When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

For reasons beyond my grasp, Clyde has always harbored hostility towards me.

I couldn't figure out who he thought I was in his eyes.

Back in college, Clyde wasn't short of admirers. Despite knowing he had a girlfriend, girls were lining up, ready to throw themselves at him.

Clyde was always one to keep himself to himself, naturally detesting the attention from these women.

He never gossiped about these girls behind their backs; he'd just straightforwardly tell me he'd rejected someone today, without getting entangled in any drama.

I used to admire his gentlemanly behavior, but now, I just wish he'd remember who I really was to him.

But then, looking into his eyes, I sighed. It seemed I was the classic case of being too close for comfort, and now the trouble had found its way to me.

I tried to explain patiently, "The company has rules; even a parachuted-in designer needs a legitimate reason."

"Isn't my girlfriend reason enough?" Clyde's words nearly choked me.

"Your girlfriend? I'm your wife!"

"You're not!" Hearing me claim to be his wife made Clyde's face turn red.

"Even if you were, you must have done something shady while I was out cold! I only have one girlfriend. My girlfriend loves flowers, snacking, designing, traveling, cherishes romance. What do you love? Don't say you love me! Melanie, stop bothering me, or I won't be so polite next time." Rachel, standing by, had turned pale.

Everyone knew she had avoided snacks in college to keep her figure, always eating measured portions.

Due to her family's moderate income, she never joined in on school trips.

And she had a boyfriend in her freshman year but ended things claiming he was too romantic for her taste, unlike Clyde's down-to-earth nature... Clyde was projecting all my interests onto another woman.

Fenton stepped in to mediate once again.

"Bro, have you lost your mind..."

"It's your mind that's gone! Aren't you supposed to be studying abroad?"

Clyde was back to his junior year self, cold and dismissive to anyone he didn't see eye to eye with.

Fenton was at a loss for words. "I've

е

graduated from my master's! Bro you're confused right now. I won't stoop to your level, but the company interview is still a must."

"I've already been fast-tracked into the company. Adding one more person would just cause unrest, and nobody would accept it."

I understood what Fenton meant. It was one thing for Fenton and York from the Patterson family to be involved.

But Rachel, this "girlfriend" popping up out of nowhere was too bizarre.

We just

uldn't let the rest of the

company catch wind of Clyde's

be

issues, or we'd definitely

for some trouble.Cent

Fortunately, Laird and his family were away today, and the grandfather would ensure no one spoke out of turn.

What did it matter if Clyde had another woman by his side? Hadn't it always been this way over the years?

Besides, Kayla had also arrived at the company under mysterious circumstances...

I was about to suggest skipping the interview when Rachel spoke up.

"Clyde, I'll go through the interview process. It's only fair to treat everyone equally in the company, right?"

Her voice was soft, but it immediately soothed Clyde's irritation.

He took a deep breath, "Alright, you'll have your interview tomorrow. I'll arrange it."

"Mel, don't worry. It's just a formality. Besides, I believe in your You've won several designContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

l.ne

college, no problem at al

Went

He reached out to hold Rachel's hand, but she subtly stepped back, her face stern.

I looked down, at a loss for words.

The design awards in college were mine, but clearly, he didn't remember that either.