You More than Anything in the World (Arissa)

Stephanie paced back and forth in exasperation as she warned through her gritted teeth, “You’ll all regret when that woman really cheats.”

Ignoring her, Oscar continued to head outside. Then, he received a call from Cassie. Initially, he did not want to answer it, but she kept calling, so he had no choice but to accept the call.

“Oscar, I’ve just received some photos. Can you come over?”

The look in Oscar’s eyes changed into one filled with murderous intent.

“Wait for me. I’m coming over.” After that, Oscar hung up the phone and drove to Cassie’s place.

Cassie did not stay with the Clintons. Instead, she bought a big and cozy three-bedroom apartment in a neighborhood not far away from Oscar’s in the city center.

Taking the elevator, Oscar went to her unit and rang the doorbell. She soon opened the door and enthusiastically wrapped her arms around his neck. She tried to kiss him on the lips, but the latter dodged her, much to her surprise.

“What’s wrong, Oz?”

“Let’s talk inside.” Oscar went inside the apartment with her and shut the door behind him.

Cassie pinned him against the wall and looked at him with dreamy eyes, saying, “Oz, it’s been a few days since you last came. Our baby and I miss you a lot.”

After kissing her lips perfunctorily, Oscar patiently assured, “I’ll talk to the baby later. You told me over the phone that you received some photos. Where are they?”

Cassie gave him an aggrieved look.

“Oz, you wouldn’t have come over if I hadn’t mentioned the photos, would you? I gave up my bright future in another country for you, but your attitude toward me has grown cold. Don’t you love me anymore?” asked Cassie persistently, feeling wronged.

Oscar was slowly losing his patience as he had never thought that Cassie’s constant chatter would be so annoying.

Holding her in his arms, he tried to keep his cool while coaxing her, “You know that I only love you, Cassie. Don’t be ridiculous, and be a good girl, okay?”

Leaning into him, Cassie bit her lips with a glint in her eye and explained in an aggrieved tone, “I just love you too much, Oscar. My parents keep asking when I’ll marry you, and put a lot of pressure on me. I also feel very uneasy as you don’t give me an answer as well even though I’m already pregnant.”

“Don’t overthink it. You should know how I feel about you,” assured Oscar gently, his heart softening.

“I trust you, Oz.”

“That’s my girl!”

Pulling away, Cassie said, “Come with me, Oz. Let me show you some photos delivered to me this morning. There’s no sender’s name, so I don’t know whom they’re from.”

the sofa

saying, “Oz, you’ll probably get mad when you see the photos inside, but you must believe that I’ll always be by your side and will

manila envelope in her hand, Oscar was

look, Oz.” Cassie handed him

the envelope, Oscar emptied it and saw the photos, which, as expected, were

a gloomy expression, he did

Oz?” asked Cassie while giving him a

want me to?” Oscar

overboard. She’s your legal wife no matter what, so shouldn’t she have some decency? If these photos are exposed, you’ll be ridiculed by people in high society. I’m just indignant about what will

his arms, Oscar changed the subject, “I’m happy as long as I have you. What this woman does has nothing to

Cassie smirked, feeling pleased.

you really not mad that she cheated on you? I feel sorry for you as you treat her so well, but she still hooks up with another man. Do you want me to

take good care of yourself and the baby. After

you say so, Oz. I

hire someone to take these photos?” Oscar asked in

Cassie looked up at him

last person I’ll suspect. I’m just asking. It’s good if you’re not the one behind it. But if you are, it’s fine

Ms. Winters too, but it remained a thought as I didn’t want to be misunderstood by you. Those photos were really delivered to me by a courier. I don’t who the sender

she added, “Oz, other than showing you the photos, I ask you to come over because I want you to find out the person who took the photos and their purpose in doing so. I think you should look into whether they’re

on the nose, Oscar chuckled and asked, “You’re trying to be a good wife already

shyly as she replied, “I’m just concerned about you. Do you

Who else do you want to show your concern for if not me?” The affection in his

“Who are you calling your woman? You haven’t proposed to me yet, so I’m still considering whether to marry

her nose and said with a smile, “Who else do you

was a cold glint in Oscar’s eyes behind

grocery shopping later. I’ll make you some good food,” Cassie

someone to send you some nutritious food at noon. If you need to go to

you keep me company today, Oz?” Cassie asked, disappointed that he

a discussion on a collaborative

a prenatal checkup later in the afternoon. Aren’t you going with me?” Cassie asked meekly,

is this afternoon?”

Cassie nodded.

while, Oscar suggested, “I’ll come to you after I’ve gotten things done at the

you. Living alone in such a big apartment makes me feel lonely too sometimes, and I’ve turned down many jobs ever since I’ve gotten pregnant. I just want you to spend some time with me.

I’ll come back and go for the checkup with you in