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.

and asked, “Done

nod and guided her to sit next

head but did not

hushed tone, “You

I make things difficult for someone

let out

and Oscar stayed on with the Clintons and left after

slumped into the passenger seat. Oscar took a look at her and asked with concern,

Amelia shook her head.

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

cars go by. “Mr. Clinton, do you know why Dad called me into

did you talk about?” Oscar turned towards

divorce. He said I am not good enough for you,” Amelia told him truthfully. “Sometimes I really wonder — am I so inferior? So bad that everyone is rooting for me

bother you. I have told you before that only I can declare the game over for our marriage.

wait to do that,

in her voice and felt for her.

turned around and looked fixedly at Oscar. “Do you know the real

not honestly look her in the eye and

materialistic woman who will trade in her body and soul for money, right? You would not be bothered to relate to a shallow woman like me.” Amelia

jarring. “Stop

words were from you!

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

yet no one cared enough to ask me for my opinion. I will shut up if that got on

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

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

Unfortunately, all these are nothing 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.

her, everyone else kept her out of

always pretended like I did not mind Oscar’s affairs with other women. Even when Cassie showed up, pregnant with Oscar’s baby, I feigned I was ok with it. What

gaze.

my wife,” Oscar pronounced as

his wife, but his actions speak louder. At the most, I can be considered a plaything. I’m just something that

to take his word for it, but his attitude over the past few years clearly

in turmoil. She knew Oscar would not bother to lie, but his conduct made

was ironic that, on the one hand, Amelia wished he could humor her, but on the other hand, she would rather he tell the truth than be hurt

expect you, Mr.

married for so many years. Can you not tell if I am speaking