When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 19

Chapter 19



When I opened my eyes, I found myself back in the hospital.

It seemed fate had tied Greenfield Medical Center with me. The doctor looked at me, almost out of breath from exasperation. "Melanie, you're something else. I've never had a patient who disregards advice as much as you do."

I struggled to sit up, eager to defend myself. "Doctor, hear me out. It wasn't my fault this time. I just passed out all of a sudden."

"Working yourself to the bone every day and not taking your medications properly, it's no wonder you fainted. An emergency got you this time, but if you can't handle it, you shouldn't be working. Ah, never mind. Just take care of yourself."

My doctor stopped mid-sentence, knowing my financial situation made not working an impossibility.

I nodded vigorously. I had a salary, and surviving wasn't an issue.

He glanced at my medical records and whispered, "You're due for an injection, which is quite pricey and needs booking in advance. Can you afford it right now?"

"I can book it in advance. Should I make a payment now?" I looked at him hopefully, calculating how much I would earn from the recent project. Relieved at my response, the doctor told me there was no need for a deposit and proceeded to book my appointment. But with chemotherapy scheduled for the following week, he was visibly worried.

The doctor sighed, "Your condition isn't too optimistic. A third relapse isn't out of the question, but you've got to stay positive. I suggest you start the chemo earlier and ensure you're well-nourished. You're too thin."

I looked at my hands, as frail as bird claws, making me sad. Indeed, I was thin, but eating was a challenge. Yet, thinking about the toll chemotherapy would take on my body, I steeled myself. Maybe it was time to delve into those protein shakes Clyde had stashed away. What was his was mine, after all.

few more instructions before leaving. Before exiting, he turned back. "Anything else I can help you

don't tell my family

husband, and the last thing I wanted was for him to worry. He'd probably think I was

of resignation,

and could only drop me off at the hospital. I was grateful for that

my sole remaining family and my

to his arm, looking every bit the concerned couple visiting

displeased. "Melanie, we checked the surveillance. The person was over ten feet away from you. Why did you faint? You

to nibble on my apple, mumbling, "How clever. The CEO's wife fainting to extort money is headline material. Why don't you hurry and call your PR

Kayla moved to confront

mindful

and she

look at her,

over nothing

expected Clyde to echo her sentiments, but he remained silent, fixing

felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. "What's

seriously sick." My expression was

reignited a flicker of hope within me. I

quickly interjected,

just be heatstroke. Last time, you pretended to throw up in the office. The employees saw you vomited nothing. You're just

was clear. I was pretending to be sick

"Don't worry about whether I'm playing the victim. I did faint

at me with a heavy gaze. "What do