When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 2

Chapter 2



I looked like something straight out of a horror show then. Three months back, the cancer came knocking again, and I'd withered away to nothing but skin and bones.

Then there was Kayla, pure and pretty as a picture, with her round face and bright eyes, a spitting image of the college me.

Compared to her, I wasn't just plain Jane. I was like the walking dead. But what could I do? I was probably on my last leg.

A colleague whispered a warning, "Mr. Patterson adores his wife. Don't stir trouble. Otherwise, you might bite off more than you can chew."

See, everyone thought Clyde was head over heels for me. But no one knew he'd rather see me dead.

Kayla scoffed but quickly plastered on a smile. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson's in the middle of an important video call. No interruptions. If you need anything, I can pass the message to him for you."

She meant she could waltz into Clyde's office anytime, flaunting it in my face. Her smile was pretty if you ignored the scheming in her eyes. And that smile did remind me of a younger me. No wonder Clyde saw her as something special.

Clyde's flings and assistants came and went, but it was more about gauging my reaction. At first, I'd fight back and argue with him. But I realized the more I did, the bolder he got. So, I pretended to see nothing. Even when he'd flaunt his affairs right before me, I could calmly shut the door behind

them.

me meet her. Yet, I would hear about their escapades through office gossip like movies, candlelit dinners, and matching outfits. I knew this was different.

settled myself in a chair, then fixed my gaze on Kayla. "No worries. I'll wait for him

"Who do you think you are, asking me to

turning red. That arrogant attitude was all too familiar. Poor Clyde, finding someone

brought me my coffee, earning a brown-noser

Ms. Osborne, you

in my

"Who are you

any love!

him is your fault! Look at you.

intending to drag

shook my head, pitying her youthful arrogance. I wasn't

blondes the day after our

to the floor, shattering. Kayla cut her hand,

at the coffee stain on my black outfit,

cruel! Why resort to violence?" Clyde's voice rose, and there he was, cradling Kayla

was

but Clyde

worry. "Are

first aid