You More Than Anything In The World

Amelia tried to change the subject. “Mr. Clinton, if you aren’t hungry, I’ll just pack all this food up.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Oscar asked, gripping her hand.

With a sigh, Amelia placed her silverware down. “Do you wish there was something wrong with me?”

“Don’t lie to me. No one will dare bully you while I’m here.”

“The only one who bullies me around here is you, Mr. Clinton.”

Oscar fell silent.

“I’m fine, really.” Amelia sighed again. “I got a call from a friend earlier who told me one of his relatives had passed away. I had spoken to that same relative only a few days ago, and now he’s gone.”

Oscar looked at her sharply. “How did he contact you if your phone’s at home?”

Amelia froze, her mouth agape. In her hurry to come up with an excuse, she had completely forgotten about her phone. And Oscar saw through her immediately.

The corners of Oscar’s mouth turned up slightly as he playfully pinched her cheek. “That’s it. No more lies in the future. Always remember to think before you speak.”

Amelia bit her lip and said nothing.

Seeing her so subdued, Oscar felt a little sorry for her. “You’re not filthy. My words yesterday were unnecessarily harsh. Mom said you shouldn’t get riled up while pregnant. It wouldn’t be good for the baby.”

A look of disappointment flashed across Amelia’s face. After a while, she finally asked, “Mr. Clinton, are you forgiving me only because your mom made you do so?”

It was Oscar’s turn to avoid the subject as he gestured at the food in front of them. “Didn’t you say you were hungry? Eat up before the food gets cold.”

Amelia beamed a brilliant smile at Oscar. “Regardless of your reason, I’m very grateful and glad that you’ve forgiven me. So thank you, Mr. Clinton. I shall continue to put in my best efforts in our very complicated marriage.”

“Let’s eat.”

Amelia started to dig into the food. She stopped mid-way to scoop a spoonful of it and brought it to Oscar’s lips. “How about this, Mr. Clinton? If you eat this, we’ll agree to let bygones be bygones. We won’t bring up the photos again either.”

Oscar glanced at her before accepting the food.

Happy moments like these were rare for them. After the meal, Oscar called his mother to tell her not to come over that night. He reassured her that he would take good care of Amelia.

Olivia was more than happy at the sound of that. But as all mothers do, she re-emphasized the need for Amelia to be well taken care of before she hung up.

“Did the doctor say when you can be discharged?” Oscar asked while peeling an orange for Amelia.

“Tomorrow, I guess.”

a moment where they could set aside talks of love and affairs.

had been almost five years since they got married, but this was the first time

Oscar nodded.

Ms. Yard called

you?” Oscar replied. He finally understood why Amelia had been feeling low. She had been mulling over her call with

put on a forced smile. “She also mentioned that the two of you will be getting married soon. Congratulations, Mr.

we do get the divorce, I will still take good care of you and our child. No women or children of mine will need

but reach out for Oscar’s hand. “Mr. Clinton, no matter what happens to us, I just want to let you know how grateful I am for you,” Amelia said earnestly. “You lent a helping hand when I needed it the most. Even

held her gaze as he listened

incredibly frail and pitiful. Oscar felt especially moved after having heard her words

held his hand up and caressed

child and I both need you,”

over her eyes. “Go to bed. I’ll stay with you and send you

patted the bed. “Why don’t you join me in bed,

comply when his phone rang. Talk

he quickly recovered.

guess who had made that call, and the thought of it upset her.

her relationship with Oscar was making progress, Cassie would undoubtedly butt in to remind

the covers up

walking out

how was the

our baby’s developing very well! I’m a little upset that you’ve stood me up twice today. How are you going to make it up to me?” Cassie asked

replied patiently, “I’m glad the checkup went well. It’s late now, so you

You aren’t coming over now?” Cassie

do. Be good and sleep

met with silence on the other end. After a while, he heard

has never changed.

was wrong of me to break off our wedding in the past and leave without caring about your feelings. But now I’ve put everything aside just to come back

I’m sorry I’ve neglected you. Once I’m less busy, I’ll take you overseas for a vacation so you’ll stop imagining the

“When will that be, Oz? Give me a date. I may be understanding, but you’ve stood me up so many

a male chauvinist at heart and expected women to be at his beck and call. He could put up with the occasional willfulness from the women he loved, but he still expected them to generally be obedient. However, Cassie was right about his change in attitude towards her. He had been feeling less tolerant of her behavior. Even his desire for her had started

Men always craved for the things that were out of their reach. It was only after they had gotten their hands on them that they gradually lose

busy at work, we’ll go on

that. But being good doesn’t mean I can allow you to neglect me. I’m from a respectable family, and I do well in my studies and work. But I’m willing to put up with being

his voice as he replied, “Cassie, I know you’ve become more sensitive since getting pregnant. I promise I will marry you. It’s just that Amelia is also pregnant, and my mom would never approve of me leaving her during this