Chapter 282 Temporary Separation
Owen glared at his son before turning to address Amelia. “Although Olivia and I truly disagree with the divorce, we won’t interfere too much if you insist on it, Amelia. However, bear in mind that we will never let you take Tony away. You won’t lose out on the compensation, but you can never visit Tony in the future.”
Amelia widened her eyes in disbelief. Never would she have expected Owen to utter such heartless words. His views were so similar to Olivia’s that she could not help but doubt that their previous love toward her had all been an act.
“Dad,” said Oscar as he frowned.
Glaring at his son with an air of authority, Owen said, “I understand that the decision to divorce is up to both of you, Oscar. But as I’ve mentioned, although I won’t interfere with that matter, we must have Tony’s custody.”
Upon hearing that, Amelia stood up from the sofa abruptly. While enduring the uneasiness within her, she said with a serious tone, “I gave birth to Tony after much difficulty, Dad. He’s everything to me. I can ignore what Stephanie did to me, but I can’t allow Tony to remain in this family. She hired someone to hit me with a car when I was still pregnant. No one can tell if she’ll hold a grudge against Tony and harm him. I don’t trust her because of that. Even if I get divorced, I must take Tony away. I can leave this family without a single cent, but I must have him. This is my bottom line.”
Stephanie, who was initially gloating within, stood up as well upon hearing that the conversation had shifted toward her. She pointed at Amelia as she exclaimed, “Stop accusing me, Amelia. I was in a bad state of mind back then and committed this unforgivable mistake. But I’ve already apologized and was reprimanded by Oscar. I’ve also realized my mistake. Despite that, you still bring it up and insinuate that I’m a bad person. What are your intentions exactly?”
Amelia merely cast an icy gaze at her in response.
“Dad, Mom, Tony is still young. He should go with his mother. Even if I divorced Oscar, you can come and see him at any time. I won’t cut off your connection with him. I have nothing left after the divorce. Should I give Tony up, there’ll be nothing left in my life to look forward to. If you still think of me as your daughter-in-law, please give me custody over him. I don’t want anything else,” said Amelia sincerely as she gave Olivia and Owen a solemn bow.
Olivia pursed her lips. Although her heart ached for Amelia, she did not wish to compromise on Tony’s custody.
On the other hand, Stephanie scoffed. “Stop pretending to look pitiful, Amelia. Didn’t you marry Oscar because of the money and status of the Clinton family? Now you’re putting on such a show of righteousness. Everyone knows that Tony is the first grandchild of this family and our future heir. Aren’t you holding onto Tony now so that you’ll become the righteous lady of the house once he has inherited this household? Do you think that we’re all blind toward your schemes?”
Stephanie’s accusations made Amelia feel rather stressed.
Oscar tossed a glare toward his sister, warning her to watch her words as he brought Amelia back to sit on the sofa.
“Are you tired?” he gently inquired.
Amelia shook her head.
Ignoring her brother’s stare, Stephanie continued imprudently, “Aren’t you getting a divorce? And you’re still lying in his arms pretending to look pitiful. Can you mean what you say for once, Amelia?”
Amelia stiffened up as she was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.
She removed herself from his embrace and put some distance between them.
Oscar scrunched up his face in displeasure as he shot a warning look at Stephanie.
Seeing the look in his eyes, Stephanie did not dare to go against him again.
After seeing their interaction, Olivia interjected, “My stance remains the same, Amelia. You two already have Tony. He is still young and needs both his parents. Don’t get a divorce unless it’s really necessary. Think it through and don’t pay a price on an impulsive decision that you’ll regret someday.”
Amelia’s expression stiffened upon hearing that. She knew that Olivia was reminding her about the fact that not only would she lose custody over Tony after leaving the Clinton residence, but she also would never have the opportunity to visit him ever again.
Amelia subconsciously glanced at her mother-in-law. At that very moment, the woman who had always been gentle and kind toward her seemed loathsome. I always thought that she understood and truly cared about me. Nevertheless, she’s so merciless on matters of principle to the point that I can’t sense any of the love she had previously shown to me.
Through Olivia’s usual way of scolding Stephanie but protecting her after she had made a big mistake, Amelia clearly understood that no matter how much Olivia expressed her concern and repeatedly said that she treated her like her daughter, she would not compromise on matters of principle and would even shut her out coldly.
It would be a lie to say that Amelia did not feel heartbroken. The elders of this family who seemed to adore her were nothing but a show in reality. Once the interests involved the Clintons, Olivia would surely side the family, and she was destined to be sacrificed.
At that very moment, Amelia had the impression that she was holding onto a piece of wood while drifting away from the rough waves in the ocean. She felt as though she would be swallowed by the treacherous sea any time.
In the face of the Clintons, she was a lone soldier. The only person whom she could rely upon could not support her at the moment.
Amelia licked her lips before saying solemnly, “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve let you down.”
Olivia looked straight at her daughter-in-law. “You’re a good girl, Amelia, and I’ve always liked you. I’ve tried my best to give you the best of everything all these years. As your mother-in-law, I don’t think I’ve treated you badly. Marriage is an important matter in life, so I hope that you’ll think twice about your decision. It’s not that terrible for a man to make mistakes occasionally as long as he has his family in his heart. However, it’s wrong of you to be to think too much of it. As the daughter-in-law of a prominent family who is granted wealth and status, it’s normal to feel wronged every once in a while. Weren’t you mentally prepared for this before marrying into this family?”
Her words left Amelia speechless.
I was indeed aware that I’ll naturally be at a disadvantage when I married into this family for money due to the difference in status between Oscar and me. Hence, the grievances I’ve suffered were naturally kept away from outsiders. I married into this family with an ulterior motive, so it’s only right for me to suffer in silence. I can’t tell anyone as they’ll merely think that I’m being melodramatic. After all, I’m enjoying the glory and wealth that everyone desires. Sometimes, one cannot have wealth and love at the same time. We can’t always have everything we want.
Oscar hugged Amelia by the shoulder as he said, “I was the one who brought up the divorce first, Mom. It has nothing to do with Amelia. I have let her down, so blame it on me if you want. If we sign the divorce paper, I think that it would be best for Tony to follow his mother.”
Olivia glanced at her son as a hint of anger flashed across her eyes.
Meanwhile, Amelia stared at Oscar with mixed feelings. She was grateful to him for protecting her and not letting her stand alone in the eye of the storm to endure the criticisms and beratement of the Clintons. At that moment, she truly felt that she had loved the right man all these years.
His care and concern sent a touch of warmth to her gradually frozen heart. She felt that she was no longer drifting in the stormy sea alone.
Stephanie shot Amelia a jealous glare as she exclaimed, “Everyone knows about your feelings for this woman, Oscar. Only a fool would believe that you were the one who brought up the divorce!”
Oscar glanced at his sister before wrapping an arm around Amelia’s shoulder. “Dad, Mom, I’m bringing Amelia upstairs to check on Tony. We can discuss this matter again later.”
“Stop right there!” shouted Olivia.
Oscar stopped in his tracks. “Is there anything else, Mom?”
Staring at Amelia’s back, Olivia remarked, “I really like you as my daughter-in-law, Amelia. You have to think carefully about the divorce. My stance remains the same. As long as a man has his family in his mind, he can be forgiven for whatever he does outside. You have to weigh your options carefully. One wrong choice will lead to another, so don’t be foolish.”
Amelia merely nodded her head without saying a word.
“Let’s go,” Oscar whispered into her ear.
As soon as they entered the bedroom, Amelia brushed his hand off and walked to the window. She stared at the view outside, looking a little upset.
Oscar walked over and draped his arms over her shoulder. “Are you upset?” he asked in a low voice.
Amelia shook her head.
She felt a little confused, unsure of how she should define her relationship with Oscar at the moment. Although she insisted on the divorce, she still relied on him subconsciously.
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle the matter on Tony’s custody. I won’t let my parents put you in a tight spot,” he assured.
Amelia turned and stared at him with a troubled expression. “Why are you so nice to me?” Even though I set you up to sleep with another woman and then used your guilt to ask for a divorce, you still stand by me as always.
Oscar chuckled. “Aren’t you my wife?”
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat at his response. She quickly turned around, afraid that he would notice her reddened eyes and read her thoughts.
“We’re about to get a divorce. Have you forgotten?” There was a hint of bitterness in her tone when she said that.
“As long as we haven’t signed the papers, you’re still my wife,” Oscar said firmly.
And you’re destined to be mine forever.
He did not say the last sentence aloud.
Although he readily agreed to the divorce, he never thought of giving her up. This temporary separation was all for the sake of a purer and better start for both of them.
