Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 66

“Mr. Clinton, when our divorce has been finalized, I won’t ask anything of you if you’ll let me have our child,” Amelia said.

“No,” Oscar refused without a moment’s hesitation. “I won’t allow a Clinton to be left out in the cold like this.”

Amelia’s eyes widened. She said incredulously, “But Mr. Clinton, Ms. Yard is already pregnant. If my child remains with the Clintons, what would he do without either of his parents by his side? Why won’t you let him come with me instead? He’ll only be another sticking point between Ms. Yard and yourself if he stays here.”

Oscar frowned, looking wrathful. “He’s a Clinton. He’s not a sticking point,” he declared.

A sardonic grin appeared on Amelia’s face. She said scornfully, “What he’ll have instead of real parents are a stepmother and a stepfather. Mr. Clinton, you and Ms. Yard have children of your own. What makes you think that you’d be able to care for mine on the same level?”

Oscar’s frown deepened. “You’ve gravely misunderstood Cassie. At the rate this conversation is going, there’s no way it can end well. Perhaps we should discuss this when you’ve calmed down a bit more.”

Amelia wriggled out of his embrace. “I’m perfectly calm now, Mr. Clinton, so I would like to discuss this now.”

Oscar looked at her wordlessly.

Amelia pressed on, insisting, “We didn’t even consider the possibility of having a child when we signed our marriage papers all those years ago. Why can’t you revert to that original mindset now that we’re divorced? I’ll leave with no strings attached. All I want is my child.”

Amelia paused and took a deep breath. Then she continued, “You’ll have other children with Ms. Yard. But this may be the only child I’ll ever have in my life. If you’ve ever loved me even a little, please give me custody of him.”

Oscar continued looking at her.

“Will you, Mr. Clinton? Say something.” Amelia returned his gaze resolutely.

Oscar fished for a cigarette. As he brought it to his lips, however, he suddenly remembered the doctor’s orders not to smoke in the presence of a pregnant lady. He lowered his cigarette again.

Oscar got off the bed, crossing over to the couch, then sat down. Matter-of-factly, he said, “Amelia, don’t we have a rather good arrangement now? When you asked for romance, I created countless swoon-worthy moments for you. When you got pregnant, I permitted you to carry the child to term. If money is what you want, I’ll see to it that you receive a hefty sum upon the finalization of the divorce. You can lead a carefree existence for the rest of your life. These are riches some women can’t even dream of. Tell me, what is it that you’re lacking?”

Amelia laughed bitterly. Her label as a gold digger now eclipsed her. She couldn’t blame Oscar for thinking she could be bought off by money.

When she had married Oscar four years ago, she never once imagined they’d get divorced one day, much less under such tumultuous circumstances.

“Mr. Clinton, I only want the child,” Amelia repeated firmly.

“You can have him, but I’ll freeze every one of your accounts. You won’t be able to take a single cent with you,” Oscar threatened. In his mind’s eye, he thought Amelia’s grubby personality would immediately back off when faced with this threat to her wealth. He thus never saw her reply coming.

“Great. I hope you’ll honor your word, Mr. Clinton,” Amelia replied without missing a beat.

Astonished, Oscar looked at her and asked, “Are you certain of this?”

Amelia simply nodded.

“We’ve been married for nearly five years. It’s not a long period of time, but it isn’t insignificant either. I’m thirty now, and I’ve given you some of the best years of my youth. I’ll never regret having met you. Let’s save ourselves the sleepless nights and finalize our divorce in five days. And please help me to convey my thanks to your mom. She’s always treated me well, and I don’t think I’ll be able to bear her disappointment.”

A warning gleam appeared in Oscar’s eyes. Menacingly, he asked, “Are you that eager to get away from me?”

Amelia shook her head wearily and said, “A love triangle will always leave victims in its wake, Mr. Clinton. I’m already at the losing end, so I don’t wish to prolong my entanglement in this childish and hopeless affair.”

Oscar strode over. Towering over her, he bent down and seized her chin, saying, “Amelia, I don’t want to get a divorce now. As for the child, I’ll let you have him, but as far as I’m concerned, this is game over.”

Baffled, Amelia looked at him. Then she asked evenly, “If you no longer love me, Mr. Clinton, then why do you insist on keeping me chained to your side? What’s the point of that?”

Oscar stroked her face absently. “Leave that up to me,” he replied.

Resigned, Amelia shook her head. “Mr. Clinton, has anybody ever told you that you’re an absolute devil?”

Oscar replied cheerfully, “You’re the first, but I like the sound of it. You’re my wife, so I don’t mind you calling me that.”

His ability to remain unfazed by her insults left her feeling most helpless. Trying another tactic, she lowered her gaze and meekly pleaded, “Have mercy on me, Mr. Clinton. I don’t wish to continue playing games with you anymore.”

Oscar’s hands dropped to his side. Flatly, he intoned, “You were just discharged. Stay at home and rest. I’ll be heading out for a while.”

Amelia knew that it was, in fact, Cassie who was on his mind. However, she refused to concern herself with that. In the brief exchange that had just occurred, she had allowed herself to think that there was a glimmer of hope for her relationship with Oscar—until Cassie reappeared.

Whatever affection Amelia thought she’d glimpsed in Oscar was merely wishful thinking on her part.

After Oscar left, Amelia sat dejectedly on the bed. Suddenly, the shrill ringing of the phone startled her out of her thoughts.

Amelia fumbled around for her phone. When she picked it up, Carter’s name flashed luminously across her screen. She instantly felt a rush of guilt.

Amelia answered the call. “Carter.”

On the other end, Carter asked anxiously, “Have you been discharged yet?”

“I got out today. I’m very sorry, Carter. I’ve barely worked for a month at your company, and I’ve already taken half a month’s worth of leave. Perhaps it would be better for me to resign. I don’t want to make things too difficult for you.”

Carter laughed gaily. “This position’s reserved for you. It’s a small matter, so don’t take it to heart. Your health is of paramount importance. By the way, if you’re still interested in going to Saspiuburg for training, I’ll leave a spot open for you.”

Amelia was silent.

After a few minutes, she finally said, “Carter, thank you for all the help you’ve given me, but I don’t think I should go to Saspiuburg. Please let someone else have the spot.”