When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

The night turned tempestuous with lightning tearing through the dark sky, followed by the roar of thunder, and then the heavens opened up, pouring rain like there was no tomorrow.

Gazing out the window, I had this sinking feeling that sleep would elude me tonight.

As soon as the rain started, Clyde's phone rang.

He handed it over with a totally resigned look. "Your turn. I don't want to deal with this woman. Just take the call. Or better yet, get one of those voice- changing apps."

Seeing Lisa's name flashing on the screen, I couldn't help but wonder about her obsession with Clyde. What was the rush?

I rolled my eyes at Clyde, hit the answer button, and switched on the speakerphone. I reached around to give Clyde a playful pinch in the side.

"Ouch!" He glared at me while Lisa's voice came through, "Clyde, what's wrong?"

“N-nothing, just hurt my hand trying to pick up the call hurriedly." He grabbed my hand tightly and pulled me beside him on the couch.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

"Ms. Lisa, what's the matter?"

"Oh, what's the rush? You can call back later. Did you hurt yourself? I'll make it better when I see you." Lisa's voice was flirtatious, clearly in high spirits.

But in the next moment, her tone shifted to one of self-pity. “The thunder is so loud, and the wind... I'm scared, Clyde. Can you come over and keep me company? It's all Melanie's fault. I said I hated hotels, but she insisted I stay in one. The house is so big. Why can't she make room for me? Oh, god..."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

How is that on me? If she wanted to stay, she needed to talk to Clyde about it.

Clyde squeezed my hand. “Uh, it's unsafe to head out right now. The streets are flooded."

I almost burst out laughing. Clyde could easily navigate those puddles in his SUV. But catching his warning glance, I wisely kept silent.

“Oh, I was just babbling. How could I possibly ask you to risk it?" Lisa's voice was thick with a feigned sob. "It's enough to know you care. Can we chat for a bit?"

"Sure, yeah..." Clyde was about to drown in discomfort, but I kept reassuring him, nudging him to keep the conversation going with Lisa.

Five minutes in, Lisa began to take

jabs at me. "Melanie has always been rebellious, hasn't she? Beautiful and pursued by many. You've had your share of suffering chasing after her, right?"

"She only hangs out with kids from wealthy families. Back when we were poor, she wouldn't even look my way. That's why she probably doesn't remember me."

"She's still after money, isn't she? Look at what she wears. You've bought her everything."

Lisa had a way with words, never hitting the nail on the head but making her insinuations clear.

Clyde and I exchanged silent glances, and he winked at me. "Yeah, well, women always want something, don't they? That's why can't let her near the business. You know her family friend, Galen, the former accountant for the Crawford family, huh? I'm always worried she might mess with my finances."

I squeezed his hand back, marveling at his ingenuity.

His voice carried a tone of faux grievance as he playfully bit my fingertip.

"Galen? The Crawford family's old accountant?" It seemed to take Lisa a moment to recall who he was, then she scoffed. "Don't worry Nobody will side with Melanie, especially not Galen."

Clyde immediately pressed. "Why's that?"

Lisa smirked, "Because he won't show up anymore."