Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
“Does being a man mean swallowing my pride? Look, you could sleep with three thousand men, and it wouldn’t affect me because we’re not together. Got that?”
Fuming, Eloise stomped her foot. “Watch me do it now!”
She whirled around and added, “Not three thousand, but thirty thousand! I’m heading to the bar this instant to find someone!”
Bryce responded coolly, “Go ahead. But remember, bars around aren’t that large. Finding thirty thousand men will be challenging.”
Eloise paused, her voice tinged with triumph. “I knew it! You can’t stand to see me go…”
With a nonchalant gesture, Bryce explained, “Just saying, you might need to check out a few more bars. One won’t be enough.”
Dumbstruck, Eloise was left speechless. “You!”
Overcome with rage, she covered her face and dashed away.
As Eloise rushed past Audrey, she was too distraught to recognize Audrey, tears streaming down her face.
Bryce, too, departed without looking back, heading in the opposite direction.
Audrey watched, her brow furrowed in disbelief. There was something between Eloise and Bryce… Then what about Cornell?
Could it be that Eloise was merely using Cornell to provoke Bryce? She felt a pang of sympathy for Cornell, never expecting him to be exploited as a pawn in someone else’s game.
Back in her room, after tending to the babies, Erick arrived and shared the news that arrangements were all set.
Their strategy was to entice Davey out during Audrey’s babies’ one-month celebration.
To ensure the babies’ safety, they planned to discreetly relocate them to Landen’s home before carrying out their plan.
Landen had already escorted Janey back to Ardlens, a place known for its stringent gun laws and increased safety.
Audrey had consented to this arrangement to focus on rescuing her mother without concerns.
As the central figure of her babies’ one-month celebration, Audrey had no choice but to attend, which meant her babies had to settle for formula for a few days.
Reflecting on the scene she had just witnessed involving Eloise, Audrey shared the details with Erick. She questioned, “Erick, don’t you think you should warn Cornell to check on Eloise, just in case? After all, since Eloise has tagged along to here, it would reflect poorly on Cornell if anything were to happen to her, especially in explaining things to the Benton family.”
Erick was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t yet discussed Cornell’s situation with Audrey.
Cornell had been in a coma for five days due to severe blood loss.
Although they had eventually managed a transfusion for him, it was somewhat delayed. His condition had deteriorated, leading to joint complications diagnosed as a chronic disease by the doctor.
The doctor’s prognosis was grim, suggesting Cornell would likely rely on crutches for life. The likelihood of a complete recovery was minimal.
The doctor felt particularly remorseful because, given Cornell’s robust recovery from previous surgeries, he should have regained full mobility.
However, because Cornell had carried Audrey that fateful night, the joint damage remained undetected.
The subsequent severe blood loss exacerbated his condition, culminating in the debilitating joint disease. This series of events had snowballed, resulting in the man likely being crippled.
Erick had hesitated over how to bring this up with Audrey.
Although Audrey appeared cheerful, Erick worried that discovering her indirect role in Cornell’s disability would overwhelm her with guilt.
Erick remembered Cornell’s silence when he first awakened and was informed of his condition. He had said nothing for a long time.
Given Cornell’s prominent status, which required his attendance at numerous social events, his sudden disability would surely provoke whispers and stares.
Erick was consumed with remorse. He wished he had anticipated the potential complications during Audrey’s delivery, which might have prevented their predicaments.
Eventually, Cornell had weakly insisted that Erick keep the details of the blood transfusion from Audrey. Since the procedure had been successful, Cornell saw no reason to burden Audrey with the knowledge.
He did not want to add to her guilt.
Erick was tormented by his own feelings of guilt. A few days earlier, he had seized an opportunity to bring the twins for Cornell to see.
In the rush to save Audrey, Cornell had scarcely glanced at the twins himself.
Now, observing them, Cornell’s vacant expression softened into a faint smile. After all, they were his children. How could he not feel affection for them?
It was just that, at that critical moment, Cornell’s primary concern had been for Audrey, the children’s mother. He was aware that the severe blood loss could have fatal consequences.
Cornell had weighed his options. Without Audrey, what value would his own life hold? He could not bear the thought of losing her and was resolved to stay by her side.
After spending some time with the babies, Cornell returned them to Erick and spoke calmly. “Audrey fears that I might contest custody of the children. Assure her that I have no intention of doing so. If necessary, I am willing to sign any document to confirm this, or have Matteo prepare one for your review.”
Erick’s guilt toward Cornell had deepened profoundly. He deeply regretted his previous misunderstanding of Cornell.
Erick believed no one could love Audrey more profoundly than Cornell.
“Actually, you should know that Audrey, if she Learns your condition resulted from helping her, would surely forgive you.”
Erick realized he couldn’t afford to be selfish. Despite his protective feelings for his sister, he couldn’t allow Cornell to make such a sacrifice without acknowledgment. He could not remain idle.
Now, Erick sincerely hoped Audrey and Cornell could reconcile.
Nothing was more fulfilling than a reunited family.
Cornell was quiet for a moment before he declined. “I don’t want her to choose me out of guilt or pity.”
As Erick remained silent, Audrey expressed her confusion, “Is Cornell really that busy? He was the one who brought Eloise here, yet it seems he barely pays her any attention.”
Erick hesitated before responding, “He’s been unwell lately, hospitalized recently.”
Audrey was shocked. “Unwell? But isn’t he here on business? Wasn’t he just recovering from a leg injury?”
Erick shook his head. “The specifics are unclear to me. Perhaps you should visit him when you have a chance. He’s in the VIP ward on the second floor.”
Erick felt this was all he could responsibly do. These were their private issues, best resolved directly between them.
Since Cornell did not want Audrey to return to him out of guilt or pity, Erick decided to withhold the full story temporarily and observe Audrey’s genuine feelings first.
If Audrey saw Cornell’s condition and felt compelled to stay, it would indicate Lingering feelings. By then, he would cautiously reveal the truth, allowing her to make an informed decision.
However, if Audrey had no lingering feelings, even after learning of Cornell’s plight, she would not stay out of mere sympathy.
Then, as her brother, Erick decided to be a bit selfish. He would choose to withhold the truth about Cornell’s blood transfusion. He didn’t want Audrey to make a decision based on such emotions, against her true desires.
After Erick departed, Audrey remained disturbed for a considerable time. She struggled to grasp the full gravity of Erick’s vague remarks. Yet, this no longer seemed her primary concern.
Audrey considered visiting Cornell, but ultimately chose not to.
The following day, she took another stroll in the small garden.
Without realizing it, she found herself approaching the 2nd floor VIP ward. This route wasn’t even close to the garden path!
Audrey tried to justify to herself that since she was already here, a quick, discreet glance wouldn’t hurt. Upon entering, she found the ward vacant.
“Miss Foster.” Matteo’s voice emerged behind her. “Are you here to see Mr. Clement?”
Audrey spun around, her cheeks flushing as she stammered, “I… Um, just happened to pass by.”
This VIP ward was known for its privacy. It wasn’t a place one could simply “stumble upon.”
Matteo saw through it but chose not to challenge her explanation. “Mr. Clement has just gone to the adjacent garden for a walk. You might find him there.”
Clearly, Matteo hoped Audrey could offer some solace to Cornell in his current state.
Noticing Audrey hesitating, Matteo asked, “Shall I escort you there?”
Audrey snapped out of it and declined. “No need. I know the way.”
After leaving, Audrey felt conflicted but decided to proceed. Even she was free from her own confinement. How could Cornell still be suffering so severely?
As she reached the small garden, she spotted his silhouette in a wheelchair from a distance.
Just as Audrey was about to approach, she saw Cornell who had been sitting suddenly stand up, using a cane.
He released the cane to take a few steps, but his other leg failed him, and he abruptly collapsed back into the wheelchair.
Audrey gasped, covering her mouth in shock. She recalled that he used to stand without a cane, and while he couldn’t walk for long, he could manage a few steps on his own. How had his condition deteriorated so rapidly?
Despite falling, Cornell didn’t surrender. He attempted to rise again with the support of the cane, trying repeatedly. Yet, the outcome was unchanged. Without the cane, he was unable to walk.
Finally, Cornell flung the cane aside and slumped into the wheelchair, his arm dangling lifelessly. His expression was one of utter defeat.
Audrey’s heart ached at the sight. She couldn’t fathom what had caused Cornell’s condition to deteriorate so dramatically. Erick’s softened stance toward him now made sense.
Suddenly, a ball rolled and stopped at Cornell’s feet.