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.

a new drug could inhibit the cancer

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

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

myself up, I dressed. "Let's schedule the

was a few thousand dollars. Maybe I

pendant around my neck,

home, I first thanked my neighbor,

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

adopted Labrador, was

woman home. Their unabashed actions,

"You reap what

home distraught, finding Rocky abandoned with distemper

eyes met in shared despair. Both of us got

gold necklace to save Rocky. Then, he saved

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

to pet

a while.

look after Rocky for

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

least I knew Rocky would be cared

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

generous

and

doors, every dress jewelry for events required his approval.

didn't deserve

my phone, the company gossip chat was abuzz