When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 24

Clyde's words hit me like a freight train. After all these years together, he knew what strings to pull, leaving no room for excuses.

I forced my eyes wide open, fighting back tears and refusing to let my eyes redden, especially not before him and Kayla. I didn't want to show weakness.

I nodded and left the office without another word in the end. Clyde was right. I had no say in the matters of the Patterson Group, and I certainly couldn't speak on its behalf.

Everyone knew I was the unwanted Mrs. Patterson, and my promises were worth only as much as I could personally uphold. But I had to take responsibility for this mess. I owed Jake an explanation.

When I arrived at his office, Jake smashed a coffee mug on the floor right before me. The mug shattered with a loud snap.

"Melanie, this isn't how we handle things. Do you know how much I've had to adjust our production schedule for the Patterson Group project?” Jake exploded. “Now you're pulling the rug out from under me? Is this your way of saying you don't want to work with me?"

I was at a loss for words. The Patterson Group had decided to go with Apex Group, leaving no room for a deal with Jake. I kept apologizing, trying to calm his anger.

But Jake was livid, standing up abruptly and shoving me toward the door.

Suddenly, I felt something trickling from my nose, and then I saw the shock in Jake's eyes. "Melanie, Ms. Crawford, Melanie!"

I gently touched my nose and saw blood on my hand, momentarily stunned.

Jake then yelled, "Call 911, now!"

I wanted to tell him I was okay. It was probably just a side effect of some medication. But I couldn't utter a word, collapsing to the ground.

I didn't lose consciousness entirely. I was vaguely aware of people lifting me onto a stretcher, chaotic footsteps around me, and someone repeatedly calling my name.

When I finally came to, night had fallen.

Jake and his wife were by my bed. Seeing me awake, they hurried over.

"Ms. Crawford, are you okay? How are you feeling?" Mrs. Stone looked genuinely concerned.

I shook my head slightly and immediately apologized, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Stone. I couldn't secure the deal, and now, you get caught up in this mess."

The Stones insisted on driving me home, but I refused. I was willing to appear vulnerable for work's sake, but I didn't want pity from anyone.

Returning to the apartment felt suffocating.

If I could, I would leave this place. I was already planning my exit. When I opened the door, the cold emptiness of the living room greeted me. Seeing a figure on the couch, I instinctively grabbed a vase from the shoe rack.

"Huh, you don't recognize me anymore?" Clyde stepped forward, turning on the living room light.

Squinting, I finally saw his furious expression. I didn't engage, simply switching to slippers.

But he grabbed my wrist, pinning me against the wall. "Why didn't you answer your phone? What are you trying to do? Isn't work your priority? Do you know how many things got delayed because you weren't there? Can you take responsibility for that?"

He seemed genuinely angry, his grip tightening to the point where I thought my wrist might break.

I inhaled sharply, then glared at him. "If you break my wrist, would that be considered assault? I could file for divorce for domestic abuse. Have you thought about how much you'd have to pay me?"