Cage
Cage 34

Chapter 34

I felt much better when I returned to Jane’s cozy, rented apartment. Without Clyde’s presence, everything just seemed right.

Jade was all over the place, ordering pizza, sliding some apples, and ensuring I was eating well and staying healthy.

But when she was about to run out to get some fancy truffles, I quickly stopped her. “Let’s not waste money on truffles. Eggs will do just fine. Truffles don’t taste that good.”

“Are you saying my cooking sucks?” She squinted her eyes at me dangerously, but I bravely nodded.

She pouted, “Look who’s talking. Let’s agree that neither of us will win a cooking show, okay?”

I laughed genuinely, feeling light–hearted.

Then I turned stern. “Jade, I need you to replace me a divorce lawyer.”

Jade stared at me before she spoke, “Are you sure you won’t tell him the truth? He’d regret it if he knew.”

I shook my head firmly, not wanting to say. The breakup was ugly. I didn’t want him to replace me or feel guilty. Now that we lost even the initial affection for each other, why bother?

“Melanie, if you guys divorce now, and he replaces out the truth later, he’ll be devastated.” Jade knew all about the love and hate between Clyde and me and thought I was being too harsh on myself.

But I felt that knowing the truth would only make it worse for Clyde and me.

“He doesn’t love me anymore. What, do you think we’d last on pity? Besides, I haven’t loved him for years. All I want now is to live well and focus on my treatment. Who knows? Maybe I’ll make medical history.” I struggled with the last few words because. they were a lie.

I did hate him, but he was also in my heart. I didn’t know how much love was left, but it was there. So, divorcing at the moment while there was still a sliver of affection seemed like the best path for both of us.

Jade hugged me, her eyes filled with compassion. She finally nodded. “Okay, I’ll replace the best lawyer. We’re over him.”

you

I silently lowered my head, regretting ever being with him. I should have never given him a chance if it weren’t for certain circumstances. Perhaps our messy breakup had turned me into his obsession. Now, he should be able to let go with someone else by his side.

Clyde hadn’t contacted me all day.

12

Caught up in his new life, he naturally didn’t have time for his wife in name only.

I was happy to stay at Jade’s, even planning to split the rent with her. It seemed a good plan to stay there long–term.

Heading to work the following day, I felt completely different. It turned out a patient could be energetic when in the right mood.

But the vibe in the Design Department was gloomy, and nothing seemed to go right all morning. It wasn’t until Lina, close to tears, came to me that I understood the situation.

“Mr. Patterson is nowhere to be found. He didn’t answer his phone, and now, the folks from Aspire World are here. What do we do? Several documents need Mr. Patterson’s signature. And nobody from Aspire World has been greeted. Melanie…”

My colleagues felt sorry for me and tried to keep Clyde–related issues away from me unless necessary. We hadn’t sealed the partnership with Aspire World, so everyone was on edge.

I straightened my blouse. “I’ll handle it. It’s our department’s project, after all.”

Lina bit her lip and nodded, her eyes welling up, looking like she was about to burst into

tears.

When I entered the meeting room and saw the scowling faces of our guests, I knew they were upset.

“Mr. Jenkins, I’m truly sorry for being late,” I said, aiming for a smile at Bill Jenkins. Landing the Aspire World project could secure my commissions for the next few years, so I kept smiling despite his grimace.

Unfortunately, he didn’t seem inclined to make things easy, snorting in response. “You and Mr. Patterson must be too busy to remember an appointment with me, right?”

Clyde had made another promise and forgotten. I was internally fuming but continued with my appeasing grin. “Mr. Patterson is tied up with something.”

“Tied up? Call him now. Let’s see if he’s too busy to remember.” Bill pointed at me, not caring about embarrassing me before everyone.

I hastily pulled out my phone and dialed Clyde’s number.

“Sorry, the number you have dialed is off.”

Realizing Clyde had blocked me, I felt awkward, “Mr. Jenkins, as you see, his phone is off…”

Bill then showed me his phone, emphasizing how many calls he had made. “Look, I’ve called him over a dozen times. He’s just ignoring me!”

His finger accidentally hit redial, and within seconds, the call connected.

2/3

12:23

Chapter 34

“Mr. Jenkins, I’m downstairs at the company. Sorry for the delay. Please wait a moment.”

The room went deathly silent before Clyde walked in with Kayla, and right then, Bill slammed his cup down. “Mrs. Patterson, are you playing games with me?”