When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

The day after, Brenda told me she had sorted everything out, and that was when I realized she was supposed to leave early that morning.

"Melanie, I've wanted to talk to you about this for a while," she started, her voice laced with a hint of hesitation. "But I was worried about how it might affect your recovery. I was on the fence about taking Rocky with me. I only went through with the paperwork because I thought, what if you couldn't take care of him?"

Brenda's son had been urging her to move to Aurorea for the longest time, but she was in a dilemma because she was concerned for me and Rocky. To speed up her departure, her family even shelled out more cash.

I insisted on giving her the money, but she shook her head at me. "Sweetheart, I know things haven't been easy for you. Which family around here is short on cash? Only you."

My financial struggles and my poverty were an open secret in our neighborhood. Clyde bringing women home was no news to anyone. To them, I was a pitiful, tragic figure.

I never hid my troubles but also never spoke of them voluntarily.

Maybe only Clyde thought he was being super good to me, what with all the money he'd given me, more than a lot of folks could bring in their whole lives.

Leaving the airport and watching the planes overhead, I didn't know where Rocky was, but I knew he'd be well-cared for and have a long, happy life. Returning home to the empty house, it felt devoid of warmth. Despite it being summer, the place was chilling to the bone.

The doctor had advised me to keep up my nutrition and take my medication with more chemotherapy sessions in the pipeline. I cooked myself pasta, but it was so awful that I left it untouched.

Back in my room, lying in bed, I thought about how starting work the next day might help shake off this feeling of loneliness. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep.

That was until Clyde, reeking of alcohol, climbed into bed, startling me awake. "Babe, why didn't you wait up for me?"

He was drunk, his head bobbing against my shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of hurt.

I tried to push him away, but he was pressing down on my sore spots without realizing it. "Babe, why have you lost so much weight? Why aren't you eating? I saw the pasta you made for me. I ate it all. It was delicious."

Clyde continued, "I bought you some cupcakes and iced coffee. Come on. Get up and have some. Eating more will help you gain some weight." He clumsily got up, fetching a bag from the doorway.

When I saw the packaging, tears welled up in my eyes. It was from the cheapest bakery near our school, always bustling but not particularly good. I always chose the least expensive options to save money.

Watching Clyde insert the straw into the coffee and bring it to my lips, I couldn't help but take a sip. It tasted terrible, all artificial flavor. But I smiled genuinely for the first time in what felt like forever.

He placed the coffee on the table, gently wiping away my tears. "Once you've had my coffee, you're stuck with me. No talking about divorce, okay? Who will buy you cupcakes and coffee if you leave me, dummy?"

I stared at him, feeling dazed. Was he drinking because I mentioned divorce at the police station?

His kisses then came, tentative at first, but soon, I returned them passionately, feeling as if my heart was finally complete. He carefully laid me on the bed, his hand creeping under my shirt.

"No, Clyde, stop!" I didn't want him to see my wounds, nor did I want to be back in the hospital.

He looked at me, confused, and then

his gaze drifted to a dog hair on the pillow. He frowned slightly, picking it up and squinting at me. "Baby, is your aftergy gone? I'll get rid of theNôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

dog soon. No more distractions for us.

I felt as if something exploded in my head, my blood running cold. The allergy wasn't mine. It was Kayla's.

Pushing him away with all my strength, I slapped hard on his face, leaving my palm aching.

He was sober, looking at me with ice-cold eyes.

I pointed to the door, gasping for breath. "Get out, you bastard. Just get out!"

He licked his lips, sizing me up before adjusting his shirt. "You think I'm interested in you? I must have mistaken you for someone else. You're repulsive as you are now."

He grabbed his jacket, glanced at the coffee on the table, and tossed it into the trash.

The door slammed shut, and I finally let myself cry. Clyde, you bastard!

Arriving at work the next day,

everyone stared at me in shock. A sleepless night and recent weight loss made me look ghastly. But I had to work, even if I looked like a ghost. At least I was a living one.

Kayla walked in while I was briefing on the upcoming meeting. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson, I mean, Clyde, sent me to oversee your work."

"You're overseeing us?" I gave her a sidelong glance.

Kayla straightened her hair pridefully. "Yes, after all, I'm Mr. Patterson's assistant. I naturally have the authority to oversee all company matters." "Cut the crap. The team from Radiant Systems will be here any moment."

"Melanie, bring out your previous creative proposals. I'll be leading the meeting today."