When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Kayla was sobbing her heart out, making me the villain out of a soap opera, breaking up the perfect couple. But she conveniently forgot I wasn't clinging on for dear life but that Clyde wouldn't sign the divorce papers.

I had a million snarky comments ready, but with an audience this big, I couldn't tarnish the Patterson family's name.

Clyde's gaze landed on my hand, and instinctively, I covered it with my other hand.

Kayla sure had an eye for detail. Had she not mentioned it, I would've forgotten about selling the ring.

Her reminder made everyone notice.

"Mrs. Patterson isn't wearing her wedding ring. Hasn't been for a while, right?"

"I saw her at a meeting last time. She wasn't wearing it. I thought maybe the diamond was too big, inconvenient."

"I heard Melanie wanted a divorce long ago. Is that true?"

"How could Mr. Patterson not want a divorce? You're joking, right? It seems more like Melanie won't let go."

Clyde shot a menacing look around, quieting everyone right away, except for Kayla who kept crying. But he clearly didn't care about her anymore.

He grabbed my hand firmly, preparing for a showdown. I reflexively tried to pull away, but he held on tight. Still, Clyde had a sense of the bigger picture, merely giving me a sharp glance before pulling me close. "Ladies and gentlemen, my wife isn't wearing her ring because I've ordered a new diamond ring. The old one was a bit embarrassing to bring out, something I made back in college. Today, I was planning to give her the new ring. Guess the surprise got spoiled."

He clapped his hands, and someone rolled in a six-tiered cake.

I stared at him, incredulous. A company anniversary, and he bought a cake? And it had to be my once-favorite strawberry cake. It was too bad that chemotherapy made me nauseous at the sight of cream.

Clyde took a small ring box from beside the cake, getting down on one knee. His action left me in an awkward limbo, unsure whether to laugh. Was he practicing for my funeral in advance?

Suddenly, someone from the crowd shouted, "Mr. Patterson, what's going on here, a funeral?"

Clyde quickly got up, chuckling awkwardly at everyone. "Sorry, I, I'm a bit nervous."

The crowd erupted into laughter, and Clyde, blushing, got back on one knee and slipped the ring on my finger. It was indeed a massive diamond, looking like about 10 carats.

Everyone around us applauded, some even chanting for a kiss. Then, Kayla ran out, her high heels clicking loudly against the floor.

I stepped back, silently refusing to kiss Clyde. We were on the verge of divorce. Holding hands and hugging was my limit.

Kayla's exit led her friends to run

away, too. Kayla had no reason to cry. The diamond was decent, with the best eraftsmanship. Clyde must have had it rushed. No matter its value, it was probably worth a few million at most.

But as Evelyn Rut it, Kayla's gemstone jewelry was worth at least tens of millions. How rare was gemstone? Top quality stuff. Prices would only soar. Kayla truly hit the

jackpot. Compared to Cyther

women, including me, none had Kayla's deal.

Looking back at my stress over not having money for treatment, I figured life just wasn't fair.

Clyde then interlaced his fingers with mine, visibly moved. "My wife and I have loved each other for many years, and I believe we will continue to find happiness together."

I looked down, skeptical. Years of acquaintance, sure, but years of love? He could keep dreaming. As for happiness, I hadn't found it with him, and neither had he with me.

His gaze shifted to a corner of the crowd, and following his eyes, I saw Vinson standing there.

Vinson nodded at me, and I managed a strained smile.

I just couldn't bring myself to feel truly happy.

Back in our dating days, Clyde's antics seemed endearing. I pursued him at first, but he played it cool. But once familiar, he turned clingy, getting jealous over the slightest attention from Vinson.

At the moment, his act felt more like a performance. Clyde didn't love me, yet he was putting on a show.

Clyde glanced at me, then at Vinson. "When we got married, Our senior Vinson couldn't make it. Today, he's here as a witness."

Vinson nodded slightly, always smiling.

Given the gossip online, the looks turning toward us were with speculation.

"So, Vinson was Mr. Patterson's senior? Must be close with Mrs. Patterson, too. No wonder they had lunch together."This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

"I heard Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were an item since college. The senior must've known."

"Today, he witnessed it, too. Count us in, Mr. Patterson."

The mood was buoyant, as if oblivious to Kayla and Clyde's coordinated outfits. I discreetly slipped my hand away, then gingerly touched the ring. Was Clyde being thoughtful or thoughtless? The ring was at least two sizes too big, ready to slip off with any movement.

Thinking of Kayla's slightly plump fingers, I clenched my left hand, worried the ring might fall and that Clyde would demand compensation. After all, it was never mine, just a temporary adornment.