Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 67

“Don’t trouble yourself, Mom. I can take care of myself. I’ll be back in half an hour,” Amelia protested genially.

Seeing that Amelia was resolute, Olivia reluctantly agreed.

After Amelia had left, Olivia’s face resumed its vexed expression. “Did you see Steph’s behavior just now? She has no manners and doesn’t behave like a lady at all.”

Ever the mediator, Owen said, “All right, let’s not get all worked up. Steph has disliked Amelia all along. We’ll invite Amelia over less often to prevent such squabbles from happening again. It puts you in a difficult position as well.”

Olivia bristled and snapped back at Owen, “What are you talking about? Amelia’s part of our family. Along with Oscar, she’ll be the owner of this house in the future. What do you mean by inviting her over less often? Besides, the two of you are always so busy with your own lives. Who do I have to talk to other than Amelia? Or would you prefer I leave with her?”

Bemused, Owen replied, “Don’t get hysterical, Olivia. I just don’t want an outsider to drive a wedge between your daughter and yourself. You wouldn’t want Steph to hate you, would you?”

Olivia was silent.

“Let’s eat. The children can handle their own affairs,” Owen said kindly.

Olivia once again resumed eating. By way of soothing his wife, Owen said, “When Steph is back, you can talk things out with her. Steph has been spoilt since she was young and must be feeling jealous now that your attention’s shifted to someone else. I can understand why she’s objected so strongly to Amelia’s presence here.”

Olivia nodded.

Amelia had wandered to the little artificial lake within the Clintons’ grounds. Drawing nearer, however, she noticed a tall, slender figure already standing there. It was none other than Stephanie.

Amelia hesitated. She considered retreating soundlessly back the way she came, but Stephanie had already turned in Amelia’s direction as she approached. Their gazes met.

It’s the clash of the titans!

The thought sprung unbidden to Amelia’s mind.

Stephanie’s eyes gleamed with hatred. She marched over, exclaiming, “Amelia, you’re really something! Not only have you seduced my brother, but you’ve also managed to get my mom under your thumb. You must be pleased with yourself.”

Amelia gazed at Stephanie for a moment, then said serenely, “Steph, I’ve always treated you like family. I don’t know what I did to make you hate me so much, but I’ve constantly been trying to win you over. I hope you can give me a chance.”

Stephanie folded her arms across her chest. “Amelia, do you know what it is that I hate most about you? You’re clearly a gold digger, yet you’re constantly playing the victim to gain sympathy. It annoys me to no end.”

Amelia walked over to the side of the lake. She took a deep breath, then turned and said, “Steph, if I really wanted to get rid of you, I have a thousand and one other ways to turn your own mother against you. It’s up to you whether you choose to believe me or not.”

Stephanie sneered, “Are you threatening me?”

Amelia shook her head. “I’m not. I rather hope that we can coexist in peace. Your mother is very kind to me, and I don’t want to make things difficult for her. I hope that you’ll stop throwing a tantrum whenever we meet.”

Derisively, Stephanie said, “And what if I refuse?”

“I’ve checked. There are cameras installed in every corner of the Clinton residence. This lake is the only place on the grounds without any. If I threw myself in right now and accused you of pushing me in, which one of us do you think your family will believe?” Amelia said.

Enraged, Stephanie shouted, “Amelia, are you really low enough to stoop to such underhand tricks? Are you really asking to be thrown into the lake? I’ll grant your wish and push you in for real. It won’t matter what my parents think as long as you drown to your death. They’ll find a way to cover it up for me.”

Stephanie looked at Amelia, daring her to reply.

Amelia was slightly taken aback. She’d never imagined that Stephanie would be reckless enough to even speak of killing her out loud.

“Stephanie, it seems that you’re not just a spoiled rich girl after all; you’re also a foolish woman who is far more confident in yourself than you have any right to be.”

Stephanie said disdainfully, “Coward! I just said that to frighten you. Do you think that your devious plans will work? Even if you do get thrown into the lake, my parents will only be mad at me for a few days. Do you think you’re really that important to them?”

Amelia retorted, “Why don’t you ask your mother just how important I am to her? Or don’t you already know the answer?”

Provoked, Stephanie cried, “You…”

Amelia had walked away, but she turned back and gave the former a sidelong glance. “Stephanie, if I were you, I wouldn’t do anything to humiliate me in front of your mother. It only makes her feel for me more. If you truly want to sabotage someone, do it more subtly. Your incessant whining only makes you look like a silly b*tch yapping away.”

With her arms akimbo, Stephanie replied vehemently, “Amelia, if you continue to incite me like this, don’t blame me if I knock you over and cause a miscarriage!”

“Push me then, please, if you don’t mind your parents packing you off overseas and your brother cutting off all ties with you forever,” Amelia replied. “Mr. Clinton’s going to divorce me soon, anyway, and I can’t take my child with me.”

Stephanie’s chest heaved as she gnashed her teeth with rage. “Amelia, has anyone ever told you that you’re absolutely despicable?”

Amelia merely shrugged. “Thanks for the compliment, but no one’s actually ever told me that.”

Stephanie drew her hand back in a swift motion, fully intending to land a slap on Amelia’s face. However, her hand was caught in mid-air by Amelia. The latter brandished her swollen belly in front of Stephanie, saying, “Watch yourself, Steph. Your mother’s looked forward to this grandchild for the longest time. If anything happens to him, you’ll be stuck overseas while I get to stay right here. Within a few years, you’ll find yourself working for your own money.”

Stephanie wrenched her hand away from Amelia’s grip. She leaned in and said, “Amelia, don’t be so shameless. Try to enjoy it while it lasts. Cassie’s coming back. It’s time for you to scamper back to wherever you belong.”