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.

brimming with feigned innocence. "I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an accident. Even though it was a gift

it and planned to shift the blame to

trust this woman over Melanie?"

it. He won't believe

in place and Kayla having blocked everyone's view, I knew proving my

persisted, "We can't let this go. What about the damaged

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 I decided against it, considering it might only escalate the

topic of marital assets came up, Kayla's chest rose and

Don't you know what day it is?" Leaning on his cane, Merritt made his way over

forced a smile, attempting to play nice. "Mr. Merritt,

gave you the right to make a scene here?" 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 is right here.

stood united in their disdain. Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a

"Aren't you

crowd dispersed back to the banquet

resumed my role as the dutiful Mrs. Patterson. Thankfully, the anniversary celebration concluded without further

palpable when we returned to the

kneeling with a straight

for Melanie. Why was it

the anniversary, giving the

only murmuring

realized then something was