Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
It dawned on Audrey that she’d fallen for Cornell’s feigned frailty.
He didn’t seem the slightest bit frail. Particularly in intimate moments, his stamina was astounding!
Audrey lay in the bath, observing Cornell move around. She decided to shut her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind, she thought.
After a bath, Cornell brought Audrey back to a bed with freshly changed sheets. The crisp, soft linens were a pleasant touch as she settled down.
Cornell suggested kindly, “You can rest. I’ll go take a shower.”
He never left his clothes overnight. last night, he brought fresh ones along.
The sound of running water filled the bathroom, and Audrey felt a headache brewing. Cornell must have misunderstood! He thought she had welcomed him into her life.
When Cornell emerged from the bathroom, dressed, Audrey was poised and ready to clarify. “Cornell, I need to be clear.”
Cornell saw Audrey’s unfriendly face and felt something bad was about to happen to spoil his mood. He looked down. “What is it?”
“That doesn’t mean anything. We’re adults. Please don’t get the wrong idea.”
Cornell looked up, his eyes brimming with sadness. “Wrong idea?”
Audrey knew she came across as a scumbag in this scenario. But she wasn’t certain if it was only a fleeting urge. Unable to decipher her heart, she decided to distance herself from the relationship until her feelings were clear.
“This was just about satisfying needs. Please, don’t read too much into it,” Audrey added evenly.
Cornell felt as though his heart was in a vice. It was agonizing.
His expression tensed, his eyes brimming with distress. “Is this how you see us, Audrey?”
Audrey observed the genuine pain in his demeanor. Yet, the remnants of previous hurts lingered in her heart. Even though Cecilia wasn’t a problem anymore, another woman, Katie, had her sights set on Cornell, despite his clear disinterest. There were simply too many women chasing after Cornell!
The possibility of encountering another insane woman like Cecilia haunted Audrey. How could she be sure history wouldn’t repeat itself?
Call her fragile or hesitant, but her fears were real. She had grown exceedingly wary. She had grown insecure.
With her thoughts organized, Audrey’s voice was steadier, and she said, “My stance hasn’t shifted. You’re the one who’s mistaken.”
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Audrey felt an icy tension enveloping the room.
The next second, Cornell unexpectedly kissed her. His embrace was firm, his hand cradling her head as he initiated a deep, fervent kiss.
Audrey’s eyes widened, her thoughts scattering. He was kissing her yet again!
Audrey attempted to push him away, her breath uneven. “Mmm… Cornell…”
This kiss was passionate and filled with longing.
It lasted for five long minutes before Cornell finally released Audrey.
Audrey’s face went white, and without a second thought, she lifted her hand and slapped him.
Then, Cornell’s face bore the mark of her hand, with five red fingerprints standing out starkly. He didn’t dodge or halt her, allowing her to release her frustration.
Breathing heavily, Audrey was seething. “Cornell, you couldn’t kiss me if I don’t consent!”
Cornell seemed oblivious to her words, his gaze fixated on her flushed lips, his expression intense. “You still have feelings for me.
You could have pushed me away, but you didn’t. You’re interested in me.”
The mention of “feelings” shifted Audrey’s demeanor dramatically. Her previous feelings for him had only brought her anguish.
Her eyes quickly became detached and indifferent. “Cornell, yes, I responded to the kiss, but it was merely physical desire, nothing more. Why complicate things?”
Cornell stood rigid, his body and heart frozen. His heart felt like it was being poked by a bunch of needles, which hurt him a lot. He refused to believe it was merely a physical urge. He couldn’t believe that someone who used to care about loyalty in relationships would say such things. It was a slap in the face for him. She knew well that he allowed no woman but her such proximity, a privilege exclusive to her.
Cornell’s eyes turned icy. “So, you’ve satisfied your need and want to kick me aside?”
Audrey saw stubbornness in Cornell’s stance. She moderated her words since she still needed his help on rescuing Nicole. She sighed.
“Let’s not complicate this. It’s not just me in the equation. It’s not like you’re at a loss, right?”
But Cornell’s heart was still in torment. How could she say this? He retorted coldly, “If it’s fun you’re after, let’s go for round two!”
He then lifted her effortlessly and threw her on the bed. A shadow crossed his eyes at that moment.
Audrey’s color drained from her face. The scenario was eerily reminiscent of past ordeals. Cornell seemed beyond reason. “Cornell, this happens only with my consent!”
Audrey struggled to sit up but was restrained by Cornell, who pressed her back onto the bed.
Cornell’s eyes blazed with intensity, and his words cut like ice.
“You claimed it was just for desire, right? Well, I’m not done yet.
I desire you!”
Audrey’s refusal was palpable as she attempted to fend him off. “I don’t want it, Cornell! You’re insane!”
Cornell gripped her delicate ankle, his heart aching and his eyes filled with cold intensity. “If only I were insane, I wouldn’t have to endure so long!”
At that instant, Cornell longed to lose himself in madness, free from all emotions and concerns without showing signs of weakness. Thus, he wouldn’t feel so helpless around her!
Cornell bent down, his heart heavy, and despite Audrey’s attempts to avoid him, he kissed her once more.
Audrey’s efforts to escape were futile against Cornell’s overwhelming strength. His arms felt like iron clamps, holding her tightly in place. He didn’t show her any mercy.
Audrey felt like a fish about to be caught, and it felt bad. Her eyes welled up, and her voice trembled as she said, “Cornell, I hate you!”
Those words immediately crushed Cornell’s desire. His eyes showed deep pain, and his voice was rough. “You… You hate me?”
Audrey’s face was void of color, and her tone was weak. “Your actions always cause me pain. You never show me respect!”
Cornell’s heart hurt even more when he heard her say that. Was this all she perceived of him? He had lowered his pride repeatedly, only to face her scorn and disdain.
This realization left Cornell feeling utterly empty. He rose slowly, his heart numb.
Overwhelmed with hurt, his gaze turned icy as he warned, “If you dare get intimate with anyone else, you’ll face the consequences!”
With those words, he stormed out of the room.
Audrey sat there, dumbfounded. Was that a threat? She truly regretted it now. She wished she hadn’t acted so hastily and slept with him.
Cornell was still the same. Unless she aligned with his wishes, he would always try to dominate her.
Audrey was grateful that she stayed level-headed and didn’t give in.
They were not a good match.
Audrey lingered on the bed before finally getting up. Her mind was occupied with Nicole’s troubles, yet she pissed Cornell off.
But the knowledge of Nicole being with Jarrod had helped the task of locating Nicole easier.
Plus, Jarrod didn’t go to the hospital to tend to his injuries.
Audrey figured he did so to protect Nicole. After all, the doctor had to call the police if they saw injuries of this magnitude.
Audrey felt much relieved. It looked like Cornell was correct in saying that Jarrod wouldn’t harm Nicole.
Audrey then texted Judd, requesting him to check Jarrod’s current location.
During this time, Annis approached, inviting Audrey to join them for breakfast downstairs.
Audrey replied and then stood in front of the dressing mirror, surprised. Her neck was marked with hickeys of various sizes. How could Cornell kiss her neck this fervently? That was too much!
Audrey opened the wardrobe with frustration and picked out a vintage lace shirt, but there were still some hickeys that she couldn’t hide.
Left with no alternative, she chose a silk scarf. However, hiding the hickeys seemed to only draw more attention.
Reaching the dining table, Audrey froze at the sight of Cornell holding Janey. Cornell did not leave! He stormed out of her room just moments ago.
Now, here Cornell was, skinning a sweet potato for Janey.
Noticing Audrey’s hesitation, Annis looked her way and mentioned, “Mr. Clement arrived early today to join Janey for breakfast.”
At the table, Janey and Cornell set their eyes on Audrey.
“Mommy, over here!” Janey’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Audrey moved closer and sat down.