Chapter 258 Earlier Than Scheduled
After a while, Amelia slowly regained her eyesight. She carefully moved Oscar’s hand that was on her waist away carefully and got off the bed. Putting on a jacket, she walked out and headed for the deck for a breather. Staring at the vast ocean, she spread her arms wide and took in the fresh air.
When her emotions settled, she pulled out her phone to give Tiffany a call.
The call was soon connected, and Tiffany’s thick voice rasped out, “Hey, Babe.”
Amelia asked gingerly, “Tiff, are you still asleep?”
“I’m going to wake up soon,” came Tiffany’s lazy reply. That was what she said, but in reality, she sounded like she was exhausted and couldn’t wait to go to bed.
Furrowing her brows, Amelia answered, “If you’re sleepy, go back to sleep. I’ll call you later.”
“No need. I’m awake now. What is this about?”
“You’re no longer sleepy?” Amelia knew Tiffany’s work forced her to keep a nocturnal schedule. She’d often work all night long to meet deadlines and sleep in the day. Sometimes, she’d only get to sleep less than five hours a day. Tiffany was dedicated to her job, compared to other full-time authors. Besides being efficient, she rarely missed deadlines. Hence, many editors loved to work with her.
“I want to take action earlier than scheduled.” Amelia didn’t bother beating around the bush and revealed her thoughts.
After a long silence, Tiffany asked, “Babe, are you sure? If you take action, you won’t be able to get back together with Oscar. Tony will lose his father at a young age. Are you sure about this?”
Staring at the endless ocean, Amelia couldn’t help but fall into deep thought. She knew she was being selfish by claiming that it was for Oscar’s own good. In fact, she was afraid they’d end up being total strangers one day.
The truth was, she wasn’t bold enough to face Oscar with her disability. The more Oscar treated her well, the more unsettled she was. Her utmost fear was that one day Oscar would get bored with her and dump her. Thus, she refused to let herself drown in his warmth.
To put things plainly, her disability made her a coward. If she remained with Oscar, she’d slowly lose herself as fear overwhelmed her. The more capable Oscar was, the thicker her shell became. Like a wounded hedgehog, she was prickling both herself and Oscar.
“Tiff, the intervals when I lost my eyesight are getting longer. I think I’ll lose my eyesight completely in a few months. I want to complete the divorce procedures when I can still see,” Amelia explained while she held back her emotions. “You’ll help me right, Tiff?”
Tiffany sighed out loud. “I once said I’ll support you no matter what your decision is. I wish you’ll spend some time to calm down. It’s has been a long challenge for Oscar and you to keep your marriage afloat. Won’t you think about it? Even if you end up being blind, I don’t think Oscar will dump you.”
Amelia’s eyes reddened instantly. Huge waves crashed into the yacht, making it wobble dangerously.
“Tiff, I know. But I can’t help but despise myself. You have no idea how it feels to be blind. It’s easy to get dejected when one’s surrounded by the dark. I don’t want our love to wear out on this endless, dark path. I’d rather leave when the memories on each other are still pleasant than do it when things turn ugly. That way, he’d remember me at my prime. I sound really selfish, right?”
Amelia couldn’t stop herself from bursting into tears.
Tiffany panicked at once. “Babe, I’ll help you. Don’t cry. Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll support you. Let’s not give up and wait until the hospital finds a suitable cornea donor. You’ll be fine,” she tried to comfort Amelia.
Alas, Amelia said nothing.
On the other end of the line, Tiffany continued, “Babe, I still think you should think twice before getting a divorce. Of course, if you’re really sure about it, I’ll stop giving you advice. I just don’t want you to act recklessly. After all, it would be best to remain in the Clinton family even if it is for the sake of treating your condition.”
“Tiff, stop it. I’ve thought about it for a long time.” Amelia insisted on getting a divorce. “If you won’t support me, I’ll do it alone.”
“No, Babe. I didn’t say I won’t help you, did I? Don’t be so reckless. I have a perfect plan, so you’ll catch him in the act. Are you sure you can stand seeing another woman in his arms?”
Her question caused Amelia to freeze in shock.
Can I stand seeing Oscar with another woman? The answer is definitely no.
The mere thought of Oscar kissing another woman just like how he kissed her, treating another woman gently just like how he spoilt her rotten, would cause jealousy to swell in her heart. She loved Oscar too much to allow him to even hug another woman.
However, heaven had played a joke on them. It seemed like they weren’t fated to lead a peaceful and sweet life together forever.
“Tiff, go to bed. I’ll call you when the time comes.” Having said that, Amelia cut the line without hesitation.
Her phone still grasped tightly in her hand, Amelia spun around to see Oscar coming over to her from two meters away. Halting in her tracks, she lowered her gaze guiltily.
Oscar strode over in big strides before coming to a stop in front of her. He caressed her cheek gently and asked, “When did you wake up?”
“I couldn’t sleep and come out to get some air. The sea breeze is really relaxing. I haven’t been here in a while, so it’s pretty relaxing to be surrounded by the ocean on a yacht.” Amelia leaned into Oscar’s arms and spread her arms wide, enjoying the cooling sensation brought about by the sea breeze.
Oscar wrapped his arms around her waist. “If you like it, we can come here often. I’ll take twenty days off next month. Should we travel to Horbah? Think of it as the honeymoon which we didn’t have five years ago.”
Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” Wait. My loss of eyesight is happening more frequently. If we go to Horbah, he’ll find out about it.
“What’s wrong? You don’t like Horbah?” asked Oscar.
Amelia shook her head.
“I love it, but I can’t bear to stay apart from Tony for a long time. Let’s head there when Tony is older, yeah? Actually, as long you’re with me, I don’t mind staying at home,” Amelia said shyly.
Her words pleased Oscar greatly. He caressed her cheek affectionately. “I’ll take twenty days off just for you. We can go anywhere you like.”
With a sweet smile hanging on her lips, Amelia nodded happily. However, she felt rather miserable for she had no idea how long they’d get to be together.
After a long while, Oscar inquired, “Should we head back now?”
Amelia nodded in response.
Once they got off the yacht, Oscar gave Amelia a ride home.
In the living room, they saw Isabella having tea with Olivia. At the sight of Oscar and Amelia, Isabella got to her feet as a flash of shyness appeared in her gaze. She quickly regained her composure and became the elegant gentlewoman she was. There was not a hint of clue showing that she had feelings for Oscar.
“Oscar, Amelia, you’re back,” she greeted them politely.
Amelia’s intuition told her Isabella was a threat, so she couldn’t bring herself to warm up to her.
“Oh, Isabella. Why are you here?” she asked coolly.
“I came with Noah. He went out with Stephanie, and I stayed back to have some tea with Mrs. Clinton. I was hoping to learn how to brew tea from her,” Isabella answered gaily.
“Mom is an expert at brewing tea. You came to the right person,” Amelia told her.
“Yes. Mrs. Clinton is elegant, beautiful, and excels in both tea ceremonies and calligraphy. No wonder Mr. Clinton adores her. If I were a man, I’d fall for someone like her.” Isabella’s words were extremely flattering.
Amelia had to admit she was great at this. It was obvious by the satisfied grin flitting across Olivia’s lips that she was extremely pleased by her compliment.
“Amelia, Isabella has just returned to the country, so she’s not familiar with things around. You should spend some time with her. Young people like you should have a lot in common, especially regarding fashion. You can go shopping together,” Olivia suggested.
Isabella smiled. “If you’re all right with it, let’s meet up one day to go shopping. We can also have a meal together. I’ve been back for months, but I haven’t got the chance to have a meal outside with you. Of course, you can join us, Oscar. The more the merrier,” she said cheerfully.
Oscar placed a hand on Amelia’s waist and answered, “Amelia’s feeling unwell. You should go shopping with someone else. As for me, I’m too busy to head out for a meal with you.”
Isabella’s expression fell slightly.
Olivia’s smile faded away as she chided, “Oscar, don’t be rude. Isabella’s our guest. You might hurt her feelings when you said that.”
“Mom, I’m sorry,” Oscar answered icily. “This is how I treat every other woman with Amelia being the only exception.”
Isabella’s smile became awkward. “I’m fine, Mrs. Clinton. Amelia and Oscar are a loving couple. I envy their relationship a lot.”
Before her feelings developed further, Oscar had already nipped it in the bud.
Nevertheless, she didn’t give up. To her, no couples were unbreakable, and no marriages were indestructible. There could only be lazy mistresses. Isabella was a proud woman, so it was rare for her to meet a man that met her standards. Oscar was the first man she fell in love with. Though he was married, she was sure no man would resist temptation. If I work hard enough, I’ll get him to fall for me and take me as his wife.
Oscar wasn’t interested in her at all. He turned to Olivia and said, “Mom, Amelia’s a little tired. We’ll go upstairs and rest.”
Olivia nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, Isabella spoke up. “I haven’t met Tony before. Amelia, do you mind if I head up together with you to catch a glimpse of him?” Amelia wondered if the move was intentional.
Oscar glanced at Isabella briefly as a hint of displeasure flashed across his gaze.
Amelia squeezed his hand and grinned. “Of course not. Come on up.”
“Thank you, Amelia.”
Isabella trotted behind Amelia and Oscar as they made their way up the stairs. She chatted with Amelia the entire way but kept stealing glances at Oscar. The adoration in her gaze was unmistakable.
Upstairs, Oscar announced, “You should visit Tony alone.”
Isabella’s expression froze.
Amelia patted Oscar’s hand. “Oscar, head back to the bedroom. I’ll bring Isabella to Tony.”
Oscar’s expression was stern, radiating an unwelcoming aura.
Amused, Amelia softened her voice. “Go back and change, all right? Otherwise, Tony might refuse to let you hold him.”
Hearing that, Oscar relented and left.
Flashing Isabella an apologetic smile, she led her into the nursery.
To her surprise, Kurt and Tony were nowhere to be seen. Frowning, Amelia called out, “Kurt? Kurt!”
After she called his name out loud a few times, Kurt appeared before them as though he were a phantom. He was holding Tony in his arms.
Amelia was used to his sudden appearance, but Isabella couldn’t hide her shock.
Taking Tony from Kurt, Amelia said gently, “Isabella, meet Tony.”
Isabella inched nearer and pretended she adored Tony. “Oh, how adorable! He inherited the best qualities from both of you,” she praised heartily.
Amelia kept a smile on her lips.
Isabella continued heaping praises on Tony before turning to Kurt. “Amelia, who is this?” she queried.
“Oh, this is the bodyguard Oscar arranged for Tony. Tony loves him, so he usually takes care of Tony,” Amelia explained.
“Oh, I see. No wonder he seems nimble.” Isabella stretched her arm out and introduced herself. “Hello, my name is Isabella Walker. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Kurt remained expressionless as he shot a look at Isabella’s hand instead of taking it politely. He always kept everyone at arm’s length, especially when it was an unfamiliar woman.
