Love You Enough to Leave You

All Oscar held before him now was a vulnerable young woman wanting only to be loved. He took Amelia into his arms. Oscar found himself floundering in the depths of his affection for her. Struggling to regain control of himself, Oscar gruffly said, “Don’t be silly. You’re good at coming up with nonsense.” Leaning her head against his chest, Amelia’s lips curled up into a smile. With a look of immense contentment on her face, Amelia said softly, “How I wish time would stop right now.” Oscar heard only a vague mumble. He looked down at her fondly, asking, “What did you just say?” Amelia shook her head, snuggling further against him. She then asked thoughtfully, “How’s Ms. Yard doing?”

“She hasn’t awoken,” Oscar replied. Amelia bit her lip. Reluctant to ruin the magic of that moment, she decided not to pursue this unsavory matter. Let me bury my head in the sand a while longer, Amelia thought wistfully. Destiny, however, was not on their side. Just then, Amelia and Oscar’s phones rang simultaneously. They glanced at each other. At last, Amelia said ruefully, “Mr. Clinton, it looks like we are not meant to have sweet moments together.” Oscar whipped out his phone. Elizabeth’s name flashed on his screen. Beside him, Amelia was receiving a call from Tiffany. She inhaled deeply, then answered the call. Tiffany instantly launched into an interrogation, and demanded, “Babe, where are you now?

Are you all right?” “Tiff, I’m fine. I was talking to Oscar. I’ll head downstairs once I’m done,” Amelia replied patiently. Tiffany let out an audible sigh of relief. “That old woman isn’t making things difficult for you on purpose, is she?” Tiffany fumed. “It’s just Oscar and me now,” Amelia informed her. Tiffany wasn’t too pleased with Oscar, but ultimately she wanted Amelia to have a blissful marriage. Oscar was the only one who Amelia loved, and they were about to have a child together. For all these reasons, Tiffany still hoped for Amelia and Oscar’s relationship to flourish. Marriage, after all, was a sacred union.

Tiffany was a novelist and naturally had her own views of love and marriage. She hadn’t been in many relationships, but she knew she should not be a catalyst in encouraging Amelia to break the marriage vows. Most important, Tiffany was reluctant to see Amelia end up in a divorce, and that superseded her personal views and dissatisfaction toward Oscar. Being a single mother was like walking an unbeaten path and not every woman could handle the challenges that came along. It was a terribly lonely journey, which included shouldering the responsibility of raising a child alone while living with the bitterness of a failed marriage.

good talk with Oscar then. Don’t throw tantrums at him,” Tiffany gently chided in a motherly tone. Amelia’s heart grew warm at her friend’s concern. However, she merely ribbed Tiffany, “Didn’t you say that you’d come to fetch me the moment it reached the half-hour mark?” “If Oscar were stupid enough to ask you to watch how he flirts with Cassie, I’d immediately come and get you with no questions asked. There’s no way I’m going to let you feel like a third party when

me this much! Amelia thought gratefully. Tiffany continued on the other end of the line, unaware of the wave of gratitude washing over Amelia. “Have a good chat with Oscar then. I won’t bother you two.” “All right.” Amelia hung up the phone, then turned towards Oscar who had just ended his call as well. “Was that Mrs. Yard?” Amelia inquired. Without waiting for Oscar’s reply,

quickly. If Ms. Yard doesn’t see you, she’ll start to overthink things. She just had a miscarriage, and I’ve heard from more experienced elderly that women who have been through that are as weak as those who’ve just given birth.

moment, Oscar could not promise that he’d be with Amelia till her dying day. However, she longer occupied a small place in Oscar’s heart. Not only did Amelia make his heart flutter, but he’d also yearned many times to draw her into his embrace and keep her sheltered from all obstacles. Other than that affair with Cassie, Oscar had never gotten involved with any other women. He thus had no proper frame of reference to decide whether the affection that Amelia

you earlier than I did, and I was always a substitute anyway. I don’t think I have the right to be jealous.” Oscar’s eyes darkened with the tumult of his emotions. He reached reach for Amelia and pinched her cheeks hard. His grip left a faint red mark on her face. Stunned, Amelia held her face in disbelief. She turned to Oscar with a look of

idiot. She hadn’t quite recovered from the shock of his sudden action. “I’m your husband. You’re allowed to be as jealous as you want,” Oscar reproved. Amelia looked even more confused. She knew what Oscar was saying, but she couldn’t fully wrap her mind around it. In truth, Amelia tried hard to not misinterpreted what he meant by saying that. Oscar

your softer side a little more,” Oscar said meaningfully. Amelia could sense the change in Oscar, but she was afraid that it was merely a whim. She could not permit herself to be entirely committed, fearful of taking the plunge only to discover that there was nothing beneath to catch her. Who knows if Oscar would turn around and

for dinner then.” Oscar agreed, asserting, “I’ll definitely be back. I haven’t eaten with you in a while, and I miss that.” “If you come home, I’ll personally cook a few dishes for you.” Amelia offered. Their easy banter carried on all the way to the elevator. After Oscar sent Amelia off with a smile and a wave, he turned and ascended the stairs.

her mouth restrained her from speaking. Cassie attempted to yank it off, but that hand was connected to an IV drip. The furious swinging of the IV drip caused by Cassie’s sudden movement alerted Elizabeth, who was sitting beside the bed. “Cassie, calm down! Oscar is here now. Be good,” Elizabeth said soothingly. She turned a pleading gaze towards Oscar, crying, “Oscar! Do come over. Cassie’s been waiting for you.” Oscar hesitated, then slowly crossed the room. As he