When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

When the clock signaled the end of my workday, I hopped into a cab and headed straight for the Patterson Mansion. I knew Clyde wouldn't be there to pick me up. As expected, upon my arrival at the Patterson Mansion, Clyde was already inside, looking out of place among the lively chatter of the gathered crowd.

Lucia greeted me with a smirk, pulling me inside. "I was just saying, our daughter-in-law sure knows how to stretch a dollar. Your bag must be at least five or six years old by now. Could it still fetch a few bucks in a yard sale? And look at you, someone might mistake you for an intern, oh dear..." Lucia had always had a sharp tongue. She had once hoped to set Clyde up with her friend's daughter, but I had unexpectedly won Clyde's heart instead. Since then, she never missed a chance to throw a barb my way.

I smiled, letting her comments slide. Most of the Patterson family were well aware of my situation and saw me as a bit of a joke.

Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and quickly covered her mouth. "Oh dear, what am I saying? What you wear or use is up to Clyde's permission, right? Otherwise, you can't even open your wardrobe."

It was common knowledge among the Patterson family, and their looks of disdain were all too familiar.

Clyde's face stiffened, and he stared at me with displeasure. I knew I was an embarrassment to him. But what could I do?

"Lucia's right. I have no right to use things around the house as I please." I kept my smile, nodding politely to Lucia and the others.

Merritt, the elder patriarch, coughed loudly and waved me over. "Melanie, come sit down. I hear you've gone back to work. Why put yourself through all that hardship?"

He was from the older generation, believing a woman's place was at home, not meddling in business affairs. Unfortunately for him, being a traditional housewife was the last thing on my mind.

I sat beside him, listening as they discussed business matters.

Laird Patterson scoffed at me, "A pauper's daughter just doesn't get it, making the elders wait for dinner."

Lucia interrupted, "Exactly, she showed up at such an important family gathering without a proper dress or jewelry. What a sight."

Clyde remained silent as his family criticized me, never speaking up in my defense. But I was done taking it lying down. I glanced at the necklace around Lucia's neck and raised an eyebrow. "Having no jewelry is better than wearing fakes. Lucia, your emerald looks about as genuine as a beer bottle."

When the Crawford family was affluent, I had seen my mother wear countless pieces of exquisite jewelry. I could tell a fake from a mile away.

Only Merritt had made a name for himself among his generation. The others were living off his coattails. Laird had taken over the family business but was struggling, often looking for handouts.

Lucia glared at me. "What nonsense are you spouting? What would you know, coming from such a humble background?"

Suddenly, felt nauseous and rushed

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but was wrong. After violently

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throwing up, I felt weak and dizzy.

Someone handed me a glass of water. I rinsed my mouth without a word of thanks.

"What's going on?" Clyde asked, his tone mixed with suspicion and concern.

"Just an upset stomach," I said.

He didn't press further, instead asking the staff to bring me another glass of water. After drinking it, I felt slightly better.

He watched me quietly, then asked, "Why didn't you ask me to open the wardrobe?"

I laughed coldly. "Clyde, don't you

find it ridiculous? I need your permission to wear my clothes. Each time I call Gemma, do you know how she speaks to me? You might not find it embarrassing, but I

do.

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I tossed the glass aside, no longer wanting to look at him.

He grabbed my wrist gently, a softer approach than before. "No wonder you've lost weight. If you're not feeling well, take a break. Why push yourself?"

"You wouldn't let me take a break, remember?" I said, trying to pull away, but he wouldn't let go. He seemed to recall the incident, at a loss for words. We stood there, locked in a stalemate, until Evelyn approached with a smile, prompting Clyde to release me.

"Melanie, don't be too hard on Lucia.

After all, you're part of the Patterson family. It wouldn't do to embarrass ourselves. It's one thing among family, but what if outsiders were present? That would tarnish the Patterson name."

Evelyn always had a way of veiling her insults with a smile. I returned the gesture, opting to remain silent.

Once she left, Clyde's gaze lingered on my neck, then he sighed. "Things will change from now on."

I looked at him, puzzled.

He added, "From now on, the wardrobe, the jewelry box, it's all yours to use freely. No need for anyone else's permission."

I offered a faint smile. "No need. I don't want it."