Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Alec was shocked, murmuring to himself, “She’s utterly heartless and unyielding!”
Fuming with frustration, Alec found himself helpless to act. After all, Jarrod was an incurable romantic, his heart fixating on Nicole.
Alec thudded his head against the wall thrice in an attempt to quell his agitation. He cautioned himself against succumbing to love, lest he become akin to Jarrod, susceptible to vulnerability.
Despite Jarrod’s reluctance to admit it, Alec could tell the truth staring Jarrod in the face that Jarrod fell in love with Nicole hopelessly!
After departing from the hospital, Nicole chose to return directly home, foregoing any other destinations. She cared little for anything else, surrendering herself to sleep without reservation.
She needed to devise a plan to rescue Roscoe without plunging recklessly into danger. It was evident that Miguel aimed to eliminate anyone hindering his agenda.
Roscoe’s unwavering support over the years was invaluable and unforgettable for Nicole. Those memories ran deep. Without Roscoe’s assistance, she might have perished long ago, and Austin might never have existed.
Yet, living as a human being entailed confronting not just Life’s challenges but also the emotional scars that proved stubborn to erase.
That sudden heartache.
Fortunately, there was a steadfast and emotionally stable man like Roscoe who had been by Nicole’s side throughout it all. With his support, she found the strength to persevere, living one year after another.
She willed herself to drift into sleep, pushing aside all thoughts.
Surely, she would find a solution! There must be a way!
Jarrod opened his eyes to a new day but remained confined to his bed, his complexion ashen from blood loss, and his lips turned pale.
Alec entered and noticed Jarrod gazing vacantly at the door. This was uncommon. Jarrod was usually attentive.
A twinge of sadness struck Alec. Eager not to let Jarrod down, he awkwardly shared, “Miss Lawrence was here at the hospital yesterday. She left after the doctor assured her you were stable. She seemed exhausted, probably went home to sleep.”
Alec’s words were crafted half-truths. He spoke the truth but rearranged the sequence. His intention was simple, to lift Jarrod’s spirits, as Jarrod’s somber mood was unsettling.
Alec continued, “Sir, Miss Lawrence appreciates you for saving her. Back on that mountain road, she really struggled to pull you up. I don’t think she despises you that much.”
“That’s enough. Get out.”
Jarrod preferred solitude. He wasn’t easily fooled. He understood Nicole’s feelings toward him all too well. No matter how many times he rescued her, it seemed unlikely to change her heart. She loathed him, perhaps enough to wish him ill.
Jarrod knew that even during that incident on the mountain road, had Nicole recognized him, she might have hesitated.
Not that she would harm him, but her resolve would waver. Her heart was likely torn between her resentment and reluctance to leave someone behind who had saved her and others. Should she rescue him, she would loathe herself.
Should she leave him, she would feel remorse. Either decision would weigh heavily on her.
Jarrod was at a loss about how things had gotten so complicated. He knew Nicole would probably never forgive him, yet he couldn’t release his hold on her. Their situation was fraught with tension. Perhaps it was time for a decision.
Lost in thought, Jarrod was interrupted once more by Alec. “Sir, Miss Hampton has arrived.”
Jarrod grimaced and said sternly, “Tell her to leave.”
Alec scratched his head and replied, “Miss Hampton brought Austin to see you.”
“What?” Jarrod’s face hardened. A moment later, he commanded, “Let them in!”
“Alright,” Alec said and went out.
When Vicki entered, she was holding Austin’s hand. She appeared oblivious to Jarrod’s stern look, greeting him with a warm smile.
“Jarrod, how are you feeling? Alec mentioned you were unwell, so Austin insisted on visiting you.”
Jarrod initially wanted to reprimand Vicki for bringing Austin to the hospital, given Austin’s fragile health. He had been tirelessly searching for a compatible organ donor for Austin, but success eluded him. Despite his efforts, finding a match proved challenging.
However, catching Austin’s innocent face, Jarrod held back his critical words.
“Austin, how have you been feeling lately? Any discomfort or unease?”
Jarrod asked.
Austin gently shook his head and said, “No.”
“Alright.” Given Austin’s reserved nature, Jarrod found himself at a loss for words after this inquiry.
At that moment, Vicki knelt down and softly addressed Austin, “Austin, you said you had something you wanted to say, remember?”
Jarrod’s brow furrowed.
Knowing Austin’s shyness and reluctance to engage with others, Jarrod was concerned that Vicki’s guidance might overwhelm Austin. Just as he was about to intervene, Austin began to speak.
“Are you feeling any better?” Austin’s voice was quiet and slightly nervous.
Austin paused, then seemed to muster bravery, reopening his mouth, and said, “Dad…”
The room fell into an immediate hush as if the softest sound echoed like a clap of thunder.
“What did you just say?” Jarrod was in disbelief and kept his voice low. “Austin, could you repeat that?”
The intensity of Jarrod’s reaction frightened Austin, causing him to retreat behind Vicki, too scared to speak.
Vicki knelt and softly said, “Austin, can you tell your daddy again what you just said, please?”
Austin glanced at Vicki, then at Jarrod, pursed his lips, and repeated, “Are you feeling better, dad?” This time, his voice was stronger and more confident.
Jarrod sat up abruptly, aggravating his wound and wincing from the pain, yet he endured it desperately. He stroked Austin’s head, his voice shaking as he said, “I’m okay, Austin. Daddy’s okay.”
That gentle pat on the head was Jarrod’s deepest expression of affection. He remembered how his own father patted him on the head as a sign of encouragement and approval.
After his parents died, Jarrod shut himself away. He turned into someone relentless in his pursuits, driven by bitterness and devoid of any family sentiment, until this moment, when the single word “Dad” struck a profound chord within him. It felt like it cleansed the guilt that had been weighing on him.
His eyes reddened, and Jarrod managed a weak cough, saying, “Vicki, this isn’t a place for children. Please take Austin home.”
“Okay, Jarrod, take care. I’ve brought some soup for you,” Vicki replied, pointing at a thermos on the table. She smiled. “It’s beneficial for your recovery. It’s hearty but not too rich, and Austin really enjoys it.”
As Vicki leaned over to Austin, she smiled and said, “Tell your daddy, do you want him to try it?”
Austin nodded and said, “Dad, you should try it. Vicki spent a lot of time on it, and I really like it.”
A softness appeared in Jarrod’s gaze as he looked at Vicki. “Thank you for the effort. I’ll have some.”
Vicki’s smile widened. “It’s no trouble. I’m happiest when I’m cooking and preparing meals for Austin. Luckily, he enjoys it and always compliments the food.”
Jarrod’s gaze deepened further. He noticed Austin sporting a slight smile, clearly in a cheerful mood. It was evident that Vicki excelled at childcare.
Vicki crouched again and spoke to Austin. “Austin, say goodbye to your daddy so he can rest. We need to let him take good care of himself, alright?”
Austin agreed and said, “Dad, please take care of yourself and rest well. Can you teach me chess when you’re feeling better?”
A smile spread across Jarrod’s face as he responded, “Of course. Daddy will come back and teach you.”
After Vicki and Austin left hand in hand, Alec expressed his admiration, “Sir, Miss Hampton has a real knack for guiding kids. How did she transform a timid boy into such a courteous and sweet young boy?”
When Austin was first brought back by Jarrod, he was as prickly as a hedgehog, letting no one near except his nanny. He looked at everyone with distrust in his eyes.
The shift in Austin’s demeanor was so remarkable that it would astonish anyone who witnessed it.
Jarrod observed Austin intently but remained silent.
Alec then updated Jarrod on everything Vicki had done at the villa.
Since the nanny who usually cared for Austin, arranged by Nicole, had fallen ill and was still recuperating, Vicki volunteered to look after Austin and thereafter took care of him daily until late. Over time, they seemed to get close.
Two additional nannies were specifically arranged for Austin’s care by Jarrod, rendering concerns of Vicki mistreating Austin pointless.
“I can tell that Miss Hampton is quite adept at getting on with kids. The counselor was pleased with Austin’s progress following his therapy sessions,” Alec commented.
Jarrod cast his eyes down, examining the text messages Vicki had sent him in the last few days. She hadn’t sent many, just two each day, inquiring if he was looking after himself.
Instead of asking about his whereabouts, she shared photos of Austin, showing Austin playing with clay, reading books, engaging in crafts, and eating meals… It seemed she had invested a great deal of effort.
After a brief reflection, Jarrod sent Vicki a message.
On the other side.
In the car, the sweet demeanor Austin had earlier was gone, replaced by a withdrawn and cold look as he faced Vicki. He appeared slightly scared and uncomfortable.
“You had promised me that if I’m behaving, I will get to see my mommy, right?”
Vicki now wore a cold, detached expression, her previous gentle facade gone. She responded in a stern tone, “Austin, you need to try harder. The chance to see your mommy depends on making your father truly happy.”
Austin was somewhat deflected. He was naturally introverted and had already stretched his social skills to the max for the earlier performance in Jarrod’s presence.
Yet, he kept pushing himself, driven by Vicki’s assurance that if he could make Jarrod happy, he would get to see his mother.