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.

Oscar and

guided her to sit

her head but did

in a hushed tone, “You did

dote on her. Why would I make things difficult for someone

out a relieved

and Oscar stayed on with the Clintons and

Amelia got into the car, she slumped into the passenger seat.

Amelia shook her head.

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

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

talk about?” Oscar turned towards her for

to agree to the divorce. He said I am not good enough for you,” Amelia told him truthfully. “Sometimes I really wonder — am I so inferior? So bad

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

actually, deep in your heart, you can’t wait to do that,

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

looked fixedly at

look her in the eye and profess he knew

trade in her body and soul for money, right? You would not be

her self-condemnation jarring. “Stop belittling yourself,” he

Clinton, those words were from you! I was only parroting what you

the steering wheel. “What is wrong with you? What is with

me to get a divorce, yet no one cared enough to ask me for my opinion. I will shut up if

and stopped his car.

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

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. 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 sincerity will

truly adored her, everyone else kept her out of

I feigned I was ok with it. What else must I do? What else can I do? Oscar’s heart has never

leaned backward to avoid Oscar’s passionate and inquisitive gaze. “To you, I was never family, right?”

wife,” Oscar pronounced as

the most, I can be considered a plaything. I’m just something that he could cuddle up to when he felt like it and sweep aside when

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

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

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

not expect you, Mr. Clinton,

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