When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

After Rachel left, the Design Department finally returned to its usual pace of work.

I knew Rachel still wanted to shine in her field, and I'd occasionally throw some minor design tasks her way. She accepted them gladly.

But every time she came in to submit her designs, she looked worn out.

Deep down, I felt guilty. The whole mess with Clyde was never meant to drag her in.

Whenever I tried to apologize, she'd just wave it off.

"It's fine. I've landed a pretty good job now, haven't I? No need for apologies."

And so, I'd end up saying nothing.

Just a week later, the HR department buzzed with news again - Rachel had taken over Kayla's role, becoming the executive assistant.

If Kayla's promotion had shocked everyone, Rachel's advancement even had the Pattersons talking.

When Fenton approached me, worry was evident in his eyes.

"Melanie, I'm really sorry. I had no idea things would turn out this way, or I wouldn't have recommended our senior to join our company. I heard at last night's business dinner that my brother brought her along..."

"It's fine. She's his assistant, it's normal for her to attend such events with him."

I kept my gaze fixed on the documents before me, pretending not to care.

to be somewhat discreet with Kayla, with Rachel, he was openly treating her like his

I knew it

wasn't even sure

Clyde? But he did it

felt like maybe it was

had increased, keeping me busy

rife with rumors, most thinking Rachel was set to usurp my position, and that I'd

I kept my

with York Patterson occasionally coming out of the woodwork to hassle me,

long as he was alive and well, that

a hand, blocking York's attempts to

either, but there wasn't much I could

Pattersons, York hardly showed respect

to go to the construction

volunteered, "Melanie,

accompany you. You've been

looking pale lately. Didn't

you

wen again?"

much of an

been off

on medication to

out