When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Honestly, the thought of having kids wasn't exactly on my immediate to-do list. But after losing all my family, I suddenly got why Clyde was so fixated on the idea back then.

At least he had a grandmother who treated him like her own. Me? I've got no one.

If I could find someone to love or maybe have a child of my own, that would mean having a family again.

The thought of fertility clinics abroad and sperm banks sparked a new hope in me.

Who says you need a man to have a child? If I want one, I'll have one. If not, then not.

Right now, my priority's supporting Clyde, getting my health in check, and uncovering the truth behind my dad's death.

When I got home, Clyde was there, not at work, but cooking dinner.

"Why are you home?" I asked.

"I came back for some documents. Saw you weren't here and thought I'd make you dinner. Didn't you say you were feeling off?"Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

I glanced at the shoes by the door, realizing he'd worn his sneakers out, probably to go grocery shopping.

This morning, all I could think about was getting to my appointment, completely missing these little details.

"Where'd you go? Thought you weren't feeling well?"

He watched me cautiously, but I didn't want to say a thing.

Everything that needed saying was laid out yesterday. It's just that he didn't believe it.

He looked like he wanted to press further, so I swiftly changed the subject.

"What if you're not at the company and York pulls some stunt? What's Merritt thinking, letting you two compete? And he's trying to meddle with the Aspire World project, too. I've pushed back, but he might try again."

Kayla's just a thorn in my side at the company, but York's a different story.

Merritt bringing him in? That's practically a declaration of war.

I don't know what their deal is, but York's arrival can't be simple.

Clyde's expression turned serious with the mention of work.

"Grandpa said he's just here to help. I can't say much; after all, I'm not the majority shareholder."

I nodded, knowing most of The Patterson Group's shares were still firmly in Merritt's grip.

Even the 3% stake given to me at our wedding was more symbolic than anything, promised to transfer only if we had kids.

"Let's start by vetting our partners more carefully. We can't have another Apex Group fiasco."

Though the previous issue was temporarily resolved, who knew when it might flare up again?

With Kayla around, similar problems were bound to resurface.

"Don't worry, I've sent someone to check. It'll be fine."

Clyde had anticipated these issues, easing my concerns.

Yet thinking of our current projects, I tentatively asked, "What about the overpass? The Patterson Group can't handle such a massive project alone."

"Aspire World's team is capable, and they have the funds, what do you think?"

The project had passed the design

phase, but construction and paperwork were still huge hurdles. With The Patterson Group stretched thin, partnering with Vinson would be ideal.

But I knew Clyde had reservations, likely unwilling to collaborate.

As expected, Clyde rejected my suggestion outright.

"I won't partner with Vinson. This project is our last cooperation."

His tone was almost petulant.

We were all in the same circle; not collaborating was unrealistic.

Yet he glared at me, "I won't give Vinson a chance to get close to you. He's

ha een after you since school, gill intentions."

I sighed, removing my wig, causing Clyde to freeze momentarily.

I shrugged, "See, even you're taken aback. Imagine him?"

"I'm not exactly a beauty anymore, so relax."

"That's not the point!" Clyde hurriedly tried to fix my wig, failing to get it right.

Finally, he deflated, pulling me into a hug.

"Melanie, don't be with him. You promised me, no divorce."

"Don't worry, I'm not the type to cheat." I replied, my tone indifferent.

I could feel Clyde stiffen before pushing me away, his eyes wounded.

"You still can't forgive me, can you?"

"What do you think? If you were me, would you forgive yourself?"

After saying that, I headed for my room.

Managing to coexist peacefully was already my limit.

He blocked my path. "Melanie!"

Then, his phone buzzed. I was relieved, but then we learned of a supply issue.

The manager from our confirmed supplier had vanished with the

money, leaving us without mael

feral projects. Content`

"Damn it, now of all times? Several projects are waiting on these supplies!"

I had warned Clyde not to rely solely on one supplier. It's always smarter to diversify.

"Melanie, I need to travel to find another supplier. You..."

"No, I'll go."

I stopped him. "With York at the company, I can't rest easy. You need to hold down the fort."

"I'll find us a supplier. Trust me."