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.

keep up with the medication for six months after

was Mrs. Patterson, the CEO's wife, but I

I dressed. "Let's schedule the

surgery was a few thousand dollars. Maybe I

the pendant around my neck, I felt an

I first thanked

thank. I wouldn't have known you had fainted if it wasn't for his barking. Good thing the ambulance came in time. You young folks

Labrador,

married, he brought another woman home. Their unabashed actions, loud as if to ensure I heard,

"You reap

left home distraught, finding Rocky abandoned with distemper outside

in shared despair. Both of us got thrown away,

traded my gold necklace to

bring myself t him. "Brenda, I might need to pitalized for

to pet

a while.

look after Rocky

was sure she'd help. Sure enough, she agreed, urging

them leave, at least I knew Rocky would

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

was generous with

and jewelry,

every dress jewelry for events required his approval. He claimed I

to our home and didn't deserve unrestricted access to

the company gossip chat was abuzz with Clyde