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 eyes. We were acting like kids back in elementary school, not adults who had supposedly committed to spending our lives

he

said, "Don't you remember? This

impossible. I

her,"

such conviction,

shot back,

eyes to avoid road

them.

you were the one begging me to accept her. You even risked your life to save

suspiciously. "You didn't put this idea in my grandfather's

disgusted at the

him

if struck by a sudden thought, Clyde clutched his head in pain. I rushed

to make me forget Melanie! She's the only

words stung, but they also ignited a fire in me. After everything he'd put me through, his accusations were