When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Rumors spread like wildfire, especially when there's a grain of truth to them. The gossip mills were working overtime, painting Clyde as wanting a divorce, feigning amnesia to escape our marriage. Some saw him splurging on luxury goods with Rachel, others spotted him inspecting construction sites, or schmoozing with business partners.

If he's forgotten everything, why is it only me he can't remember?

The online consensus was quick to label Clyde a playboy.

Several B-list celebrities he'd previously been associated with jumped on the bandwagon, even claiming intimate knowledge of our home. Then there was the resurfaced spat between Kayla Osborne and Clyde, convincing the public he was a repeat offender, unworthy of trust.

As the wronged woman, I garnered sympathy, while Clyde and Rachel faced vitriol. Yet, it was the Patterson family's reputation suffering the most. "Melanie, why the rush?" I was scolded.

"You know how much impact this online mess can have on the business!"

This was the first time the patriarch had lashed out at me, and I had no words in my defense.

Even Jade had mentioned, perhaps we both were at fault.

But the damage was done. It was time to salvage what we could, not let the situation spiral further.

Fenton, concerned for my wellbeing, had accompanied me back.

Seeing Grandpa's anger, he quickly intervened.

"Great-uncle, I was there. This isn't Melanie's fault."

"Clyde's been a bit out of sorts, still in the hospital. Maybe we should just try to keep things quiet for now."

"And how do you suggest we do that? Admit he's mentally ill?" The speculation that Clyde might have intermittent psychiatric issues was already rampant. How else to explain his alternating recognition of me?

I suspected Uncle's hand in this, but had no way to clarify.

Clyde's denial had said it all.

Not all stories withstand scrutiny, and this could give our detractors more ammunition.

Merritt glanced between Fenton and me.

"Fenton, I've heard you've handled PR abroad. What's your take?"

Fenton looked at me reassuringly.

"Everyone knows these are just

rumors. Clyde got hurt trying to save Melanie. À clarification wouldn't hurt. As

for the company's affairs, better not to explain. Just show that the couple is still strong."

With an apologetic glance, Fenton suggested, "I've heard from my mom... Melanie, this might be tough,

but perhaps the baby could

ens.net

My eyes widened, and I asked, "You mean announce the pregnancy?"

He nodded, saying, "Show your relationship is strong, and with a baby on the way, plus some official press releases, we'll be fine.

"Keyboard warriors follow the crowd. Prove your relationship is solid, and the rumors will die down.

"I'll divert the attention with some celebrity gossip, and soon no one will care about the Patterson Group's drama."

His plan was sound. Announcing the

pregnancy could, at least

temporarily, shift the narrative. As long as those in the know kept quiet, this storm too would pass

Yet, I couldn't shake a feeling of unease.

But Merritt was nodding along, making the final call.

"Fenton, get in touch with the Patterson Group's PR team and work out a plan."

"Let's not terminate Melanie's pregnancy just yet. At least, not until this blows over."

I gently touched my stomach, feeling a deep sadness.

My child, born into a battle to clear the name of a man who didn't love his mother.

But with no other options, I exhaled deeply, "Grandpa, I'll do as you say."