Love You Enough to Leave You

Amelia complied as she entered Tiffany’s bedroom and took a new set of pajamas. Then, she took a warm shower in the washroom. It was already half-past-three in the morning after their shower. As it was past their usual bedtime, they found it difficult to fall asleep. Lying on the bed, Tiffany asked, “Babe, I’m not sleepy at all. What now?” Amelia said, “I’m not sleepy as well.” Tiffany turned to face Amelia. “Why don’t we have a chat?” “About what?” “Well, tell me what you think about Oscar. How do you feel about him?” Amelia blinked her eyes, feeling confused. “What do I think about him?”

Tiffany asked cautiously, “Babe, I don’t mean to pry into your personal affairs nor was it my intention to rain on your parade. It’s just that Oscar is indecisive between you and Cassie. If—only if—he chooses Cassie in the end, what are you going to do?” The smile on Amelia’s face gradually faded while her face grew serious as she mulled over Tiffany’s words. Tiffany felt bad bringing up such a heavy topic in the middle of the night. Without waiting for Amelia’s response, she shrugged her shoulders and decided to end the topic. “Babe, I’m feeling tired. Let’s sleep now.”

Amelia flashed her a relieved smile. “Tiff, I’m okay. We can talk about it. Well, I’ve actually thought of the worst that can happen between Oscar and me. Yet, I don’t want to be so pessimistic about our relationship because the future is full of uncertainty. After all, he has indirectly promised me that he will genuinely treat me as his wife.” Tiffany couldn’t help feeling guilty for spoiling the mood. “Babe, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dishearten you. I hope more than anyone else that you and Oscar can have a happy ending. Trust me! I really wish you, Oscar, and the baby can live happily together.” Amelia found her reaction amusing. “Tiff, I know you’re just concerned about me. We are besties, after all.

How can I not know what’s on your mind?” She paused for a while before she continued, “Tiff, to be honest, I need to thank you for waking me up when I almost lost myself in his sweet words and small favors.” Tiffany hugged her friend while she spoke under her breath, “Babe, I’m sorry. I know you’ve been through a rough time over the years. Actually, I feel complicated seeing you morphed into a stunner, from a carefree little girl. It’s like witnessing an innocent little girl being forced to grow into an adult who has a lot to worry about in life.” Amelia sat up. She called out to stop Tiffany from being sentimental, “Stop! Tiff, you’re treating me like one of your female protagonists. I’ll just let nature take its course.

in exchange for my precious baby. If we end up divorcing each other, that means we are not fated to be together.” Tiffany scrutinized Amelia’s expression. “Babe, is that your genuine thought?” Amelia lay down beside Tiffany. Then, she replied, “Of course, that’s my genuine thought. For me, it’s too much to ask for love. As you know, the marriage between Oscar and I is a contract marriage. The two of us come from two totally

thought we would still be together after five years, and we will even be expecting a baby soon. I think it’s already a bonus for me.” Her words made Tiffany’s heart ached. The next moment, she heard Amelia’s low voice, saying, “It’s late now. Let’s sleep.” She nodded and turned off the bedside lamp. As for Amelia, she kept her eyes open, staring into the darkness. After a while, she suddenly let out a sigh. “Babe, are you not asleep yet?” Tiffany asked softly. Amelia murmured, “Almost.” Tiffany sighed after Amelia. Once again, she apologized, “Babe, I’m really sorry. I should’ve thought

to heart. You know I didn’t mean to upset you.” Amelia chuckled. “Don’t be silly! We’ve known each other for so many years; no one knows you better than I do. I will really be mad if you keep apologizing.” Feeling relieved, Tiffany broke into a smile. Within five minutes, the two ladies were sound asleep. At ten in the morning, the two of them were awakened by the ringing phone. With her eyes half-open, Tiffany groped for the phone and answered it. An unfamiliar voice of a man was heard over the

woman trying to get her beauty sleep. That’s it. Goodbye!” With that, she hung up. It was not even a minute after she lay down on the bed when the phone rang again. This time, it was Amelia’s phone that was ringing. Amelia nudged Tiffany and muttered, “Tiff, help me answer the phone. I’m too tired.” Tiffany had always been the grumpy type in the morning. One could imagine how terrible her mood was when her sleep was disturbed twice. She picked up the phone and then gave the person on

was frightened. Tiffany then took a look at the screen. The number seemed familiar, yet she didn’t think too much since it was an anonymous caller. Growing impatient, she raised her voice as she asked, “Who the hell are you? I only slept at three in the morning, and I’m tired. If you got the wrong number, end

we got home yesterday, and we didn’t get to save your number. Amelia is still sleeping, so I answered her phone for her. I’m sorry, I’m usually a little grumpy in the

and I can introduce them to you.” “Gary, you’re sure a man of action! I’ll go wake Amelia up now. See you in two hours!” “You guys can take your time and have breakfast before you come. I’ll be at the firm for the day. You

met once. She started to worry if Gary had fallen in love with Amelia at first sight. Like what Gary said yesterday, Amelia was indeed a woman full of tremendous charisma. Most women would stay away from her because of jealousy. In contrast, men would easily be attracted by her charisma and