When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 47

Chapter 47



There came the Patterson Group's anniversary party, a grand event that seemed designed to quash the swirling rumors. The company had even purchased several press releases, ready to go out, painting Clyde and me as the picture-perfect couple.

However, leading up to the event, I hadn't received the gown and emerald jewelry Clyde had promised. With no other choice, I returned home, where Clyde had kept his word. There was no need for remote gestures to receive a gown and jewelry this time.

I selected a cocktail dress I'd bought for our engagement but never had the chance to wear, deciding against any additional jewelry. The necklace Clyde gave me was enough.

When Clyde arrived at the Patterson Mansion to pick me up, his frown was inevitable. "Why are you dressed like that?"

He was wearing a modern suit, seemingly expecting it to match the gown he'd forgotten to give me. I didn't bother asking about it.

linking my arm with his,

was extravagant, a custom design by a renowned international designer intended for

air. Our outfits clashed dramatically with Clyde's in green, mine in burgundy. Yet, as the evening's hosts,

I excused myself, claiming to feel unwell. My pale, frail appearance silenced any critics, allowing

with her emerald gown and

across the room, oblivious to the unfolding drama. Was that his way of making a statement

to ignore the surrounding murmurs, Kayla

deliberately. "Melanie, you

that? You know you're Mrs. Patterson, don't you?" she taunted, surrounded by her

from my outdated dress to the

was by my side, his demeanor dark as he addressed the uninvited critics. "It seems some guests have forgotten their manners. Who dares insult

everyone, given the

up, Kayla turned to