You More than Anything in the World (Arissa)

Oscar gave her a grim look, saying, “Ms. Larson, you’re prettier than I imagined, but I detest your character. I don’t like women like you. You’re miles behind Amelia.”

Jennifer’s lovely face turned menacing.

“Jennifer, the reason I called you here today was to warn you not to touch Amelia. I won’t permit anyone to interfere with my marriage. Whether she cheats on me or divorces me is my own affair. Mind your own business. The Larsons may have a strong base overseas, but they are nothing compared to the Clintons here. Get this into your head,” Oscar threatened.

Jennifer gaped at Oscar incredulously. “Mr. Clinton, what’s so good about Amelia? You’ve seen the photos, yet you’re still willing to let her stay by your side?”

“Ms. Larson, that’s between Amelia and me. I don’t have to explain anything to you,” Oscar replied icily.

Jennifer crossed her arms, scoffing, “Who would’ve thought that a prominent figure, like yourself, would still be tied to your wife’s apron strings?”

“You don’t have to concern yourself with me,” Oscar retorted. “Watch out for yourself. If these photos are leaked, you know what the consequences are.”

Jennifer snickered. “Don’t worry, Mr. Clinton. I’m not that clueless. But in terms of mutual compatibility, I think Cassie Yard’s a more suitable match for you. You’ve known Cassie for so many years, almost got married, and now she’s even carrying your child! Wouldn’t you say your destiny is more aligned with Cassie’s than Amelia’s?”

Oscar’s face darkened. “How do you know Cassie?”

Jennifer took a sip of her tea and made as if to speak. Just then, the door opened, and a few handsome waiters swarmed into the room. They quickly filled the table with multiple dishes.

“Mr. Clinton, Ms. Larson, the food you ordered has arrived. Please enjoy your meal,” one of the young men said politely.

Oscar picked out a couple of bills from his wallet and handed them to the waiter. “Your tip.”

The young man who had spoken received them and thanked Oscar profusely. “Thank you. Mr. Clinton. If there are no other requests, we’ll head back downstairs.”

Oscar nodded.

After the waiters had made their exit, Jennifer remarked, “Mr. Clinton, you sure are magnanimous towards working-class folk.”

“How do you know Cassie?” Like a dog with a bone, Oscar refused to let Jennifer change the subject.

“I don’t know Cassie; I merely didn’t see what was so fantastic about Amelia, so I went about my own investigation into the matter. I was rather astonished to find out along the way that you’re quite the hopeless romantic at heart,” Jennifer replied snarkily.

“Don’t you dare touch Cassie either, or I’ll see that you regret it,” Oscar warned.

think that it’s a little greedy of you, trying to have the best of both

belongs to me. I’m the only one who can say no to our marriage,” he declared. Having

You’ve got Carter protecting you, and even after seeing those

Amelia, and expelling her from the

carefully around him. As Oscar had pointed out, the Larsons were rich but were out of their depth here. Their tremendous power and

liked Carter. She had planned to foster strong connections here, facilitating the import of their company’s products and easing their entry into the local market. Before she accomplished that, she

I will allow you to steal Carter away from

bag and left. The sumptuous dishes remained on

drifted out from it. Through the glass, he saw Tiffany dancing comically for Amelia, who

anxiety had risen unbidden in his throat. At that moment, the only thought that had

before him, Oscar did not realize that the corners

time. All of a sudden, his phone rang shrilly with a call from Olivia. A moment later, the

asking, “Oscar, why didn’t you come in? Amelia’s waited

However, his embarrassment was barely indiscernible

“Mom.”

demanded, chuckling. Tugging at

and Amelia glanced at each other awkwardly. The photographs from last night had utterly cemented the conflict between them. The initial intimacy of their marriage had entirely evaporated,

had faded when Oscar entered the room. She picked up her things and said, “Mrs. Clinton, I have some unfinished drafts that

Amelia the whole day and gone to much trouble yourself. When Amelia is discharged, I’ll whip up

smile. “No need for such courtesies, Mrs. Clinton! Amelia’s my good friend, so it’s only right that I take care of her. I’ll

Olivia nodded.

if there’s anything, okay? It’s not healthy for you to keep everything

give me

left without so much as a glance in Oscar’s

like a statue standing there. Amelia’s been in the hospital for a whole day, but you’ve only just arrived. Anyone in her position would have

accompanied me the entire afternoon. Please go home and rest. The nurses

I’ll be back at ten o’clock later. Oscar, Amelia’s pregnant, so you must be sure to take good care of her. I won’t forgive you

Oscar nodded obediently.

I’ll be off then. Don’t think too much about the photographs. I’ll deal with that. Your priority now is to take care of yourself

replied,

patted Amelia on the head fondly, then remarked, “Have a good rest. Don’t overthink.

Drive