When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

After Rachel left, the Design Department finally returned to its usual pace of work.

I knew Rachel still wanted to shine in her field, and I'd occasionally throw some minor design tasks her way. She accepted them gladly.

But every time she came in to submit her designs, she looked worn out.

Deep down, I felt guilty. The whole mess with Clyde was never meant to drag her in.

Whenever I tried to apologize, she'd just wave it off.

"It's fine. I've landed a pretty good job now, haven't I? No need for apologies."

And so, I'd end up saying nothing.

Just a week later, the HR department buzzed with news again - Rachel had taken over Kayla's role, becoming the executive assistant.

If Kayla's promotion had shocked everyone, Rachel's advancement even had the Pattersons talking.

When Fenton approached me, worry was evident in his eyes.

"Melanie, I'm really sorry. I had no idea things would turn out this way, or I wouldn't have recommended our senior to join our company. I heard at last night's business dinner that my brother brought her along..."

"It's fine. She's his assistant, it's normal for her to attend such events with him."

I kept my gaze fixed on the documents before me, pretending not to care.

This wasn't the first time Clyde had shown up with Rachel. While he used to be somewhat discreet with Kayla, with Rachel, he was openly treating her like his girlfriend.

Fenton kept apologizing, but I knew it wasn't his fault.

I wasn't even sure whom to blame.

Blame Clyde? But he did it all to save me.

It felt like maybe it was just my bad luck.

My workload had increased, keeping me busy every day.

The company was rife with rumors, most thinking Rachel was set to usurp my position, and that I'd be out on the street soon.

Regardless of the gossip, I kept my head down and worked.

Especially with York Patterson occasionally coming out of the woodwork to hassle me, I found myself caring less and less about Clyde.

As long as he was alive and well, that was enough for me.

Thankfully, Fenton was always there to lend a hand, blocking York's attempts to undermine me multiple times.

I knew his situation wasn't easy either, but there wasn't much I could do.

Except for the Pattersons, York hardly showed respect to anyone else.

After finally revising the new proposal, I had to go to the construction site to verify the design.

York volunteered, "Melanie, let me

accompany you. You've been

looking pale lately. Didn't

you

wen again?"

I nodded. "Not much of an appetite."

had been off for a while,

My apping on medication to t

out

the cancer. I couldn't figure

I was pushing myself to work every day because stopping meant my mind would wander.

Seeing Clyde's affection for Rachel reminded me of what Kayla once said: The one not loved is the other woman... Lost in thought, we arrived at the construction site where Vinson Russell had already started the initial checks.

"You've lost so much weight. Haven't been eating well?"

Concern filled his eyes, but I just shook my head, trying to dismiss it.

For some reason, the dizziness hit me again.

"It's nothing, let's focus on the site..."

I reached out to him, but my body fell backwards.

When I woke up, I overheard the doctor and Vinson talking.

"Her body really shouldn't be going through pregnancy, this child is ill-timed."

"Has her husband not arrived yet? The family seems quite irresponsible."

Barely awake, I heard Clyde's cold voice.

"The child isn't mine. Why should I be here?"