When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Kayla's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced my way, masking any hint of sorrow beneath a veil of smug satisfaction.

I nearly applauded her for her talent. She could have made a living on Broadway, yet she chose to play the other woman. What a waste of potential.

In no time, a crowd had gathered around us, exchanging glances that were all too eager to witness the unfolding drama.

"Ms. Osborne, you let go of the bags. Melanie didn't even have a chance to catch them," Vinson stepped before me, his gaze darkening as he faced Kayla.

Kayla's lips twitched into a barely contained smile as if she had been waiting for him to speak up.

Covering her mouth in a faux shock, Kayla mused, "Oh, you're Melanie's... Of course, you'd take her side."

Her words were intentionally vague, drawing curious looks from the crowd toward us.

Despite our efforts to clear the air about our rumored affair, skepticism lingered.

Clyde handed Kayla a jewelry box with a huff. "Your testimony doesn't count. How do we know you two aren't conspiring against Kayla?" "Partners in crime!" I couldn't help but stare at Clyde as if he had lost his mind, especially since he seemed to have forgotten Merritt's explicit instructions for today. Hadn't it been for my connection to the Patterson family, I wouldn't have bothered coming to this anniversary party.

Kayla stepped forward, her eyes brimming with feigned innocence. "I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an accident. Even though it was a gift from Clyde, I had no intention of keeping it. It's too extravagant."

I nodded silently. Yes, Kayla didn't intend to keep it and planned to shift the blame to me instead.

"Clyde, do you trust this woman over Melanie?" Vinson's disgust was palpable, his voice rising.

I tugged at his sleeve. "Forget it. He won't believe anything you say."

With no surveillance in place and Kayla having blocked everyone's view, I knew proving my innocence would be challenging. The only person who could vouch for me was not trusted.

Yet, Kayla persisted, "We can't let this go. What about the damaged jewelry?"

I knew she was looking for a way to shift the blame to me. I offered her a smile, "Aren't these considered marital assets? Why are you so upset?" Thinking about involving the police crossed my mind, but I decided against it, considering it might only escalate the situation.

When the topic of marital assets came up, Kayla's chest rose and fell with barely contained anger.

"What's all this commotion? Don't you know what day it is?" Leaning on his cane, Merritt made his way over and whacked Clyde with it.

Seeing Merritt for the first time, Kayla forced a smile, attempting to play nice. "Mr. Merritt, I was just..."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Who gave you the right to make a scene here?" Lucia's sharp voice cut through, sending Kayla stumbling. Ever graceful, Evelyn supported Merritt. "Young lady, don't ever go around fussing over nothing. The Patterson family dislikes fussbudgets. The rightful Mrs. Patterson is right here. And you are?"

At that moment, Lucia and Evelyn stood united in their disdain. Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a younger, healthier wife were to bear children.

Merritt glared at Clyde. "Aren't you supposed to be entertaining the guests?"

With Merritt's command, the crowd dispersed back to the banquet hall.

I resumed my role as the dutiful Mrs. Patterson. Thankfully, the anniversary celebration concluded without further incident.

But Merritt's anger was palpable when we returned to the Patterson Mansion. "Clyde, kneel!"

Clyde complied, kneeling with a straight back.

Merritt opened the jewelry box with disappointment and anger. "You said this jade was for Melanie. Why was it on that little tramp? And this dress, does she even deserve it? Are you trying to mock me?"

Merritt flared up. "Clyde, why weren't you with Melanie at the anniversary, giving the dress to that woman instead? Think about what the press will say tomorrow."

Clyde remained silent, only murmuring an apology after

glancing my way. I realized then something was off. Kayla's dress

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seemed ill-fitting, looking like it wasnt for her. Perhaps it was all a setup by Kayla?

Even with Clyde's shortcomings, he wouldn't risk messing up the company's anniversary with a prank.

But then again, Kayla's boldness was a product of his indulgence.

Turning away from him, I faced Merritt. "Merritt, this is between Clyde and me. Let us handle it."

I couldn't bear to see family discipline taken further. I remembered how Merritt had disciplined Clyde before for his indiscretions, leaving scars that had yet to fade.

Merritt sighed, reluctantly letting us go.

On our way home, neither of us spoke. Before entering the house, I stopped Clyde. "This is for you."

While handing him the engagement

ring I'd clenched throughout the drive, I made my stance clear. "It wasn't for me. I won't accept it. The bracelet wasn't my fault, and won't pay for it. Let's leave it at that."