When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 39

Chapter 39



"No need. This outfit will do. I'm busy." I quickly shook my head, truly not wanting to return to that so-called home.

The mere thought of Kayla rummaging through my closet and picking out my dresses and jewelry made my skin crawl. Indeed, no matter how expensive things were, once they were tainted, they became utterly repulsive.

He gave me a once-over before we headed downstairs, probably thinking my getup was passable.

Plenty of colleagues threw glances my way. I knew what they were thinking. They probably figured I'd pulled some trick to get Clyde to be seen with me again.

Kayla was conspicuously absent from her usual antics. I remembered she was flaunting a new watch today, and it all made sense. She'd always been selfish, ready to step back if it benefited her, something she was better at than me.

Oops, it was a nice watch, a Blue Balloon. It was worth over ten thousand.

After arriving at the Patterson Mansion, Merritt was more pissed than I'd anticipated, giving Clyde a piece of his mind right before me.

In the Patterson family, I was still considered reliable. Despite Clyde's roaming eye over the past months, I'd remained a dutiful Mrs. Patterson. So, when trouble brewed, Merritt didn't even question me, pinning it all on Clyde.

Finally, Merritt's gaze settled on me. "Next week, at the Patterson Group's anniversary gala, I want you and Clyde to be there. Make sure you dress to impress."

I stared at him, baffled. The inte was buzzing with rumors of our divorce. Yet, he was so composed.

But then, Merritt clarified. "When Clyde married you, the press was favorable, and the Patterson Group maintained a positive image. We can't let that image get tarnished. Every marriage within the Patterson family matters greatly. You have to remain accountable to the family legacy. Do you understand?"

Neither Clyde nor I responded, but we knew Merritt was right.

to this point hadn't been easy for him. A scandal could devastate Clyde's

voice rose, his

unison, we

few more instructions, Merritt finally let

the way back, I was conflicted. Those events usually saw me as nothing more than a backdrop. Last time, he had brazenly

This time...

turned to look at him, and he was

irritation, but I shook my head and

to say to him. Attending the gala would be my way of repaying Merritt for his kindness

with my silence, scoffing, "Just don't cause a

rolled my eyes. "Don't worry. As long as your precious Kayla stays

easily play the part

Kayla wouldn't

an accessory.

the look in her eyes when she took the

quite pure-minded." Clyde looked at me disapprovingly clearly not fond of me tainting his lover. "Do you really think everyone's as calculating and money-hungry as you?

anymore, his nagging more

of the seat. "Stop the

out. After a few steps, I took the divorce papers from my bag and tossed them into the back seat.

hailed another cab, but Clyde beat me to it, closing

you doing?"

ignored me. Now that I was ready to leave, he

said, "Come home

it without hesitation. "No, I'll stay at

out a hundred-dollar bill, tossing it into