When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 10

Chapter 10



Ever since I started working, I've felt some of my old spark returning. But the best part? I finally had a paycheck.

The day before, our finance department, in an unprecedented move, handed me a month's base salary. To me, $20,000 felt like winning the lottery. I didn't dwell on why they paid me for a month after just three days of work. After all, Clyde wasn't short on cash.

I immediately transferred half to Jade, who'd been slaving away preparing nutritious meals for the two of us every day. Despite her decent salary, taking care of her grandma on top of everything else, including me, has been a real struggle.

Unfortunately, she refused the money and gave me an earful in the hospital room. "What do you think you are doing? My meals aren't just for anyone, you know. Don't bother to transfer money unless you have a million or two to spare."

I held my food tray, grinning at her.

"Jade, I'm back at work and got my first paycheck," I chuckled.

"What's so funny? You haven't fully recovered yet. Eat up. You're such a pain sometimes." She roughly dished out some lobster for me, quickly wiping a tear when she turned her back.

I devoured the lobster, tears welling up in my eyes, too. Jade's terrible cooking was a waste of the lobsters. After a hearty meal, we fell into our usual chit-chat.

resting, and Clyde..." Mentioning Clyde, we both instinctively stopped. He was both a taboo and

much else going for me besides this one talent. Who knows, I might not stick around long, but the buildings I design... they'll

Jade was superstitious, trying to ward off

eat more lobsters. I'll bring it daily. And get some for

was on my budget. Lobsters were expensive, and frankly, eggs and milk

recovery was going well. Before

try. You have no idea the Design Department struggled for months only to get rejected. Everyone's

about how much everyone missed me, but I knew better. In the Design Department, I was a walking disaster for everyone else. Clyde sometimes couldn't separate personal

were different. First, I needed to

to hear there's no issue with Radiant Systems. It's a big project." I started thinking about the final commission, which could cover

mood, granting me another

they want to meet immediately

Lina's troubled face, I

made sense for me to handle

wouldn't significantly impact the project,

I hadn't seen in ages, made

nurse showed me my latest reports, confirming my steady

in the early hours, Clyde's call shattered my peace. Even on vibrate, the phone