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.

Crawford, a new drug could inhibit the cancer cells. Each dose is

you could keep up with the medication for six months after the surgery..." He stopped,

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

dressed. "Let's schedule

was a few thousand dollars. Maybe I could

my neck, I felt

I first

sympathetically. "Don't mention it. It's Rocky you should thank. I wouldn't have known you had fainted if it wasn't for

Labrador, was

unabashed actions, loud as if to ensure I heard, were a slap

later justified it. "You reap what you

fight, I left home distraught, finding Rocky abandoned with

of us got thrown away, clinging to life

traded my gold necklace to save Rocky. Then, he

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

to pet

a while.

please look after Rocky

last year, I was sure she'd help. Sure enough, she agreed, urging me to take care of

leave, at least I knew Rocky

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

was generous

and

every dress jewelry for events required his approval.

home and didn't deserve unrestricted access

at my phone, the company gossip chat