When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Clyde had really outdone himself this time, yanking my hair right from the top of my head.

Now, I'm genuinely worried that my colleagues will spot my quickly balding head and turn me into the latest office joke.

So, during lunch break, I made a solo trip to the wig shop behind the hospital. I remembered a little girl undergoing chemotherapy mentioning they had cute wigs.

I used to be terrified of wigs, thinking they were somewhat eerie.

But stepping into the wig shop, I was suddenly surrounded by hope. The place was bustling, filled with all sorts of wigs, and surprisingly busy.

The shop owner greeted me with warmth.

"Hey there, what type of wig are you after? Got something specific in mind? Just so you know, our wigs are the real deal-no cheap synthetics here! They'll last you a long time!"

Seeing her, about my age, with her shiny, long hair, I felt a pang of envy.

But then, to my surprise, she took off her wig, revealing a bald head underneath.

"Jealous? You can have it too. Our wigs are beautiful. You're so pretty; you'd look gorgeous even bald. Don't be afraid."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and after much deliberation, I chose a short wig similar to my current hairstyle.

She mentioned that wigs are all the rage abroad.

"Every year, we make a good sum from exports. It's just not as popular locally yet. You know, a lot of young girls are rocking wigs these days, so there's no need to feel self-conscious about it at all!"

Seeing my concern, she cautiously asked, "Chemotherapy, right? I've been there too, don't worry."

I was shocked. She looked healthy, even a bit plump, not at all like someone who had undergone chemotherapy.

"I look chubby, right? You need to eat well. Diseases that wear you down can make you lose weight fast."

"But don't worry, a few months after chemotherapy, your hair will start to grow back. I've been through it. It took about two to three months for me."

I couldn't believe it. She had gone through the same ordeal?

She patted my shoulder, "Relapse, huh? But it's okay. I've been living well for five or six years now. Worth it."

"Believe in medicine, work hard, save up, and you'll be fine, right?"Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Looking into her hopeful eyes, I choked up and nodded.

"I'm also a second-time survivor."

"Then we're really meant to meet. How about I give you a discount? And throw in a haircut?"

She noticed my thinning hair.

I hesitated, not sure where I could get a haircut.

But she just pulled out a razor from the counter. "No big deal, I'm good at buzz cuts."

Her humor lifted my spirits.

But as my few remaining strands of hair fell, tears welled up in my eyes.

Thankfully, she quickly fitted the wig on me.

"Look how pretty! Almost like your real hair, perhaps even better!"

"If you ever get tired of short hair,

het

come back, and I'll get you a long even in different colors.

're gorgeous." Content Belongs

She then put on a pink ponytail wig herself. "Doesn't this look cool? Like Harley Quinn?"

I nodded, smiling, feeling much better.

But returning to the office, I kept worrying the wig might fall off.

1

Thankfully the fit was perfect, and after a few head shakes, I was confident it wouldn't budge. My colleagues didn't notice a thing, and I finally relaxed.

Before leaving, Jade approached me, wanting to treat me to dinner.

"Melanie, that project you recommended is kicking off. Let's celebrate together."

After reviewing my workload, I agreed.

We need to enjoy life while we can, or it's all for nothing.

The entire team showed up for dinner, no one missing.

But Mack seemed down, drowning his sorrows in drink after drink.

Jade whispered, "Kayla took credit for my design."

I understood then. The money I had to pay back Jade partly came from Mack's expected bonus.

But since it wasn't his design, he had no right to that bonus. Staying in the

Design Department was alrethe

more than fair.

But Mack didn't see it that way. After a few drinks, he started listing his contributions to the company.

Finally, he turned his anger towards me.

"Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Patterson, you think you'd be a director if not for Mrs. Patterson?"

"You were out for months, and the company didn't fire you, and now you're back like nothing happened? Shameless!"

"Melanie, mark my words, don't think you can keep your position forever. You'll see!"