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.

"I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an accident. Even though it was a gift from Clyde, I

Yes, Kayla didn't intend to keep it

you trust this woman over Melanie?" Vinson's

it. He won't believe

surveillance in place and Kayla having blocked everyone's view, I knew proving my innocence would be challenging. The only person who

"We can't let this go. What about

these considered marital assets? Why are you so upset?" Thinking about involving the police crossed my mind, but

marital assets came up, Kayla's chest rose and fell with

commotion? Don't you know what day it is?" Leaning on his

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

Ever graceful, Evelyn supported Merritt. "Young lady, don't ever go around fussing

Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a younger, healthier wife were to bear

at Clyde. "Aren't you supposed to be entertaining the

the crowd dispersed back

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

Merritt's anger was palpable when we returned to the Patterson

complied, kneeling with

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

the anniversary, giving the dress to

only murmuring an apology

then