When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Rachel had been staying at a hotel near the Patterson Mansion.

She didn't even wait for me to try and talk her into staying, just jumped out of the car.

I texted her that evening, telling her not to act hastily, but got no reply.

I thought she was just angry. After all, the Patterson Group's Design Department is renowned, and I figured she wouldn't throw away such a great opportunity.

But I was wrong. The next day, I received her resignation letter.

"HR needs your signature, Melanie. If there's no issue, I'll resign."

"We shouldn't have bent the rules for the hiring process. Now, quitting is even more of a hassle."

Rachel kept her head down, lost in thought.

I tossed the resignation letter aside, "Rachel, think it over. Maybe Clyde will cool off by tomorrow."

"Don't you want to work with me and Jade like we did in college?"

Back in college, our dorm was incredibly close-knit. Even though Rachel was somewhat of a loner, she'd still actively participate in our activities. We'd completed assignments and designs together and even visited construction sites as a group. I thought we had a good relationship.

But she just kept shaking her head.Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

"No, Melanie, just sign it. I'm leaving the company."

"For what reason?"

Clyde suddenly barged into my office and tore the resignation letter into pieces.

"Melanie, this is too much. You're just a director; what right do you have to fire her?"

Seeing Clyde act so cluelessly infuriated me. Men really are cutest when they're knocked out cold.

I picked up a piece of the torn letter, pointing at the words and saying, "Resignation. Have you lost your ability to read?"

"It was my decision to quit, Melanie had nothing to do with it."

Rachel stepped back, putting some distance between herself and Clyde.

Clyde coughed awkwardly, then glared at me again.

"That's because you forced her into

of the one who brought Rachel

this. into this

company; she can't

dismissed."

be

"Melanie, don't think just because you're my wife in name you can do whatever you want. This company is Patterson, and you're not the one to call the shots!"

His voice was filled with anger, and with the office door open, a crowd had gathered around.

The news about Clyde's new

romance had already spread

through the company. Without even

hearing their whispers, I knew they

were gossiping about Clyde and Rachel's relationship.

Rachel kept her head down, while Clyde stood in front of her in a protective stance.

"Melanie!"

"Clyde, are you done causing a scene? I never said she had to resign, and I won't approve it."

"If you want to continue this, please leave!"

I kept telling myself he was really sick, that something was wrong with his brain, but I couldn't help getting angry.

Rachel hesitantly reached out and tugged at his sleeve. "Clyde, I won't resign. Please, don't be upset."

Watching her gesture, I felt a bit dazed. That used to be my way of calming Clyde down...

Sure enough, Clyde immediately turned to look at her.

"You better not be lying! Even if she tries to push you out, don't worry, I've got your back."

Rachel pressed her lips together, then nodded at him.

Clyde sighed in relief. "Alright, then get back to work."

He gave me one last glare.

"Don't worry, she won't do anything to you. I've got your back."

He took Rachel by the hand and left the office, and this time, she didn't resist.

Watching him settle Rachel at her desk and carefully adjust her hair, my eyes welled up with tears again.

I angrily pulled down the blinds, not wanting to see this painful scene any longer.

Clyde, I'll remember everything you've done today!