When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Feeling the cold rush of liquid into my veins and catching the distinct scent of antiseptic, I instantly knew I was in the hospital. Maybe the stress over Jade's situation had weakened me further. I was prone to nosebleeds and fainting spells lately.

No wonder the doctor insisted I needed someone by my side. Without Jade, I probably would have been a goner several times over.

When I finally opened my eyes, I saw Jade had dozed off beside me. I struggled to reach for a glass of water, but a forceful hand beat me to it, handing it to me.

"Awake? How are you feeling?" Vinson's large hand rested on my forehead, its warmth easing my dizziness.

After gulping down some water, I felt a bit more energized.

Jade suddenly looked up, her hair a mess. "Melanie, why did you faint again? Haven't you been eating right?"

Her voice was hoarse as a raven. I quickly stopped her from speaking further.

"Enough, if you keep talking, you're going to wreck your throat. I'm fine now, aren't I? It's just, you know, the chemotherapy..." I abruptly stopped, realizing Vinson was still there. How could I reveal my condition to him?All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Jade awkwardly attempted a smile. "Well, he called, and I panicked... He knows now."

She resignedly bowed her head as if bracing for my scolding.

Turning mechanically to Vinson, I saw sympathy and reluctance in his eyes.

Vinson asked, "Why didn't you tell me? No wonder you've been fainting and bleeding. Melanie, don't you consider me a friend?"

I was at a loss for words, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Thankfully, the doctor arrived just in time, reiterating my care instructions. He looked me over and shook his head. "I've told you, you're too thin. You have to eat more. I understand it's hard to eat at times, but you should try to eat some to prepare for your next chemotherapy session, okay?"

I nodded weakly, knowing I couldn't stomach much.

Vinson caught the doctor before he could leave, asking earnestly, "Is the fainting due to the chemotherapy?"

The doctor frowned and nodded, replying, "Your wife went through surgery all by herself. No matter how busy, you should care for your family." Mistaking the situation, Vinson didn't correct him but just agreed repeatedly.

Finally, he turned to me, "He didn't know?"

I nodded. There was nothing to explain.

Vinson didn't press further but helped with my discharge and drove us home. He made sure I had his number for emergencies before he finally left.

Jade watched him walk away, feeling a bit sad. "Imagine if you had ended up with Vinson instead..."

"Impossible." I was sure of it. How could I have loved anyone else when I was so in love with Clyde?

But then, everything had changed.

The HR department called Jade in the afternoon to ask about her start date. She looked at me, and I took the phone, telling them we'd go to complete the paperwork immediately.

It was better sooner than later. Who knew if Clyde would change his mind? He was utterly unreliable.

After arriving at the company, we went straight to Clyde.

He wasn't surprised to see us accepting the settlement. "Why didn't you answer my calls? You were doing it on purpose, huh? You deliberately made Kayla sufferin jail. Melanie, I never thought you could be so cruel!"

His voice was hoarse, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He hadn't slept well.

Checking my phone, I realized it was on silent.

Jade began to explain, but I pulled her aside. "Let's complete the paperwork."

"Melanie, you'd care for your friend like this. Why demean your husband?" Clyde suddenly blocked our path, anger flaring.

I was baffled, "Demean you? Clyde,

you've got it twisted. How many women have you brought home since we married? You've

embarrassed me over and over for

Kayla, your mistress. How dar

accuse me of demeaning you?"

you

I had more to say, but a sharp pain in my chest stopped me. I pushed past the stunned Clyde. "If you want to save your mistress, transfer the money. Otherwise, the deal is off."

After completing the paperwork, I messaged Clyde, telling him to go to the police station.

When we arrived, Clyde had picked up Kayla, who was sobbing in his arms. "Clyde, why did it take you so long?+was so scared. I did all for you and the company. Why can't Melanie just let me be?"

Clyde stroked her back, his affection palpable.

Watching the scene unfold, I couldn't help but smile, thinking it should make him more agreeable to the divorce.