Love You Enough to Leave You

“You’re such a sweet-talker. Thank you for your concern,” uttered the vegetable seller happily. “It has been a while since you bought anything from my stall. Here, you can have this for free.” “Thank you!” After making her purchase, Amelia insisted on paying her. “You’re running a small business. I insist on paying for my purchases!” In the end, the vegetable seller accepted her payment. As Molly and Amelia made their way through the farmer’s market, the sellers welcomed them warmly. Amelia was also sweet enough, so the sellers gave her lots of free gifts generously.

They even got two extra eggs for free from the egg seller. Soon, Molly and Amelia left the farmer’s market loaded with their shopping. Molly tried to take the shopping bags from Amelia, but the latter stepped out of her reach. “Molly, this isn’t heavy at all. I can manage,” Amelia stated with a grin. Molly told her, “Mrs. Clinton, give me the eggs. You can carry the vegetables.” Amused, Amelia answered, “Molly, you’re being too cautious. It’s just a dozen eggs. I can manage that easily.” Molly didn’t insist. “Mrs. Clinton, if you find it heavy, hand the bag to me. You’re pregnant, so you need to be extra careful.” Amelia chuckled. “Molly, don’t worry. I can handle that, no problem.”

Slowly, Amelia and Molly strolled back to their neighborhood. At the gate of their neighborhood, they ran into someone who Amelia thought she would never see again—Jennifer Larson. She remembered how Jennifer used to regard her as a rival. Upon spotting Amelia, Jennifer removed her sunglasses and came to her. Amelia gave Jennifer the once-over and realized the latter had lost a lot of weight. Jennifer was still clad in a fashionable outfit as usual and was exuding a confident aura, but her gaze wasn’t as dynamic as before. Overall, she seemed exhausted. “Amelia, are you free? I need to talk to you.” Jennifer stated her intentions outright. Sensing Jennifer’s hostility, Molly pulled Amelia to stand behind her.

straight at Amelia. “I need to talk to you about something important, Amelia. Half an hour will do.” Stepping out from behind Molly, Amelia asked, “Ms. Larson, what is it about?” “Can we talk in a cafe elsewhere?” Jennifer tamped down her irritation and urged. After a brief hesitation, Amelia

I know who she is.” Molly gave the unfriendly Jennifer, who was clad in a fashionable outfit, a disapproving look. Evidently, this woman was here to stir up trouble. “Mrs. Clinton, I’ll leave the bags at home and join you. You’re seven months along.” Molly was still concerned. “You’re going to give birth soon. I can’t let anything happen to you.” She nearly blurted out that

glanced at Amelia in frustration. “Amelia,

Amelia in a comforting tone. “Go home without me. I’ll be back soon.” With that, she left with Jennifer. They arrived at a nearby cafe and ordered a cup of coffee each. Amelia stirred her coffee and said, “Ms. Larson, it has been a while since we last met. Do you need anything from me?” Jennifer stared at her bump, obviously in a daze. “Seven months?” After a momentary silence, Amelia responded politely, “Yes,

weird. She sipped on her coffee awkwardly. “Ms. Larson—” “Jennifer will do,” Jennifer cut in. Taken aback, Amelia glanced at her curiously. Jennifer blurted out, “What’s wrong? Are you surprised at my sudden change in attitude?” Amelia nodded in response. Jennifer removed her sunnies and crossed her legs. “Amelia, I took you

you’re by his side, he won’t be able to fall in love with another woman or get married. You don’t want to hold him up, do you?” Amelia was lost in thought as her lips curved up in amusement. Why do women like to tell me that my existence is nothing but an obstacle to the men who love me? The women claim I won’t be of help to the men’s careers and families. It’s like I’m a jinx who will bring bad luck to every man by my side. Amelia was neither a hypocrite nor someone who’d suffer in order to make others happy. “Ms. Larson, I believe you’ve gotten it wrong,” she stated firmly. “Carter and I are just