When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 1

Chapter 1



After college, I left my penniless boyfriend, chasing dreams and dollars with a wealthy heir abroad.

Two years later, I was sent packing back home, only to find my ex had made it big. He went to great lengths to marry me.

Everyone said he was head over heels, ready to let bygones be bygones.

Little did they know that he turned the table on me, changing lovers like shirts in a twisted revenge. He'd confront me, demanding why I wasn't jealous, why I didn't care.

I'd only smile back. "Why should I care when I'm gonna die anyway?"

On our third anniversary, Clyde Patterson set off fireworks by the beach with Kayla Osborne while I curled up on the couch, endlessly dialing his number.

"Sorry, the number you are calling is not available..." The robotic voice echoed again, and I passed out.

When I awoke, I was in a hospital bed, the doctor hesitating before me.

"How long do I have?" I asked calmly.

He gave a bureaucratic sigh. "With surgery now and regular chemotherapy, there's still hope."

I stared blankly at the ceiling, replying, "This is my second relapse."

Pain pierced through me, sweat beading on my forehead.

drug could inhibit the cancer cells. Each

could keep up with the medication for six months after the surgery..." He stopped, knowing I couldn't

Patterson, the CEO's wife, but I was penniless, delaying my

dressed. "Let's schedule

surgery was a few thousand dollars. Maybe

pendant around my neck, I felt an

I first thanked my

it. It's Rocky you should thank. I wouldn't have known you had fainted if it wasn't for his barking. Good thing

adopted Labrador, was my

woman home. Their unabashed actions,

later justified it. "You reap

finding Rocky abandoned with distemper outside

shared despair. Both of us got thrown away, clinging to

gold necklace to save

up, I couldn't bring myself t him. "Brenda, I might need to

to pet

a while.

please look after Rocky for

passed last year, I was sure she'd help. Sure enough, she agreed, urging me

leave, at least I knew Rocky would be

realized I had overestimated my resources. The surgery's cost was beyond my

generous with

bags, and jewelry,

for events required his approval. He claimed

and didn't deserve unrestricted access to its

my phone, the company gossip chat