Chapter 289 Overthinking
The next day, Olivia and Owen sat on the sofa solemnly after having breakfast. Olivia beckoned Amelia to come over. “Amelia, come over here with Oscar.”
Amelia’s heart jumped to her throat instinctively. However, she went over as instructed, and Oscar trotted behind her. Even the troublemaking Stephanie joined Olivia and sat next to her.
Olivia turned to look at her. “Stephanie, go upstairs. Your dad and I need to talk to Oscar and Amelia in private,” she ordered.
Pouting her lips, Stephanie pleaded, “Mom, I’m part of the family. I want to listen to what you have to say to them!”
Olivia put on a stern expression and repeated sharply, “Just go upstairs.”
Seeing how grim her mother looked, Stephanie dared not kick up a fuss. Olivia and Owen were the only ones who supported her in the family. If she offended them, Oscar would be cruel enough to ignore her and leave her to her own devices.
Stephanie shot Amelia an angry but smug glare. Yesterday’s events made her feel like she had an upper hand. No matter what happen, Amelia was going to go blind soon. Hence, she didn’t see Amelia as a threat, for a blind person couldn’t even live a normal life without getting help. How much trouble could a blind person make?
Feeling contented, she gave Amelia one last mocking glance before hopping all the way upstairs.
Amelia pretended she didn’t see Stephanie’s sarcastic and pompous look and stood before Olivia obediently.
Olivia pointed at the neighboring sofa and said, “Take a seat, both of you.”
With his arms around Amelia, Oscar led her to take their seats on the sofa.
After coughing lightly twice, Olivia announced, “Amelia, I won’t object to your divorce. As Tony is still young, he should remain with his mother. Thus, you can have Tony’s custody. But I have a condition though.”
Amelia gazed at Olivia in surprise. She had no idea Olivia had changed her mind swiftly. Didn’t she threaten us yesterday with her health? Why did she cave in today? What a drastic turn of events!
Before Amelia could reply, Olivia continued, “You can take Tony with you, but you need to send him back to the Clinton residence and let him stay here every Friday to Sunday. Tony needs to spend three days with me every week. If that’s all right with you, you can sign the divorce papers anytime.”
Amelia glanced at her doubtfully. “Mom, you really won’t object to our divorce?” she asked carefully.
“Will my objection make you change your mind? It will only make you detest me and I don’t want that. Get a divorce if you want. You’ve made up your minds, so my efforts are futile. It’s best to leave you on your own. That’s the only way I can have peace,” Olivia uttered calmly.
Amelia’s gaze dropped as she pondered over it. “Thank you, Mom!” I’m really sorry.
She didn’t say that apology out loud, for she couldn’t agree to Olivia’s condition. Once the divorce was finalized, she would leave the city and stay in a tiny and quiet place so the Clintons wouldn’t find her.
Her decision to leave made her feel extremely guilty, especially toward Tony. Tony would be separated from the Clintons due to her selfish actions. At a young age, he would have to grow up without a father. In fact, she was really confused, for she didn’t know if she had made the correct decision.
Olivia gave a dismissing wave. “I don’t need you to thank me. You won’t live a good life compared to now after your divorce. Make sure no one bullies Tony. Otherwise, I’ll fight for Tony’s custody.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take good care of Tony. You won’t have to fret about him,” Amelia promised.
Olivia nodded.
“Dear, say something.” Olivia turned to Owen.
Putting on a strict expression, Owen declared, “Take good care of Tony. If you marry someone else in the future, we’ll get Tony back. The eldest grandson of the Clinton family isn’t allowed to enter another family or change his surname.”
Pursing her lips, Amelia thought about it and vowed, “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll raise him alone. That won’t happen.”
Hearing her vow, Owen, Olivia, and Oscar turned to look at her in unison.
Olivia glanced at Oscar briefly before posing a deliberate question. “Amelia, you’re still young. With your looks, you can find another outstanding man and get married to him. Are you sure you’ll remain single after your divorce?”
Hanging her head low, Amelia answered, “I can’t forget the five years I spent with this family. I believe the memories I share with Oscar are enough for me to bring Tony up alone.”
Warmth appeared in Olivia’s gaze, and the anger in her heart faded into thin air.
“Amelia, I’m experienced enough to know how hard it is for a single mother to raise a child alone. I don’t want you to go through that. If you find someone as great as Oscar, you should marry him.” Olivia was saying that to lay the foundation for Oscar’s future pursuit.
Amelia shook her head without saying anything else.
When I become permanently blind, no one will fall for me. Even with my good looks, no man will be willing to take care of a woman who needs help to carry out her daily activities.
Olivia soon changed the topic. “When will you sign the divorce papers?” she inquired.
Amelia stiffened up as her heart clenched painfully.
Oscar glanced at her momentarily before replying, “Tomorrow, I guess.”
Amelia’s hands that were resting on her lap trembled.
“All right. Since you’ve decided to get a divorce, it’s best to finalize it as soon as possible instead of delaying it any further.” Olivia got to her feet and tugged Owen up. “Just settle this matter and sort things out. We’ll head upstairs now.”
After they went upstairs, Oscar gazed at Amelia intently. “Are you sure you won’t accept someone else’s pursuit after our divorce?”
Amelia looked up and met his gaze calmly. “Do you want me to marry someone else?”
“I am a selfish man, so I won’t want you to marry anyone else. You’re mine.” Oscar’s gaze darkened. “But after our divorce, you’ll no longer be my wife. I don’t have the right to intervene in your life, right?”
Upon hearing that, Amelia couldn’t help but feel her heart break. She licked her dry lips and forced out a smile.
Yes, after our divorce, we’re no longer related to each other. I don’t have the right to interfere in Oscar’s future relationships.
At the thought of Oscar marrying a gorgeous wife and giving birth to a beautiful son, jealousy consumed her completely. It blazed so furiously that she could barely hold it in. Unfortunately, she had no right to butt in his affairs anymore.
Oscar held her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “What are you thinking?”
Hastily, Amelia avoided his gaze. “Nothing. I’m going to head up to take a look at Tony.”
The sight of Amelia dashing up the stairs hastily made Oscar’s lips curl into a satisfied grin. He was very certain that Amelia still loved him deeply. As long as he occupied a special spot in her heart, he was sure that his pursuit would be a success. Although Amelia may look sexy and pretty, she was inwardly a vulnerable but prideful woman. He swore he’d protect her and never let her suffer anymore.
Back in the nursery, Amelia saw Kurt keeping Tony company. The anxiousness on her face disappeared as she offered him a smile. “Kurt.”
Turning to look at her, Kurt queried, “What’s wrong?”
“Oscar and I will sign the divorce papers tomorrow. Are you willing to return to Oscar’s side and protect him? I believe your talents won’t go to waste if you do that.”
Kurt’s lips thinned as he fell silent. “Are you kicking me out?” he finally asked.
Amelia shook her head vehemently. Afraid that he’d take it the wrong way, she explained, “I think it’s a waste of your talent to stay with me. Look, you’re a nanny now. If you wish to return to Oscar’s side, I’ll let him know.”
Shaking his head, Kurt rejected her offer. “No need. I adore Tony, and I promised to risk my life to protect him as he grows up, so don’t think that way. I’ll accept other tasks other than protecting Tony. Personal tasks, of course. I get paid a lot for every task. Even if you leave the Clinton family without getting a cent, I can provide for you and Tony.”
That was definitely the longest statement Kurt had ever made.
A strange feeling rose in Amelia’s heart after hearing that. It sounded like a confession, but she dismissed it after seeing Kurt’s honest expression.
Well, I’m not attractive enough to be loved by other men.
“Kurt, there’s no need for that. We’re only friends. After I leave the Clinton residence, I will no longer be your employer.”
“You are.” Kurt shot an indecipherable glance at her. “I’ll leave the Clinton residence with you. I’ll also be there for Tony as he grows up. One day, when you lose your eyesight, I’ll take care of Tony on your behalf.” He gave his word earnestly.
After saying that, his ears turned red as his heart thumped rapidly. Once an indifferent man like him fell in love, he’d be loyal and infatuated.
Kurt was a prime example.
Amelia found it odd and shook her head to get rid of that thought. I must be overthinking.
“Thanks for that, Kurt,” she thanked Kurt gratefully.
“You’re welcome. I’m Tony’s godfather, so I should take part in his growth.”
Amelia exhaled in relief. Yes, I was overthinking. There’s no way Kurt is in love with me. He’s only doing this for Tony.
As Amelia was busy comforting herself, she didn’t see the affection in Kurt’s eyes that disappeared in a flash. If she had seen it, she wouldn’t be talking to Kurt in such a relaxing manner.
