When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 23

Chapter 23



Ever since that day, my relationship with Clyde had gone south.

He stopped coming home, and I stopped asking where he was. Even at work, we acted like strangers.

I was relishing the newfound freedom. Life without him was significantly lighter. Kayla also stopped her provocations, though she always sported a smug look whenever our paths crossed.

'Just another jerk,' I thought. If it hadn't been Kayla, it would've been someone else.

After all, the world was all lookalikes. Finding another Clyde wouldn't be hard. But I had bigger fish to fry than to dwell on their soap opera, especially since I was about to start my treatments.

With Clyde's approval, the finance department promptly processed my bonus. Armed with the cash, I felt empowered and splurged on some health supplements.

After scheduling with my doctor, I took some time off work.

Jade, always looking out for me, took off to keep me company too.

"The first session might hit you with heavy side effects. You might want to stay overnight for observation," The doctor cautioned as he administered the treatment.

into my bloodstream, feeling a sense

looking good. That's a positive sign," he encouraged. "But you need to up your intake. Your body will burn through more,

boxes of gourmet protein bars, pretending

about was staying slim. Now, you better eat up.

rested my head on her shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort, my heart filling

on me, like dizziness, nausea, and a parched mouth. My doctor said these were all common and told me to make

her place, but as we were

shouldn't you keep your word?" he chided. "You promised us the next project.

I had discussed collaborating with his company with Clyde, who had agreed. Why the change

pacifying Jake, I rushed

l

Stone family was. Breaking a promise could tarnish the Patterson Group's reputation. Clyde might be a piece of work, but the Patterson family had been good to me. I couldn't stand by and watch

I unearthed the

they? Never heard of them," I questioned,

Patterson decided on them today. It's

the contract and noticed the owner shared Kayla's last name.

office, Kayla tried to stop me but recoiled at my fury. "Uh,

I brushed

at my entrance, quickly

the victim. "Clyde, Melanie just stormed

me impatiently. "What's it