When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

I couldn't tell if Rachel was gunning for Mrs. Patterson's spot or the role of the design director.

This time, my colleagues rose to my defense without any prompt from me.

"Look, Mr. Patterson, all three department projects are currently under Ms. Crawford's wing. We can't just switch gears like this."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "We've just sealed the deal with Hightide Enterprises. There's no way they'd agree to a sudden change."

"And Rachel stepping in across departments? That doesn't sit right. We're about to wrap things up here."

"Is she trying to pull a fast one? Undermine the project at the eleventh hour?"

Wrapping up the project meant it was almost time for bonuses to be distributed.

Switching me out now meant not only would my bonus vanish into thin air, but Rachel's name would likely be the one emblazoned on the final project design. Rachel knew this, and of course, so did Clyde.

Clyde furrowed his brow, clearly in a bind, but Rachel's gentle tug at his sleeve seemed to make up his mind for him.

"Given Melanie's health issues, she'll take a step back for now. The Design Department will be Rachel's to oversee." "Melanie, hand over all the project materials to Rachel. No need to hold anything back."

as I let out a

I had seen this

wouldn't

affection for me had once made him considerate, he wouldn't have

was a testament to my capabilities. Whether he was truly mad or feigning ignorance, I had no intention of squabbling with

decision. I'll start

failing, and if Rachel was eager to take over, I

broke through Rachel's indifferent

she even had

can't let one person's

to amend or overhaul it as you see fit," I responded emotionlessly. "I've emailed you all

and the files

my head. "Sorry, my laptop is personal property,

so many projects, who knew what havoc she might

health on the line, at least there was

I might as well be facing a death sentence

shot me a meaningful