Too Much To Bear My Love

“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.

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

in Oscar’s eyes. Menacingly, he asked, “Are you that eager

its wake, Mr. Clinton. I’m already at the losing

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

“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

“Leave that up

Amelia shook her head. “Mr. Clinton, has anybody ever

replied cheerfully, “You’re the first, but I like the sound of it. You’re my wife, so

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

discharged. Stay at home and rest. I’ll be

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

thought she’d glimpsed in Oscar was merely

the bed. Suddenly, the shrill ringing of the

for her phone. When she picked it up, Carter’s name flashed

the

the other end, Carter asked anxiously, “Have you been

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

of paramount importance. By the way, if you’re still interested in going to Saspiuburg for

Amelia was silent.

few minutes, she finally said, “Carter, thank you for all the help you’ve given me, but I don’t

“All right,” Carter agreed.

and I can actually return to work tomorrow. Will that be okay for you? Will it

replied, “Silly, enough of your nonsense. If you feel up to it, come in

“Okay.”

bring back that fearless iron lady I used to know. I

cheered up. “Got it. I won’t let my personal

hang up

your daddy’s determined to

bed for a good ten minutes before deciding that she might as well lay down for all her trouble.

returned unfailingly to Oscar. It was in this

bouts of drowsiness. She found herself wrestling frequently with her increasingly heavy eyelids. Hence, going to

changed into a flowy dress that left her

greeted by the sight of Olivia already seated at the dining table. She smiled and made her way

warmly. “I’m all better. Why are you here all alone? Where’s

falteringly, “Something came up at work. His employee had called him back

face darkened. A woman of the world, her keen eye saw right through Amelia’s reply to the heart of

One of Oscar’s secretaries had

closer to her. “Since Oscar is busy, we shan’t wait for him to eat dinner then. It’s late, and my