Too Much to Bear, My Love
Chapter 66

“Mr. Clinton, when our divorce has been finalized, I won't ask anythingof you if you'll let me have our child,” Amelia said.

“No,” Oscar refused without a moment's hesitation. “I won't allow aClinton to be left out in the cold like this.”

Amelia's eyes widened. She said incredulously, “But Mr. Clinton, Ms.Yard is already pregnant. If my child remains with the Clintons, whatwould he do without either of his parents by his side? Why won't youlet him come with me instead? He'll only be another sticking pointbetween Ms. Yard and yourself if he stays here.”

Oscar frowned, looking wrathful. “He's a Clinton. He's not a stickingpoint,” he declared.

A sardonic grin appeared on Amelia“s face. She said scornfully, “Whathe'll have instead of real parents are a stepmother and a stepfather. Mr.Clinton, you and Ms. Yard have children of your own. What makes youthink that you'd be able to care for mine on the same level?”

Oscar's frown deepened. “You've gravely misunderstood Cassie. At therate this conversation is going, there's no way it can end well. Perhapswe should discuss this when you've calmed down a bit more.”

Amelia wriggled out of his embrace. “I'm perfectly calm now, Mr.Clinton, so I would like to discuss this now.”

Oscar looked at her wordlessly.

Amelia pressed on, insisting, “We didn't even consider the possibility ofhaving a child when we signed our marriage papers all those years ago.Why can't you revert to that original mindset now that we're divorced?I'll leave with no strings attached. All I want is my child.”

Amelia paused and took a deep breath. Then she continued, “You'llhave other children with Ms. Yard. But this may be the only child I'll everhave in my life. If you've ever loved me even a little, please give mecustody of him."

Oscar continued looking at her.

“Will you, Mr. Clinton? Say something.” Amelia returned his gazeresolutely.

Oscar fished for a cigarette. As he brought it to his lips, however, hesuddenly remembered the doctor's orders not to smoke in thepresence of a pregnant lady. He lowered his cigarette again.

Oscar got off the bed, crossing over to the couch, then sat down.Matter-of-factly, he said, “Amelia, don't we have a rather goodarrangement now? When you asked for romance, I created countlessswoon-worthy moments for you. When you got pregnant, I permittedyou to carry the child to term. If money is what you want, I'll see to itthat you receive a hefty sum upon the finalization of the divorce. Youcan lead a carefree existence for the rest of your life. These are richessome women can't even dream of. Tell me, what is it that you'relacking?”

Amelia laughed bitterly. Her label as a gold digger now eclipsed her.She couldn't blame Oscar for thinking she could be bought off bymoney.

When she had married Oscar four years ago, she never once imaginedthey'd get divorced one day, much less under such tumultuouscircumstances.

“Mr. Clinton, I only want the child,” Amelia repeated firmly.

“You can have him, but I'll freeze every one of your accounts. You won'tbe able to take a single cent with you,” Oscar threatened. In his mind'seye, he thought Amelia's grubby personality would immediately backoff when faced with this threat to her wealth. He thus never saw herreply coming.

“Great. I hope you'll honor your word, Mr. Clinton,” Amelia repliedwithout missing a beat.

Astonished, Oscar looked at her and asked, “Are you certain of this?"Amelia simply nodded.

“We've been married for nearly five years. It's not a long period of time,but it isn't insignificant either. I'm thirty now, and I've given you someof the best years of my youth. I'll never regret having met you. Let'ssave ourselves the sleepless nights and finalize our divorce in five days.And please help me to convey my thanks to your mom. She's alwaystreated me well, and I don't think I'll be able to bear herdisappointment.”

A warning gleam appeared in Oscar's eyes. Menacingly, he asked, “Areyou that eager to get away from me?”

Amelia shook her head wearily and said, “A love triangle will alwaysleave victims in its wake, Mr. Clinton. I'm already at the losing end, so Idon't wish to prolong my entanglement in this childish and hopelessaffair.”

Oscar strode over. Towering over her, he bent down and seized herchin, saying, “Amelia, I don't want to get a divorce now. As for the child,I'll let you have him, but as far as I'm concerned, this is game over.”Baffled, Amelia looked at him. Then she asked evenly, “If you no longerlove me, Mr. Clinton, then why do you insist on keeping me chained toyour side? What's the point of that?”

Oscar stroked her face absently. “Leave that up to me,” he replied.Resigned, Amelia shook her head. “Mr. Clinton, has anybody ever toldyou that you're an absolute devil?”

Oscar replied cheerfully, “You're the first, but I like the sound of it.You're my wife, so I don't mind you calling me that.”

His ability to remain unfazed by her insults left her feeling mosthelpless. Trying another tactic, she lowered her gaze and meeklypleaded, “Have mercy on me, Mr. Clinton. I don’t wish to continueplaying games with you anymore.”

Oscar's hands dropped to his side. Flatly, he intoned, “You were justdischarged. Stay at home and rest. I'll be heading out for a while.”Amelia knew that it was, in fact, Cassie who was on his mind. However,she refused to concern herself with that. In the brief exchange that hadjust occurred, she had allowed herself to think that there was a glimmerof hope for her relationship with Oscar—until Cassie reappeared.Whatever affection Amelia thought she'd glimpsed in Oscar was merelywishful thinking on her part.

After Oscar left, Amelia sat dejectedly on the bed. Suddenly, the shrillringing of the phone startled her out of her thoughts.

Amelia fumbled around for her phone. When she picked it up, Carter'sname flashed luminously across her screen. She instantly felt a rush ofguilt.

Amelia answered the call. “Carter.”

On the other end, Carter asked anxiously, “Have you been dischargedyet?”

“I got out today. I'm very sorry, Carter. I've barely worked for a monthat your company, and I've already taken half a month's worth of leave.Perhaps it would be better for me to resign. I don’t want to make thingstoo difficult for you.”

Carter laughed gaily. “This position’s reserved for you. It's a smallmatter, so don't take it to heart. Your health is of paramountimportance. By the way, if you're still interested in going to Saspiuburgfor training, I'll leave a spot open for you.”

Amelia was silent.

After a few minutes, she finally said, “Carter, thank you for all the helpyou've given me, but I don't think I should go to Saspiuburg. Please letsomeone else have the spot.”

“All right,” Carter agreed.

“My body's mostly recovered, and I can actually return to worktomorrow. Will that be okay for you? Will it cause you too muchtrouble?” Amelia asked worriedly.

On his end, Carter smiled to himself. In a low voice, he replied, “Silly,enough of your nonsense. If you feel up to it, come in tomorrow then.”“Okay.”

“Have a good rest, and bring back that fearless iron lady I used toknow. I look forward to working with her again,” Carter teased.

Amelia cheered up. “Got it. I won't let my personal issues affect mywork.”

“Rest well. I'll hang up first then,” Carter replied.

After the call had ended, Amelia stared at her phone for a while, lost inthought. Cradling her belly, she whispered, “Sweetheart, your daddy'sdetermined to marry Cassie. It's not that Mommy wants to give up, butI am always destined to come out poorer from this love triangle.”Amelia sat on the bed for a good ten minutes before deciding that shemight as well lay down for all her trouble. She closed her eyes and triedto sleep, but the unending clamor of her thoughts made peace andsleep a distant dream.

Amelia tossed and turned, but her thoughts returned unfailingly toOscar. It was in this state of longing that she finally drifted off to sleep.It was six in the evening when she was woken up by the maid fordinner. After she had gotten pregnant, she was prone to long bouts ofdrowsiness. She found herself wrestling frequently with her increasinglyheavy eyelids. Hence, going to work was good for her as it provided anenvironment in which she didn't dare to fall asleep.

Amelia headed to the bathroom for a quick wash-up. She then changedinto a flowy dress that left her feeling less restricted before proceedingdownstairs.

She was greeted by the sight of Olivia already seated at the diningtable. She smiled and made her way over to her, asking concernedly,“Mom, are you feeling better now?”

Olivia returned her smile warmly. “I'm all better. Why are you here allalone? Where's Oscar?”

Amelia hesitated, then replied falteringly, “Something came up at work.His employee had called him back to manage it.”

Olivia's face darkened. A woman of the world, her keen eye saw rightthrough Amelia's reply to the heart of the matter—work was merely anexcuse and Oscar was with Cassie this very moment, no doubt.

“Mom, something really came up at work. One of Oscar's secretarieshad personally called to inform him of it,” Amelia consoled.

Olivia's heart ached for Amelia. She stifled her dissatisfaction towardher son and pulled Amelia closer to her. “Since Oscar is busy, we shan'twait for him to eat dinner then. It's late, and my darling grandchild can'tbe made to endure hunger.”

Stephanie pouted and whined, “Mom, aren't you exaggerating?Amelia's just pregnant. It's not as if she has a national treasure with heror something. Isn't pregnancy something that every woman will gothrough? You're fussing over her as if she’s royalty.”

Olivia gave Stephanie a hard look, then said, “You'll only know the painof being pregnant when you actually get there. You can choose to becivil and eat your dinner here, or I can get the maid to send the food upto your room.”

Oliva's stern speech subdued Stephanie.

When the steaming hot dishes arrived, Olivia affectionately turned toAmelia, saying, “Amelia, these are nutritious dishes that I've preparedespecially for you according to the doctor's instructions. Try it and see ifit agrees with you.”

Amelia replied modestly, “Mom, there's no need to go to such trouble.I'm five months in, but I've yet to experience morning sickness or anyparticular cravings. There's no need to put yourselves out for me. Idon’t want to ruin the menu.”

Stephanie snorted. “Come on! Don't waste your acting talent here. Whydon't you go ahead and forge a career in showbiz?”

Olivia gave Stephanie another warning look and said, “Steph, Amelia ispregnant. Can't you be a little more understanding? What if you agitateher and she ends up having a miscarriage?”

Stephanie burst in exasperatedly. “Mom, she’s not the only woman whowill ever get pregnant! Cassie also has Oscar's—"

Thwack! A firm sound of silverware clattering onto the floor was heard.Olivia was seething. “Steph, if you keep this up, I'll get your father topack you off to study overseas! If I can’t tame you, I'll get someone elseto do it. I won't let anyone speak badly of our family on your account.”Stephanie bit her lip, looking hurt beyond measure. “Mom, I don't likethis woman. I don't care if the child she's carrying is related to me.Don't even think about asking me to get along with her.”

Owen gave Stephanie a stern look. “That's enough from you, Steph!Amelia has rarely come over to spend the night. Stop angering yourmom, or I'll make a large deduction from your allowance for thismonth.”

That was sufficient to quell Stephanie.

“Let's eat,” Owen commanded. His family promptly obeyed

The tension hung heavy in the air, however. Stephanie ate a fewmouthfuls, then set her plate down. “Dad, Mom, I'm done eating. I'llhead back to my room.”

“Stop right there!” Olivia ordered. She pointed toward Stephanie's half-eaten dinner and said, “Steph, you're only allowed to leave this tablewhen you've finished all your food.”

Stephanie turned around in a huff. “Mom, I had too many snacks beforedinner. I don't have much of an appetite now.”

Olivia was on the verge of a retort when Amelia stood up, saying,“Steph, please go ahead. I've had my fill, and I'll be going out for a walkto aid indigestion. Why don't you stay to accompany your parents?”Stephanie clearly resented Amelia“s graciousness. She spat, “Stop beingsuch a hypocrite, Amelia! When you're here, this entire place feelssuffocating. I'm going out for a breath of fresh air.”

Having displayed her annoyance, Stephanie turned and stomped off.Amelia remained where she was with an indecipherable expression onher face.

Olivia was evidently displeased. She pulled Amelia toward her gentlyand said, “Amelia, Steph is just young and ignorant. Don't take herwords to heart.”

Amelia recovered herself. Smiling, she replied, “Mom, I'm fine. I'm just alittle full from dinner. I'm gonna head out for a short walk; I'll be back ina while.”

“I'll come with you,” Olivia said.