When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Ever since that day, my relationship with Clyde had gone south.

He stopped coming home, and I stopped asking where he was. Even at work, we acted like strangers.

I was relishing the newfound freedom. Life without him was significantly lighter. Kayla also stopped her provocations, though she always sported a smug look whenever our paths crossed.

'Just another jerk,' I thought. If it hadn't been Kayla, it would've been someone else.

After all, the world was all lookalikes. Finding another Clyde wouldn't be hard. But I had bigger fish to fry than to dwell on their soap opera, especially since I was about to start my treatments.

With Clyde's approval, the finance department promptly processed my bonus. Armed with the cash, I felt empowered and splurged on some health supplements.

After scheduling with my doctor, I took some time off work.

Jade, always looking out for me, took off to keep me company too.

"The first session might hit you with heavy side effects. You might want to stay overnight for observation," The doctor cautioned as he administered the treatment.

I noted his advice, watching the medicine trickle into my bloodstream, feeling a sense of life getting injected back into me.

"Ms. Crawford, looking good. That's a positive sign," he encouraged. "But you need to up your intake. Your body will burn through more, so make sure to replenish."

Jade nodded along, having gifted me two boxes of gourmet protein bars, pretending they were from someone else. But she forgot the receipt underneath.

Sitting beside me, she turned into a mother hen, chattering away. "Back in college, all you cared about was staying slim. Now, you better eat up. I'm taking you out for a hearty meal once a week, and if you lose any weight, I'm docking your pay."

I rested my head on her shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort, my heart filling with gratitude.

The side effects hit hard on me, like dizziness, nausea, and a parched mouth. My doctor said these were all common and told me to make sure I got plenty of rest.

Jade wanted me to crash at her place, but as we were about to leave, Jake called.

"Melanie, as the CEO's wife, shouldn't you keep your word?" he chided. "You promised us the next project. Why the sudden cold shoulder?"

Jake's words puzzled me. I had discussed collaborating with his company with Clyde, who had agreed. Why the change of plans?

After pacifying Jake, I rushed back

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to the office. @knew how vital our partnership with the Stone family was. Breaking a promise could tarnish the Patterson Group's reputation. Clyde might be a piece of work, but the Patterson family had been good to me. I couldn't stand by and watch their company suffer.

Back in the office, I unearthed the new contract.

"Apex Group? Who are they? Never heard of them," I questioned, looking at Lina.

Lina shrugged. "No clue. Mr. Patterson decided on them today. It's a new firm, not very big."

I flipped through the contract and noticed the owner shared Kayla's last name. Things started clicking together.

Barging into Clyde's office, Kayla tried to stop me but recoiled at my fury. "Uh, Mr. Patterson is..."

"Move." I brushed past her.

While on a call, Clyde frowned at my entrance, quickly wrapping it up.

Kayla looked toward him, playing the victim. "Clyde, Melanie just stormed in. I couldn't stop her."

He glanced at me impatiently. "What's it this time?"

"I thought we were all set for the

next project with Mr. Stone, like you agreed. Why are we backing out now?" Painting at the Apex Group's name on the contract, I snapped, "Is this your handpicked company? Or perhaps a relative of someone special?"

My gaze landed on Kayla, her guilty expression confirming my suspicions.

People with their last name weren't that common. Kayla's boldness grew with Clyde's support. "Verbal agreements mean nothing without a contract." "Melanie, you're just the marketing director. This company belongs to the Patterson family, not you." She sidestepped me, aligning herself with Clyde. "Are you part of the Patterson family now? Or should I start calling you Mrs. Patterson?" I must've looked threatening as Kayla shrank back into Clyde.

He tightened his embrace. "Melanie, Kayla's right. Company matters are beyond you."

"The Patterson Group, breaking

promises? Don't you care about the company's reputation? Don't you care about the implications for our other partnerships?" I tried reasoning, hoping to awaken his business acumen.

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Despite Clyde's flaws, I thought he had always kept work separate.

But he scoffed dismissively. "It's not The Patterson Group breaking a promise, but you. What you promised Mr. Stone has nothing to do with the Patterson Group. Who do you think you are?"