When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Kayla really seemed to be in a rough spot, looking all worn out and pale, with her spirit nowhere to be found and blood on her arms.

I had no clue how she got injured, but seeing her in such a sorry state, I bet even Clyde found it hard to turn her away.

I stepped back, silently giving them some space.

Clyde shot me a glance, then coldly offered, "I'll have my driver take you to the hospital."

"Clyde, please, I want you with me. I'm scared," she whimpered, snuggling into Clyde's embrace with an ease that suggested they had been close like this before.

Tears streamed down Kayla's cheeks like there was no tomorrow, drawing looks from the crowd gathering around. Clyde finally caved.

"Melanie, I'll go with her to the hospital," he said.

I nodded, not wanting to make a scene.

Watching them leave, the young officer I had met before peeked out again.

"Ms. Crawford, you are... remarkably composed," she remarked.

I just smiled and shook my head. What else could I do? I've gotten used to it over the years.

Seeing a familiar face, I quickly caught up with her.

"Officer, I have a feeling this wasn't all Mack's doing. There's something fishy going on."

I shared my suspicions again, but the officer seemed troubled.

"Ms. Crawford, the case is technically closed. The evidence we have forms a complete circle, and with Mack's confession, it's pretty much wrapped up. Unless he changes his story, it's hard to reopen the investigation."

“And it's unlikely that he could bear such a big crime alone."

"But if you have any other evidence, you should bring it to us," she added.

I shook my head, feeling a bit disheartened.

There are no coincidences in this world; most are the result of human action. But without access to Mack, I was stuck.

Instead of heading home, I went straight to Vinson. The Aspire World project couldn't be delayed any further; I knew postponing it would cause significant losses.

When I arrived at Aspire World, Vinson was still in a meeting, so I waited in his office. It was a spartan space, nothing fancy, much like Vinson himself.

I found myself reminiscing about college days. Even when he pursued me, he never went for the grand gestures.

Instead of flowers, he'd bring bags full of snacks for my dorm mates, claiming it was to help me carry them up. Daphne was definitely one of his biggest fans back then.

Even during finals, it was Vinson who'd prepare study materials and send them to our dorm electronically. For graduation, even though he couldn't make it back in time, he still sent gifts for everyone in my dorm.

As I was lost in these memories, Vinson walked in.

"Sorry for the wait, things have been hectic. Have you been waiting long?" he asked.

I awkwardly explained the situation to him.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Mack hadn't backed up the data, meaning we had to redo the design and calculations from scratch.

"I can remember part of it, but there are many details that need the team's input," I admitted.

Although I was the lead designer, the Aspire World team had put in a lot of effort, and there were many details I wasn't fully familiar with.

Vinson considered me for a moment, then asked, "Did you get a CT scan? You might have a concussion."

I had almost forgotten about the assault. Truth be told, I did feel a bit dizzy, but I knew the project was important.

Seeing my condition, Vinson insisted, "Let's go to the hospital for a check-up first. We can talk about work later."

Thankfully, the hospital visit

confirmed it was just a minor injury, and there was no serious damage to my head. The attacker clearly didn't intend to kill.

Vinson breathed a sigh of relief, then broached the subject of work again.

"Maybe someone else from your company can take over. I'm worried about your health."

I quickly objected, knowing it would take longer for someone else to get up to speed, potentially delaying the project even more.

He seemed to understand, "How long do you think it would take with overtime?"

"If the team collaborates, or if Jade could help, we could wrap it up in a week, including the final review," I suggested.

"Though Jade's pretty swamped with her own projects, like the Chandler family's restaurant design."

Vinson then offered, "How about I help out?"

"You?" I was taken aback, then remembered we had the same major.

"Yeah, I was your senior,

remember?" he said with a playful wink. "might be a bit rusty, but can manage. Ms. Crawford, care to lead the way?"

His offer brought a smile to my face. Vinson had always been capable, a stand-out even back in school.

To expedite the project, I ended up working late into the night at Aspire World's Design Department, with Vinson jumping in to assist.

By the time we looked up, it was already past midnight.

"Melanie, let's call it a night. It's getting late, and you need to take care of yourself," Vinson urged.

"Just one more section, and I'll be done," I insisted, my eyes glued to the screen, till someone grabbed my hand.

Clyde's displeased voice filled the

What's this? Thinking of

seem

1

ship to Aspire World? You

pretty dedicated to your work."