Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 282

Owen glared at his son before turning to address Amelia. “Although Olivia and I truly disagree with the divorce, we won't interfere too much if you insist on it, Amelia. However, bear in mind that we will never let you take Tony away. You won't lose out on the compensation, but you can never visit Tony in the future.”

Amelia widened her eyes in disbelief. Never would she have expected Owen to utter such heartless words. His views were so similar to Olivia's that she could not help but doubt that their previous love toward her had all been an act.

“Dad,” said Oscar as he frowned.

Glaring at his son with an air of authority, Owen said, “I understand that the decision to divorce is up to both of you, Oscar. But as I've mentioned, although I won't interfere with that matter, we must have Tony's custody.”

Upon hearing that, Amelia stood up from the sofa abruptly. While enduring the uneasiness within her, she said with a serious tone, “I gave birth to Tony after much difficulty, Dad. He's everything to me. I can ignore what Stephanie did to me, but I can't allow Tony to remain in this family. She hired someone to hit me with a car when I was still pregnant. No one can tell if she'll hold a grudge against Tony and harm him. I don't trust her because of that. Even if I get divorced, I must take Tony away. I can leave this family without a single cent, but I must have him. This is my bottom line.”

Stephanie, who was initially gloating within, stood up as well upon hearing that the conversation had shifted toward her. She pointed at Amelia as she exclaimed, “Stop accusing me, Amelia. I was in a bad state of mind back then and committed this unforgivable mistake. But I've already apologized and was reprimanded by Oscar. I've also realized my mistake. Despite that, you still bring it up and insinuate that I'm a bad person. What are your intentions exactly?”

Amelia merely cast an icy gaze at her in response.

“Dad, Mom, Tony is still young. He should go with his mother. Even if I divorced Oscar, you can come and see him at any time. I won't cut off your connection with him. I have nothing left after the divorce. Should I give Tony up, there'll be nothing left in my life to look forward to. If you still think of me as your daughter-in-law, please give me custody over him. I don't want anything else,” said Amelia sincerely as she gave Olivia and Owen a solemn bow.

Olivia pursed her lips. Although her heart ached for Amelia, she did not wish to compromise on Tony's custody.

On the other hand, Stephanie scoffed. “Stop pretending to look pitiful, Amelia. Didn't you marry Oscar because of the money and status of the Clinton family? Now you're putting on such a show of righteousness. Everyone knows that Tony is the first grandchild of this family and our future heir. Aren't you holding onto Tony now so that you'll become the righteous lady of the house once he has inherited this household? Do you think that we're all blind toward your schemes?”

Stephanie's accusations made Amelia feel rather stressed.

Oscar tossed a glare toward his sister, warning her to watch her words as he brought Amelia back to sit on the sofa.

“Are you tired?” he gently inquired.

Amelia shook her head.

Ignoring her brother's stare, Stephanie continued imprudently, “Aren't you getting a divorce? And you're still lying in his arms pretending to look pitiful. Can you mean what you say for once, Amelia?”

Amelia stiffened up as she was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

She removed herself from his embrace and put some distance between them.

Oscar scrunched up his face in displeasure as he shot a warning look at Stephanie.

Seeing the look in his eyes, Stephanie did not dare to go against him again.

After seeing their interaction, Olivia interjected, “My stance remains the same, Amelia. You two already have Tony. He is still young and needs both his parents. Don't get a divorce unless it's really necessary. Think it through and don't pay a price on an impulsive decision that you'll regret someday.”

Amelia's expression stiffened upon hearing that. She knew that Olivia was reminding her about the fact that not only would she lose custody over Tony after leaving the Clinton residence, but she also would never have the opportunity to visit him ever again.

Amelia subconsciously glanced at her mother-in-law. At that very moment, the woman who had always been gentle and kind toward her seemed loathsome. I always thought that she understood and truly cared about me. Nevertheless, she's so merciless on matters of principle to the point that I can't sense any of the love she had previously shown to me.

Through Olivia's usual way of scolding Stephanie but protecting her after she had made a big mistake, Amelia clearly understood that no matter how much Olivia expressed her concern and repeatedly said that she treated her like her daughter, she would not compromise on matters of principle and would even shut her out coldly.

It would be a lie to say that Amelia did not feel heartbroken. The elders of this family who seemed to adore her were nothing but a show in reality. Once the interests involved the Clintons, Olivia would surely side the family, and she was destined to be sacrificed.

At that very moment, Amelia had the impression that she was holding onto a piece of wood while drifting away from the rough waves in the ocean. She felt as though she would be swallowed by the treacherous sea any time.

In the face of the Clintons, she was a lone soldier. The only person whom she could rely upon could not support her at the moment.

Amelia licked her lips before saying solemnly, “I'm sorry, Mom. I've let you down.”