When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 50

Chapter 50



Kayla's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced my way, masking any hint of sorrow beneath a veil of smug satisfaction.

I nearly applauded her for her talent. She could have made a living on Broadway, yet she chose to play the other woman. What a waste of potential.

In no time, a crowd had gathered around us, exchanging glances that were all too eager to witness the unfolding drama.

"Ms. Osborne, you let go of the bags. Melanie didn't even have a chance to catch them," Vinson stepped before me, his gaze darkening as he faced Kayla.

Kayla's lips twitched into a barely contained smile as if she had been waiting for him to speak up.

Covering her mouth in a faux shock, Kayla mused, "Oh, you're Melanie's... Of course, you'd take her side."

Her words were intentionally vague, drawing curious looks from the crowd toward us.

Despite our efforts to clear the air about our rumored affair, skepticism lingered.

Clyde handed Kayla a jewelry box with a huff. "Your testimony doesn't count. How do we know you two aren't conspiring against Kayla?" "Partners in crime!" I couldn't help but stare at Clyde as if he had lost his mind, especially since he seemed to have forgotten Merritt's explicit instructions for today. Hadn't it been for my connection to the Patterson family, I wouldn't have bothered coming to this anniversary party.

her eyes brimming with feigned innocence. "I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was

to keep it and planned to shift the

you trust this woman over Melanie?" Vinson's disgust was palpable, his voice

sleeve. "Forget it. He won't believe anything

my innocence would be challenging. The only person who

let this go. What about the damaged

looking for a way to shift the blame to me. I offered her a smile, "Aren't these considered marital assets? Why are you so upset?" Thinking about involving the police crossed my mind, but

of marital assets came up, Kayla's chest

day it is?" Leaning on his

smile, attempting to play nice. "Mr. Merritt, I

Lucia's sharp voice cut through, sending Kayla stumbling. Ever graceful, Evelyn supported Merritt. "Young lady, don't ever go around fussing over nothing. The Patterson family dislikes fussbudgets. The rightful Mrs. Patterson

moment, Lucia and Evelyn stood united in their disdain. Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a younger, healthier

you supposed to be entertaining the

crowd dispersed back to the banquet

the dutiful Mrs. Patterson. Thankfully, the anniversary celebration

palpable when we

with a

said this jade was for Melanie. Why was it on that little tramp? And this dress, does she even deserve it? Are

weren't you with Melanie at the anniversary, giving the dress to that woman instead? Think about what

silent, only murmuring

way. I realized then something was