Amelia’s eyes watered, and she couldn’t help but hug Olivia. With a slight sob in her voice, she said, “Thank you, Mom. Thank you for still believing in me with all your heart, even after the whole ordeal with the photos. Thank you for your love and care throughout all these years. No matter what happens to Oscar and me, you will always be my mom.” Olivia gave Amelia a light pat on her back and comforted her. “Silly child, why are you so sentimental all of a sudden?” she asked. “You have been my daughter-in-law for almost five years. I know very well what kind of a person you are. Sometimes pictures lie; I will only believe in what you say. So, do you have any romantic relations with the Scott heir?”
Amelia shook her head and said, “Mom, I have only ever wanted to be a good daughter for the Clinton family.”She went on to explain, “Carter and I are merely friends who have known each other for many years. In fact, we have known each other since our university days. I don’t really know how to explain the context of these photos, but Mom, we are just ordinary friends.” Just as Amelia finished, a mocking voice joined in their conversation. “Oh, so the adulteress is back? What she just said was so touching… I could cry.” Amelia did not even need to raise her head to know who it was. As Stephanie walked down from upstairs, Oliva watched her with slight annoyance and said, “Steph, stop spouting nonsense.”
Stephanie sat on the opposite sofa and rolled her eyes at Amelia. “Mom, did you think that I was just making things up?” she asked. “This woman has been having an affair with her boss, and she still had the audacity to fool you! I have never seen someone as shameless as she is! You’re the only one who thinks she’s precious. Have you seen any of our other family members being fond of her? At the very least, I find her absolutely disgusting.” Amelia’s face fell. Olivia’s frown deepened. “Steph, if you say one more word that is untrue, it’d be better if you’d just leave home,” she said with a stern expression. Stephanie looked at her mom grudgingly and said, “Mom, just what do you like about her?
You’d protect her to the extent of chastising your own daughter? I sometimes suspect that I am not your daughter, but she is instead.” “Steph.” An upset Stephanie continued, “Mom, am I wrong? Before she came to our house, I had been the apple of your eye, and you pampered me like a princess. But after she’d arrived, you changed completely! Did you keep count of how many times you have scolded me to defend her? I feel like she’s your daughter, and I’m an outsider who doesn’t belong to this family.” “Steph, I know you don’t like me, but you shouldn’t doubt your mom’s love for you,” replied Amelia, feeling a little angry. “Her love for you is in no way inferior to any other mother. You’re making her sad with the way you’re talking to her.”
“As long as you are not a member of this family, we will be peaceful and harmonious like how we used to be,” Stephanie retorted condescendingly. “If you even have an ounce of dignity, leave this house and stop being an eyesore. After having photos like those taken… If I were you, I’d be ashamed to continue staying in this house.” Amelia’s expression faltered even more. She knew that Stephanie disliked her, but she had clearly underestimated the extent of that dislike. Olivia was really angered this time. As soon as she got angry, her chest would hurt. She put a hand over her chest to keep herself steady. Amelia nervously held on to her and asked, “Mom, are you alright?” Olivia was still holding onto her chest in pain, and Amelia tried to soothe her.
“Mom, relax,” she said, “Don’t get agitated. Steph, hurry and get mom her medicine.” Stephanie hurried upstairs in a fluster to get the medicine and scuttled back down. She quickly handed the medicine to her mother with a glass of warm water. “Mom, take your medicine first. I was wrong earlier. Please don’t get angry,” said Stephanie. After taking her medicine, Olivia started to feel better. “Mom, it was my fault. Please don’t be angry,” murmured Stephanie apologetically. Olivia looked slightly better after the medication. “Steph, you are my daughter. How could I not love you?”
she said helplessly. “I treat Amelia like she’s my daughter exactly because Amelia is your brother’s wife. I hope that the both of you can live together peacefully, then only our family can continue to prosper.” She went on and said, “Our family is a wealthy one, but we do not behave extravagantly like other rich families. Even though you have been pampered since you were young, you could still behave politely towards outsiders. Why couldn’t you extend that same courtesy that you show to other people to Amelia?” Stephanie looked at Amelia briefly, contemplated for a moment, and mumbled, “Mom, I did not wish to anger you on purpose. It’s just that she’s not good enough for Oscar. An exceptional man like Oscar should have a wife who is equally outstanding in terms of lineage, academic qualifications, and ability.”
“Then tell me, what kind of woman would be good enough for your brother?” “Mom, aren’t you asking the obvious? For me, the one who is the best for Oscar is Cassie. Her family background and looks are both top-notch.” “Have you forgotten that she was the one who betrayed your brother? Can you guarantee that she won’t do it again?” Stephanie was at a loss for words. Although she could not guarantee anything, she was more than willing to have Cassie as her sister-in-law instead. They had been childhood friends, and they had a lot of common topics that they could discuss. Amelia was different. Hence, she despised Amelia from the bottom of her heart. That was why she would never approve of Amelia as her sister-in-law.
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