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?]

worry. I'll be there first thing in the morning. I won't let the Patterson

laugh out of me, warming my heart in the process. It seemed Jade had been my unwavering protector since

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

turned away, presenting him with my

this room?

shoulder. "Why the short hair? It

shrugging off his

me with his

you going to sleep?

me, but he didn't let go. "Melanie, stop this nonsense. As

and let go of

wife. No one can take your place. I'll buy you clothes,

words. He seemed embarrassed, his face turning a shade

side of him reminiscent of better times, yet those days were long gone. He used to tell me not to be upset, admitting fault was his. He'd joke about aging from anger, fearing

semblance of calm. "Clyde, do you even remember

look confirmed

né

on her fingers? One was from our anniversary, the other a promise ring from our first