When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

"Looks like the cops are keeping him busy with a statement. I think he'll be over soon. Got your story straight for when he shows up?" Eliana rushed in so hurriedly that her hair was a mess with bangs stuck to her forehead in a way she couldn't seem to fix.

I glanced down, shaking my head slightly. "No need. Please keep this between us."

"You've got to be kidding me. You..."

Eliana was about to continue but got cut off by Warren. "We'll respect your wishes, but you do know he's your husband," Warren reminded me gently, his voice carrying a weight of concern.

I knew what he meant. Legally, Clyde had every right to know the truth.

"I've given Jade power of attorney. She's handling my affairs. Don't worry. I'll be divorcing him soon anyway. Then he won't be my husband anymore." "And who's your husband then? This poker-faced doc?" Clyde barged in, one arm in a sling, shoving Warren aside as he locked eyes with me, red- rimmed and watery. "He's just a doctor. Why are you talking to him so much?"

Clyde fumed. "I tore up our divorce papers at home and deleted the digital ones, too. How are you going to sign them now? I told you. I'm not divorcing. I even got radiation trying to save you. Look at my arm..."

He raised his arm in a display of self-pity.

Warren stepped forward, unraveling the bandage around Clyde's neck.

"Mr. Patterson, you don't need to elevate your arm for a hand injury. It's not good for your circulation," he said, a hint of humor in his voice.

Eliana and I couldn't help but exchange looks and burst out laughing.

"Fine, Warren, let's give them some space," Eliana said, nudging Warren out of the room.

I was left somewhat awkwardly facing Clyde.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"I'm not divorcing. You owe me. Look at my hand. It's all internal injuries from the radiation."

He even started coughing, playing it up.

I reached out, grabbing his hand. "Clyde, thank you. But this was reckless. You are the heir to the Patterson fortune..."

"And you're still my wife!" He pulled me close, nuzzling my neck. He was always like this in college. Sometimes, he was a protector and a big boy needing consolation.

The thought of his reckless bravery made my eyes well up again.

Just then, the Patterson family made a fashionably late entrance. Laird and Lucia eyed Clyde up and down. "Only your hand is injured?"

Lucia's question was barely out when Merritt raised his cane in warning.

I stood by my hospital bed, holding Clyde's hand, smiling warmly at Lucia. "Lucky for us, and thanks to your blessings, Clyde and I are okay. You were praying for us at home, right?"

Remembering Kayla's mention of York, I glanced behind them, noting York's absence. With Clyde in trouble, he'd have to steer the company.

Lucia gave a nervous laugh, avoiding my gaze. "Of course, of course."

Laird cleared his throat a few times before speaking. "That damn Kayla, carrying a child that isn't a Patterson and then kidnapping you, it was

outrageous. Did she act alone ano

was someone behind it? Is someone targeting the Patterson family?"

Merritt nodded along, and everyone's eyes fixed on me.

I said, "She drugged me. I was too out of it to remember anything."

"Did you not catch a single word? You were out the whole time?" Lucia stepped closer with anxiety written all over her face.

I shook my head.

Freya walked in with another officer as Lucia was about to press. "Folks, we're here to take Mrs. Patterson's statement. If you're not involved, please wait at the door. Thank you."