Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 396

Chapter 396 A Strained Relationship

While Oscar brought the luggage into the bedroom, Kurt seized the opportunity to approach Amelia. “Amelia, congratulations on getting your eyesight back,” he said sincerely.

Conflicting emotions warred within Amelia, but she responded with a gracious smile, “Thank you.” After a brief moment of silence, she continued, “Kurt, I appreciate all the care you’ve given Tony and me over the past two years. If it weren’t for you, things would have been a lot harder for Tiff and me. It’s thanks to your support that I’ve overcome the trauma of being blind. I’m sorry that I can’t reciprocate your feelings, but you’re like family to me. I know that this is selfish of me, but you are like a family member that I can never part with. I’ll always be grateful to you.”

Kurt stared at her, his eyes shining with infatuation. “Amelia, I never asked for your thanks, and I certainly don’t want you to feel guilty about anything. Everything I did for you was on my own accord.”

Amelia averted her eyes to escape Kurt’s intense gaze. She licked her lips nervously and said, “Let’s treat each other like family from now on, all right?”

Hurt flashed across Kurt’s eyes. Rejection was always a hard pill to swallow.

With a deep inhale, he replied, “If that’s what you wish for, I’ll respect your decision. However, if ever your relationship with Boss becomes rocky, I hope that you’ll give me a chance.”

Amelia parted her lips to speak, but at that moment, she glimpsed Oscar standing a short distance away. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt like a treacherous wife who had been caught red-handed by her husband. Although her relationship with Kurt was strictly platonic, he had been involved in her conspiracy to leave without notice back then. Amelia knew that it bothered Oscar to a certain extent although he never vocalized it.

Amelia widened the gap between her and Kurt. Now that she had finally mended her relationship with Oscar, she did not want anything to screw things up for them.

“Oscar,” she chirped.

Kurt was stung by Amelia’s subconscious actions. Nevertheless, he took a step backward and greeted Oscar deferentially, “Boss.”

Oscar wrapped a possessive arm around Amelia’s slender waist once he neared. “Honey, the doctor said you shouldn’t overwork your eyes, as they’re still healing. You should go get some rest.”

Amelia looked up at Oscar. She wanted to protest, but the words were stuck in her throat.

“Don’t worry, I won’t go against my word. I just want to have a talk with Kurt. Don’t look at me like I’m a monster,” Oscar teased her gently.

Although she was reluctant to leave the men alone, Amelia complied.

“Kurt, let’s talk outside,” Oscar said with his hands in his pockets. His imposing tone left no room for refusal.

“Yes, Boss,” Kurt answered submissively and trailed behind Oscar. Respect for Oscar was etched in his bones. Oscar had taken Kurt under his wing when Kurt was young and molded him into the man he was today. Hence, Kurt’s feelings toward Oscar were of reverence rather than fear.

Outside, the two men stood in the middle of a wide field. Oscar turned to Kurt and asked the obvious, “You’re in love with Amelia, right?” It was more of a statement than a question.

Kurt thinned his lips and lowered his head. After a moment of tense silence, Kurt gave a low murmur of assent.

“Kurt, you’ve grown a lot braver since the day you left my side. Back then, you wouldn’t even dare to talk against me, but now you’re trying to steal my woman. Aren’t you scared that I’ll come for you? Or do you think that I won’t dare to touch you with Amelia protecting you?” Despite his harsh words, Oscar’s tone was impassive rather than accusing.

“Boss, I was never one to hide behind a woman’s skirt, and I still won’t. I also never planned to ruin your relationship. I never wanted to fall in love with Amelia—it happened involuntarily. I admit that I like her, but I’ve never acted on my feelings. I did not cross any boundaries in the past two years,” Kurt swore solemnly, his head still bowed.

Before Kurt could react, Oscar lifted his leg and kicked Kurt forcefully.

Kurt crumpled to the ground. With a loud gurgle, a mouthful of blood spilled out of his mouth and splattered onto the grass. Kurt lifted a hand to swipe at his lips before climbing to his feet. A crimson smudge stained the bottom half of his face.

“You big meanie! You can’t hit my daddy!” A small figure lunged at Oscar and tackled him. Tony swung his stubby limbs at Oscar in an attempt to avenge Kurt.

Shocked, Kurt rushed forward to stop Tony. He was worried that the young boy’s ignorance would evoke the wrath of Oscar.