When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

When I finally came to the private hospital, I felt my brain was still rebooting. Seeing Eliana's worried yet somehow disdainful face was a relief. At least someone had saved me.

With her cheeks flushed with anger, Eliana stared at me and exclaimed, "Melanie, you're unbelievable. You were drugged and nearly choked me to death!"

"I'm so sorry. I had no idea what I was doing," I apologized, shaking my head vigorously, not wanting to imagine what I might have done to make Eliana blush like that.

Eliana flicked my forehead lightly. "You owe me one, big time."

I promised, "I'm forever in your debt. I swear..."

She cut me off, thrusting her phone at me. "Save the promises for later. Deal with your mess first."

The video on the screen left me dumbfounded. It indeed was me, stark naked, in the arms of a man whose face was blurry in the dark, his profile vaguely resembling Vinson. And to my horror, the scene of our entanglement was none other than a restaurant's private dining room.

I didn't need to read the comments to know the inte must have gone wild, just like I did.

"You said you saved me, and he, I..." I stammered, my words jumbled in confusion. I instinctively touched my body, earning an eye roll from Eliana.

"I got there just in time. What are you looking for?" Eliana took her phone back. "Thinking they've got something on you? With deepfake technology, who can't fabricate evidence?"

I numbly nodded, beginning to grasp the full extent of the trouble brewing. Despite platforms swiftly removing the content, I knew the underground circulation was relentless. A five-minute video was enough to ruin my life.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Grabbing my phone, I saw it had blown up with calls. From close friends to the curious, everyone had reached out.

Worriedly watching me, Eliana mentioned, "I've spoken to Jade about this and told her not to worry. I've also secured the restaurant's surveillance footage, but only the part where I escorted you out. The rest has been tampered with. Should I clear the air for you? The restaurant is a friend of my dad's."

I clutched the phone, silent, possibly guessing who was behind it, but shocked at their audacity. “Eliana, can you find out why only that dining room was available?"

Eliana answered, “I asked. With all the rooms booked, orders placed, and payments made, no one showed up. It was all paid in cash. The person wore a cap and mask, unable to recognize. Even if you could see..."

She didn't finish, but I understood. Even with a clear view, the wealthy could easily dodge blame.

Clyde's call came through just then, and I hung up directly. I could almost hear his words by looking at the forty-something missed calls.

Puzzled, Eliana answered her ringing phone. "Hello? Yes..."

"Is Melanie with you?" Clyde's voice came through, prompting Eliana and me to exchange looks before I silently nodded.

Eliana replied, “Yes, she was drugged, and I brought her to the hospital."

Within minutes, Clyde rushed into the room. He hugged me tightly, and I struggled, gasping for air. "Are you trying to kill me? Clyde! Murder is illegal!" He quickly let go, asking, "Are you okay?"

Eliana winked at me and swiftly exited the room.

Clyde pressed, "Why were you out with Vinson again?"

I said helplessly, "Someone set me up."

"I knew!" Clyde roared, surprising me.

Despite having seen the video, Clyde still believed me. He buried his face in my shoulder, his expression pained. "Melanie, what am I going to do with you?"

We had argued before, and it always ended with him not knowing what to do with me, eventually giving in.

Usually, it was my fault, even though I'd never admit it. It was different this time.

I repeated it. "Clyde, it's a setup."

"I know that." Clyde looked at me, eyes red and filled with grievance and anger. You shouldn't have been out with Vinson. I told you. We're not doing business with him. If you hadn't gone, none of this would have happened. Do you realize how this

you

affects the company? Ha 19

seen what they're saying online..."

"Clyde, do you hear yourself?" His words erased the fleeting moment of solidarity: I looked at him, devoid of emotion. He wasn't the sunny college boy anymore. He was Mr. Patterson, heir to the Patterson family fortune.

Clyde continued, "Melanie, given the media's impact on our business..."

I cut him off. "Clyde, whether I met

l

with Vinson or anyone else, those out to get me would have found a way. The Patterson Group's reputation isn't tarnished by my actions but by those stirring the pot, which you know."

Seeing his eyes filled with hurt and a hint of rage, I knew he didn't see it my way. He wished I'd stay home, at the office, commuting together, playing the part of the enviable yet scorned Mrs. Patterson.

"Clyde, I'm tired. Let's get a divorce..."

Before I could finish, Vinson burst through the hospital door. "Melanie, are you okay? Did the drugs do any permanent damage?"

"Vinson, you bastard!" Hearing Vinson's voice, Clyde suddenly lunged at him, fists flying.