When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Clyde's gaze held a touch of sadness when he looked at me.

I had never imagined the Patterson family would be like this. Merritt's regard for Clyde was, after all, because he truly had the capacity to shoulder the Patterson Group.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

But soon, I let go of my concerns. Such a massive corporation naturally needed a capable leader, or it would have crumbled long ago.

Thinking back on the grandfather's words and realizing I owed Clyde, I couldn't help but offer words of comfort, "Don't worry, I'll help you through this tough spot."

"Melanie!"

Clyde gripped my hand tightly, and I awkwardly patted his, subtly withdrawing mine.

"Let's head home, I'm exhausted."

I was indeed worn out. Given my current health, making it this far was already pushing it.

Clyde followed closely behind, just like back in our school days.

Yet, my heart felt calm, occasionally drifting to the thought of Kayla's unborn child.

I had lost my appetite, and when Clyde ordered some porridge, I barely took a few bites before setting it aside.

Clyde looked at me worriedly, saying, "Skipping meals with your low blood sugar is going to make you faint even more easily."

I smiled at his remembrance of my condition without a word.

He then offered me a box of fruit slices, "You should at least eat some fruit, right?"

"You need to take care of yourself. Let's do it together, and one day, we'll have our own kids."

His gaze was intense, rendering me speechless.

I wanted to tell him I wouldn't have his children.

Let alone my inability to conceive, even if I could, I wouldn't bear his child.

But the words never left my lips.

"What are you planning to do about Kayla's child?" I suddenly asked, catching him off guard.

He seemed lost for a moment before steadying his gaze on me, "I'll start with a DNA test. Technology's advanced enough now that we don't need to wait for the birth."

"And then?" I asked, emotionless.

"If the child wasn't mine, I wouldn't admit it and would hold her responsible.”

"What if it's yours?"

I asked without much emotion.

I suspected the child was his. Kayla was keen on becoming Mrs. Patterson, using her leverage as best as she could.

Considering the time Kayla and he had been together, I doubted they were always careful.

Clyde ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Melanie, believe me, it was only twice with her, and both times, we had been drinking, I..."

He seemed at a loss for words.

"Yeah, I believe you."

I didn't believe him at all...

He was never one to compromise himself. The women around him over the years could form a beauty

pageant, and he was to nor

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novel?get

Especially with Kayla, who always acted high and mighty around me Without Clyde's affection for her," where would she get the confidence?

I pressed further, "What if the child is yours? What then?"

Clyde sighed deeply, pounding the table before hanging his head low.

"Melanie, if the child is mine, I'll take responsibility."

Who this "responsibility" referred to, I wasn't sure, but I knew it wasn't me.

Merritt had said, no talk of divorce until the child turns three. And after that?

Clyde could have more children, and naturally, it would be my time to step aside.

I nodded emotionlessly.

He was right to take care of his child.

Lifting his head, Clyde's voice cracked, "You know I grew up without parents, just my grandma."

"Even if the child is Kayla's, I can't bear the thought of my child growing up without a family." "Melanie, do you understand?"

"Clyde, I do." I truly did.

Back in school, he and his grandma relied on each other, never once living off my wealth.

Just as he started making strides in his career, his grandma fell ill, and we were breaking up... His words now made complete sense to me.

If Clyde neglected his own child, that would be the real tragedy.

The next day, we went to work together, attracting curious glances.

Lina approached me with a conspiratorial whisper, "Melanie, Kayla's been transferred to logistics."

I nodded, already aware from Clyde's mention yesterday.

Lina buzzed with excitement, "People were saying she was pregnant, but now there's talk she just sprained her back pretending."

"If she was really pregnant, Mr. Patterson wouldn't have her working, right? Looks like he's done with her."

I remained silent, not wanting to dwell on the topic.

Without Kayla's antics, my work progressed smoothly.

However, York's interference in the marketing department, particularly his desire to take over the Design Department's projects, caught me off guard.

Especially with the Aspire World collaboration, he boldly claimed full responsibility.

"I know Ms. Crawford has been leading this, but Grandpa appointed me to oversee key projects, so I must comply, right?"

His smug demeanor was all too clear, using Merritt's name to pressure me.

The Design Department colleagues were visibly upset, but I gestured for them to calm down.

Then, turning to York, "You understand design? Great, why don't you take the lead, and I'll assist." "With the recent incidents of designs being misplaced, you should join in, right now."