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.

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

apologizing, but I knew it wasn't his

wasn't even sure whom to

But he did it all

it was just my bad

keeping me busy

most thinking Rachel was set to usurp my position,

kept my head down

to hassle me, I found myself caring less and less

long as he was alive and well, that was enough

to lend a hand, blocking York's attempts to undermine

situation wasn't easy either, but there wasn't much I

hardly showed respect

had to go to

"Melanie,

accompany you. You've been

looking pale lately. Didn't

you

wen again?"

nodded. "Not much of

been off for a

apping on

out