Ch. 701..710

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 701

Refusing His Help

Nevertheless, Carter was not offended by her lack of response. Instead, he took the breakfast he put on the table and handed it to Jennifer. ”I bought this for you. Have some food.”

Glancing at the breakfast, Jennifer said, “Mr. Scott, you probably didn’t know about this. I don’t eat street food. It will give me a stomachache. Just because a commoner like Amelia enjoys these foods doesn’t mean I’ll like them. Thanks, anyway.”

Carter took back the breakfast and asked patiently, “What do you want to eat then? I’ll buy it for you.”

Looking at Carter with a complicated gaze, Jennifer uttered tiredly, “Mr. Scott, what do you want? Just spit it out.”

Carter pushed the breakfast in front of her again and urged, “First, you should eat breakfast to replenish your energy. You don’t look too well today. You didn’t sleep well yesterday, did you?”

Accepting the breakfast, Jennifer put it aside and uttered imperiously, “You can go now. I’m busy right now. Thank you.”

“I just want to help you, Jennifer. Stop pushing me away. We aren’t enemies,” Carter said patiently.

Jennifer sneered at him. “We’re no better than strangers right now.”

Carter was a little exasperated by her indifference.

Jennifer is so stubborn right now. No matter how hard I tried to win her favor or how cold I acted, she was still indifferent to my actions. What a complete change to our relationship. I wanted her to steer clear of me in the past. Now, she couldn’t bear to see my face. This is karma, isn’t it?

After calming himself down for a while, Carter spoke up. “Jennifer, I know your company’s current situation. I’ve also acquired the shares sold by the directors and transferred them to your name.”

His remark caused Jennifer to pause while scrolling the mouse. Feeling irritated, she could no longer focus on reading the webpage.

Looking at Carter, she said coldly, “Mr. Scott, I’m grateful for your help. However, I don’t need your pity. I’ll repay you for these shares. We don’t have anything to do with each other. Therefore, I don’t want to owe you a favor.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m merely offering my help to a friend in need,” Carter persuaded.

Jennifer snickered and shook her head. “Mr. Scott, I know Larson Group is having a slump at the moment. However, we aren’t so desperate to beg for other people’s help. As I’ve said before, I don’t need your pity. Tell me, how much are those shares? I’ll pay you back.”

Upon hearing that, Carter felt rather annoyed. “Jennifer, why do you have to be so harsh?”

“Then what else am I supposed to say? Should I shamelessly curry favor with you as I did before? Stop joking around. You don’t want that, do you? Besides, I’m not that shameless anymore.” Jennifer looked back at the computer and continued, “My assistant will talk to you regarding the price of your acquisition. Now, please leave if you have nothing else to say. I have work to do.”

Left with no choice, Carter walked out of the office.

The moment Carter drove back to his company, his secretary whispered to him that Faye was inside the office.

He composed himself before entering the office.

“Mom, what brings you here?” Carter asked.

Faye turned around to his voice. Her makeup that day was exquisite.

Pointing at the sparkly grapes on the table, she said, “Our housekeeper’s relatives grew these grapes at their home. They sent them over for us to try. It’s very juicy and sweet. That’s why I brought them here for you.”

“Mom, you can just ask the housekeeper to do this. You don’t have to make this trip,” replied Carter.

Looking at him affectionately, Faye said with a smile, “I heard that you’re busy these days. Didn’t you ask someone to acquire the shares sold by the top management of Larson Group? You must be exhausted. I can help you discuss this matter with your dad.”

Carter eyed Faye warily, trying to gauge her intentions of coming to his office.

Nevertheless, Faye pretended not to have seen his gaze. “I’m glad that you’re trying to help Jennifer sincerely. I’ve tried so hard to matchmake the two of you in the past to no avail. I’m surprised that you took the initiative to help her this time. Still, I’m glad you did so. Our families have been on good terms with each other for many years. You have my support.”

Carter discreetly studied Faye to see if she was telling the truth or not.

However, Faye acted as if she did not notice Carter’s keen gaze. The faint smile on her face faded as she spoke. “Carter, what’s going on with Larson Group? I wanted to offer my help. However, Mr. and Mrs. Larson said the company is doing fine and told me not to worry about them. Since Jennifer liked you in the past, you must help them if you can.”

Carter nodded in response.

Standing up, Faye said, “I’ll leave you to your work.”

Faye’s expression darkened the moment she left the company. She felt that she could not protect Carter from the dangers around him. The woman he’s fallen in love with is likely to cause his downfall.

In the past, Faye was in favor of Jennifer and wanted the latter to be her daughter-in-law. Nevertheless, she cast aside Jennifer after the video was released. Faye refused to let Jennifer destroy Carter’s reputation. My son is innocent. I want him to marry a woman who’s worthy of our family in the future. She has to be someone who can help him with his career and bear children for him.

Faye had been leading a life of luxury. Furthermore, Carter was her only son. She would never allow any woman to ruin her son’s hard-earned success.

Like how she had framed Amelia in the past, Faye wanted to use the same trick to end Jennifer’s pursuit of Carter.

With a goal in mind, Faye asked her driver to bring her to Larson Group.

When Faye got out of the car and entered the company, the receptionist blocked her from going further. She promptly called Jennifer to announce her arrival. After receiving the call from Jennifer, the receptionist respectfully brought Faye upstairs.

Jennifer welcomed her in person by the elevator.

“What brings you here, Mrs. Scott?” Jennifer asked.

Faye shot her a glance and fumed, “Your parents are avoiding me despite what has happened to your family. You also seem to avoid me, don’t you? I have no choice but to come here in person.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed by her outburst, Jennifer led Faye into the office.

After pouring Faye a glass of water, Jennifer said, “Mrs. Scott, I bet you’ve heard that our company has lost a lot of contacts because of me. I’m too ashamed to appear in front of you.”

Faye patted Jennifer on the back of her hand. “Listen to yourself, silly girl. Even though there’s no future between you and Carter, you’re still my favorite. My family can’t sit idly and do nothing when your family is in trouble. Don’t worry. I’ve talked to Abel. He agreed to invest in your company.”

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Scott. I’m surprised that you’re still willing to help me despite my scandal.” Jennifer smiled gratefully.

Leading Jennifer to the couch, Faye looked at her like a doting elder. “Silly girl. The scandal will pass sooner or later. As long as you don’t pay attention to it, other people will slowly forget about the incident.”

Even though it’s in the past, people are bound to recall it one day.

Jennifer nodded in response.

“Carter didn’t deliberately ignore you when the scandal broke. Please don’t be angry with him, Jennifer. I don’t know what’s on his mind these days. He kept asking me to arrange a blind date for him. I think he probably wants to find a woman and settle down. It’s a pity that you two are not meant to be together. Otherwise, I would’ve had a grandchild already. Nonetheless, it’s not too late. I hope he can be more serious this time.”

Jennifer felt as though she was stabbed in the heart at that moment. Even though she repeatedly convinced herself that there was nothing left between her and Carter, she could not help feeling sorrowful.

Alas, she had underestimated how important Carter was to her.

I keep lying to myself that I don’t care about him anymore. Deep down, he’s the most important person to me.

“Jennifer, you should find a guy and get married when everything settles down. I’m not destined to be your mother-in-law,” Faye uttered dejectedly.

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Jennifer broke into a smile. “Very well, Mrs. Scott. I’ll find a guy who doesn’t mind my scandal and get married.”

At her words, Faye was appeased.

“We have to accept our fate sometimes. Why don’t you have dinner with me later? Let’s have a chat,” Faye suggested politely.

Jennifer wanted to turn down her invitation at first.

However, Faye cajoled, “What’s the matter? Even though you aren’t destined to be with Carter, are you rejecting me too?”

Left with no alternative, Jennifer complied.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 702

Matchmaking

Faye wore a faint smile. “Sorry to have kept you waiting, Nina.”

“I’ve just arrived as well.”

Faye then gestured to Jennifer and Nina to take their seats before introducing them to each other. “Jennifer, this is Nina Yates, the only daughter of Fabian Yates of Yates Group. She’s been studying abroad in Ustrana and only flew back five days ago. Her parents wanted to get her a boyfriend, and they’ve already met up with Carter, so they thought of letting their daughter get to know Carter, too. Since I invited Nina for lunch and so happened to also look for you today, I brought you here with me.”

After saying that, she turned to gaze at Nina. “This lady over here is Jennifer Larson. She’s two years older than you, Nina.”

Nina gave Jennifer a curt nod and introduced herself in a soft tone. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Larson. I’m Nina Yates. You may call me Nina.”

A turmoil of emotions rose within Jennifer’s heart. She shot Faye a complicated look, but she could more or less tell Faye’s intent.

At first, Jennifer had thought that Faye was truly sincere with her. Never in a million years had she expected Faye to be scheming. Ever since her video went viral all over the internet, Faye’s attitude toward her did a one-eighty. On the outside, Faye put on a caring countenance; however, Jennifer knew better than anyone that Faye would never accept such a scandalous woman like herself as one of the Scotts.

It was true that Chanaeans were no longer that conservative when it came to sexual relations. Even so, deep down, they were old-fashioned to the core. Sex scandals weren’t seen as a big deal for men, but for women, getting involved in any nudge-nudge, wink-wink rumor alone would be fatal, so much so that it could turn their lives into a living hell, driving them over the edge.

Braving the difficult times, Jennifer had relied on her family’s support and her own adamant resilience in the face of the public. As long as she bolstered her self-confidence and pride, she would never deem any gossipmongering as a threat.

“You look like an angel, Nina. I bet you and Carter are a match made in heaven. No wonder Mrs. Scott likes you so much. Even I can’t take my eyes off you,” remarked Jennifer as she flashed a smile.

Nina, in turn, remained unfazed, her visage as gentle as ever.

Jennifer fixed her gaze on Nina. If she’s not putting up an act, she must be one true tender-hearted girl.

From Jennifer’s point of view, it would be Carter’s blessing if he could have Nina by his side.

The next second, Jennifer recalled that she was still a nobody to Carter despite her attempts to win him over for the past two years. What right do I have to intrude on his personal affairs?

“You’re just as stunning as well, Ms. Larson. I don’t know what Mr. Scott looks like, but since it’s my parents’ wish for me to turn up for this meeting, I did their bidding. After all, I have nothing to lose. If he and I didn’t end up as a couple, we could still be friends,” came Nina’s meek reply.

The corner of Jennifer’s lips curled upward at that. The lady in front of her appeared to be docile at all times, and even her every action was perfectly poised. Everything about her breathed good manners. In Nina’s presence, Jennifer couldn’t help but feel ashamed of how much she herself paled in comparison.

Had I been born a man, I would’ve also inclined my heart to a lovely, modest, and elegant lady like her.

“Nina’s really gorgeous and soft-spoken. I guess Carter will certainly like her, Mrs. Scott. Let me congratulate you in advance!” A generous smile accompanied Jennifer’s words.

As Faye heard that, her expression lightened up a little.

Nina, on the other hand, knitted her brows slightly but commented nothing.

Summoning the waiter over, Jennifer began to place her orders, and the dishes were served in a heartbeat. She didn’t hesitate to feast on them as silence hung thick in that dining room. The moment she got her fill, she wiped her mouth with the handkerchief before uttering apologetically, “Mrs. Scott, Nina, I still have a meeting to attend at the office. Please pardon me for leaving you this early. Enjoy your lunch!”

Faye rose to her feet and said, “But you’ve only eaten so little! No matter how busy you are, you should eat more, you know. We all need food to fuel our energy. Never take our own body lightly.”

“I’ve eaten a lot already, Mrs. Scott. Enjoy the food with Nina. I’ve really got to go now.” A sheepish smile was etched on Jennifer’s face as she grabbed her bag and spun on her heels.

As soon as Jennifer was far from sight, Nina directed her gaze at Faye, asking politely, “Is she the very same Ms. Larson in the video, Mrs. Scott?”

Upon hearing the query, Faye scowled and gave a petulant response. “Yes, and there had I been thinking about accepting her as my daughter-in-law, but I didn’t expect her to get entangled in such a scandal. The Scott family simply cannot have a member like her. I really appreciate your help today, Nina.”

“Don’t mention it, Mrs. Scott. Still, I think Ms. Larson is quite a decent person. She’s very graceful, cultured, and pretty. Plus, she’s also the victim. If Mr. Scott had a thing for her, I don’t suppose you’d want to be the one who tears them apart like this.”

Faye then patted Nina’s hand lightly. “Nina, you’d been abroad for too long, so I don’t blame you for being oblivious to the current times. The people in Chanaea are getting more open-minded, but innately, they’re all sticking to our tradition. If Carter really tied the knot with the likes of her, he’d be the prime target of public criticism. Besides, Carter has no feelings for her. She’s the one who has been wooing him. You, my dear, should meet up with Carter when you have the time. You two might even hit it off straight away. I’m all in favor of this.”

Nina bobbed her head in agreement.

“Okay.”

“Great! Come, have more fish. I’ve already picked the fish bones, so it’s safe to eat,” uttered Faye as she served a piece of fish onto Nina’s plate. “You’re as thin as a rake. You ought to eat more for your own good.”

“I can manage by myself, Mrs. Scott. Please eat.” Nina scooped that piece of fish up and placed it onto Faye’s plate again. “My parents always said that we should never let the elder wait on us. If you’d like some fish, Mrs. Scott, I’ll pick the bones.”

Initially, Faye had been displeased the second Nina actually returned the fish onto her plate. However, Faye was secretly beaming after hearing Nina’s elucidation.

“You’re a sensible girl, Nina. Even though you’ve stayed abroad for so many years, you never strayed from our very own tradition. I really adore such a fine young lady like you.” Faye was all smiles.

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Scott. I’m a Chanaean too.”

Faye’s smile had reached her eyes. The longer her gaze lingered on Nina, the more satisfied she became.

She’s beautiful, refined, prudent, respectful, and considerate. I don’t think I’d ever find a better candidate for taking up the role of the Scotts’ daughter-in-law!

With that in mind, Faye was determined to pair her son up with Nina.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 703

Last Wish

After Jennifer left the restaurant, she did not immediately head back to her office. Instead, she simply chose to walk around while carrying her designer bag. She stared at the cars bustling about on the main road as she seemed a little dazed.

A car suddenly stopped in front of her. The window was wound down to reveal Amelia’s face.

“What a coincidence, Ms. Larson. Would you like a ride?” Amelia offered politely.

Jennifer stared at the woman in the car as she started to feel conflicted. Every single tragedy that had been brought upon her was caused by Amelia.

Therefore, she instantly rejected, “No need for that.”

Upon speaking, she continued walking ahead.

Amelia shut the window and turned to look at Jolin, who was driving. “I’ll get out for a moment.”

“Mrs. Clinton, it’s obvious that she doesn’t like you. There’s no need for you to be so friendly to a person who wants nothing to do with you,” Jolin replied as he looked at Jennifer’s silhouette through the car windows.

“Drive the car and meet me at the front. I just want to chat with her for a while.” Dismissing Jolin’s advice, Amelia opened the door and got out of the vehicle. Having no other choice, Jolin could only drive next to her at the speed of a snail. He was afraid that Jennifer would harm Amelia, who only had good intentions. If that were to happen, she would make sure that Jennifer would not be let off the hook that easily.

Amelia chased after Jennifer. “Ms. Larson, I would like to chat with you. Is that all right?”

Jennifer turned around and stared at Amelia frostily. With a sneer, she replied, “I don’t think you and I have much to talk about, Amelia.”

“I just want to talk to you about Carter. Are you free right now?”

“Are you really that pretentious, Amelia? Because of his love for you, Carter basically ignored me during the two years that I spent pursuing him. He did not even spare me a glance. I don’t think there is anything to talk about when it comes to Carter. Or are you trying to boast about the number of men who are head over heels for you?” Jennifer taunted mockingly.

Amelia frowned. It seemed that Jennifer was very emotional at that moment. She was probably deeply affected by that tape and that was why Amelia could feel the annoyance radiating off Jennifer’s being.

“Please calm down. Ms. Larson. I just want to tell you that Carter cares about you. He even talked to me about you. I can tell that whatever he did toward you was not intentional. Therefore, I was wondering if you could give him another chance. After all, it’s always saddening to see two people, who were made for each other, splitting ways,” Amelia advised.

Jennifer reacted like she had heard an incredibly insulting joke. “You said that he cares about me? I think you should practice your script before trying to lie to me, Amelia. How would you, an outsider, know about what Carter thinks of me?”

Amelia pursed her lips.

“Stop acting like you genuinely care, Amelia. I don’t need an outsider like you to comment on my love life. Both of us were never friends and never will be. Don’t you know how much I hate you?” Jennifer gritted her teeth as she glared at Amelia with such ferocity.

Amelia was taken aback.

She was smart enough to notice the hatred oozing out of Jennifer’s eyes.

Does she really hate me so much?

“Ms. Larson, we—”

“Enough! There’s nothing left to say between us, Amelia. I will definitely get revenge one day, be it for my mother’s sickness or my tarnished reputation. I will make sure to return it tenfold. Just wait and see. I’ll be there to witness your tragic downfall,” Jennifer spat.

Upon speaking, she turned around and walked with her head held high.

Amelia frowned as she stared at Jennifer’s disappearing figure. She then sighed. It seemed that Jennifer really hated her.

The reason why she schemed against Jennifer and June was that they had plotted her downfall first. If it were not for them, Amelia and Oscar would not have retaliated. She was not a saint, after all. She would not be able to go on with life with a smile after knowing that someone was out to get her.

Amelia entered the car, and Jolin looked at her with a frown. “Shall I teach her a lesson, Mrs. Clinton?”

“There’s no need for that. She didn’t do anything to me.”

Jolin’s mouth twitched, but she did not say anything.

She drove Amelia back to the office, and the latter pushed the recent encounter to the back of her mind and focused on her work.

It was six in the evening when Amelia was packing her things. Just as she was about to get off work, she received a call. It was from the relatives of the young child who donated his cornea to Amelia. They had come all the way from Anglandur just to meet with her.

She naturally agreed to that.

Jolin drove her over to the meeting spot. On the way there, Amelia called Oscar to update him on what was going on and asked him to go home first.

She had agreed to meet the child’s relatives at a restaurant.

After walking up to the second floor, Amelia noticed a couple sitting in the corner. However, it was not the same couple that she had met in Anglandur after regaining her sense of sight.

“Good evening. You two must be Mr. and Mrs. Jennings. I’m Amelia Winters,” Amelia introduced herself politely.

The couple stood up to greet her with a smile, “Hello, Ms. Winters. Please, have a seat.”

Amelia sat down and looked at the Jennings couple.

Both of them were dressed neatly in branded outfits. Anyone would know that they came from a distinguished family just from the way they carried themselves.

Susan, who was also referred to as Mrs. Jennings, was the first to break the silence. “Ms. Winters, the teenage boy who donated his cornea to you is our godson. We are close friends with his parents. His parents were supposed to fly into the country to meet with you, but unfortunately, both of them passed away in a recent car accident. Written in their will was for us to come and see if you are doing all right. They just want to know if you have been taking care of your eyes.”

Amelia’s heart sank as she listened to the lady. “I’m so sorry to hear that. I didn’t know that they had met with an accident.”

“Don’t be sad about it. It must be the universe’s plan for them. They only ever had one child, and they had been lonely ever since his passing. They were caught in the accident on the way to their son’s grave. I guess it’s good that the three of time could finally meet in the afterlife. It’s just that they were still thinking about the cornea that was donated to you while on the brink of death. Could you promise us something?”

“Go ahead, Mrs. Jennings,” Amelia responded.

“Could you go to Norham when you have time?” Susan started. “I know this request is a bit unreasonable, but this was his parents’ last and only wish. They were thinking about their son who had not gotten a chance to visit his hometown.”

Amelia remembered what she had told the couple back in Anglandur. She had promised them that she would visit Norham, and it was time to fulfill it.

“I promise that I will visit Norham when I’m free, Mrs. Jennings. Besides, if it weren’t for him, I would have never gotten the chance to see the world again.”

“Thank you so much, Ms. Winters.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s what I should do.”

After the meal, the three of them left the restaurant. “Mr. and Mrs. Jennings, have you two gotten a place to stay?” Amelia asked.

“Yes, we have. Don’t worry about us, and head on home. We can find our way back to the hotel. It’s wonderful enough that you’ve agreed to meet with us today,” Susan replied politely.

“Let me give you two a ride then.” Amelia turned around and gestured for Jolin to drive over.

After they got into the car, Susan said, “Thank you for today, Ms. Winters. On the way from Anglandur, we were originally worried that you wouldn’t want to come and meet us. It now seems that we were overthinking.”

“Of course not. I have promised him that I would use his eyes to explore the world. I will do my best to go to places that he never had the chance to. Going to Norham is part of my promise to him,” Amelia replied softly.

Susan’s eyes reddened instantly.

She quickly turned around and wiped her tears away before smiling apologetically at Amelia.

The atmosphere in the car suddenly quieted down.

Once they arrived at the hotel, Amelia personally escorted them into the building. “Feel free to call me if you need anything,” she reminded them.

“Thank you so much. My husband and I will be going to Saspiuburg for an international conference. If we have time on our journey back here, we will definitely invite you for a meal again,” Susan said. “Your eyes are exactly the same as my godson’s. I nearly thought that I was looking at him. I hope that you will appreciate it and live your life well on his behalf.”

“I will.”

After bidding the couple goodbye, Amelia went back downstairs and got into the car without a word.

“Are you all right, Mrs. Clinton?” Jolin asked tentatively.

All Amelia did was shake her head before replying, “Let’s go.”

And with that, Jolin started the car and drove silently.

Amelia looked out the window and stared at the lights flashing by her. She thought of the picture of the teenage boy that she saw back in Anglandur. It had only been less than a year, and his parents had already followed him into the afterlife because of a car accident.

Life was indeed full of unexpected events. Just a year ago, both of them were still alive and breathing, but their lives had been taken away by just one accident.

Amelia sighed grimly as she felt downhearted. However, she did not feel terribly miserable.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 704

Brain Tumor

Amelia went back to discuss it with Oscar. She originally planned to go to Norham for the weekend, but Eleanor called and disrupted Amelia’s plan.

“Lia.” Eleanor spoke weakly from the other end of the line.

“Mom, what’s wrong? You don’t sound so well,” Amelia asked, feeling concerned for her mother. “Are you under the weather?”

Eleanor swallowed hard before replying with great difficulty, “I have a very bad headache. Can you come to visit me at Saspiuburg?”

“Have you gone to the doctor?” Amelia asked anxiously as she sensed that her mother’s emotional state was not great.

For a long time, there was no response from the other end of the line.

Amelia clutched the phone in her hand tightly in apprehension. “Mom, are you there?”

After heaving a long sigh, Eleanor replied in a weak voice, “Lia, I’m diagnosed with a brain tumor. It’s malignant. I might die soon.”

The moment Amelia heard that, the phone in her hand almost dropped to the ground.

A worried look flashed across Amelia’s eyes. She forced a smile and said, “Mom, you must be kidding, right? When you were in Tayhaven, you were just fine. How could you have a brain tumor after returning to Saspiuburg after a short while?”

Eleanor smiled faintly. “Lia, I’ve always had headaches, but the ones I had in the past were not as serious. Now that I’m diagnosed with a brain tumor, I’m not that surprised, to be honest. I’ve had no regrets ever since I got to reunite with you. It’s just that I can’t take care of your child anymore. I still long to see you more.”

The anxiety in Amelia surged. “Mom, I’m going to book flight tickets. You’ll be fine.”

After hanging up the phone, Amelia immediately went to book her flight ticket online.

When Oscar left the study and entered the bedroom, he saw Amelia frowning and the worried look she wore.

He walked over to her and asked in a gentle tone, “Amelia, what’s wrong?”

Amelia grabbed his hand. “I need to go to Saspiuburg. Mom called me just now, saying that she’s sick and she’s in the hospital right now. I need to go there to see her.”

“I’ll accompany you. Don’t reject me. Otherwise, I won’t let you go alone.” He spoke determinedly, not giving her an option.

Amelia’s lips curled into a smile. “I also booked your ticket. Our family of three will go together. If Mom’s brain tumor is truly malignant, I plan to bring her to Tayhaven for treatment. My mom and I have just reunited. I don’t want anything to happen to her again.”

Oscar planted a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t worry. She still has a good daughter like you to take care of her. She will be fine.”

Amelia bobbed her head.

In the afternoon, Amelia and Oscar brought Anthony to the airport, and Olivia and Owen also hurried to the airport to see them off.

“Amelia, take good care of my precious grandson in Saspiuburg. Perhaps you should leave him to me. Heaven knows how long you’d be gone. I’ll miss him.” Olivia wrapped her arms around Anthony. It was obvious that she was reluctant to part with him.

Amelia apologized, “Mom, I’m sorry. My mom has a brain tumor, and the doctor says that it’s malignant. I hope I can bring Tony over to let her see him. Ever since Tony was born, my mom rarely had the chance to play with him. She also misses her grandson.”

As an understanding person, Olivia nodded upon hearing the reason.

She pecked the little boy on his face and said, “Tony, give me a call every day after you get to Saspiuburg, all right? Eat well and drink well. Don’t starve yourself.”

Anthony also kissed Olivia’s cheek in return. “Grandma, I’ll miss you. Once I get to Saspiuburg, I’ll call you every day. You have to miss me too.”

Olivia’s heart was instantly filled with delight when she heard those words.

The grandmother-grandson duo continued to hug each other for a while before Olivia passed Anthony to Amelia. “Amelia, send your mother my regards. Let her recuperate well, and ask her not to overthink,” Olivia said.

Amelia nodded in response. Just then, the boarding announcement sounded. Amelia looked at Olivia and reassured, “Mom, Oscar and I will go through the security check first. Once we arrive in Saspiuburg, I’ll ask Tony to give you a call and chat with you.”

Olivia waved her hand. “Get going. Stay safe, and feed my grandson well.”

Amelia continued to comfort Olivia before the family of three went through the security check and boarded the plane.

When they landed in Saspiuburg, Amelia immediately informed Olivia they’d arrived safely. She then let Anthony chat with Olivia for a bit.

Without further ado, Amelia hailed a cab and asked the driver to bring them to Principal General Hospital in Saspiuburg. After paying for the ride, she asked Oscar to carry Anthony as they walked into the hospital at a brisk pace.

When they reached the outside of the ward, Amelia took a deep breath. As she looked at the room number in front of her, she felt hesitant all of a sudden, afraid that she would witness a scene that she didn’t wish to see.

“Why are you here?” A stern, cold voice sounded from behind.

Amelia wheeled around and found that it was Benjamin. Currently, he seemed to have aged a lot with his graying sideburns. Even his gaze, which used to be sharp, had dimmed. Amelia finally could see him as an ordinary elder. Subconsciously, she realized that Benjamin was also getting old.

However, as she looked at the aging signs on Benjamin, her heart leaped into her throat again. She couldn’t imagine how grave Eleanor’s condition was to cause a spirited man like Benjamin to turn so old.

Amelia cleared her throat sheepishly and spoke in an awkward tone. “Mom gave me a call and told me that she was unwell. I purposely flew here to see her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be at ease.”

Benjamin stared deep into her eyes before he finally said, “Go in then. She’ll be glad to see you.”

Amelia then followed him into the ward. The moment her gaze landed on the person lying on the bed, she heaved a sigh of relief.

Eleanor seemed a little pale, but her condition was not as terrible as Amelia thought it would be. At least Eleanor didn’t have hair loss, and she wasn’t bone-thin.

Amelia strode over and gazed at the sleeping Eleanor as she called out gently, “Mom.”

Eleanor did not wake up.

“Mr. Hutton, may I ask how’s her current condition?” Amelia asked, looking at Benjamin.

“It’s a malignant brain tumor. It’s almost at the intermediate stage, but it’s not detected too late. As long as she is actively involved in improving her health, there’s a chance of recovery.” Benjamin turned to glance at Eleanor as he spoke solemnly.

They had been married for so many years, and they had also argued with one another due to Amelia for a long time. However, when he saw her lying on the hospital bed and realized that she could lose her life to the disease at any second, he suddenly felt that his previous insistence had become meaningless and found it somewhat ridiculous.

Amelia pondered for a while and said, “Oscar knows a specialist in this field. If possible, perhaps we should transfer her to Tayhaven. The hospitals in Tayhaven have the best medical equipment. I believe it’d be of great help in improving her health condition.”

Glancing at Amelia, Benjamin immediately rejected, “There’s no need for that. I’ve gotten in touch with a good friend of mine, who is also a specialist in this field. He will bring his team here the day after tomorrow. The Hutton family is not poor. We don’t need other people’s help.”

Amelia’s lips parted, but in the end, she didn’t refute.

Realizing that he had rejected her too coldly, Benjamin awkwardly said, “But thank you for paying her a visit. She’s been talking about you these few days. I also didn’t expect she’d have a brain tumor. If I had known that she’d be suffering in her old age, I wouldn’t have done so many things that hurt her when I was young.”

Amelia stared at him, knowing very well that the elder was expressing his regrets for what he had done back then.

Despite that, she hadn’t had the faintest idea how she could comfort him.

After a moment, Benjamin took out a cigarette and said in a raspy voice, “Stay here and watch over her. I’ll have a smoke outside.”

With that, he walked out of the door.

Amelia sighed silently. “Oscar, can you ask James to come to Saspiuburg?”

“I’ll call him later and update him, but we can’t ask him to come over rashly either. If the Hutton family disagrees with having him involved, things will get awkward for everyone,” Oscar advised.

She nodded. “I will ask the doctor first, then ask for the permission of the Hutton family before having James come over. After all, compared to them, I am still an outsider.”

“Cheer up. You still have Tony and me. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“I’m okay.” She shook her head. “It’s just that I didn’t expect that she would get a malignant brain tumor. She might lose her life because of it. If I had known that earlier, I wouldn’t have hurt her feelings and wasted so much of our time.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know.” Although she knew that, as she looked at Eleanor, Amelia couldn’t help but feel guilty. Perhaps this is the familial bond. Forever, we’ll share this bond, and we’ll always care and worry about each other.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 705

Once You Recover

“You got into a car accident? Was it bad? Were there any aftereffects? How did it happen? Let me take a look at you. Gosh, this is so worrying,” she nagged. “Why didn’t you ever tell me about this? My poor child, why do these terrible things always happen to you?”

As she was overwhelmed with emotions, her head started to hurt. Pain and discomfort came crashing like waves, forcing her to clutch her head and slump against the bed.

“Oscar, call the doctor!” exclaimed Amelia in panic.

Oscar was just about to leave the ward when Eleanor spoke up while breathing heavily. “Oscar, there’s no need for that. I’m fine.”

Without a word, Oscar returned obediently.

After the pain subsided, Eleanor smiled at Amelia weakly. “Lia, don’t worry. I’m fine. In fact, I’m going to live a long life and take care of your children so you can pursue whatever you want. It took me so long to finally find you. How could I bear to leave you so soon?”

Amelia couldn’t understand how motherly love was powerful enough to make an elderly woman put her daughter first despite being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

However, she was moved. Among the many elders she knew, Eleanor was possibly the only one who loved her and cared for her purely and wholeheartedly.

If I were the one separated from my daughter for more than twenty years, I’m not sure if I could treat her the same way I treat my children who grew up with me.

Yet, it was clear that Eleanor favored her more. Perhaps, it was out of guilt for not being able to be by her side all these years.

In truth, Amelia didn’t think it was necessary for Eleanor to do that.

She coaxed, “Mom, if you want to take care of my child, you should get well soon. If I give birth to the baby before then, I won’t be able to handle so many things at once. You don’t want me to suffer, do you? I have just reunited with my mother, who truly loves me. Are you going to let me lose you again? I’m going to hate you if you do.”

“Okay, okay. I will cooperate with the treatment and get better as soon as possible so I can look after your child,” Eleanor agreed. Her eyes were full of gentle adoration as she looked at Amelia.

When Amelia Hutton and Sean came in, they were met with the sight of Eleanor watching Amelia Winters with a smile.

Immediately, a complex look fleeted across Amelia Hutton’s eyes.

She did not expect her mother to look for Amelia Winters in the end.

Mixed emotions filled her heart—it was a feeling one could only understand after experiencing these things personally. The Huttons were the ones who stayed with Eleanor while she went through her treatment, yet the one who could make her smile was her eldest daughter, who went missing for more than two decades.

Amelia Hutton believed she was not inferior to Amelia Winters, yet she was overshadowed by the latter.

Just then, Sean nudged her hand. When she looked over with confusion, he shook his head at her, signaling her not to cause any trouble.

In return, she could only squeeze out a smile.

Suppressing the complicated look on her face, she uttered, “Mom, I’m here. How do you feel today?”

Eleanor waved at her two children. “Amelia, Sean. Come over and greet your sister and brother-in-law. They came all the way from Tayhaven, so they must be tired. Buy some food for them. We can’t let them starve, especially Tony.”

“Okay, Mom. I’ll do that now,” answered Sean gently. Then, he turned to Amelia Winters and inquired, “Amy, Oscar, what do you guys feel like eating?”

“We’re fine with any. Tony is not a picky eater, so oatmeal will be fine,” responded Amelia Winters.

“I want two chicken drumsticks on top of that. The crispy, golden brown ones!” Tony added, his voice sweet and adorable.

Sean couldn’t help but chuckle and pat the boy’s head. “Call me Uncle Sean, and I’ll buy them for you right away.”

“Uncle Sean, you’re so handsome.” Even at a young age, Tony was an eloquent speaker.

His words pleased Sean very much. “What a good boy you are. I’ll head out right now to get them.”

With that, he left the ward. Meanwhile, Amelia Hutton seemed to be deliberately avoiding eye contact with Amelia Winters. Ever since she entered, she never once looked in the latter’s direction.

“Amelia, what’s wrong with you today? Why aren’t you talking to your sister?” Eleanor asked unhappily.

“Mom, I’m just worried about your illness. It’s not like I’m avoiding her on purpose,” Amelia Hutton explained.

“What’s there to worry about my illness? It is what it is. Amy and her family traveled all the way to Saspiuburg. You should take the opportunity to talk to them more.”

A fury burned within Amelia Hutton, but at the thought of Eleanor’s illness, she held herself back.

After all, she loved her mother.

Despite her annoyance, she put up a facade and turned to the couple. “Hello, Amy and Oscar. Thank you for coming all the way here to visit my mom.”

“Mom is sick. It is only right for us to visit her,” replied Amelia Winters.

In response, Amelia Hutton forced a smile. She couldn’t even be bothered to keep the conversation going.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the ward turned tense.

Fortunately, Sean returned at that moment with bags of food, lightening the mood.

Amelia Hutton then excused herself, claiming that she felt stuffed and needed to get some fresh air. Eleanor knew she was just finding an excuse to get out of there, but she allowed the woman to leave anyway.

After exiting the ward, Amelia Hutton strolled along the corridor mindlessly. When she reached its end, she saw her father standing in the corner, in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

“Dad, why are you here?”

Benjamin finished his cigarette before turning around. “Is your mom awake?” he asked.

Seeing the cigarette butts littering the floor, Amelia knitted her brows. “Dad, why do you smoke so much?”

“Nothing. I just suddenly felt like it. Is your mom awake?” Benjamin repeated the question.

“Yes.” Amelia looked dejected as she went on, “Dad, Amelia Winters is here. Are you not going to make her leave?”

Benjamin turned to the window and looked out. There was an unreadable look in his hazy eyes.

When he spoke, his voice was laced with weariness. “I don’t want to make your mom angry anymore in her current state. After everything we’ve been through in the past thirty years, I didn’t think she would ever bear to leave me, but it seems that I’ve overestimated myself. When I saw her lying in the hospital bed and thought of the possibility of her leaving me in the near future, I realized how foolish I was before. Why did I suspect her of cheating on me? I even sent away my elder daughter because of that. If I wasn’t so obstinate back then, your mom and I could have been the model couple everybody looked up to.”

Yet, because of his terrible assumption, the two of them acted like strangers for more than twenty years. In their autumn years, their relationship went further downhill to the point where the divorce was brought up. He didn’t know what he was being so stubborn for.

“Dad, are you regretting it? Are you going to acknowledge Amy as your daughter?” Amelia questioned.

“As long as your mom is happy,” Benjamin stated.

Amelia pursed her lips, her expression a little glum.

“You should go back and accompany your mom,” urged Benjamin.

With a bitter smile, she responded, “Mom has Amy now, so she doesn’t need me. Dad, you haven’t seen how happy Mom is. It’s as if Amy is her only family.”

Benjamin’s face darkened at that.

The two of them stood in front of the window wordlessly, each occupied with their own thoughts.

They only returned to the ward after Amelia Winters and Oscar left the hospital with Tony.

Eleanor looked much more energetic than before. Her mood improved following Amelia Winters’ visit, so her attitude toward Benjamin softened a lot.

“How do you feel today?” Benjamin asked gently.

“Pretty good. My head doesn’t hurt anymore. I feel pumped up whenever I see Lia,” Eleanor answered.

Upon hearing that, Benjamin lowered his eyes, concealing the grimness in them.

“Benjamin, thank you for being nice to Lia today for my sake. I don’t know why you think she is another man’s child, but I’ve decided to let things go now that I don’t have much time left. Please just fulfill my dying wish and acknowledge her as your child. Lia really is your daughter. I don’t want to be accused of something I didn’t do,” requested Eleanor with sincerity as she looked at him intently.

Raising his head, Benjamin met her eyes. He let out a long sigh and started, “I will acknowledge her as long as you cooperate with treatment and recover well. Eleanor, I was wrong back then. I was jealous of your close relationship with Samuel. Coincidentally, you got pregnant at that time. Jealousy blinded me and made me think that the child was his. Even when the DNA test result proved otherwise, I was adamant about my own assumption. In the end, it was my stubbornness that ruined this home. You’ve suffered too much all these years.”

As Eleanor listened to him, she fell into a daze. If Benjamin hadn’t mentioned Samuel Lester, the latter would still be buried in the deepest part of her heart. That was what she did throughout the years—she would only remember him from time to time when she was alone in the silence of the night.

Samuel was her senior in university. They had common interests and goals, so they remained good friends even after they graduated and started working. However, their relationship was purely platonic. Never in her dreams did Eleanor imagine Benjamin would misunderstand them.

Samuel passed away from a hiking accident in his thirties. Back then, Eleanor was heartbroken to lose a friend she could talk to about everything. He remained in her heart all these years as a good memory, but she didn’t expect Benjamin to think of them that way.

Eleanor wasn’t sure if she should feel sad or angry. With a calm tone, she said, “There was nothing between Samuel and me, yet Lia and I were separated for more than twenty years just because of your baseless jealousy.”

Benjamin remained silent.

At that moment, Eleanor felt utterly exhausted. “You guys should leave. I want to be left alone.”

“Mom—”

“Leave.”

Left with no choice, Benjamin and Amelia Hutton walked out of the ward gloomily.

Eleanor lay still in bed, staring at the ceiling fixedly. No one knew if she was reminiscing the past or blaming Benjamin for his pettiness that caused her to spend two decades apart from her daughter.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 706

Enough Torment

It had only been less than five days since Amelia Winters stayed in Saspiuburg, and she had already witnessed Eleanor experiencing symptoms such as headaches, hair loss, and diarrhea. The fact that Eleanor was losing the thick locks of hair she had taken great care of was horrifying for Amelia. The latter could not even bring herself to look at Eleanor’s head.

Amelia knew hair loss was a common symptom for leukemia patients. No matter how thick a patient’s hair was, it would still gradually fall off, and they would end up bald. Even so, she never thought Eleanor would become like that, too.

Amelia was utterly heartbroken when she saw Eleanor suffering so much from the headache.

Eleanor’s head hurt badly, and much of her hair had fallen. Though she was lying weakly on the bed, she still comforted Amelia, “Lia, I’m fine. I’m only having a headache from eating too much yesterday. You and Oscar are flying back today, right? You should get going then. Don’t delay your work because of me. Remember to pay me a visit whenever you’re free. I’ll go through the treatment for you. Don’t worry. I won’t die so soon. I want to help you take care of your children, after all.”

Amelia’s eyes reddened.

She choked, “I told Oscar to cancel the tickets already. I also told him to get his friend, who’s an expert in neurosurgery, to come over and be your attending doctor. You’ll be fine.”

A smile appeared on Eleanor’s pale face.

She caressed Amelia’s face and said lovingly, “Okay. I’ll do everything you say. I’m sure I’ll recover one day. I’ll never let anything happen to me so easily when I still want to carry my grandchildren.”

Amelia nodded.

“Won’t your work be affected if you and Oscar stay in Saspiuburg?” Eleanor asked concernedly.

“It’s still fine for Oscar. He listens to his subordinates reporting remotely every day upon returning to the hotel. Besides, he has many capable people working for him. The company’s operations will be fine with him gone for a while. As for me, I’m thinking of quitting. I’ll consider working again once you’re better.” Amelia could not help but feel she was “connected” to the hospital. Things were happening to the people around her one by one, and she had to visit the hospital every now and then. On top of that, she often applied for leaves, which was unfair to Shane. Hence, she would rather give up her position and give it to someone capable.

“Is it because of me?”

“It’s nothing like that. The Clintons are not in need of my salary. Besides, I haven’t worked for five years since I married Oscar. I returned to the workforce because I was too bored. And now, I have a perfect excuse to quit my job and take care of you,” Amelia said with a smile.

Eleanor said nothing in response.

After coaxing Eleanor to sleep, Amelia stepped outside to call Shane about her resignation.

However, Shane rejected her request immediately, “Amelia, I don’t approve of your resignation. Since Mrs. Hutton is sick, I’ll give you a six-month leave. You can resume your work once you’re back. I’ll keep your position as the director of the design department for you. You’re a talented person. I don’t want you to give up on a job you like so easily. You’re really talented in designing, you know?”

“Shane, I know you’re doing this for me, but my mom’s in an unpredictable condition. I don’t know when I can return. Besides, I might need to travel between Tayhaven to Saspiuburg. I won’t be able to carry out my responsibilities at work. It’s a waste of money hiring someone like me who can’t perform at their work. There are many talented people out there. You don’t need to hold on to me,” Amelia said rationally.

“Bah. That’s enough. Just think of it as me doing this so I can still rely on Mr. Clinton. Surely you know I’m a petty person who loves power? I’ll definitely keep this position for you. You’re extremely talented in designing, so don’t give up on it. I really hope you can show off your skills to the entire world one day,” Shane said confidently.

In truth, Amelia never thought that far ahead. If she had, she would not have chosen to work full-time after getting married to Oscar. Amelia did not have lofty aspirations. All she wanted was for her family to be alive and well. Yet, for some unknown reason, some people saw her as a vixen who liked seducing other men.

Sometimes, people enjoyed judging a person’s qualities based on their looks.

“I’ll hang up now. I’ll continue talking to you about work once my mom’s condition has stabilized. I’ll return if you still need me by then.”

“You’re welcome to come back anytime. In fact, I’d be worried if a pretty lady like you leaves. That way, I won’t be able to rely on Mr. Clinton anymore.”

“Shane, you’re not that kind of person. Stop pulling that act already. I’m hanging up now.” With that, Amelia ended the call right away.

Meanwhile, Shane chuckled into the phone. He enjoyed being Amelia’s colleague, for it made him feel relaxed. On top of that, he did not have to worry about her taking his words to heart, no matter what he said.

After hanging up, Amelia returned to the ward. Seeing Eleanor was still sleeping, she whispered to Oscar, who was carrying Tony, “Oscar, why don’t you take Tony back to Tayhaven first? I’m sure Mrs. Clinton misses him already.”

“It’s fine. I’ll get Hugo to take Tony back in two days. I’ll stay here with you.”

“Won’t your work be affected?”

“I didn’t spend so much money to hire them to do nothing.”

Amelia smiled.

She pondered for a while and changed the topic. “When is James coming over?”

“He’ll be reaching in the afternoon, but he recommends us to send Mom to Tayhaven. The hospital there has all the most advanced equipment he has prepared. Although Saspiuburg’s facilities are quite good, he thinks it’s not better than his.”

Amelia chuckled. “He’s still as confident as ever with his medical skills.”

Oscar said nothing and merely patted her head.

During the afternoon, Eleanor’s head hurt again, and she vomited all the food she consumed. She did not seem to be in good condition.

The doctor examined her and prescribed some painkillers. Benjamin asked, “Dr. Swan, how is my wife? She’s been having headaches and vomiting recently. When are you people going to operate on her?”

“Please calm down, Mr. Hutton. Our neurosurgery team is currently discussing her condition. However, what she has is a malignant brain tumor, which puts pressure on several nerves. Thus, we can’t operate on her for the time being. All we can do now is to give her injections to ease the pain. There’s really no other solution for now,” Nathaniel Swan explained apologetically.

Benjamin’s chest heaved with anger. Still, he suppressed his emotions and said politely, “I’ll be counting on you, Dr. Swan. We’re willing to pay any amount as long as you can save my wife.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Hutton. We will.”

Benjamin nodded.

As soon as Nathaniel left the room, Benjamin asked Amelia to take care of Eleanor before taking his leave.

Seeing Eleanor had already fallen asleep, Amelia passed the responsibility to Oscar before heading outside.

She found Benjamin at the staircase, talking on the phone. “Is this Mr. Tony Johns? Mr. David Joulon was the one who recommended you to me. I’d like you to come to Saspiuburg to treat my wife. I’ll pay you a fortune. Would you be interested?”

There was a brief silence as Benjamin listened to the other person’s reply. “Money isn’t a problem, so feel free to name your price, Mr. Johns. I’ll accept any amount you want as long as you can bring your team to Saspiuburg and save my wife.”

After some time, he said, “Okay. That’s a deal, then. I hope you guys can fly over by tonight. I’ll reimburse the cost of the flight tickets.”

After hanging up, Benjamin let out an exhausted sigh.

As Amelia stared at the old man’s back, she finally realized the man who appeared strong-minded and domineering on the outside was just someone who loved his wife. He, too, feared his wife would leave him forever because of an illness.

That realization made Amelia less wary toward Benjamin.

When he turned around with the phone in his hand, he saw Amelia. Immediately, an awkward look flashed through his eyes, yet he instinctively put on a stern expression.

“Why are you here?” Benjamin asked coldly.

“I wanted to go over to Dr. Swan’s office to get more information about Mom’s condition. I wasn’t expecting to meet you here. Anyway, you’ve hired a foreign doctor for Mom?” asked Amelia.

“An outsider like you shouldn’t interfere with my family’s affairs. Don’t you dare think you can do whatever you want just because my wife likes you.” Benjamin snorted and walked past her, wanting to quickly leave the scene.

“Mr. Hutton, I don’t think you actually hate me that much. Why do you always give me the cold shoulder?” asked Amelia in puzzlement.

Benjamin’s steps came to a pause, and he looked at her grimly, gritting his teeth. “An illegitimate child will always be an illegitimate child.”

“That illegitimate child is still your child. Are you hinting you’re an animal since you don’t recognize your own child?” Hold on. He might be worse than an animal since he doesn’t acknowledge his own daughter. ”Or are you afraid that by acknowledging me as your daughter, you’ll be admitting what you did back then was wrong?”

Just like that, Benjamin’s thoughts were dissected by Amelia. His expression darkened, and his face paled.

“Shut up,” he muttered.

“Sure, I can do that, but I don’t want my mom, who’s already suffering from the illness, to still work hard in making me return to the Hutton family. Honestly, I don’t find the Hutton family great, but who can bear seeing a sick mother still worried about her child? Don’t forget. She’s still your wife. Are you going to ignore her wishes just because of your pride and stubbornness?” questioned Amelia calmly.

Benjamin instantly fell silent. It was hard to tell what was going through his mind.

“Mr. Hutton, I’d advise you to think this through. I don’t want to call you ‘dad’ either, but it might be a good thing to put on an act in front of Mom. Besides, she loves this family, but you kept misunderstanding her for cheating on you and giving birth to me, the so-called illegitimate child. It’s been over thirty years. Don’t you think it’s time you apologize to her?” After saying that, she left in the opposite direction without waiting for Benjamin’s reaction.

Benjamin, who remained rooted to the spot, went into deep thought.

Without realizing it, he bit his lip as he watched Amelia disappearing into the distance. However, there were no traces of disgust on his face from before.

Finally, he sighed deeply. It was as if someone had removed the layers he built around himself and saw through his heart. All those years, he firmly believed his wife had done him wrong. The more he thought that way, the harder it was to admit it was a misunderstanding. In the end, he, too, suffered the consequences of his stubbornness.

Seeing Eleanor suffer tormented him as well, and a couple that tormented each other would only drift apart.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 707

Take Everything For Herself

Meanwhile, inside the ward, Eleanor had just awoken when Benjamin spoke with a gentle voice. “Dearest, I have some good news. Lia has accepted me.”

Every cell in Eleanor’s body jolted upon hearing the shocking news. Her eyes widened as she energetically looked at Benjamin. “Lia, is what he said true?”

Amelia was initially shocked since she did not expect Benjamin’s attitude to change abruptly. However, she wanted Eleanor to rest well and recover, so she flashed a convincing smile. “It’s true, Mom. We’re a family, after all. It’s only natural that I want to reunite with my family members. Or, are you not happy with my decision?”

“Of course, I’m happy! Seeing you being acknowledged as a member of the Hutton family is my lifelong wish. This is perfect! Now that it’s fulfilled, I’ll gladly leave in peace if that’s my calling,” Eleanor declared. She had been threatening to divorce Benjamin all this while, but deep down, she wholly wished to have her family reunited; Eleanor loved her family but also hoped to see her long-lost daughter return someday. It did not matter if her daughter had already married someone and bore children, as all Eleanor wanted was for her daughter to know her birth family. That way, her daughter would always have a family to turn to whenever life was too harsh.

Amelia’s lips curled with a tinge of happiness, her chest feeling much lighter than before.

Perhaps Amelia no longer felt crushed by an overbearing weight since Eleanor’s condition was improving. The latter’s hair fall had decreased, and her once pale complexion now took on some ruddiness. Even her headaches had been happening less and less.

Those improvements gradually lightened the load on Amelia’s shoulders. Later, she and Oscar sent their son, Anthony, to the airport before Hugo and Kurt accompanied Anthony on the flight home.

At that moment, the little boy’s arms coiled around Amelia’s neck as he murmured, “Can’t I stay here, Mommy? I promise I’ll behave. I can even help cheer Granny up!”

Amelia was equally sad about parting ways with Anthony. However, the latter was still a little boy and could not accompany her to the hospital daily—a place where life and death occurred regularly, so she did not want Tony to witness such things at a young age.

“Be a good boy, Tony. Grandma has missed you loads, and you’ve come to Saspiuburg with me for quite a few days now. If you don’t return home now, Grandma might catch a flight here instead. That’s not good because she’s older and gets headaches during flights. Then, she’ll even need injections to stop the pain. You’re a good kid and would never put your grandma through such suffering, am I right?” Amelia asked softly.

Anthony pursed his lips before finally caving in. “I know you don’t want me to see Granny suffering, Mommy. Okay. I’ll be good and go home, but you need to hurry back too. Granny will get better.”

Attaboy. A smile graced Amelia’s face as she replied, “Okay. I promise I’ll be home soon. For now, I want you to head back with your godpa and Hugo. I’ll tell you once Granny recovers.”

Despite Anthony’s reluctance to leave, he still obediently followed Kurt and Hugo up the plane.

Amelia waited until she saw Tony’s flight take off before retracting her gaze. She then said, “Let’s return to the hospital, Oscar.”

“Do you miss him already?”

Amelia nodded. “Tony and I have never been apart for so long. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to his absence…”

Amused, Oscar’s palm gently patted her head as he chuckled. “Silly girl.”

“Oscar, you seem to love patting my head a lot these days. Don’t tell me that you think of me as a pet now?”

All that came from Oscar was a faint chuckle when he heard that.

The two soon arrived at the hospital, but Eleanor was still asleep. Now that she had a brain tumor, she was often lethargic and dozed off. It got so severe that she slept during the day and suffered from headaches at night, rendering her sleepless. That only worsened her exhaustion. Thus, she hired two caretakers to look after her; one during the day and one at night.

Oscar held Amelia’s hand as they sat somewhere in the hospital corridor. He then took out some takeaway food he had bought elsewhere. After opening the containers and neatly arranging the dishes, he handed her a fork.

Amelia took a bite before handing some of the food to Oscar. The two took turns feeding each other as though they were the only ones in the world. Sometimes, food got onto the corners of Amelia’s lips, and Oscar would help to wipe it away. They would also occasionally smile at each other.

Anyone could tell the two shared a vibrant spark. The lovey-dovey atmosphere emanating from Amelia and Oscar made it seem like they were the only affectionate couple alive.

From afar, Amelia Hutton watched the couple with an envious scowl. Even her fists coiled tautly.

Amelia Hutton and Amelia Winters shared strikingly similar looks. However, the latter had already married and had kids. Her husband, Oscar, was even Tayhaven’s top successful entrepreneur, and his family name was renowned for being fabulously rich; They were the top ten wealthiest families in the world.

Amelia Winters had grown up in a regular family, yet she managed to secure a perfect husband and could receive money from his family. All that felt unfair to Amelia Hutton, who viewed herself as superior to Amelia Winters. However, everyone seemed to adore the latter more. Amelia Hutton was so jealous that she felt the latter had stolen her family’s love from her.

Sean firmly gripped his sister, Amelia Hutton’s, shoulder, startling her. Following that, she whipped around on her heel with a slight frown.

That was when Sean shook his head and said, “Amelia, sometimes it’s better not to latch onto things that don’t belong to you. Oscar isn’t someone you can afford to cross. Not to mention, he’s our brother-in-law. I suggest you quit harboring those inappropriate thoughts of yours.”

Amelia Hutton gritted her teeth while her frosty gaze remained on Amelia Winters. “Am I not good enough? What part of me is inferior to her?”

At first, Amelia Hutton felt great about herself compared to the blind Amelia Winters, who had a one-and-a-half-year-old child. The former assumed Amelia Winters got abandoned by her husband. That was why the former stole a strand of the latter’s hair for a DNA test; Amelia Hutton wanted to witness things go wrong for Amelia Winters. After all, the former believed her father would never acknowledge such a flawed daughter. The former also wanted her mother to feel disappointed by Amelia Winters’ current state. However, everything did not turn out as Amelia Hutton planned; Rather, one could say things had gone against her favor.

Now, Amelia Winters had become the daughter-in-law of Clinton Corporations. Her vision also got repaired in Anglandur, not to mention that her husband was handsome, rich, loyal, and obedient. She had gotten the life that every woman dreamed of.

Being the most adored lady in the world like Amelia Winters was what Amelia Hutton envied. The latter felt as though the spotlight had been taken away from her. Not only that, but she felt robbed of her mother’s love now that the former had appeared. It would be a lie to say she was okay with how things were because she was, indeed, drowning in jealousy. Thus, Amelia Hutton wanted to take everything Amelia Winters owned for herself.

Since she and Amelia Winters looked similar, she believed Oscar could fall for her too. Hence, she felt utterly confident in winning Oscar’s love as long as she managed to get some alone time with him.

“Sean, tell me, do you think Oscar would fall in love with me since he fell for Amy?” Amelia Hutton asked under her breath.

Those words made Sean’s features darken.

“Don’t do anything foolish, Amelia. Mom’s still unwell, so you shouldn’t create false narratives. It’ll only piss her off.”

Despite that warning, Amelia still refused to accept the way things were. She retorted, “But Sean, it’s because Mom’s sick that she probably wishes for us, her two children, to marry. Shouldn’t you be supportive now that I finally have someone I like?”

All Sean felt right then was a raging headache toward his sister’s plan.

Oscar isn’t someone easy to get along with, and anyone can tell he’s deeply in love with Amelia Winters. Often, capable men like him would either indulge in hedonistic nights with countless women in their arms or turn their backs on love. However, should the latter group finally fall for someone they love, they will remain loyal forever.

“Amelia, please stop this nonsense. You—”

Before he could finish speaking, Amelia Winters noticed him and his sister from afar. She then called out to them, “Sean. Amelia.”

Sean concealed the frustration in his gaze, flashing the couple a gentlemanly look while whispering to his sister, “Don’t do anything reckless, Amelia. Otherwise, don’t count on me to help out if you get yourself into deep trouble.”

Amelia Hutton’s smile remained intact, but she whispered through gritted teeth, “I’m your only sister, Sean. Things will only improve for you and our family if I secure a wealthy man as my husband.”

Sean merely glanced at her before walking over to Amelia Winters.

“Are you guys hungry? Why don’t you join us?” Amelia Winters offered.

To that, Sean chuckled before politely declining, “It’s okay. You guys can continue with your meal. By the way, has Tony gone home?”

“Our bodyguard has accompanied him home. After all, his grandparents miss him, and he’s too young to be in a hospital all the time. Such prolonged exposure can’t be good for him,” Amelia Winters explained.

Sean nodded.

That was when Amelia Hutton leaned in as though getting a better whiff of the couple’s fragrant food. She grinned while playfully asking, “Amy, Oscar, what are you guys eating? It smells so good!”

“Kebabs. I asked Oscar to buy some earlier when we passed by a marketplace that sold them. Would you like some? It’s pretty yummy,” Amelia Winters replied.

A look of disdain flashed in Amelia Hutton’s gaze. Tsk. I’m someone of a superior social status! How dare she assume I would eat such junk foods that ordinary people enjoy?

With that thought, she responded with a criticizing tone, “Amy, why are you and Oscar eating such things? They’re junk foods and are super unhealthy.”

“It’s fine to have these snacks once in a while,” Amelia Winters said smilingly.

“But these junk foods aren’t worthy of a first-rate person like Oscar. You can’t just—”

“It’s delicious. You can keep quiet if you don’t want any,” Oscar was quick to interrupt, a tinge of impatience appearing in his deep frown.

That was enough to shut Amelia Hutton up entirely.

Awkward laughter came from Sean, who tried to soothe the tension. “I’ll try some. These kebabs look pretty good. I’ve never had them before, but snacks made by regular locals can sometimes be delicious.”

Upon hearing that, Amelia Winters handed him a fork.

Soon, Sean joined the couple as they ate the kebabs together without a care in the world. All that remained was Amelia Hutton, who seemed like an outsider.

The latter watched the three with overwhelming awkwardness and anger broiling in her heart. Despite that, she was powerless in swaying Oscar’s decisions.

She then huffed before curtly speaking. “I’m going inside to check up on Mom.”

Not a single response came from the three.

At that point, Amelia Hutton was fuming. She had always felt antagonized when she bumped into Amelia Winters and Oscar. Thus, the flames of resentment grew within her. She was determined not to lose to Amelia Winters in any aspect, as she would undoubtedly feel bitter for the rest of her life.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 708

Her Chance

“I couldn’t get through to him. At this time of the year, he’s deep inside the forest to find the herbs he needs. He doesn’t get much reception there, so we can rarely get to him. If he needs something, he’ll call us. Otherwise, I think we’ll only be able to contact him three months later.”

James’ words had shattered Amelia’s hopes.

She looked dejected.

Right then, Oscar put his arm around her shoulder and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve already contacted the top neurosurgeons from abroad, and they should be here soon.”

Amelia merely leaned on his shoulder and kept mum. What did I do to deserve this? Ever since I was involved in the car accident when I was pregnant with Tony, it seems that I’m drawn to the hospitals for some inexplicable reason. Everyone around me has fallen sick with minor and major illnesses. At this point, I feel like there’s a better chance of someone I know getting admitted to the hospital than me winning the lottery. Wait. Do I have to spend the rest of my life in a hospital?

Evidently, she was utterly devastated.

James stayed in Saspiuburg for a few days before he flew back to Tayhaven. Back in Tayhaven, he had a major surgery to carry out, so he couldn’t stay in Saspiuburg for long.

Amelia and Oscar both sent James to the airport. When they were on their way back, Oscar noticed how tired Amelia looked. Not only did she have dark eye circles, but she had also lost a lot of weight. Oscar’s heart broke when he saw the state she was in.

Oscar frowned and said, “Amelia, I’ll send you back to the hotel for a rest, okay? If you carry on like this, I’ll be heartbroken.”

Amelia shook her head. “Oscar, I’m fine. I just need a shuteye. With the condition Mom is in, I won’t be able to fall asleep even if I am to go back to the hotel.”

Oscar glanced at her through the rearview mirror and saw how conspicuous her dark eye circles were because of her fair skin. Although his heart was aching, he knew he couldn’t convince her, so he felt rather helpless.

When they arrived at the hospital, Oscar parked the car carefully and went to the backseat of the car. After that, he gently wrapped his arms around Amelia and adjusted the seat so that she could sleep better.

After some time, Amelia woke up and saw Oscar’s face up close. She was shocked momentarily before she regained her composure and asked with a smile, “How long have I slept?”

“Almost two hours.”

Amelia pulled herself from his embrace and asked, “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“You were too tired, and you refused to go back to the hotel to rest. Hence, I had no choice but to let you sleep in the car. You’re too stubborn, you know? My heart aches for you. When will you not let me worry about you so much?” Oscar uttered helplessly and dotingly.

Amelia caressed his cheek and answered, “I know you’re worried about me. However, I’m fine, really. You, on the other hand, haven’t gotten much sleep because you’ve been keeping me company. Why don’t you go back to the hotel and rest? Be good, okay? Don’t say no to me.”

Oscar held her hand and looked at her intently. “Okay. I’ll go back and rest. If you need anything at the hospital, call me. Don’t shoulder everything by yourself.”

“Okay.” Amelia suddenly recalled something funny, and she said, “Oscar, I think I’ve given you some of my bad luck. You’ve been visiting hospitals all the time!”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re safe. I don’t give a hoot about other people’s sickness.”

Amelia was rendered speechless.

She then pinched his cheek, and they were both staring at each other tenderly.

The couple then immersed themselves in the moment of intimacy. After a while, Amelia uttered gently, “Oscar, go back and rest. I know you’re strong, but my heart aches for you too when I see how taxing this is for you.”

Oscar nodded in response.

After getting out of the car, Amelia watched Oscar drive away before going back into the hospital.

When she arrived outside the ward, she saw Amelia Hutton and Sean walking toward her.

“Amy, you’re back!” Sean said.

Amelia Hutton was curious as to why Oscar wasn’t there. “Amy, where’s Oscar?”

Amelia Winters answered unguardedly, “I told him to go back to the hotel and rest. He hasn’t slept much because he has been keeping me company in the hospital for the past few days.”

Amelia Hutton’s eyes lit up right away after she heard that, and her lips curled up into a smile. This is my chance. Once Oscar gets to see how attractive I am, he may fall for me.

She was very confident with her looks. Besides, she looked identical to Amelia Winters, so she was certain that Oscar would be interested in her. If I make the first move, I’m sure I’ll be able to charm him and make him mine.

Amelia Winters saw the dazed look on Amelia Hutton’s face, so she asked, “Amelia, are you okay?”

Amelia Hutton returned to her senses and smiled. “I’m all right, Amy. You were heading in to see Mom, right? Go on.”

“Are you not going in?” Amelia Winters asked.

“I’m heading out to get some fresh air. It hurts me to see Mom suffer.”

“Oh, okay. Go on, then.”

After Amelia Winters went into the ward, Sean grabbed Amelia Hutton’s hand and warned, “Amelia, don’t do anything foolish. Otherwise, I won’t lend you a shoulder to cry on if you get humiliated. Sometimes, it’s better not to be too full of yourself.”

Amelia Hutton feigned ignorance and asked, “What are you talking about, Sean?”

Sean stared at her darkly and answered, “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Amelia Hutton scoffed haughtily and replied, “Sean, I have no idea what you’re on about. I’m going to leave now.”

“Amelia…”

Amelia Hutton ignored him and walked away without turning back.

Sean’s expression turned even grimmer as he watched her walking away. I hope she won’t do anything stupid. However, she’s stubborn, foolish, and too full of herself. Although she thinks she’s doing something smart, others will always think otherwise.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 709

Failed To Seduce Him

Oscar had just come out of the bathroom after taking a shower when he heard the sound of the doorbell ringing. He thought Amelia Winters was back, so he did not ask and went to open the door. However, when he saw the person standing outside, his expression instantly darkened.

Amelia Hutton’s eyes turned slightly red as she asked, “Do you despise me, Oscar? Did I do something that made you misunderstand me? I can change.”

“I don’t despise you. I just don’t like any woman other than Amelia trying to get close to me. If you weren’t her sister, I don’t think you could stand in front of me and talk to me right now,” he replied with a frosty look.

Amelia Hutton bit her lip and looked at him, her eyes flashing with unspeakable madness. Coming to a decision, she suddenly rushed up to hug Oscar. However, to her surprise, due to her sudden movement, coupled with the fact that Oscar had seen that coming and turned sideways, she fell right onto the floor.

Oscar looked down at the woman who had made a fool of herself and articulated each word clearly, “If you are so short of men, Amelia Hutton, there are many unmarried men working under me. How about I give you three?”

Amelia Hutton felt her cheeks burning up. At that moment, his harsh words embarrassed her to no end.

She awkwardly got up from the floor and said with reddened eyes, “What exactly is so unlikeable about me? I’m so much like Amy. If you can love her, why can’t you share some of your love for her with me? As long as I can have a little place in your heart, I’m willing to be with you even if I can’t marry you. Since the second time I saw you, I feel that you are a man with whom I could entrust my entire life. I’ve truly fallen in love with you. Could you not treat me so coldly?”

If it were any other man, the sight of such a pitiful woman pouring out words of passion would have instantly melted his heart. Unfortunately, the man before her was Oscar, so she was bound to face a heartless rejection.

Since she was making a fool of herself, she should not expect others to show respect for her.

“Get lost!” Oscar spat coldly.

However, the woman still refused to give up. I finally got a chance to be alone with Oscar. If I give up this time, there may not be such a golden opportunity in the future.

She wanted to rush up and hug Oscar, but she did not expect to receive a tight slap from him, leaving her dazed.

“Get out. Don’t make me think you’ve stooped this low. No one would be in the mood to seduce their brother-in-law when their mother is critically ill. You’re the most shameless person I’ve ever met. Don’t bring shame upon your face that resembles Amelia’s. I don’t want to loathe you.” Oscar then continued coldly, ”You should be glad that you resemble her. Otherwise, as a punishment for trying to seduce me, you would’ve been running naked on the streets for countless men to see by now, and you would make the headlines tomorrow.”

Amelia Hutton subconsciously shuddered upon hearing that.

“Get out!”

Despite his words, she remained where she was, still feeling extremely reluctant to leave just like that.

Seeing that, Oscar took his phone and made a call. When it got through, he instructed, “Walter, come in and take Ms. Hutton away.”

“If you call someone over, Oscar, I’ll say you called and invited me over to do something unspeakable to me.” Amelia decided to go all out and unbuttoned her shirt.

He simply looked at her icily.

“If you want others to know that a rich young lady like yourself ran to the hotel that her brother-in-law was at only to make a fool of herself, you can just take your clothes off,” Oscar said nonchalantly.

Amelia Hutton bit her lip and said indignantly, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll sue you for trying to defile me?”

“You’re already so shameless. What’s there for me to fear? If you’re not afraid that your mom’s condition will worsen after knowing what you’ve done, you can make it known to the world. I, Oscar Clinton, have never been afraid of anyone,” he remarked.

Despite her reluctance, Amelia Hutton knew very well that if this matter had leaked out, nothing good would come to her, especially if her mother did not make a recovery. If something untoward happened to Mom because of me, I’m afraid Dad would be the first person to come at me. By then, I’ll have no way of defending myself, not to mention that I did intend to seduce him in the first place.

“Boss.” A handsome and slender man, Walter Ward, came in and called out respectfully.

“See her out, and if any random woman wishes to come near me in the future, you guys can just throw her out,” Oscar said ruthlessly.

“Understood, Boss.” Walter approached Amelia Hutton and gestured to her as he said politely, “This way, Ms. Hutton.”

She had long since tidied her clothes. She parted her lips as she looked at Oscar but could only reluctantly leave the suite in the end.

Oscar immediately shut the door, his expression turning a little grim.

Walter returned around ten minutes later.

“Has she left?” Oscar inquired.

“Yes, Boss. I’ve sent her away. Shall I teach her a lesson?”

“Not for now. Don’t tell Amelia about this. I don’t want her to be bothered with some trivial things that don’t matter.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“You may leave now.”

Walter nodded and quietly left the suite.

Oscar took a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet, poured himself a glass, and slowly sipped it.

He intended to teach Amelia Hutton a lesson for her seduction earlier on. However, in the end, as he looked at her face, which looked very similar to Amelia Winter’s, he dismissed those thoughts. After all, Mrs. Hutton is still sick, so if anything happened to Amelia Hutton, it’d worry Mrs. Hutton, and that may aggravate her condition. By then, Amelia Winters will be the one feeling anguished.

In just ten seconds or so, he thought through all the outcomes, and because of that, he spared Amelia Hutton this time. Otherwise, she could never have left so easily.

Oscar stood by the window, swirling the wine in the wineglass. His narrowed eyes had a hint of malice burning from within.

Amelia Hutton was unaware that her act of seduction in the suite earlier on had almost cost her her life. She would never know that besides having a strong family background, Oscar was crueler than other men.

She slumped into the car seat despondently with a blank stare. No one knew what she was thinking about.

“We’ve reached the hospital, miss,” the driver said as he stopped the car.

Only then did Amelia Hutton return to her senses. After looking out of the window, she took out a hundred from her bag and passed it to the driver. “Keep the change,” she uttered petulantly before pushing the car door open and exiting the car.

She then took the elevator upstairs, and upon entering the ward, she saw Amelia Winters telling a joke to Eleanor. Although Benjamin looked a little impatient, he still waited beside them quietly. As for Sean, he was smiling gently at the side. The scene made it seem as though they were a family of four, and she was the one excluded.

My father and brother were on my side previously, but now they’ve all switched sides and acknowledged Amelia. Not only did you steal my mother, Amelia Winters, but now you want to win over my father and brother? Do you want to render me helpless and alone? Don’t even think about it.

Amelia Hutton attributed all the anger she had endured from Oscar to Amelia Winters. She felt that if it had not been for the latter, she would not have been in such a wretched state.

“Mom, you’re awake.” She composed herself and walked over docilely.

Eleanor lifted her head with a smile. “Where did you go, Amelia?”

“I went out for a walk. Are you all right, Mom? Does your head still hurt?” Amelia Hutton asked in concern.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Eleanor looked extremely pale, but her smile was quite sincere. “I’m already very satisfied with you three siblings around me. I still have to wait for you and your brother to get married, and I look forward to looking after all your children and enjoying our happy family times. So, I’ll stay strong before my wish comes true.”

Despite the smile on her face, Amelia Hutton snickered inwardly. She knew that Eleanor only had Amelia Winters on her mind at present, so Eleanor would not be concerned with her and Sean’s marriages.

“What’s wrong with you, Amelia? You don’t seem your normal self.” Eleanor looked at her, feeling worried. “Are you too tired from constantly coming to the hospital? Why don’t you go back and rest first? Don’t tire yourself out.”

“I’m fine, Mom.” Amelia Hutton sat down and continued, “Mom, it’s been a few days since Amy came to Saspiuburg. Her work and family are all in Tayhaven, so she can’t keep staying here and taking care of you. Why don’t you let her and Oscar head back first? After all, this is the Hutton family’s matter.”

“What are you saying? Lia is also a member of our Hutton family, and I finally got her to come to Saspiuburg to see me. Are you so eager for her to go back?” Eleanor said angrily.

Amelia Hutton was fuming deep down, but she swallowed her words upon looking at her mother’s pale face.

“That’s not what I meant, Mom. I’m just afraid that Amy’s in-laws will have a problem with her staying in Saspiuburg for too long. Don’t forget that she’s a married woman. Even if the Hutton family is her family, it’s inappropriate of her to stay here with us for too long,” she reasoned.

Eleanor was dumbstruck.

Amelia Winters glanced at her sister before saying with a smile, “I’ve already explained everything to my mother-in-law, Mom. She’s very understanding and knows that you’ve not fully recovered, so she allowed me to stay here to take care of you. As for the company, my father-in-law is overseeing it. Even if Oscar is away for a month, there wouldn’t be any problems, so don’t worry.”

Eleanor was relieved, as she subconsciously relied on Amelia Winters very much.

“You’re saying the truth, right, Lia?”

Amelia Winters nodded.

Seeing her response, Eleanor smiled. “It’s good that you’re accompanying me for a few more days, Lia. I’m reluctant to part with you.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mom. All of us are very worried about you. We’ll be at ease as long as you’re fine.”

Eleanor’s mood lifted after she heard that.

Even since Eleanor was hospitalized, Amelia Winters had been paying extra attention to the former’s diet and tried to make some nutritious food to help the former recover. Although that did not help much, she still wanted Eleanor to eat well and live a comfortable life.

Amelia Hutton and Sean could never be as meticulous as her. As for Benjamin, despite keeping silent most of the time, he had witnessed everything she had done for Eleanor.

With that, he finally began to see Amelia Winters in a new light. He followed her out when she went to fetch some water.

“Do you need something, Mr. Hutton?” she asked.

Even after being acknowledged by Benjamin, Amelia Winters still did not call him “Dad.”

Benjamin gazed at her with a conflicted look. His lips twitched as he uttered with difficulty, “Do you hate us, Amelia?”

Amelia froze momentarily before replying with a carefree smile, “I’d be lying if I denied it. However, perhaps because I’ve never lived with you all, so the hatred isn’t as intense as I’d imagined. Even after learning that you’re my father, I still don’t have much affection for you and only regard you as a somewhat familiar stranger. So there is still love and hate, only much milder.”

A glint flashed across Benjamin’s hazy eyes when he heard that. He did not expect Amelia to be so open-minded in certain matters.

Her frankness made him think that his persistence over the past twenty years seemed so ridiculous. I can’t believe I can’t be as open-minded as someone much younger than me.

“Mr. Hutton, you didn’t come to me just to tell me this, did you?” Amelia cocked her head to the side and looked at Benjamin curiously. She could not figure out the reason behind the sudden change in his attitude.

“Thank you,” Benjamin suddenly uttered.

Amelia was baffled.

“Why are you thanking me?”

However, he merely threw her a glance before he turned around and left.

This made Amelia even more confused.

She felt that the Huttons were quite strange. Although they look peaceful on the surface, everyone seems to be intentionally or unintentionally putting up their guard against me.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing. She took it out and noticed that the caller was Tiffany.

She answered the call. “Tiff.”

“Derrick and I are currently in Saspiuburg, Babe. Which hospital are you at?” Tiffany asked straightforwardly.

Amelia figured that her best friend had probably learned about Eleanor’s illness from someone, so she had purposely come over with Derrick to visit her.

“I’m on the eighth floor of Saspiuburg’s Principal General Hospital. Come over now,” Amelia replied. She did not bother to ask Tiffany why she had not called her in advance.

“All right.”

After hanging up the phone, Amelia picked up the kettle and returned to the ward. Eleanor had fallen asleep again, and aside from Sean, there was no one else in the room.

“Where is everyone else, Sean?”

“Amelia left after taking a call. She probably went to chat with her friend. As for Dad, he had to go back to the company to work, so I’m the only one left.”

Hearing that, Amelia Winters chuckled.

“Sean, I think you are also pretty funny, and your temperament is quite different from Amelia’s.”

“Only you think that I’m humorous, Amy. The company employees all say that I constantly keep a poker face that is even scarier than my dad’s,” Sean deliberately replied with an exaggerated expression.

Amelia could not help but giggle at that.

“It’s not a bad thing to appear stern during working hours. Wearing a playful smile when you work will make it harder for you to control your employees, and they may also question your abilities.” She smiled before adding, “You never mix up your working and private lives, and that’s good. I think Mr. Hutton will soon leave the company in your care. After all, you’re a very capable person.”

“This is your first time complimenting me. Previously, I thought about getting close to you to use the Clinton family that was backing you to deal with Dad so that I could seize the company’s management rights from him. I was afraid that he would foolishly hand over the company to a woman who wasn’t part of our family someday. However, it turns out that I was being a little childish. Dad loves Mom so much. How could he ever do that?” Sean said with a laugh.

Amelia nodded in agreement.

She could not deny that Benjamin genuinely loved Eleanor. Although he was a man of few words and occasionally put on a cold expression, he took care of Eleanor almost every night. As long as it was something he could do by himself, he would not leave it to others. He had also handed over most of the company affairs to Sean.

“There’s no bad blood between father and son. There is no way he would hand over the company to an outsider instead of you. Your father loves Mom so much. How would he allow her son to get the shorter end of the stick?” Amelia remarked.

“You’ve said that Dad loves Mom, so when will you be willing to call him ‘Dad’?”

Amelia fell silent.

Sean did not press on but thoughtfully changed the subject, picking some light-hearted jokes to tease her until she kept bursting into laughter.

Too Much to Bear My Love Chapter 710

A Complicated Marriage

Amelia picked Tiffany up as soon as the latter arrived in Saspiuburg. She immediately spotted the bruise on Tiffany’s face, which was pretty hard to miss.

“How did you get that bruise, Tiff?” Amelia scrutinized her with a frown.

“I accidentally bumped my eye against the edge of a table. It’s no big deal,” answered Tiffany tersely, obviously having no intention to discuss the matter further, especially not in front of Derrick.

Sensing that, Amelia didn’t press the matter either.

When they arrived at the hospital, Tiffany handed the bouquet of flowers she brought with her to Eleanor. “Mrs. Hutton, I heard from Amelia that you’re not well, so Derrick and I came over to visit. How are you feeling today?”

Lying on the hospital bed, Eleanor looked rather pale and sickly, but she appeared to be in good spirits.

“Thank you for visiting, Tiffany. I’m glad to see you both, but why are you still standing? Go on and grab a chair!”

With that, Tiffany and Derrick sat down and ended up chatting with Eleanor for almost an hour before bidding goodbye.

As they were leaving, Amelia got going as well. “Mom, I’m bringing them to check in at their hotel. Derrick will be meeting with his business partners here in Saspiuberg, so they may be staying for about three days.”

“Sure, go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine here with your dad taking care of me.”

Amelia nodded and left.

As soon as they arrived at the hotel, Tiffany turned to Derrick, urging, “Don’t you have appointments with your clients today? You should get on with them. I’m going to hang out with Amelia for a while.”

Ignoring the fact that there were other people in the room, Derrick planted a kiss on her cheeks. “All right, then. I’ll join you for dinner tonight.”

Tiffany sent him to the door, following him with her gaze until he entered the elevator, and then she turned to head back into the room.

Meanwhile, Amelia was encouraging Oscar to do the same. “Go on and settle your work matters. I’ll stay and catch up with Tiff.”

Oscar nodded in agreement.

Immediately after Oscar left the room, Amelia went straight to the point. “All right, tell me the truth. What’s with that bruise on your face? Don’t tell me you accidentally bumped against a table again. You know I’m not buying that.”

Hearing that, Tiffany slumped onto the couch like a deflated balloon.

With her head buried between her knees, she sighed dejectedly. “Babe, marrying into the Hisson family isn’t at all what I imagined. I got this bruise because Derrick’s mother tossed an ashtray at me. Since she’s an elder, I’m at fault whenever I start arguing with her. With all this pressure the Hissons are giving me, I really don’t know if I’ll be able to hang in there any longer.”

Shocked, Amelia hurried to Tiffany’s side, straightening the latter up and asking at once, “What happened? Why did she suddenly hit you? Does Derrick know that she was the one who gave you that bruise?”

“No, I haven’t told him about it, as I didn’t want to spoil the relationship between him and his mother. His mother already detests me. If I tell him about this now, it would seem as if I’m intentionally driving a wedge between them, and then I’d only end up having an even harder time.” Tiffany let out a long sigh, looking more downcast than ever.

Marrying into this prestigious family was in no way as sweet as she had imagined. It had been less than half a year since the marriage, and she was already overcome with exhaustion.

Amelia furrowed her brows as a burst of frustration filled her heart. First, her mother became critically ill, then now, her good friend’s marriage turned out to be an unhappy one. With all this going on, she could not help but feel tired as well. If it were not for Oscar, who gave her his unconditional support, she did not know whether she would have the strength to keep going either.

“I’m so sorry, Babe. Mrs. Hutton is so terribly sick, and yet I’m bothering you with all these petty matters. Don’t mind me, okay?” Tiffany stated gloomily as she covered her cheeks with her hands.

Smiling faintly, Amelia stroked Tiffany’s hair gently. “Don’t be silly. We’ve known each other for so many years and have been through so many storms together. Who else should you tell your troubles to if not me?”

Leaning into Amelia’s embrace, Tiffany started sobbing quietly like a lost little child.

Amelia could not help the tears that sprang into her eyes either. After being through such a lot with Tiffany, she had never seen the latter crying so miserably before. Tiffany had always been a big-hearted person who readily forgave and forgot the people who hurt her. The fact that she was crying so dismally now showed just how hard of a time Kate was secretly giving her.

Amelia let out a long sigh. Perhaps it was a mistake to encourage her and Derrick to be together back then!

After Tiffany was done crying, Amelia continued stroking her hair in the same gentle manner, asking, “Tiff, have you ever considered having a proper talk with Derrick?”

“How? You have no idea what a despicable person his mother is. Whenever Derrick’s around, she treats me like a princess, serving me my favorite dishes at the dining table and treating me even better than the way she treats her own son. Naturally, Derrick assumed I’ve made up with his mother now. If I say anything at this moment, he would think that I’m just slandering her.”

Amelia frowned deeply. What a two-faced b*tch that woman is!

“Tiff, you have a strong relationship with Derrick, and he’s not an unreasonable man. I’m sure he’ll believe in anything you say,” advised Amelia after a moment’s contemplation.

In fact, Tiffany believed that Derrick would believe her words, too. However, how long would he be able to keep doing that before he started to think that she was merely being unreasonable?

“You might be right, Babe. However, his mother is currently giving me the best treatment on earth. Or at least, that’s what it looks like to outsiders.” Tiffany smiled bitterly as she went on, “I don’t even know how she changes her character so quickly. Perhaps she learned it from an expert. Whatever it is, she gives me the royal treatment whenever others are around, but the moment they’re gone, she turns into a wicked witch. This incident with the ashtray was a good example. It was flying in my direction the moment I stepped into the study. I didn’t even have a moment to react.”

“She’s too much!” Amelia snarled.

“And this isn’t even the worst example. She’s always cursing my family and criticizing that they’re just a liability that keeps leeching off her family. Whenever I fail to hold myself back, I’d snap back at her, and then she would immediately fall ill. Now, all the housekeepers of the Hisson residence are calling me a troublemaker and an ungrateful person. I don’t know what to do anymore,” Tiffany added, sounding utterly helpless and exhausted.

Amelia had never known that Kate was such a scheming character. We have to think of a way to expose her as soon as possible. If not, Tiffany and Derrick’s marriage might crumble at any time!

“Why don’t you and Derrick move back to your condominium?” she suggested.

“If we could do that, then we wouldn’t have gone through all that trouble to move into the Hisson residence in the first place. Living with the Hissons was Old Mr. Hisson’s only condition for Derrick to marry me, and Derrick might leave his current company to take over Hisson Group in two years’ time as well. Whenever I think of everything he has sacrificed for me, I just couldn’t bring myself to trouble him over such trivial matters,” Tiffany responded glumly as she hugged her knees to her chest and rested her forehead on her knees.

Just as Amelia was about to say something, Tiffany’s phone sounded with a notification. Seeing that she had just received an image, Tiffany tapped into it and was immediately shocked by what she saw, her hand trembling uncontrollably.

Perplexed, Amelia asked, “Tiff, what is it?”

Tiffany did not answer.

Thus, Amelia took the phone from Tiffany’s hand, her eyes instantly widening when she saw the couple in the picture. She had not expected to see a picture of Derrick and Crystal together. Although they were not doing anything out of the line, the background of the picture was clearly a restaurant in Saspiuburg, and Derrick was clad in the clothes he had been wearing earlier today.

Her head throbbing dully, Amelia turned to look at Tiffany, only to see that the latter was, in fact, looking quite calm, albeit slightly pale.

“Don’t overthink it, Tiff. Perhaps Ms. Halliwell simply got to know that Derrick had come to Saspiuburg and asked to meet him over a meal. You can’t expect him to cut off contact with all his female friends just because he’s a married man, right?” Amelia remarked with a chuckle.

Taking in a deep breath, Tiffany spoke through her pale lips. “I’m fine, Babe. I trust him. I just didn’t expect him to lie to me and feel a little upset about that. That’s all.”

“As long as you trust him, everything’s fine. Later, when he comes back, you could ask him about it openly. There’s nothing worse for a couple than being distrustful of each other.” Amelia was beginning to realize that Tiffany was stronger than she had imagined.

Tiffany nodded, leaning limply against Amelia and shutting her eyes, clearly not wanting to speak about it anymore.