Cage
Cage 49

Chapter 49

At the Patterson Group’s annual soiree, the evening unfolded with its usual flair despite the minor hiccup earlier. 1, however, found myself nestled in a corner, the fear of losing the ring gnawing at me.

Even in my self–imposed isolation, folks kept approaching, eager for a chat. Being Mrs. Patterson, politeness urged me to smile, though my patience for small talk was wearing thin. Eventually, seeking refuge, I ducked into the ladies‘ room only to run into a thoroughly inebriated Eliana Chandler.

Eliana and I shared an alma mater, but our camaraderie ended there. Since freshman year, she seemed to have it out for me. It wasn’t until a roommate spilled the beans that I understood why. Eliana had harbored feelings for Clyde, but I had unwittingly beat her to the punch.

She gave up on Clyde because her pride was hurt, and turned to bothering me instead.

I attempted to ignore her, but she snagged my arm, her words slurred yet cutting.

“Melanie, running away, heh? Feeling guilty?” she taunted.

“Eliana, you’re drunk,” I tried to deflect, struggling to free myself. It was a stark reminder of how powerless I felt, unable to shake off even a drunken Eliana.

Her grip remained firm as she sneered, “Quit your act, bitch! You once dumped Clyde for some rich guy, and now you’re back? What, the gold digger wasn’t enough, and you had to return and marry him, too? You don’t love him, and why didn’t you go to Aurorea with the rich guy? Why must you stick with Clyde?”

Her accusations stung because they spoke the truth I wished remained buried. While I had my frantic thoughts of recording her tirade for potential blackmail, Vinson, a senior from our college days, intervened.

“Miss Chandler, you’ve had too much. Let me help you to the lounge,” Vinson offered, easily prying Eliana’s hand off me.

Momentarily confused, Eliana pushed Vinson away upon recognition. “Vinson, are you out of your mind? She left with some rich guy to Aurorea, and you’re here defending her? How can you have a crush on her? She’s a liar.”

Eliana paused and added, “Oh, right. You went to Aurorea long ago. Sure, you didn’t know what happened then. Here, let me tell you…”

Unphased, Vinson summoned a waiter to escort Eliana away. I offered him a sheepish smile, apologizing for the scene. He wiped his hands, casually mentioning he remembered me leaving for Aurorea with my mother, not some wealthy suitor.

Caught off guard, I glanced away. “I should get going.”

1/2

Chapter 49

Vinson gripped my wrist softly before I could leave, fearing he might hurt me. “I was at the airport that day, spotting you with a middle–aged lady. Guess it was your mother, right?”

His eager gaze fixed on me. I swallowed hard, struggling to explain it. Everyone believed I had chased luxury abroad, unaware of the life–and–death stakes of my trip, known to only several close friends.

Before I could respond, Kayla burst into the scene, her anger palpable. “Melanie, what’s this about?”

Vinson let go of my wrist while I rubbed it awkwardly.

Kayla had changed into a less splendid dress, holding up bags of expensive garments and jewelry, a gift from Clyde.

“You have left, right? What brought you back?” washed my hands quietly, Kayla’s presence a thorn in an already tense moment.

Kayla took a deep breath. “Melanie, you shouldn’t be cozying up to other men if you’re not leaving Clyde. Since you and Clyde are back together, please return these garments and jewelry to him. They are too expensive, and I can’t accept them.”

She didn’t hand the bags to me. Nor did I take them. Her act, however, was transparent, and I refused to take the bait.

As I turned to leave, Clyde and his associates approached. Kayla suddenly ran forward, dramatically dropping the bags at my feet, simulating an accident. “Melanie, don’t be so mean. I’ll give you all these things if you dislike me.”

The sound of something shattering filled the air, her crocodile tears fooling no one. I retched, the drama overwhelming me, and fled back into the bathroom.

When I emerged, Clyde was inspecting a broken gemstone bracelet, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. Kayla played the martyr, blaming herself for my alleged fury and the accident.

“Clyde, it’s a big day today. Please don’t be mad at Melanie. It’s all my fault,” Kayla sobbed, ensuring all eyes were on her, the perfect picture of contrived innocence amidst the wreckage of a carefully planned evening.

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