You More than Anything in the World (Arissa)

“You are a good girl and have been filial to Olivia and me. However, your family background is not satisfactory. Thus, I cannot accept you as my daughter-in-law wholeheartedly. If you know what is good for you, then take these and sign the divorce papers after you give birth. That would be the best arrangement possible for both Oscar and yourself. Cassie is definitely a more suitable candidate to marry Oscar. I know Olivia has her reservations about Cassie, but I’m sure she will grow to like her,” Owen told Amelia.

His words pierced Amelia’s heart. She thought the love and concern she showed the Clintons in the past five years would have at least earned her their acceptance, if not affection. She was wrong. Owen Clinton was a cold-hearted patriarch.

Amelia put on a smile to mask her emotional turmoil. “I get your point, Dad. However, this marriage is between Oscar and me. The decision to divorce lies with Oscar, not you, Dad. If he initiates the divorce, I will oblige. I am afraid it will not be appropriate for me to accept your offer. Oscar would be upset if I took anything valuable from you,” reasoned Amelia.

Owen glanced at her and said, “Amelia, you are a smart lady. I think you should know which option will be more advantageous to you.”

Amelia nodded, and with all sincerity, promised, “Dad, I know. I assure you, I will sign the papers and let go without a fuss if Oscar wants a divorce. I only have one request.”

“Shoot,” Owen commanded.

“I will not ask for any financial support or alimony upon divorce. I have only one wish.”

Owen was surprised. He scrutinized Amelia and finally said, “Tell me.”

“Dad, if Oscar and I divorced, I want the custody of my child. That is the only thing I ask for.”

“No.” Owen rejected the demand instantly.

“Dad, after our divorce, Oscar will marry Cassie, and she will bless you with a grandchild next year. On the other hand, all I have is only this child. It is not too much to ask for, is it?” Amelia appealed.

“No way! All Clintons stay within the family.” Owen again dismissed the idea outright.

“But Dad, don’t you think a newborn needs his mother by his side?” Amelia patiently persuaded.

“Is that emotional blackmail?”

“No, Dad. I am just stating the facts. It is tragic for such a young baby to part with his mother, don’t you agree?”

Owen fell into deep thoughts.

“I know you don’t like me, Dad. For the well-being of this Clinton baby, could you please give me his custody?” Amelia tried to appeal to his emotions.

Owen reflected on her arguments and relented. “You discuss this matter with Oscar. If he agrees, I will not object.”

“Thank you, Dad, for being so understanding.” Amelia thanked him with a deep bow.

“Now, let’s join the rest. Olivia will start wondering if she could not find us.” With that, Owen ended their discussion.

Amelia nodded, and together, they made their way out of the study. Oscar was already in the hall when they appeared.

up to Oscar and asked, “Done with your

a nod and guided her to sit next to him. “Everything ok?”

shook her head but did

asked in a hushed tone, “You did not make things

things difficult for someone

out

Oscar stayed on with the Clintons and

into the passenger seat.

Amelia shook her head.

this indifference? Am I that unappealing?” Oscar asked in jest as

the cars go by. “Mr. Clinton, do you know why

Oscar turned towards

for you,” Amelia told him truthfully. “Sometimes I really wonder — am I

only I

to do that, right? After all, the love of

wheel. He heard the despondence in her voice and felt for her. “Why

and looked fixedly at Oscar. “Do you know

the eye and profess he knew her

who will trade in her body and soul for money, right? You would

jarring. “Stop belittling yourself,” he

loud. “Mr. Clinton, those words were from you! I was only parroting what

got frustrated and hit the steering wheel. “What is wrong with you? What is

wrong. Just venting. Everyone pressured me to get a divorce, yet no one cared enough to ask me for my opinion. I will shut up if that

safe spot and stopped his car. He leaned over to Amelia and

his breath in her ear, his warmth engulfing her whole body. She

compared to the sadness and disappointment I felt. Friendship and family ties had always been my top priorities. Since I decided to marry Oscar, I considered the Clintons family. I’ve tried

who truly adored her, everyone else kept her out of

showed up, pregnant with Oscar’s baby, I feigned I was ok with it. What else must I do? What else can I do? Oscar’s

gaze. “To you, I was never family, right?”

my wife,” Oscar pronounced as he leaned closer

I’m just something that he could cuddle up to when he felt like it and sweep aside when he’s not

to take his word for it, but his attitude

his conduct made it difficult for her to believe he really considered her as

was ironic that, on the one hand, Amelia wished he could humor her, but on the

did not expect you, Mr. Clinton, to humor

the eye and challenged, “We have been married for so many years.