Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
TACOTIME ESTA VEZ SI AQU?, SUPUESTAMENTE SEGU?A EL 1561
Callie, struggling with her grandmother’s justifications, exclaimed, “Did he harm others just for my own benefit? Wesson has a family too. Does he deserve to die?”
Callie had inherited Brett’s integrity and kindness but held herself to even higher moral standards.
Anguished, Callie declared, “If my father made such a choice for me, I’d rather not live. To use someone else’s life for my own survival is tantamount to murder!”
There was a loud “Bang!” Following another dull thud, Laurie struck Callie with her cane.
For an extensive period, Callie had held a special place in her family’s affections. She had never experienced physical reprimand, not even the slightest touch upon her fingertips. This was due to her father’s affection for her and her grandparents’ sympathy for her lack of a mother figure in her formative years, resulting in their indulgence toward her.
Amidst her son and granddaughter, Laurie decisively favored her son, displaying no hesitation in her decision. Her son was her own flesh and blood.
Laurie was resolute in preventing Callie from acting recklessly and betraying her son. With an unexpected blow, Callie was brought to the ground. Her phone tumbled from her grasp and was confiscated by Laurie.
Sternly addressing her granddaughter, Laurie declared, “Callie, I may indulge you in many things, but you must never betray your father. Otherwise, I cannot regard you as my granddaughter.”
After uttering those words, Laurie departed and securely locked the door behind her.
Callie gazed at the tightly secured entrance, tears trickling down her cheeks one by one. She couldn’t comprehend the sudden change in her beloved grandmother, who had always been affectionate towards her.
Meanwhile, Nicole returned home and drifted into a peaceful slumber. The situation required considerable time to unravel, with no immediate resolution in sight. However, Brett was now vigilant, and it was only a matter of time before he was apprehended.
The only perplexing aspect for Nicole was her persistent drowsiness. She overslept until 10 a.m., awakening to dizziness and nausea. Nearly stumbling, she managed to grasp the edge of the table for support.
After a brief respite, Nicole gingerly poured herself a glass of honey-infused water in an attempt to soothe her queasy stomach.
Just then, the phone rang. It was Audrey calling.
“Hello, Nicole, I attempted to reach you earlier, but you were unavailable,” Audrey stated.
“I was asleep. Just woke up,” Nicole clarified.
“Fantastic! You managed to sleep until 10 a.m.!” Audrey said, sounding pleased.
Knowing Nicole’s struggles with insomnia, Audrey wasn’t surprised Nicole had overslept. However, this extended rest was unusual.
Nicole felt she had slept deeply, yet her body remained fatigued. “I’m unsure why. Nonetheless, I was asleep.”
Audrey smiled. “Well, it’s a positive sign. Your body’s getting better!”
“What’s on your mind?” Nicole inquired.
“Recall the situation involving Roscoe? I relayed it to Cornell, and he found merit in Roscoe’s project plan, prompting his investment. I felt it necessary to inform you, alleviating any concerns,” Audrey informed.
This development proved promising. With the Clement Group’s investment, it promised not only financial support but also safeguarded the Watts Group’s reputation.
Moreover, it would deter other investors and partners from hastily terminating their agreements with Roscoe, opting instead to observe the outcomes. This would effectively address the Watts Group’s cash flow challenges while affording Roscoe more time to secure funding.
“Thank you, Audrey,” Nicole expressed gratitude.
“No need to thank me. Cornell is impartial, and his support wasn’t merely based on my recommendation. Roscoe’s project holds merit.”
Audrey clarified, “I’ve reviewed the project, and it’s commendable. Profit isn’t Roscoe’s sole objective. He aims to enhance accessibility to expensive medical equipment from abroad for mid-level hospitals, ultimately reducing costs for patients.
He’s shifting away from the Watts Group’s previous approach and charting a new course with significant potential. Given his medical background, he possesses invaluable expertise in the field. The Clement Group’s investment also serves a public welfare aspect.
Cornell wouldn’t have entertained it if the other party prioritized profits over societal impact. Roscoe doesn’t fit that profile.”
“Yes, he’s not,” Nicole affirmed.
No one comprehended this reality better than Nicole. Roscoe aspired to become a doctor without borders, aiding as many people in need as possible. Regrettably, he had been ensnared in this turmoil because of her. She felt sorry, yet powerless, as he was too obstinate.
While conversing with Audrey, Nicole absentmindedly uncapped a jar of blueberry jam on the table and spread it onto a slice of toast. However, upon catching the scent of blueberries, Nicole was overcome by a wave of nausea. Attempting to suppress it, she ended up dry heaving several times.
Audrey, alerted by the disturbance, inquired, “What’s the matter, Nicole?”
“It’s nothing. My stomach just feels a bit acidic,” Nicole replied. She examined the jar of blueberry jam and noted that it hadn’t expired and didn’t emit any foul odors. Nevertheless, inexplicably, she found herself unable to tolerate the scent.
After returning the jar to the cupboard, Nicole heard Audrey’s unexpected remark. “You scared me. I had the impression you might be pregnant again.”
“That’s impossible,” Nicole said.
Audrey explained, “During my initial pregnancy, I felt fine. However, later on, I became incredibly sensitive. The slightest smell would trigger nausea. Fortunately, it subsided after four months.”
Nicole’s heart raced at the mere mention of pregnancy. Pregnant? How could it even be conceivable? She and Jarrod…
Recalling carefully, Nicole realized there had been a single instance when she and Jarrod accidentally compromised the condom. But he hadn’t stopped…
Nicole drew in a deep breath, endeavoring to quell her agitation. Given her present frail physique, how could she conceive? It was impossible.
After ending the call, Nicole scrutinized the date displayed on her phone. Given her history of irregular menstrual cycles, she dismissed this month’s delay as inconsequential. However…
Nicole proceeded to purchase a pregnancy test online and awaited its arrival with a knot of apprehension.
In the president’s office at the Schultz Group, an assistant approached Jarrod with deference. “Mr. Schultz, Mr. Watts has finalized an investment deal with the Clement Group’s president. If this stands, our ability to intervene in Mr. Watts’ project will be curtailed. Should we seek clarification from Mr. Clement?”
The assistant conveyed the message with meticulous care.
Intervening now would mean directly challenging the Clement Group, a force stronger than the Schultz Group in financial resources and capabilities.
Historically, the two companies, led by presidents with a longstanding amicable rapport, never crossed paths as competitors, fostering an environment of mutual respect. Despite sporadic interactions, neither sought to stifle the other’s progress.
The recent decision by the Clement Group to align with Roscoe appears unjust.
The Watts family’s predicament had already ignited widespread discussion, with external speculation suggesting that the Schultz Group had been inhibiting Roscoe because of Doreen.
Jarrod’s conspicuous silence on the matter spoke volumes, suggesting a desire for Roscoe’s downfall.
The assistant doubted that Cornell, the president of the Clement Group, was oblivious to this situation. If Cornell indeed opted to partner with the Watts family despite these circumstances, wouldn’t that be a direct affront to Jarrod? Weren’t Cornell and Jarrod friends?
The Watts family was in disarray, hardly an attractive prospect for the Clement Group’s investment. Jarrod was taken aback by Roscoe’s ability to persuade Cornell, knowing that Cornell only invested where he saw genuine potential, immune to pressure.
But how had Roscoe made inroads with Cornell? Audrey seemed the likely connector, possibly through Nicole’s intervention.
Jarrod, with a smirk, noted Nicole’s decisive actions. She was determined not to let Roscoe suffer in the slightest. “Let’s set this aside for now,” he declared, not wanting to confront Cornell yet, but resolved to seek an explanation later.
A letter from a lawyer Nicole had engaged sat on Jarrod’s desk. Jarrod scoffed. Nicole was really something, securing a daring lawyer willing to tackle their case.
Custody battle? Visitation rights? He had made his stance clear. If Nicole chose Roscoe, she shouldn’t harbor any illusions about laying eyes on Austin again. He wouldn’t allow his son to address Roscoe as “dad” or even “uncle.”
Displeased, Jarrod tapped the law firm’s name and directed, “I don’t want to see this law firm again.”
His assistant acknowledged, “Understood, Mr. Schultz.”
Shortly, the law firm in question faced a rigorous tax investigation, leading to its shutdown.
Meanwhile, Nicole, still at the hospital for a checkup, was fraught with anxiety. The initial results of her pregnancy test were ambiguous, yet her persistent nausea fueled her unease. She awaited the blood test results, and after an agonizing wait, she received the report.
The results indicated high levels. Nicole’s heart sank as the doctor announced, “Congratulations, Miss, you’re pregnant.”
Stunned, Nicole responded, “What? How is that possible? I had part of my stomach removed before. How can I be pregnant with my condition?”
“You had stomach surgery, but your uterus is unaffected,” the doctor explained. “Your uterus is in good condition, albeit a bit cold, but your aftercare was effective. While your chances were slim, pregnancy was not impossible. And now, you are indeed pregnant.”
Overwhelmed, Nicole struggled for words, barely grasping the reality.
The doctor, smiling, reassured her, “This is wonderful news. Please inform the father quickly. I’ll set up a prenatal checkup file for you here.”
Regaining her composure, Nicole quickly declined. “No, thank you. I won’t be setting up a file for now.”
The doctor, understanding but firm, advised, “Regular prenatal checkups are vital to ensure the baby’s health.”
Nicole had never imagined the possibility of another child in her life and was overwhelmed by the news. “I understand,” she murmured.
She rose to leave, and the doctor reminded her gently, “Discuss this with your husband. Even if you don’t visit our hospital, find one nearby to ensure you don’t miss any checkups.”
As Nicole walked out, still reeling from the shock, she paused at the door and turned back to ask, “Sir, is terminating the pregnancy an option now?”
The doctor, taken aback, inquired, “Do you have other children?”
“I have one,” Nicole responded.
Surprised, the doctor mentioned, “This is only your second. Why would you consider not keeping it?”
Observing Nicole, who appeared well-capable of supporting a child, the doctor normally refrained from influencing life decisions unless the patient was already expecting. They would first understand the person’s circumstances before discussing the possibility of termination.
Nicole’s expression conveyed her turmoil. “I’m not ready for another child right now.”
Seeing her resolve, the doctor remarked, “If you’re certain, consider a medical abortion soon, before the tenth of next month. After that point, you would require an induced abortion, which can be harsher on your body. With a gentle sigh, the doctor added, ‘You’re quite striking, and your child would surely be as well. Please take your time to carefully think over this decision.”