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.”

“That is my charm, I suppose. Since you don’t

expression twisted in

off work. I have dinner

really can’t tear

and walked past

her gaze across Amelia. She hmphed loudly before stomping away on

car out

call from Tiffany as she drove towards the latter’s neighborhood. “Tiff, I’ll be there in half an

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

“Got it.”

reached Tiffany’s neighborhood soon after. She remembered to get a carton

was met with

before entering. Laughing, she

and immediately noticed the envelope in Amelia’s hand.

I’ll

until after dinner to see

the sofa and laughed. “Tiff, I’m hungry. Surely you don’t want to starve your

she was only letting Amelia off the hook temporarily. She went into the kitchen and brought out all the food she’d prepared. Served on the table was a spread

a huge show of looking like she was starving. “Tiff, your cooking is always so amazing. What if I can’t eat anything else but your food next

some of this. I cooked it in the pressure cooker for hours. I can guarantee

you so hardworking today? Say it,

eyes. “What could I be

“Maybe you drugged the feast, and you’re planning

of puking. “Amelia,

smiled and ate the

managed to finish almost everything Tiffany had taken for

them almost finished the entire feast

Amelia. “Babe, your appetite’s really grown. The baby might be shocked at the amount of

laughed. “All the nutrients are going

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

Tiffany dried her hands and

Amelia nodded.

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

a brief explanation of the

Jennifer? I could care less about how stuck-up she is, but what gives 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

to deal with it. She has her own plans, but I’m not a

wouldn’t be bullied so badly. Watching