When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 26

Chapter 26



The next day, I texted Clyde's secretary, Gemma, to call in sick. I kept it vague, mentioning I had personal matters to attend to without diving into any details.

Gemma's response was brief, a simple "Okay," without further inquiry.

Being Merritt Patterson's right hand, Gemma was Clyde's most trusted assistant. So, getting her approval was as good as getting Clyde's.

After the unpleasantness of the previous day, Clyde probably thought I was being petulant and throwing a tantrum. He didn't mince his words when he texted me, stating I was absent for not taking a leave and that I'd lose my perfect attendance bonus for the month.

After doing the math, the loss wasn't as painful as I thought, so I didn't fret much about it.

Jade was already waiting for me downstairs early in the morning, holding some sandwiches. "I know you're not feeling up to eating much, but you've got to try a bit. They say chemotherapy can take a toll on you."

With a look of concern, she watched as I took big bites of the sandwich, finally breathing a sigh of relief before driving me to the hospital.

felt nervous during the chemotherapy, especially when I noticed a young girl with a bald head nearby. I instinctively grabbed Jade's hand tightly. Jade saw the girl, too, her eyes filled

gave a resigned smile. "People lose their hair during chemo. We decided to shave it off first rather

a wig. You can find many pretty ones at the

the gravity of her situation, excitedly talking about the beautiful pigtails at the

smiling. "Yeah, let's

if to

always the brightest star in my sky! I'll buy you the fanciest wig!" Seeing the tears in her eyes, I nodded vigorously. "I want the most expensive one. Or

head. "Spare my few strands,

each other's eye and burst out laughing, the sadness we'd felt

immediately feel sick from the chemo,

to stop. "I want to get

but after I reassured her that it was only a haircut, she agreed to accompany me inside. My hair had grown

you sure you want to cut it short? It's such a pity," the barber asked for the third time, but I was determined. "Keep my hair, please. I want to make it into

close to the hospital, the barber understood my situation and

secretly while I just smiled. It was just a haircut, not the end of the

barber carefully cut and preserved my hair,