wipe her tears, intending to clarify himself, when Henley intervened, “Mr. Clement, if Audrey wants to go, don’t hold her back.”
Henley’s words evaporated Cornell’s momentary regret, leaving him disheartened.
Scoffing, Cornell retorted, “Eager for a relationship with her, are you?”
Audrey heard him but remained silent.
What difference did it make, being hurt once or a hundred times over?
Henley replied softly with a slight smile, “You misunderstand, Mr. Clement. Audrey and I are merely friends. You should not dictate her choices. Give her the freedom to decide.
“Fine, Audrey, think about it!” Cornell said, finally releasing her, his voice icy. His proud demeanor showed no signs of yielding. He got his pride.
Audrey glanced his way, her tears now dry. She turned and walked away without a second thought.
Cornell’s expression grew somber.
He had a feeling of being betrayed. His heart ached, which could not be restrained in any way.
Fury coiling into a sneer, he clenched his fists.
“Fine, leave! But know this, you’ll never return to me!”