When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 211

"Word on the street is Clyde had a girlfriend back in his college days, and it's her, right?"

"How could it be anyone else? He admitted it himself. The whole 'first love returning from abroad' scenario playing out in real life? That's a first for me."

"But why did he go after Melanie in the first place? It couldn't possibly be because Melanie was desperate for a higher social standing, could it?"

The buzz of conversation hit me like a wave, making my head spin.

I tried to leave, only to be stopped in my tracks by Clyde.

"Melanie, I have no clue whose child you're carrying, but the Patterson family won't stand for it."

"I never liked you. You manipulated your way into marrying me, but I'm willing to let bygones be bygones. Let's get a divorce and save face for everyone."

His words only fueled the rumors more.

Once upon a time, Clyde and I had put on a convincing act as a loving couple.

His heroics in Ironvale to save me were well-known, even making the news.

But now, he seemed to have forgotten all that, pushing for a divorce.

This led many to speculate that our relationship was a sham from the start, devoid of any real emotion.

He was holding Rachel's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined.

Rachel fluttered her eyelashes subtly before looking at me with an expressionless face.

Her gaze sent a chill down my spine. What was going on with her?

She knew Clyde was struggling with his memory, so why let him continue this charade?

Suddenly, it dawned on me, but before I could process it, Merritt nearly fainted.

He staggered towards me, gripping my arm.

"Melanie, come with me to the study. The birthday party is over!"

Eaton Patterson hurried to support him upstairs, and I followed.

In the study, it was just me, Merritt, Eaton, and Evelyn.

"And the radiation had a significant impact on us both; it would affect the child too."

"The doctors said the child would likely be born with abnormalities, and carrying to term might not be possible. I've already scheduled a procedure."

Suddenly, Clyde burst into the room, Rachel following but staying by the door.

Clyde scoffed at me.

"I knew it wasn't mine. Why else would she terminate the pregnancy?"

"Expecting me to play the happy father? Get rid of this mess now. The Patterson family can't afford this scandal!"

I closed my eyes, unwilling to argue with someone not in their right mind.

Merritt, speechless, pointed at him, unable to utter a word.

Finally, Clyde approached the desk, locking eyes with Merritt.

"Grandpa, I know you care about me. So please, just let me have this. Rachel and I are the ones truly in love. I want a divorce from Melanie. Whether you agree or not, this marriage is over!"