When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 200



Rachel's first day was something straight out of a Hollywood movie, with Clyde, the company's golden boy, personally escorting her to HR, bypassing the usual intern phase and landing her a permanent position on the spot.

This was an unheard-of move at Patterson Enterprises, but Clyde's word was law, and no one dared question it.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, Clyde took Rachel under his wing and introduced her around the Design Department like she was the next big thing. The looks I was getting from the rest of the staff told me all I needed to know about the rumors already flying.

By lunchtime, the office chat was buzzing with gossip.

"Didn't Mr. Patterson just rescue Ms. Crawford from that car wreck? I thought they were an item."

"Guess the boss has a thing for the new girl. New face, new interest."

"Didn't they go to college together? Bet they've been an item since then."

"Is this some kind of soap opera? Both in design, and now he's got eyes for the new hire?"

I tried to ignore the chatter. After all, Clyde's romantic escapades were legendary around here; one more rumor wouldn't make a difference to me. The real trouble would start if word got back to the Patterson family.

Clyde made a point of shifting away from me, as if my mere presence was offensive. I scooted away too,

snort of disdain, and I had to roll my eyes. We were acting like kids back in elementary school, not adults who had supposedly committed to spending

work, which he handled fine, but he got all twisted up when it came to me, dumping everything on

to me and said, "Don't you remember? This is the woman you fought tooth and

impossible. I don't

her,"

such conviction,

shot back, shaking

to

them.

me to accept her. You even risked your life to

looked at me suspiciously. "You didn't put this idea in my grandfather's head, did

away, disgusted at the

talking to him made

head in pain. I rushed to find him painkillers, but he slapped

forget Melanie! She's the only one I've ever loved. Give it up,

in me. After everything he'd put me