Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
“Is that the only thing you can say?” Henley narrowed his gaze.
Henley might Look like a scholar, but when his expression turned cold, an unexplainable darkness clouded his features. Especially those eyes concealed behind golden-rimmed glasses, like a cunning fox hiding in the shadows.
Beneath his sophisticated exterior, there lay a dangerous appeal, the kind one would find in a modern-day “gentleman rogue.”
“What is it that you truly want?” Audrey’s eyes were red, her self-control stretched to its breaking point, itching to rip this cunning man apart.
“What do I want?” Gently lifting her chin, Henley offered, “Remain by my side…”
Audrey felt a chill. Holding her disgust, she asked, “What about Miss Holmes from Manning?”
Matilda Holmes had been engaged to Henley for two weeks.
Alexis set up the engagement, thinking it was a suitable match for Henley, given his status.
Matilda’s family, renowned for their generosity, had an excellent reputation and were an ideal match.
Henley, charming and good-looking, had swiftly captured Matilda’s affection.
Despite the video incident, Matilda stepped up to explain it was just a misunderstanding, showing complete faith in Henley. She was so infatuated that it was like she was under a spell.
“Audrey…” Henley’s lips formed a slight smile, his voice husky.
“You should understand, whoever I marry, they can never take your place in my heart.”
Audrey felt sick to her stomach. He desired her as his secret lover, kept in the shadows.
The longing in Henley’s eyes as he gazed at Audrey was evident as he whispered, “Just stay by my side, Audrey. You won’t have to worry about anything. I’ll look after you…”
At that moment, Audrey wished she could slap Henley hard across the face. How could someone say such offensive words without a second thought? His audacity was beyond belief!
Despite her instinctive repulsion, Audrey’s face remained unreadable, showing no signs of emotion, a submission that often appealed to men.
Henley softly laid his hands on her shoulders, whispering in a rough voice, “Don’t worry. Once you’re with me, I’ll make sure you and the child are safe. Even though Janey isn’t mine, I won’t let her suffer.”
Audrey felt nauseous and disgusted listening to Henley’s words. He seemed to be saying, “See, I’m even ready to accept your child despite everything. Isn’t that enough?”
For the first time, Audrey saw how far human wickedness could go, watching it sink repeatedly.
Surprisingly, Audrey didn’t push back. She gazed directly into his eyes and whispered, “If you truly love me, Henley, I need the truth. Did you abduct Janey?”
Henley was caught off guard by her question. It was the first instance Audrey hadn’t ignored his declarations of love, which delighted him. He softly ruffled her hair and whispered gently, “I didn’t do it.” At such a dangerous moment, he wouldn’t do something so reckless.
Audrey analyzed his face to make sure he wasn’t lying and then looked away.
Henley appreciated her obedient behavior and said gently, “Come over to my place tonight…”
As Henley eagerly reached out to draw her close, Audrey sidestepped him. His face immediately turned dark.
Audrey’s face showed a blend of emotions as she said, “Henley, I need some time to think…”
She remained distant, but the typical tension between them was noticeably missing.
Henley observed her for a moment before letting out a chuckle. “Take your time, but remember, the crucial period for finding someone is forty-eight hours. Time is running out…”
Audrey’s face went white with this reminder.
Henley pulled her close, speaking softly. “Why hesitate? I’ve promised to take care of you. My heart has belonged to you and only you for so long…”
Audrey trembled under his touch.
“Fine… Henley, pleased yet not wanting to overwhelm her, gently turned her face toward him, gazing at her affectionately. “I’ll give you time… But don’t take too long, alright?”
Exhaustion was evident in Audrey’s eyes as she gave a soft nod.
Henley gazed at her lovingly and whispered gently, “Do you want me to take you home?”
Audrey refused, “I prefer to be alone.”
Henley didn’t push and chuckled softly. “Alright.” Despite Audrey’s current resistance, they had plenty of time ahead of them. He was confident that she would eventually see him as her only option.
Manipulating others was second nature to him.
Walking through the company corridor together, Henley and Audrey unexpectedly bumped into Matilda, who was searching for Henley.
Seeing him, she paused before saying, “Henley…”
Then, Matilda looked at Audrey, a hint of warning in her eyes, considering Audrey’s attractive figure and fragile appearance, which naturally prompted sympathy.
Matilda hadn’t encountered Audrey before and was clueless about her identity. “Henley, who is she?” she asked.
Henley replied calmly, “My sister-in-law.”
Sister-in-law… The very woman from the scandalous video! Matilda immediately stepped forward, gripping Henley’s arm as if to mark her presence. “Hi there.”
Audrey could hardly manage a smile and barely acknowledged Matilda’ss greeting. She swiftly made an excuse to depart, leaving the two.
A hint of awkwardness appeared on Matilda’s face as she leaned against Henley, whispering, “Henley, why does it feel like she doesn’t like me?”
Henley responded gently, “No, you’re thinking too much.”
Matilda gazed at him; her expression uneasy. “But… It seems Like there’s something between you two…”
“Matilda.” Henley’s smile weakened a _ little, looking rather intimidating.
It seemed like a regular call, but Matilda strangely felt a hint of danger in it. Instinctively, she started to apologize, “I’m sorry, Henley…”
Little quarrels among engaged couples could often be light-hearted and teasing.
Matilda had lost her cool over minor issues in the past, but she had never witnessed Henley wearing such a stern look. This was the first time she had perceived him as slightly intimidating.
However, the next second, Henley gently drew her close and complimented her, “Darling, you’re truly wonderful.”
His handsome face seemingly radiated affection.
Matilda melted instantly, feeling both warmth and sweetness in her heart, and quickly let go of her recent irritation. She hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest. “Henley, I’ll come over tonight…”
This was Matilda’s main reason for coming today. They had been acquainted and engaged for two months now. It was the right moment to deepen their relationship beyond ordinary courtship.
Henley’s chuckle was soft, his whisper teasing. “Coming over to my place… Aren’t you concerned I might make a move on you?”
Matilda blushed deeply. She held him tighter, teasingly saying, “You’re such a naughty boy…”
Had Matilda glanced up then, she would have seen Henley’s expression, cold and devoid of any warmth or love.
Henley murmured with a husky voice, “I’ve got to stay late at work tonight to finish the project…”
Disappointed yet wanting to be understanding, Matilda responded, “Of course, work comes first.”
Eager to offer her assistance, she said, “If there’s anything my father can do to help, just say the word.”
“Sure,” Henley replied, embracing her quickly. They looked every bit the enamored couple.
Back in her studio, Audrey reflected on her recent acting. She could confidently say her performance had been quite convincing.
From her act of kneeling to her displays of anger, despair, and eventual acceptance, Audrey assumed she had somewhat deceived Henley.
Her act was a tactical choice, given Janey’s well-being. Showing vulnerability and impulsiveness could lead the abductors to lower their guard, possibly exposing a weakness.
But Henley had made it clear he wasn’t behind it. And Alexis appeared genuinely clueless. So, who had taken Janey away?
Audrey listed suspects on paper, eliminating them one by one, until she paused on Katie’s name.
Something clicked, and she immediately called Erick. “Erick, is Katie out yet?”
Audrey hadn’t been updated on Katie’s situation. Her last memory was of Katie being taken into police custody.
Erick replied, “Yes, she’s been released after a suicide attempt by cutting her wrists and is now receiving specialized care.”
Ever since Janey went missing, Erick had put everything aside to hunt for Janey, checking different places without success. He had also monitored Katie, learning from his sources that she was not permitted any visitors.
Despite Erick’s revelation, Audrey still had a feeling that out of all these people, Katie seemed the most suspicious. After a brief pause, she instructed, “Erick, keep an eye on the Glyn family. I’m heading to the hospital to observe Katie.”
Erick warned, “You won’t be able to visit her at the hospital. She’s being closely watched.”
Even though there was no solid proof linking Katie to the crime, she was still a suspect, and the police had thus isolated her in a hospital section.
“I understand. I’ll just take a look,” Audrey replied as she began her mission.
Unexpectedly, as Audrey kept watch outside Katie’s ward, she saw Luciana entering Katie’s ward. It turned out Katie had specifically requested to meet Luciana.