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Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 351

Chapter 351 Defeat

A picture popped up on the screen of the cell phone. It was Amelia. She was dressed in hospital robes and propped listlessly against some white pillows. There was a sickly pallor to her skin, and her eyes had glazed over.

Despite her feeble state, she turned toward the camera and forced a smile.

Her tone was mellow when she spoke. “Hi, Oscar. It has been a while. Are you doing all right? I must look pathetic now. To be honest, I feel quite conflicted that you’ve come to Beshya to see me. I’m glad that you still care for me, but at the same time, I’m worried that you are propelled by resentment for how I deprived you of a relationship with Tony.”

She paused momentarily and brought a hand to her head. “Oscar, you should have known by now that I underwent brain surgery a few days ago. It hurts quite a bit, and I don’t want you to see me in such a miserable state. We’ve been married for five years; you know better than anyone how much appearances matter to me. I look hideous right now, so I have to leave before you arrive,” she continued, her warm smile twisting into something more rueful.

Amelia faltered yet again. The color drained from her face, turning it a ghastly white. Tiffany entered the frame and asked Amelia if she was doing all right.

 

Instead of replying, Amelia shook her head and urged Tiffany to leave. She composed herself before squeezing another smile at the camera. “Oscar, I look ugly, don’t I? I must be worlds apart from the sexy, alluring woman in your memories. I wanted to clean myself up before making this recording, but time is running out. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you, and don’t look for me. I’ll return once my eyes are healed. If, when the time comes, you’re still looking for a wife, we can rekindle this relationship. However, if you’ve found another person to make you whole, I’ll bless you with all my heart and never appear in your life again.”

With that, the video ended abruptly.

 

Oscar caressed the image of Amelia’s face with a thumb. A myriad of emotions churned within him as his eyes reddened.

“Stupid woman!” His voice cracked with emotion.

He could not speak for a long time after. His suppressed sobs seemed to reverberate through the otherwise silent room.

At that moment, his strong facade crumbled. He was never invincible—Amelia had always been his Achilles’ heel.

“If this is what you truly want, I’ll respect your decision. However, I’ll only give you a couple of years, and that’ll be the end of my patience. If you’re not back by then, I’ll bring you back myself,” Oscar vowed hoarsely.

After collecting himself, Oscar summoned Hugo.

“Yes, Boss,” Hugo answered.

“Hugo, go to Mr. Jackman and ask him to relay a message from me to Amelia. Tell her that I’m going back tomorrow and that she should focus on getting her treatment. After I get back, I’ll search the ends of the world for a cornea donor that suits her. If she can’t fully recover in Beshya, I’ll find a donor for her. Even if it means giving up everything I own, I’ll make sure that she regains her eyesight. Also, tell her that I’ll never give up on her,” Oscar instructed. His voice rang with resolution.

Noticing Oscar’s grim expression, Hugo asked tentatively, “Boss, are you sure you don’t want to bring Mrs. Clinton back?”

Oscar shook his head. “Not for the time being. Tell Mr. Jackman to give her the best treatment he can offer. Warn him that if anything happens to her, I’ll thrash his clinic and destroy his life’s work.”

Hugo could not comprehend his employer’s decision. We spent so much time, energy, and money just to retreat without achieving anything. What is he trying to do?

“Boss, your mother might not be glad if we found Mrs. Clinton but did not bring her back.” Hugo decided to vocalize his thoughts after some hesitation.

“Did we actually find her?” Oscar countered.

Stunned by his response, Hugo glanced at Oscar and persuaded, “Boss, if we act more assertively, we’ll find Mrs. Clinton in a matter of days. It all depends on whether you are willing to do so. Aren’t you worried that Mrs. Clinton would escape elsewhere if you let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers?”

“She won’t. She promised to return, and I trust that she will. Besides, did you really think that I’d let her slip back into hiding now that I know where she is? I’ll assign someone to follow her. I can’t just sit back and relax while my wife is undergoing treatment,” Oscar stated.

Hugo mulled over his words and eventually nodded his assent.

“I’ll take my leave, Boss,” Hugo announced.

Just as Hugo reached for the doorknob, Oscar’s voice rang behind him. “Hugo, tell Mr. Jackman that I’m willing to invest in his research regarding eye treatments. If he accepts the offer, tell him it’s a thank-you gift for taking care of Amelia. She will still need his help in the future.”

Hugo paused for a moment, but eventually nodded.

After Hugo left, a heavy silence settled upon the suite.

The next day, Oscar met up with Simon before his flight back. In the private lounge, Oscar raised his glass in a toast. “Simon, thank you for all the help you’ve provided in the past few months. I appreciate the effort you’ve put in to help me look for my wife. I’ve prepared a gift for you as a token of gratitude. It’ll arrive at your company by tomorrow, and I’m sure you’ll like it.”

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