When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

"Grandpa, why can't I just..."

"Leave, now."

Merritt's tone was tinged with frustration, and Clyde knew better than to argue.

Clyde glanced at me, then at Merritt, before finally exiting the study.

As soon as he left, I hurriedly spoke up, "Merritt, didn't we agree?"

We had an agreement that he would help me with the divorce, that he wouldn't make things difficult for me. But what was this?

Was I supposed to be some kind of lady of the manor, expected to turn a blind eye while my husband brought home another woman? Even if Kayla wasn't even in the running!

"We did agree, but circumstances have changed."Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Merritt seemed to age right in front of me, constantly massaging his temples.

"Melanie, you're a good kid. This mess is indeed Clyde's fault. He's been reckless over the years."

I kept my head down, not saying a word. Everyone in the Patterson family knew about his recklessness, but they were his flesh and blood. I was just an outsider.

Seeing that I remained silent, he sighed again.

"Clyde's not fully recovered. Kayla didn't just give him sleeping pills; there was a toxin involved."

"She poisoned him?"

The thought of Kayla being pregnant and potentially making Clyde infertile made my skin crawl. Her child would be the sole heir to the Patterson legacy.

He nodded, "We only found out recently. The toxin won't affect his health too much, but it will definitely complicate having children."

"The doctor said it would take at least two years to metabolize the toxin, and with treatment, Clyde can't father any children for three years."

I understood his implication. Given the Lairds' stance, anything could happen in these three years. He couldn't take that risk.

So Kayla's unborn child wasn't just her bargaining chip; it was Clyde's too.

I took a deep breath and looked up at him determinedly.

"Merritt, then let's proceed with the divorce. Let Kayla marry into the family. Regardless of who's backing her, her promises won't exceed Mrs. Patterson's status."

"She's a pragmatic woman. She'll weigh her options and won't collaborate with outsiders."

I was already on the path to divorce, and now with Kayla pregnant, it seemed like everyone could be satisfied.

Kayla despised me, but not Clyde, nor the Patterson family. She likely couldn't wait to become Mrs. Patterson.

It seemed like a perfect arrangement to me, and I couldn't fathom Merritt's hesitation.

But Merritt scoffed disdainfully, "Her? Dream on about entering our doors in her next life."

"Melanie, I'll repeat myself. You're the only Mrs. Patterson, and that won't change."

"I've seen your capabilities, and I understand your heart. No one is more suitable to stabilize things than you, so you and Clyde cannot divorce."

This was a complete departure from what I had anticipated. I wanted to argue, but one look from Merritt told me it was futile.

Kayla's background indeed made her unsuitable as a match for the Patterson family, something I had overlooked.

I clenched my fists, striving to keep my voice steady.

I

"Merritt, I appreciate what you did

for my mom and me back then, but Clyde and I no longer have feelings for each other. It might be best to divorce."

"No, it wasn't me who helped you then, it was Clyde. I won't take credit for that."

Merritt lifted his gaze, revealing the past.

When I went abroad, Clyde made a scene at my house for ages and then fell ill.

His grandmother fell sick, and he dragged himself between home and the hospital, which was when the Patterson family took him back.

Merritt had since devoted himself to grooming Clyde, recognizing his potential. Unfortunately, Clyde's heart was always with me.

"I found out you had gone abroad.

Back then, Clyde was surrounded by wolves When your dad got into trouble, he couldn't leave to find you, only begging me to protect your mom."

"Without him, your mom would've been killed by those people long ago. She survived until your return, all thanks to Clyde."

I caught the loophole in his story, "Those people?"

"Clyde investigated your dad's death but was obstructed. He never gave up over the years."

"You say there are no feelings between you and Clyde, I don't believe that. At least, his feelings for you are undeniable. You owe him." Merritt's gaze deepened as he looked at me.

"Melanie, I don't understand the affairs of you young people, nor do I want to. But the Patterson Group cannot be compromised."

"Clyde's parents both fell victim to schemes. Since you owe him, you should be the one to protect him."

My heart was tumultuous, struggling to find peace.

I had suspected foul play in my father's death and even in our family business' sudden financial troubles.

But back then, I was preoccupied with studies and love, clueless about corporate affairs. Then I fell ill.

It seemed everything was interconnected, ultimately trapping the Crawford family.

And my mother's survival was all thanks to Clyde?

Suddenly, many overlooked details rushed back to me.

The imported medicine for my mom, her access to high-end hospital rooms, and the specialists we could call on at any time...

I bowed my head, unable to argue.

"Melanie, I know you value loyalty and rigs. So, let's not divorce anymore, at least

noousness. So, let's not

l

not until the child is three years old."

Hearing Merritt's words, I slowly nodded.

"Merritt, I understand."