Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Thereafter, the maid retrieved the empty bowl from her.
Jarrod then proposed, “Hold on a moment. I’ll change and drive you there.”
Nicole’s heart raced. “There’s no need.”
“Hmm?” Jarrod paused, eyeing her curiously.
Tightening her grip, Nicole resisted giving further details. “I just don’t want you to.”
After a brief pause, Jarrod said, “Very well, I’ll have the driver take you then.”
Nicole shook her head. “No, Audrey is sending a car for me.”
This seemed to comfort Jarrod slightly, knowing the Clement family’s vehicle would be secure.
“Alright, you can go then.” Jarrod walked Nicole to the door and watched as she entered the car.
It was only when the vehicle pulled away and she was safely en route that Nicole allowed herself to relax.
Nicole had planned wisely. Audrey’s Serenity Villa was not far, and after her earlier message, the Clement family car had arrived right on time.
Nicole dialed Audrey’s number. “Audrey, thank you. I’m on my way.”
“Don’t mention it. Just promise me you’ll inform me if anything comes up, okay?” Audrey expressed her concern.
She had recently learned about Nicole’s marriage to Jarrod, a revelation that left her both shocked and worried.
“I’ll take care of it,” Nicole stated calmly.
After a brief pause, Audrey cautiously advised, “Nicole, dealing with someone like Jarrod might require a gentler approach. Perhaps he’ll be less troublesome, especially since you’re the mother of his child.”
Nicole responded simply, “I understand.”
It was clear to Nicole that Audrey’s advice was driven by genuine concern for her welfare.
“Just be cautious in all you do. Remember, you have both my support and that of the entire Clement family. We are here for you,” Audrey added reassuringly.
Audrey knew Nicole had some kind of agreement with Jarrod and her own plans.
If sharing details was feasible, Nicole would. Otherwise, Audrey respected her privacy. True friendship was about caring for each other’s well-being, not just exchanging gossip.
“I’m aware. If I need help, I’ll reach out, like I did today,” Nicole said.
“It’s no trouble at all. Just make sure you look after yourself,” Audrey encouraged.
“Don’t worry. I will,” Nicole replied, feeling a bit more reassured.
After the call ended, Audrey was lost in thought when her phone rang again. “Hello, darling,” she answered.
Sitting in his spacious office, Cornell felt his fatigue dissipate at Audrey’s soft voice. “What are you doing at home?”
“I just spent some time with the kids. They’re playing independently now,” Audrey shared.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Let the nanny spend more time with the children. They cling to you a lot, which could be exhausting,” Cornell advised gently.
“I understand, darling,” Audrey responded. “I should mention, I have a business trip to Madox next week.”
Having recently returned to work after her maternity leave, Audrey was eager to resume her career. Despite the family’s substantial wealth, she found that working helped maintain her mental health and prevented postpartum depression.
Cornell was incredibly supportive of Audrey’s choice to resume work, which Audrey deeply appreciated.
Cornell was unlike some men who, given their financial comfort, expected their wives to stay home and care for the family.
He had been the one to encourage Audrey to return to work. Noticing Audrey’s growing restlessness, Cornell told her, “If you want, you can always go back to work.”
Audrey was touched by his support.
“Next week?” Cornell thought for a moment. “I’ll rearrange my schedule and take you there.”
“You don’t have to do that. Remember, your work is also important,” Audrey responded, not wanting Cornell to neglect his own responsibilities.
“It’s fine. I can manage. Nothing is more important than supporting you,” he insisted firmly.
Audrey felt her heart warm at his words. “Alright then. I should have a couple of days free, so we can treat it as a mini-vacation.”
Since having children, they hadn’t had much opportunity for getaways. With Luciana and Annis at home, along with a team of maids, Audrey felt at ease leaving her children behind.
“Great! I’m looking forward to it!” Cornell said with enthusiasm.
He then added, “Honey, could you bring that lingerie I bought you last time?”
“Oh… You mean that?” Audrey asked, visibly blushing. The lingerie resembled a daring version of the outfit Audrey had worn when she was Cornell’s assistant. The ensemble was provocative and revealing.
“Yes, I love seeing you in it,” Cornell confessed unabashedly. The sight of her in that outfit brought back vivid memories for him.
It reminded him of the times she had worked closely with him. During those days, he often struggled to contain his desire after enduring long meetings. It was a bit wild to think about.
Though many women in the company wore similar outfits, only Audrey elicited such a response from him. He had never felt that way about any other woman.
“You’re impossible…” Audrey muttered, unsure of what else to say.
She was well aware of how much he adored that outfit. Whenever she wore it, sleep eluded her. He would want to spend the entire night making out with her, captivated by her presence.
Cornell’s voice was deep and enticing over the phone. “Sweetheart, bring it. Allow me to take care of you.”
“Alright, I will. But remember, you’re at work. Watch what you say,” Audrey reminded him. Considering his position as the CEO, and how inappropriate it would be if others overheard him, it would be quite embarrassing.
Understanding her concern, Cornell responded with a chuckle, “Fine. We’ll continue this conversation later.”
Audrey ended the call with a smile and a shake of her head, amused by their interaction. She then realized she had forgotten to ask about Jarrod, but she decided she would just ask Cornell that evening…
Nicole had just arrived at the location where she was supposed to meet Ethel.
Ethel was easy to spot, dressed in a gray T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, her short hair giving her a distinctively tomboyish look.
“Miss Lawrence,” Ethel greeted, waving at Nicole.
Nicole smiled in return. “Ethel.”
As they met, Ethel asked, “Miss Lawrence, I’ve checked the address. It’s close by, but do you still remember the way through the alley?”
Nicole was momentarily speechless, caught off-guard by the question.
“I should be able to find it,” Nicole said.
The credit for this went to Brett’s daughter. There was a moment when the young girl experienced a severe episode during a stormy day.
In a predicament, Brett scoured for a taxi, concurrently fielding a work-related call from Wesson. Perceiving Brett’s distress, Wesson promptly arrived and conveyed the girl to the hospital.
Amidst this, Nicole, present in the car, rendered assistance in caring for the distressed girl throughout the journey.
“Excellent,” Ethel nodded with a hint of shyness.
Despite her tomboyish persona and the moniker “Man Woman” bestowed by her peers, Ethel invariably found herself bashful in Nicole’s presence.
“Ethel, if you don’t mind, please refer to me as Nicole. ‘Miss Lawrence’ feels overly formal,” Nicole suggested.
Ethel, visibly embarrassed, scratched her head. “May I address you as Kiki?”
To Ethel, a palpable sense of disparity persisted between herself and Nicole, with Nicole hailing from the Lawrence family’s elder lineage while she came from a humble background, in need of support. Their paths in life and educational pursuits diverged significantly.
While Ethel maintained a detached demeanor toward other affluent individuals, approaching them with a professional demeanor, Nicole stood out.
Upon growing acquainted with Nicole, Ethel discerned that Nicole, like Wesson, embodied integrity, kindness, and resilience.
Ethel noted the entire Lawrence family embodied virtue and had extended generosity toward her. Naturally, her sentiments toward them were distinct.
With a gentle smile, Nicole said, “Certainly.”
The sight of Ethel evoked memories for Nicole, reminiscent of the moment her mother had delivered a little sister for Nicole who tragically succumbed shortly after birth.
At that time, the entire family mourned for an extended period, and though they never broached the subject of the infant again, her memory lingered perpetually in their hearts.
Nicole wondered if she had possessed a sister like Ethel, the void left by her parents’ demise might have been assuaged, potentially averting a cascade of psychological challenges.
Ethel beamed. “Kiki!”
Nicole reciprocated the smile. Then, pausing briefly, she delicately removed the jade pendant encircling her neck and tenderly placed it in Ethel’s palm. “I really appreciate your efforts in digging up my father’s case. Please take this as a token of appreciation.”
“Please, take it back. This is far too precious!” Ethel protested, visibly flustered.