You More than Anything in the World (Arissa)

Amelia cut him off. “Mr. Scott, if you have nothing else for me, I’m heading back to work.”

Carter could only nod.

Amelia headed back to the design department with the envelope in her hands. As if sensing her unhappy mood, Jessica didn’t pounce on Amelia for gossip but instead showed her a gesture of encouragement.

At noon, Jessica said spontaneously, “Amelia, lunch today is on me instead of your treat; I’ll call for delivery, and we can have lunch in the office. What do you think?”

This millennial is pretty caring, after all. I mean, she gossips a bit too much and knows way too many things for her own good. Plus, she tends to blurt out anything on her mind. But it’s moments of kindness like these that really touch my heart.

“Thank you, Jessica.”

“Let’s skip these formalities, shall we? Sometimes I feel like I’m the older sister taking care of you even though you’re a few years older than me.” Jessica ordered delivery and plonked herself down in front of Amelia to chat.

“Amelia, are you ok? You look kind of absent-minded the whole morning,” asked Jessica softly.

Amelia shook her head and laughed humorlessly. “I’m ok. What a rare occasion it is to see our Jessica all grown-up and showing concern towards others.”

Jessica flung her hand away lightly and pouted. “Amelia, I’m really worried about you. If you’re going to patronize me like this, I’m going to be angry.”

Amelia made a gesture of surrender. “I know you mean well, but I’m really ok. I’m just having some problems at home; I’m sure they’ll be settled soon.”

Jessica grabbed her hand and said suddenly, “Amelia, I think you’re actually having a hard time. You’re so beautiful, yet the sadness that clouds over your gaze can’t fool anyone.”

Amelia was stunned for a moment before she recovered with a laugh. “You sweet little thing! Just out of school, and you’re suddenly a relationship expert like everyone else? I’m grateful for your concern, but as I said, I’m really ok. I’m busy thanks to my baby; when my son’s born, I’ll make you his god aunt.”

“Amelia, why are you so biased? I should at least get to be the godmother.”

“I’m sorry, but someone else has reserved that honor, so you can only have the next best option.”

“Who is she? Bring her here and I’ll fight her for the spot.”

Amelia’s mood improved immensely after that chat. With someone as cheerful as Jessica, it’s pretty hard to stay upset.

After suffering through the day of work, Amelia began packing her things to leave. As she exited the design department, she bumped into Jennifer. Possibly due to the photos, Amelia felt a grudge towards Jennifer. You scheming witch! The things you’d do to fulfill your wishes disgust me.

Jennifer stopped in front of her and said softly, “Amelia, your charisma must be out-of-this-world. Does it make you feel exceptionally accomplished to be leading two men on a merry chase?”

Amelia stared at her calmly. “Ms. Larson, sometimes it’s best not to force others into a dead end, or you might find yourself receiving the bad karma you deserve.”

Jennifer’s lips curved up in a chilling smile. “Look how sharp your words are; I don’t understand how so many men are bewitched by you.”

angry laugh. “That is my charm, I suppose. Since you don’t have it, I guess you can only

expression twisted in

if there’s nothing more to say, then I’m getting off

“You really can’t tear yourself

walked

gaze across Amelia. She hmphed loudly before stomping away on

out of the basement

drove towards the latter’s neighborhood. “Tiff,

cream on your way up? I’m planning to make some white sauce,” asked

“Got it.”

soon after. She remembered to get

the lift up to Tiffany’s floor and knocked on her front door. The door was opened quickly, and she was met with an enthusiastic hug from Tiffany. “Babe, you’re here! I prepared a feast for you; your only responsibility is to stuff yourself

shoes before entering. Laughing, she said, “That’s great because

immediately noticed the envelope in Amelia’s hand. “Amelia, what’s that in

just some photos; I’ll

to see the photos?

“Tiff, I’m hungry. Surely you don’t want to starve

and brought out all the food she’d prepared. Served on the table was a spread of delectable dishes and a pot of beef bourguignon

“Tiff, your cooking is always so amazing.

she ladled a bowl of stew for Amelia. “Have some of this. I cooked it in the pressure cooker for hours. I can guarantee the beef is going to be scrumptious. I bought a ton of meat this morning too, so there’s definitely enough for you to

eyed her suspiciously. “Why are you so hardworking today? Say it, are you

could I be

cringe-inducing reply. “Maybe you drugged the feast, and you’re planning to have your way with

of puking. “Amelia,

just smiled and ate

continuously, Amelia managed to finish

them almost finished

grown. The baby

the nutrients are

cleaned up the dining table while saying, “I planned the whole menu to make sure you’re replenishing your nutrients properly. It’s great that you were

the dishes, Tiffany dried her hands and

Amelia nodded.

opened the envelope. Once she recognized the couple in the photos, her expression morphed from one of disbelief into anger. She looked at Amelia and asked, “Amelia, what’s going on? That incident five years ago almost landed you in prison; haven’t you learned your

a brief explanation of the

her the right to send a photographer to follow you? You always get bullied like this because you’re too kind. Just wait, I’ll get someone to

deal with it. She has her

badly.