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

shook her head but did

asked in a hushed tone, “You did not

her. Why would I make things difficult for someone you

out a relieved

Oscar stayed on with the Clintons and left after

seat. Oscar took a look at her and asked with

Amelia shook her head.

indifference? Am I that unappealing?”

Clinton, do you know why Dad

about?” Oscar turned towards her for

am not good enough for you,” Amelia told him truthfully. “Sometimes I really wonder — am

I have told you before that only I can declare the game

will not divorce me for now. But actually, deep in your heart, you can’t wait to do that, right? After all, the love of your life is waiting for you. Compared to

steering wheel. He heard the despondence in her voice and felt for her. “Why the gloomy outlook? That is so not

at

could not honestly look her in the eye and profess

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

her self-condemnation jarring.

those words were

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

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 got on your nerves.”

his car. He leaned over

warmth engulfing her whole body. She instinctively shunned him. She cannot let her mind wander. She needs

Friendship and family ties had always been my top priorities. Since I decided to marry Oscar, I considered the Clintons family. I’ve tried my best to fit into the clan and had grown to love them. Despite Stephanie’s hostility, I gave my best effort, hoping my

truly adored her, everyone else kept her out of their

I feigned I was ok with it. What else must I do? What

Oscar’s passionate and inquisitive gaze. “To you, I was never family,

are my wife,” Oscar pronounced as he leaned closer to

can be considered a plaything. I’m just something that he could cuddle up to when he

wanted to take his word for it, but his

Oscar would not bother to lie, but his conduct made it difficult for her to believe

her, but on the other hand, she would rather he tell the truth

expect you, Mr. Clinton, to humor

looked her straight in the eye and challenged, “We have been married for so many years. Can you not tell if I