When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

The coffee cup shattered into pieces, splattering shards that nicked my calf.

Lina gasped from the side while Bill paused, stunned. I knew Bill was angry, but not out to get me.

Then, Clyde burst through the door.

Kayla gave me a disdainful look and deliberately touched the diamond necklace around her neck.

Clyde's face was a storm cloud as his gaze bore into me. "Told you to chat with Mr. Jenkins about the plan, and you can't even manage that?"

He then turned to Lina. "What are you waiting for? Go fetch the first-aid kit."

I stopped Lina, opting for a quick dab with some tissues. "It's nothing, just a minor issue. Let's focus on the project."

Family embarrassments should stay behind closed doors. Clinching the deal was paramount.

At least to me, the cut didn't hurt one bit.

Draped in the latest from the Lauren collection and sporting somewhat over-the-top luxury jewels, Kayla flashed Bill a sweet smile. "Mr. Jenkins, you know what? Mr. Patterson heard you were coming and specifically had me pick up a gift for you. He mentioned you lost a diamond from your pen last time. It is the newest model, specifically selected for you."

She pushed the gift box toward Bill, and Bill's expression softened after inspecting the pen.

Kayla might not be the most socially adept, but a young, attractive secretary greeting you with a smile tended to soften even the most hardened executive.

And considering she was Clyde's darling? Even Bill could see Clyde's softened stance toward her. She also brought fruits and drinks, acting every bit the hostess.

Bill's people cast odd glances my way, but I focused on introducing our project. The meeting ended with everyone satisfied, and I let out a sigh of relief.

But right after our guests left, Clyde's reprimand filled the air. "Melanie, how could you botch such a simple task? Isn't project design your forte?" "I wasn't aware of the meeting." I turned to him, my expression blank.

The old Clyde never used to blame others for his mistakes. Glancing at Kayla's gleaming necklace, I understood. Buying her trinkets had delayed their return. He couldn't fault Kayla, so I became his scapegoat.

But I wasn't willing to play that role. "Mr. Jenkins called you a dozen times, but you didn't pick up. That's not on me."

It wasn't my fault. Not only had Bill tried to reach him, but I was sure the Administrative Department had as well. But why didn't he answer?

My gaze fell on a sheepish Kayla, the answer clear. A company project couldn't possibly weigh more than her tens of thousands worth of jewelry, could it?

Clyde glared at me fiercely. "Then why didn't you use someone else's phone to call me? Are you brainless?"

Seeing him angry, Kayla quickly tugged at his arm. "Clyde, let it go. We've got much work back at the office."

She pulled Clyde away, throwing a triumphant look my way.

I remained expressionless.

"Melanie." Lina tugged at my sleeve, nodding toward the door.

Several colleagues had been eavesdropping, scattering only when our eyes met. But I was used to it. They all knew Clyde's reputation for frequent companions, though Ke'd never brought them to the office. This time, it was just more public.

My phone rang. Jade had arranged a lawyer for me. After a brief handover of work duties, I left the office. Divorce seemed like the only way out to avoid being blamed for everyone else's mistakes. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Meeting the lawyer, I handed over all evidence, including two police reports and photos of Clyde with various women online.

"We have plenty of witnesses. If needed, I can access office surveillance."

Clyde and Kayla's office intimacies provided ample proof of his infidelity.

The lawyer, Cindy, looked at me sympathetically. "This is indirect evidence at best. Proving infidelity is challenging, and catching them in the act is unrealistic. Given your husband's substantial assets, a divorce settlement could be lengthy. I doubt he'd walk away with nothing."

I shook my head. "I don't need him to lose everything. I want a divorce but can't leave with nothing."

I hadn't earned much over the years, but my future medical expenses were significant. Without a guarantee of keeping my job post-divorce, I needed a safety.

Cindy nodded seriously. "Then it's down to property division. Given your situation, securing half isn't unrealistic, though it may take time."

I continued, "My monthly medical expenses are at least thirty to forty thousand."

"Considering a potential cancer recurrence and an ideal survival rate, if I could live another ten years, five million would suffice."

Cindy looked at me incredulously. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. I want a quick divorce. Everything else, including Clyde, I can do without."

On my way there, I had decided. As long as I could secure a divorce, the rest didn't matter.