When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I had everyone clear out this time. Clyde seemed reluctant, but after some insistence on my part, he finally left.

Freya looked at me, concern written all over her features. "Are you okay? I can come back later when you're feeling better."

I confirmed, "It's now or never. I'm fine."

Considering I had been drugged and exposed to radiation, I was doing pretty well.

Hearing my reassurance, Freya began to take notes.

Kayla had probably planned to leave the country from the start, so she talked openly about everything without reservations. Later, realizing she was on borrowed time, she held nothing back. She wanted me to know Clyde had my back, hoping we could reconcile and then push Clyde into the abyss.

I closed my eyes, recounting everything Kayla had told me about York.

As I spoke, Freya's expression darkened. She asked, "Apart from her testimony, do we have evidence?"Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

I shook my head. Even if I had any evidence, which I didn't, it was doubtful the police would find anything.

Too much time had passed, and tracking down a streetwalker for proof was nearly impossible. Even if we could prove York had been in contact with Kayla, what then?

Freya sighed. "Even so, we can't charge York with a crime. Theoretically, he hasn't done anything. And without witnesses or evidence..."

I nodded, aware of all she said. York had been careful for years. Even if he slipped up, catching him would be a challenge. All I could do was speak the truth. The rest was up to this determined young officer.

"Melanie, your case is officially closed. Kayla's gone..." Freya hesitated, aware of the toll this ordeal had taken on me.

But I understood. With Kayla gone, pursuing anything further was pointless.

After Freya left, Clyde returned,

looking worn. "The Patterson family is in trouble now. Next time Grandpa calls, say you're feeling unwell and won't return to the Patterson

Mansion, okay?"

He tucked me in carefully before sliding into bed and wrapping his arms around me. "Melanie, I'm beat. Let's catch some sleep." "Okay." I gently held his hand and fell asleep beside him soon.

I was unsure how much time had passed when the door to the room opened. Instinctively, I opened my eyes, only to see my uncle Talbot. "Oops, sorry, sorry. I knocked, but no one answered..." Talbot cleared his throat awkwardly, and Clyde woke up, looking dazed.

"Talbot," Clyde muttered, quickly getting out of bed and facing Talbot expressionlessly.

I sat up. "Uncle Talbot, what brings you here?"

"The news of your accident was all over the inte. How could I, asz your family, not come?" He scrutinized Clyde and me, placing a gift beside us. "Seeing you both fine is a relief. I can rest easy now."

Talbot didn't stay long, but his gaze shifted between me and Clyde, looking like he was trying to ascertain something.

Clyde was noticeably cold and even

hostile toward Talbot. On the other

hand, I was visibly nervous and desperately in need of my family's support in what seemed like an impending divorce. Clyde was displeased with how I acted eventually ceasing to speak

altogether.

After Talbot left, Clyde fixed a stern gaze on me. "From now on, avoid contact with the Crawfords, especially Talbot."