Too Much To Bear My Love

Oscar gave her a grim look, saying, “Ms. Larson, you’re prettier than I imagined, but I detest your character. I don’t like women like you. You’re miles behind Amelia.”

Jennifer’s lovely face turned menacing.

“Jennifer, the reason I called you here today was to warn you not to touch Amelia. I won’t permit anyone to interfere with my marriage. Whether she cheats on me or divorces me is my own affair. Mind your own business. The Larsons may have a strong base overseas, but they are nothing compared to the Clintons here. Get this into your head,” Oscar threatened.

Jennifer gaped at Oscar incredulously. “Mr. Clinton, what’s so good about Amelia? You’ve seen the photos, yet you’re still willing to let her stay by your side?”

“Ms. Larson, that’s between Amelia and me. I don’t have to explain anything to you,” Oscar replied icily.

Jennifer crossed her arms, scoffing, “Who would’ve thought that a prominent figure, like yourself, would still be tied to your wife’s apron strings?”

“You don’t have to concern yourself with me,” Oscar retorted. “Watch out for yourself. If these photos are leaked, you know what the consequences are.”

Jennifer snickered. “Don’t worry, Mr. Clinton. I’m not that clueless. But in terms of mutual compatibility, I think Cassie Yard’s a more suitable match for you. You’ve known Cassie for so many years, almost got married, and now she’s even carrying your child! Wouldn’t you say your destiny is more aligned with Cassie’s than Amelia’s?”

Oscar’s face darkened. “How do you know Cassie?”

Jennifer took a sip of her tea and made as if to speak. Just then, the door opened, and a few handsome waiters swarmed into the room. They quickly filled the table with multiple dishes.

“Mr. Clinton, Ms. Larson, the food you ordered has arrived. Please enjoy your meal,” one of the young men said politely.

Oscar picked out a couple of bills from his wallet and handed them to the waiter. “Your tip.”

The young man who had spoken received them and thanked Oscar profusely. “Thank you. Mr. Clinton. If there are no other requests, we’ll head back downstairs.”

Oscar nodded.

After the waiters had made their exit, Jennifer remarked, “Mr. Clinton, you sure are magnanimous towards working-class folk.”

“How do you know Cassie?” Like a dog with a bone, Oscar refused to let Jennifer change the subject.

“I don’t know Cassie; I merely didn’t see what was so fantastic about Amelia, so I went about my own investigation into the matter. I was rather astonished to find out along the way that you’re quite the hopeless romantic at heart,” Jennifer replied snarkily.

“Don’t you dare touch Cassie either, or I’ll see that you regret it,” Oscar warned.

greedy of you, trying to have the best of

belongs to me. I’m the only one who

fist onto the table with a resounding thud. She muttered hatefully, “Amelia, you’re an absolute vixen! You’ve got Carter protecting you, and even after seeing those shameful photos of yours, Oscar has even stepped up his defense of you.

the effort she’d spent humiliating Amelia, and expelling her from the Clintons, would have been so easily negated by

had pointed out, the Larsons were rich but were out of their depth here. Their tremendous power and influence overseas was ultimately no match for the Clintons’ home advantage. Jennifer didn’t want to risk angering Oscar, who might force the untimely retreat of the Larsons back home with their tails between

the local market. Before she accomplished that, she had to be wary of displeasing Oscar. Jennifer

you to steal Carter away from me. He’s

picked up her bag and left. The sumptuous dishes remained on

Oscar was headed to the hospital. When he arrived outside Amelia’s room, peals of laughter drifted out from it. Through the glass, he saw Tiffany dancing comically for Amelia, who was lying on the bed. Olivia sat in a corner preparing fruits,

the day before. Watching her, Oscar felt a strange sense of relief. Having seen her collapse unconscious in Tiffany’s arms the previous night, Oscar couldn’t deny that anxiety had risen unbidden in his

realize that the corners of his mouth had curled up into a

of a sudden, his phone rang shrilly with a call from Olivia. A moment later, the door of the room was wrenched open from the

in the doorway, asking, “Oscar, why didn’t you come in? Amelia’s

However, his embarrassment was barely indiscernible on his solemn

“Mom.”

there for?” Olivia demanded, chuckling. Tugging at his arm, she exclaimed, “Amelia, look who’s

photographs from last night had utterly cemented the conflict between them. The initial intimacy of their marriage had entirely evaporated, leaving behind two strangers in its

her things and said, “Mrs. Clinton, I have some unfinished drafts that my editor is

trouble yourself. When Amelia is discharged, I’ll whip up a few dishes to

courtesies, Mrs. Clinton! Amelia’s my good friend, so it’s only

Olivia nodded.

call me if there’s anything, okay? It’s not healthy for you to keep everything

give me a call when

“OK” and left without so much as

just arrived. Anyone in her position would have given you a tongue-lashing. Apologize to her right away! Don’t let this become a source of unhappiness

“Mom, you’ve accompanied me the entire afternoon. Please go home and rest. The nurses will look after me

to prepare some food. I’ll be back at ten o’clock later. Oscar, Amelia’s pregnant, so you must be

Oscar nodded obediently.

much about the photographs. I’ll deal with that. Your priority now is to take care of yourself

gratefully replied,

fondly, then remarked, “Have a good

Mom. Drive safe,” Amelia