Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Should she even slightly cross his boundaries, he’d withdraw his affection, making her pay for her supposed transgression.
Hope had long since left her heart for him.
No longer could she endure the indignities stemming from his distrust.
She longed for only one thing. It was divorce.
Cornell sensed the hint of sarcasm in her words. He didn’t anticipate immediate forgiveness in the first place.
He’d angered her, so he had to win her back, however difficult.
He kissed her forehead, declaring, “It’s on me. I’ll settle it for you in two days.”
Once he uncovered the culprit, that person would not go unpunished.
But Audrey was indifferent. Whatever the outcome, she just wanted to affirm the legitimacy of their baby.
Her baby deserved to come into this world with dignity.
She said, her voice tinged with apathy, “Once we resolve this, we should discuss divorce.”
Cornell was shocked. Moments earlier, they were locked in intimacy.
The next second, she was coldly talking about ending their marriage.
His fury reignited.
Clenching his teeth, he seethed.
“Do you not feel anything, Audrey?
Didn’t you just sense my restraint, all for you? And now you want to leave?”
“Mr. Clement, when did I ask for your service? You’re imposing this on me. Are you not content?”
Audrey was now fully alert, impervious to his manipulative words.
With a squint of his magnetic eyes, Cornell dipped his head and nipped at her neck as if dispelling his frustration. Yet, he did it gently, desiring closeness rather than harm.
He declared defiantly, “I won’t divorce you, and I don’t want to hear you utter that word again!”
Audrey shoved him back, declaring flatly, “If that’s the case, there’s nothing left to discuss. I’ll clarify things with your grandpa tomorrow.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Cornell’s voice seethed with anger, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“I won’t irritate him. I’ll just let him know I want a divorce.
That’s it, nothing complicated.”
Audrey’s resolve to get a divorce further vexed Cornell.
“Do you always have to be this defiant, Audrey?”
Feeling that arguing further would be futile, Audrey decided it was better to speak directly with his grandfather.
Seeing that she had made up her mind, Cornell sneered.
ALL right. Fine. A frosty smile crossed his Lips.
“Then you’re grounded. You’re not leaving this place.”
Audrey’s expression altered instantly.
“You plan on locking me up again?”
The word “again” made Cornell wince. He had made similar threats in the past but never followed through.
But right now, he couldn’t think of anything better. He’d have to wait until he’d taken care of things and could muster the energy to tangle with her before he could set her free.
But he didn’t say these words. She’d defied him too often, and he had to rein her in.
Regaining his composure, he flatly stated, “It’s not about you. I simply want my family to be safe.”
Hearing his twisted logic, Audrey’s eyes reddened.
“Cornell, even if we are a couple, you have no right to confine me to this ward!”
“Remember this, Audrey, we are married. And Henley isn’t someone you should associate with.”
Just then, Cornell’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it but didn’t pick up.
Audrey knew it was a call from Cecilia.
“Why don’t you distance yourself from Cecilia? She’s no better,” she shot back.
Cornell furrowed his brow.
“That’s a different story.”
Audrey nearly chuckled. Didn’t Cornell have a closer relationship with Cecilia than she ever had with Henley?
At least Henley had never overstepped his bounds, nor shown any particular interest in her.
But Cornell had always treated Henley poorly. And he asserted that it was different.
“Alright, if you’re so adamant about not divorcing and it’s not the same thing, then you’re staying here with me in the hospital today.”
Aware that Cornell was likely headed to see Cecilia after leaving the ward, Audrey felt a surge of frustration. Since Cornell didn’t want to get a divorce, he should at least do something to show that he meant it.
He was well aware of her disdain for Cecilia, yet he continued to hurt her by seeing Cecilia over and over again.
Why, then, wouldn’t he just end their marriage?
“Don’t make a fuss, Audrey. I have important matters to attend to,”
Cornell said evasively.
“So are you telling me that I shouldn’t make a fuss when knowing you’re going to see Cecilia?”
Cornell fell silent. He did intend to see Cecilia, but not without a reason. He was to demand answers from her.
“Cornell, don’t treat me like a fool. She’s in love with you and wants to marry you. You know it very well. You don’t grant me a divorce, yet you still keep seeing her. Do you think it’s fair for me?”
“I’ve already told you I don’t have any feelings for Cecilia. I visit her out of a sense of guilt, nothing more,” Cornell retorted, lips tightly pressed.
“But do you realize the innocent girl you’re so worried about isn’t as virtuous as you think? She told me that I was nothing but a plaything to you, a means to satisfy your lust. That you didn’t want to father my child, only hers. My presence was just to keep your grandfather happy!” Audrey spat out.
Cornell’s face tightened, but he said nothing as if pondering whether Audrey was telling the truth.
Seeing his expression, Audrey’s heart sank further into despair.
Cornell would never believe her.
Cecilia’s audacity stemmed from the unwavering support she received from Cornell.
After a heavy pause, Cornell finally said, “Audrey, I know you’ve had issues with Cecilia since what happened with your grandmother, but I’ve interrogated Tessa. She confirmed that Cecilia wasn’t involved.”
“Stop it!” Audrey cut him off, fury nearly bubbling over.
Cornell should conclude that she spoke ill of Cecilia out of resentment. Ridiculous!
Audrey had hoped that laying it all out might make Cornell harbor a bit of suspicion of Cecilia’s involvement and offer her some semblance of justice.
It turned out that they were all her wishful thinking.
She had only embarrassed herself once more.
“Alright, it’s all on me then. How could I forget Cecilia is as pure as an angel in your heart? How could she possibly do anything wrong?
Clearly, I’m the one always at fault here!”
“Audrey!” Cornell rarely found Audrey so irrational. His expression shifted.
“Cecilia is just like a younger sister to me. If it bothers you, I’ll reduce my interactions with her in the future.”
“Mr. Clement, forget about the future. Let’s focus on the present. Can you stop seeing her now?”
Without a second thought, Cornell retorted, “Not today. I have to meet her today. I’ve got something crucial to ask her.”
Though Audrey had braced herself for this, she still felt her heart constricted, almost leaving her breathless.