When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Clyde guarded his phone like a fortress. It was off-limits for anyone but him.

Yet, there we were for the second time. When the cops called, Kayla answered. It was the same story when I tried reaching him.

"If it's no big deal, I've gotta go. We're busy," Kayla said, her voice dripping with a smugness that made it clear she relished emphasizing "we" as if I needed a reminder that they were together.

"Tell him to call me back after his shower," I managed, my voice trembling from rage and pain, which amused Kayla greatly.

"He'll be too busy after his shower to call you," she retorted, her tone light and taunting. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. It's all the same."

I couldn't help but smirk at her audacity, even though the pain made it hard to focus on the conversation.

"Kayla, your little trip to Westbridge with him is from marital assets. Those cozy pictures of you two are evidence of an affair during the marriage. Or would you be keen on returning that money if I pursued legal action?"

That seemed to hit a nerve. Kayla's voice pitched as she snapped back, "Melanie, don't push it! Calling me names won't change the fact that Clyde is over you. Dream on. All you care about is money. You are a selfish gold-digger. Clyde regrets marrying you every single day. You want money, heh? Dream on. You could be dying, and he wouldn't spare you a glance."

The call ended abruptly, her words leaving a bitter taste as I stared at the dark screen of my phone. A part of me wondered why I was even fighting to stay alive. Shouldn't I be pleading for help instead?

"Melanie? Melanie!"

The curtain around my hospital bed flew open, revealing Jade Scott, disbelief etched across her face. "Why are you here? Did you have surgery? What happened? Did you relapse? I thought they said it wouldn't come back after the surgery."

Jade bombarded me with questions, leaving me speechless.

Finally, while Jade caught her breath, I asked, "Why are you here?"

She nodded at the bed next to her where her grandma was lying. "My grandma is here. I bolted here right from the airport."

"And you? What's going on? You're sick and didn't tell me? Where's Clyde? Was that Clyde's mistress on the phone? He's sunk that low?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of her words hanging in the air. My condition meant I couldn't leave the hospital even if I wanted to. When she saw my silence, Jade's frustration grew. "Why didn't you call me? You can't handle this alone."

I reached out, taking her hand in

mine, fighting back tears. Jade had been my college roommate and one of my closest friends. I had

considered calling her when I found out my cancer had returned, but she was in the midst of a critical international competition.couldn't distract her.

Attempting a smile, I said, "The surgery went well, didn't it?"

She squeezed my face gently. "You look awful. Don't force a smile. And Clyde? He didn't even show up for your surgery? What a jerk."

I'd heard similar sentiments before and quickly changed the subject. "You're here at the perfect time. I need a favor."

I took off my earrings and ring, gesturing toward my bag. "Could you pack these up and sell them? The bag was seventy thousand new. Find a decent buyer for these. The jewelry might not fetch much."

I planned to repay her generosity with the most expensive bags from my collection as soon as possible.

Clyde's call came through as I contemplated which bags Jade would prefer. The moment I answered, his tirade began. "Melanie, expecting money without working? You've got some nerve."