Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Nicole indeed needed to depart, intending to spend the evening with Austin. Contemplating hiring a caregiver for Rhett proved challenging given his circumstances. With concerns regarding infection, finding someone willing to take on the responsibility was daunting.
Observing her apprehension, Rhett quipped, “Don’t fret, Miss Lawrence. Surely a hospital of this magnitude wouldn’t let me meet my end here.”
Curious, Nicole inquired, “Have you informed your girlfriend about this?”
“Girlfriend?” Rhett appeared momentarily surprised.
Nicole hastily clarified, “While fetching your thermos, your work ID accidentally fell out. I apologize for the intrusion, but I assumed that was your partner.”
Rhett’s countenance remained inscrutable, though a touch of nostalgia lingered, in stark contrast to his typical cheerful and supportive demeanor.
But soon, Rhett reverted to his customary composure and voiced, “Yes, she was once my girlfriend, but she’s no longer with us.”
Nicole, taken aback, fell silent for a moment before expressing, “My apologies, I was unaware.”
“No need for apologies. It happened a long time ago,” Rhett replied.
“She possessed an exquisite charm,” Nicole commented.
Rhett’s lips curved faintly. “Indeed. She had an infectious smile, a captivating persona, and held a fervent affection for animals.”
Nicole harbored a profound sorrow for Rhett’s late girlfriend, who exuded gentleness and benevolence but met an untimely demise.
After exchanging further discourse, Rhett encouraged Nicole to depart.
Unable to dispute, Nicole rose to leave, pledging to visit him the next day and encouraging him to reach out if anything occurred.
Rhett nodded.
Shortly after Nicole departed, Rhett’s phone rang. A woman’s voice on the other end inquired, “Good day, may I speak with Mr. Bates?”
“Certainly,” Rhett replied.
“Mr. Bates, we’re contacting you from the hospital. A few days ago, you were bitten by a patient suspected of carrying HIV. Subsequently, you underwent tests at our facility, right?”
“What is it?” Rhett interjected, his tone conveying impatience.
The nurse explained, “We have reevaluated the findings. The patient does not exhibit signs of infectious disease. The initial test yielded inaccuracies. We extend our apologies for the inconvenience.”
“Is that so?” Rhett’s response exuded nonchalance, his demeanor undisturbed.
Even the nurse was taken aback by Rhett’s poise. “Absolutely, sir. Your initial examination indicated normalcy. You have the option to seek confirmation at another medical institution, with all expenses covered by us.”
“Understood,” Rhett said.
The nurse offered repeated apologies, mindful of the potential harm such an incident could inflict on the hospital’s reputation. Failing to intercept the intoxicated patient in time, the hospital incurred a certain degree of liability, exposing others to danger.
Fortunately, the intoxicated patient was ultimately found not to be a carrier, yet the initial positive test result left everyone perplexed. Despite thorough investigation, the cause remained elusive.
“We extend our sincerest apologies for the distress caused. This was our error,” the nurse stated.
“Understood,” Rhett responded.
Upon ending the call, Rhett retrieved his work ID, gazing at the back where the photo of a captivating woman lay. He then tenderly pressed the photo to his cheek, murmuring:
“Frida, did you witness that? Even the celestial forces seem to favor me. Was it you? Were you helping me?”
Certainly, the woman in the photograph would not acknowledge him. A solitary tear slid from Rhett’s eye, laden with profound grief.
At that moment, another mobile device nestled within Rhett’s bag chimed.
Rhett glanced at the incoming call, his gaze narrowing before decisively answering.
A voice, fraught with terror, emanated from the other end of the line. “Sir, I implore you to assist me…”
Rhett inquired, “Assist you? How may I be of service?”
After a brief pause, the woman at the other end of the line said, “I seek to depart the country.”
“Heh…” Rhett’s laughter morphed abruptly into something sinister. “Have you not yet grasped the lesson?”
“I have your secret. You must know numerous individuals are inquiring about you. If I am apprehended, your secret will be exposed,” the woman said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’ve become somewhat astute,” Rhett commented.
“I’m in dire straits. I apologize. Should you provide me with funds, I solemnly pledge to depart the country and never return.”
Rhett deliberated momentarily, appearing to contemplate. Following a brief pause, he inquired slowly, “What sum do you require?”
“I need fifty million.” The woman then hastily explained, “I must reside abroad. Without fifty million, my existence will be imperiled.”
Rhett’s tone turned frigid as he stated, “My schedule is quite tight presently. Arrange to meet me at the harbor two evenings hence.”
“No, that won’t do!” The woman was wary. “I believe a meeting is unnecessary. Simply leave the money somewhere, and I will retrieve it.”
Rhett chuckled. “Very well, I shall leave it at the harbor and inform you of the designated time subsequently.”
“Could it not be immediate?” The woman appeared eager to depart.
“Do not attempt to negotiate with me.” Rhett’s warning echoed sternly.
“Very well.” The woman conceded.
Upon concluding the conversation, Rhett swiftly erased the call log. He positioned himself by the window, observing the cityscape momentarily before retiring to his bed.
Elsewhere, departing from Rhett’s hospital quarters, Nicole hesitated at the elevator before opting to pay a visit to Jarrod’s room.
Inside, Jarrod reclined upon a bespoke bed, his demeanor grave. Lines etched his forehead, suggesting a troubled slumber.
Rarely had Jarrod appeared so debilitated. As Nicole hovered at the threshold, poised to enter, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a call from Austin.
“Mom, when shall you arrive?” Austin’s query was innocent.
Nicole saw it was almost 9 p.m. Stipulated by agreement, she could solely visit Austin, constrained from removing him beyond the villa, thus necessitating her immediate presence.
Nicole’s recent visits to Jarrod’s estate had become frequent, capitalizing on his absence to evade discomforting encounters.
Facing the phone, Nicole said, “I’m coming right now.”
Jarrod, unaware, remained oblivious to Nicole’s visitation.
Upon Nicole’s arrival, Austin, already cleaned up, anticipated a storytime session.
Upon unfurling the storybook, Austin abruptly inquired.
“Mommy, will it be a sibling, a brother or a sister?”
Nicole momentarily froze. Austin had never broached this subject previously. She intended to defer the conversation until later in her pregnancy, but evidently, he was already aware.
Setting aside the storybook, Nicole inquired, “Austin, who informed you of my pregnancy?”
Austin responded, “Kamilah did. I yearned to see you, and Kamilah informed me of your pregnancy and cautioned against bothering you.”
He inquired further, “Mommy, does pregnancy mean there’s another little one in your tummy?”
Nicole nodded, “Yes, it means there’s another little one in my tummy.”
“That’s splendid!” Austin exclaimed; his joy apparent.
Nicole affectionately squeezed Austin’s cheek and explained, “I postponed telling you because we traditionally wait three months to ensure a safe and healthy birth.”
Austin replied, “Alright, Mommy, this baby will assuredly be healthy.”
Nicole beamed. “Do you like the idea, Austin?”
“I do. I always wanted a companion, so I won’t be lonely,” Austin replied.
“Your appreciation warms my heart,” Nicole said, enveloping him in an embrace.
Austin stated firmly, “Mommy, I will cherish this baby forever, regardless of whether it’s a brother or sister. Even if I’m not here, the sibling will keep you company and give me peace of mind.”
Nicole felt a pang of emotion at Austin’s maturity. Her eyes moistened as she spoke softly, “Austin, don’t say things like that. You will grow up by my side. You’ll stay strong and help me nurture the baby.”
With conviction, Austin comforted her. “Rest assured, the welfare of this baby is my solemn duty.”
Nicole read Austin a tale until his eyelids drooped in slumber before rising.
Nicole recalled Roscoe’s prior findings, suggesting the potential administration of those pills to Austin, despite the uncertain efficacy requiring further evaluation.
Nicole hesitated, grappling with the decision to allow Austin to participate in the trial.