When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 43

Chapter 43



Silence fell over the room like a heavy winter blanket as Merritt spoke.

I tried to interject a few times, but Merritt's icy stare sent me retreating into silence.

Eventually, Merritt dismissed Clyde and me to our room. We always had a room at the Patterson Mansion, though it had seen little use. Clyde always had a penchant for company, rarely finding his way back to the Patterson Mansion.

Still styled to my liking, the room brought a lump to my throat. It was a stark reminder of how much had changed, yet everything remained the same. The joy we shared on our wedding day seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a heavy sorrow hanging in the air.

Initially, I believed the Patterson family welcomed me to be part of them with open arms. However, reality had a different plan, slapping me hard with its cold truth.

After a shower, I collapsed onto the bed, my phone buzzing with a reminder from the nurse about tomorrow's chemotherapy session.

Dreading the side effects, I messaged Jade, asking her to pick me up from Patterson Mansion the next day.

Jade asked, [Back at Patterson Mansion? Is it because of the rumors swirling online?]

thing in the

meme, her messages coaxed a laugh out of me, warming my heart in the

bathroom, coughing heavily. "Who's making you laugh so

turned away, presenting him with

downside to this room? There was only one

was palpable as he prodded my shoulder. "Why the short hair?

snapped, shrugging off

with his gaze almost

"Are you going to sleep?

I reached for the remote, he grabbed my hand. His grip loosened, perhaps in fear of hurting me, but he

pursed his lips and let go of my

take your place. I'll buy you clothes, and all the jewelry and bags will be

paused, puzzled by his words. He seemed embarrassed, his

gone. He used to tell me not to be upset, admitting fault was his. He'd joke about aging

a semblance of calm. "Clyde, do

look

né

was from our anniversary, the