When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)



"Damn it, Clyde, you jerk!" Merritt's cane was about to crash down on him, but there he stood, defiant as ever.

"Grandpa, is there really no better way? All this gossip swirling around, just because she refuses to divorce! If she'd just agree to a divorce, whoever I'm with wouldn't matter to the company. She's the one to blame!"

I closed my eyes in agony, telling myself over and over that he was truly sick, and not lightly either.

But I couldn't find it in myself to forgive him. Right then, I wished I could march over and slap him silly. "Melanie..."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Fenton's voice was cautious, making me look up at him with teary eyes.

"I'm fine."

"Clyde, shut your trap!"

Merritt hit him with the cane, then turned to the astonished crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies. Our family drama has unfortunately caused you all losses."

"Give me three days. I will provide a satisfactory solution. That concludes today's board meeting."

When Merritt spoke, no one dared to disobey.

As everyone left, exchanging knowing looks, I sensed that the Patterson family was on the brink of upheaval.

All members of the Patterson family, including myself, were asked to stay behind.

Through the door, I saw Rachel standing outside, her eyes filled with worry.

She had every reason to be worried. If Merritt didn't agree to our divorce, she might be the one getting kicked out.

But it was just that necklace Clyde gave her back then, an act of kindness that had long since been repaid by her years abroad.

Moreover, she was afraid I'd reveal the truth, so she never left Clyde's side.

Seeing his beloved looking so concerned, Clyde immediately pulled her inside.

"Get her out of here!"

Merritt was furious, but Clyde stood his ground.

"Grandpa, this is between Rachel and me. She should be here."

"Perhaps those who are soon to be no longer part of the Patterson family should be the ones to leave."

Rachel gave me a smug look, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

I looked at their intertwined fingers, then turned away, refusing to watch them.

Even if I was no longer a Patterson, I remained a shareholder of the Patterson Group.

York sneered at the couple. "Divorce, huh, Clyde? You sure you won't regret this?"

After saying that, he glanced at me.

Everyone here knew Clyde's story, including Rachel. But she chose to live in denial, willing to accept

anything just to have Clyde,

e, no

matter the cost.

Lovel

I looked down, waiting for the end, somehow feeling a sense of release. I was meant to divorce Clyde anyway; doing it now made difference.

"Of course not!"

"No need for a divorce."

Clyde and Rachel almost spoke in unison.

Clyde looked at Rachel in disbelief. "Rachel, don't you want to be with me?"

Rachel didn't look at him, her gaze fixed on Merritt.

"I've booked my ticket. I'm leaving for Estoria tomorrow and won't come back."

"This mess isn't Melanie's fault, it's mine. I've caused trouble for the company, and I deeply apologize."

She bowed deeply to Merritt, her voice choked with emotion.

Clyde hurried to her side. "No, you can't leave!"

"I'll divorce Melanie right away! Then we can get married!"

"Rachel, I won't let you go. You've left once before, you can't go with someone else again, I won't let you leave me, I won't let you go to Aurorea!"

His voice grew louder, then abruptly cut off as he collapsed backward.

Everyone rushed to his side, except for me.

Clyde, who exactly is the Rachel in your eyes?