Cage
Cage 13

Chapter 13

“Melanie, what did you just say? I dare you to repeat it!” Clyde let go of Kayla’s hand and stormed to where I stood.

Rocky growled again, prompting the officers to pull him away quickly.

I cleaned my tears and looked at Clyde coldly. said we’re getting a divorce. Are you deaf? You are acting like this even in the police station. We had nothing left between us, Clyde. Let’s have a good ending. Let’s divorce. I’ll take my dog and make way for your mistress.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks. I wasn’t sure if I was acting or if the pain was real.

Something flitted across his eyes before he became enraged again. “You’re divorcing me over a dog? Am I worth less to you than a dog? I swear I’ll remove that mutt today, and nobody can stop me.”

I held Rocky close as Kayla grabbed Clyde. She was practically gleaming with excitement. “Clyde, let it go. Why lower yourself to argue with a beast?”

As Kayla spoke, her eyes gleamed, all victorious–like at me.

Brenda spat in disgust. “Shameless creature. Can’t you see, Clyde? It’s not about the dog. Melanie is divorcing you because of everything else, right?”

The police station was buzzing with people, and bystanders began to interrupt.

“The mistress blames the wife, and the husband defends the mistress? What a shame. Just get a divorce.”

“Such a big man, taking his anger out on a dog? That says a lot about his temper. Could be an abuser.”

“Young lady, if it comes down to it, file for divorce. Isn’t domestic abuse exempt from cooling–off periods?”

As the crowd started to get riled up, the officers quickly intervened, ushering us into an office. I knew it was just a domestic dispute. Clyde might have moral issues, but that wouldn’t be enough to get him in real trouble.

I saw a young officer rush over and whisper something to his colleagues, their expressions changing as they looked at Clyde. The Patterson family’s powerful heir was someone they didn’t want to offend. In the end the police gave him a stern warning, and that was that.

As we left, a young female officer looked at me with sympathy. “It’s hard to judge family matters, but… if you need to, consider filing a lawsuit.”

She didn’t say much, but I was grateful. It was the most help she could offer within her

Chapter 13

capacity. I nodded at her, then left the police station with Rocky and Brenda.

Outside, Kayla was fussing over Clyde. “Clyde, your wound’s reopened. It’s bleeding.”

The tiny bloodstain on his arm was nothing compared to what I had endured the day before. What was the big deal? I glanced at them and walked away without a word.

“Melanie, stop right there!” Clyde’s commanding voice echoed, but I didn’t stop. Rocky tried to turn back, but I nudged him gently.

Clyde shouted, “Scum of the earth, why bother with it? Waiting to get bitten?”

Rocky whimpered and nuzzled my leg. I patted his head and kept walking. I wouldn’t turn back for that scoundrel, not ever.

Clyde seemed ready to follow, but Kayla’s whiny voice stopped him. “Clyde, I’m having an allergic reaction again. It’s so itchy.”

Brenda looked worriedly at me, but I shook my head and hailed a taxi.

There was no allergic reaction for the entire time at the station, and suddenly, she was itching, huh? Her skin was as sensitive as her personality. How fitting.

Rocky wanted to stay with me when I got home, but I pushed him gently toward Brenda

Brenda began, “Melanie, my son’s settled in Aurorea and wants to bring me over.”

I clutched the leash tightly.

“Brenda, then…” I didn’t know what to say. As a neighbor, she had done more than enough. But if Rocky stayed with me, there was always the risk he’d get hurt if I wasn’t around.

Brenda stroked Rocky’s head and looked at me. “I know you and Rocky are close. You’ve raised him from a pup. You need the company, especially now. But Melanie, your husband might kill him one of these days. If you can bear it, let him go with me.”

I stood frozen, unable to speak.

Brenda didn’t have to do this, but she wouldn’t stand by and watch an innocent–life get hurt. She waited patiently for my decision.

As time ticked by and I heard Rocky’s soft whimpers, I decided. “Brenda, would you take him? I’ll cover the costs.”

Brenda asked, “Are you sure?”

I cleaned my tears and nodded firmly. “I’m sure.”

It was better with her than with me.

That day, I made Rocky his favorite meal, my cooking skills aside. Apart from him, no one appreciated my culinary efforts. We spent the night together on the couch, my tears

soaking his fur.

“Rocky, so many people never get to travel abroad. You’re lucky. I’m giving you all my luck, buddy. You have to live a good life. When you’re gone, I won’t have any weaknesses. I’ll live better, I promise.”

Chapter 14