When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

The folks at Design Department III looked under the weather, but I didn't let it bother me and returned to my office.

It wasn't long before I got a message from Jade.

[Someone's trying to cozy up to me. It seems these coworkers want to join us but can't bring themselves to snub Kayla.]

[Don't worry about me. Kayla's little schemes can't touch me. Rest assured.]

I sent her a gif in response, then turned to ask my coworkers what they were in the mood for. The Design Department crew was mostly young, and even the more seasoned designers had a lively streak. It didn't take long for everyone to settle on heading out for some fondue.

Located on the fourth floor of Crestview Mall, the place was a haven for various eateries. So, after work, our group made our way to the fondue restaurant.

As we arrived, Kayla and her team from Marketing Department III strolled up in their time.

Kayla mocked. "Melanie, dear, or should I say, Mrs. Patterson, this is what you treat everyone to? Oh gosh, such poor taste. Isn't this what students would go for? How cheap can you get?"

I was used to her snide comments and didn't pay much mind. Clyde had indeed transferred a million to me. Without that, I might have had second thoughts even about the fondue.

Lina led the charge with a roll of her eyes. "We love fondue, thank you very much!"

My colleagues interrupted to support.

"Looking down on fondue, dare you never have it again!"

"You're so rich. Why don't we see you treating anyone?"

"What's the Administrative Department doing here in the Design Department? Trying to win hearts, heh?"

Kayla looked at them disdainfully. "You eat whatever your boss eats. We're off to the top-floor restaurant."

I knew the top floor housed one of the most extravagant Western restaurants, where the average cost per person could easily hit a couple hundred bucks.

Somewhat troubled, I bit my lip as I looked at her. "Ms. Osborne, you're not planning to use my marital asset to treat everyone, are you? Wouldn't that make it my treat?"

I smiled at her colleagues behind her. Some averted their gaze while others returned the smile. It seemed not everyone in Design Department III was on Kayla's side.

"Clyde gave it to me, so it's mine. You have no..." She cut herself off as I took out my phone.

I cut her off. "I certainly have the right, seeing as I'm still Clyde's wife. If you dare use our money, I'll dare to call the cops. After all, it's not your first time at the police station, right? Once bitten, twice shy. I get it. You're not scared."

Since we were past playing nice, I figured there was no point in holding back on her feelings. Even if she ended up being Mrs. Patterson, it had nothing to do with me anymore.

Kayla stormed off, and I took my group to a joyful fondue feast.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Lina reported while we ate. "Kayla only let each person order one steak, and there were no desserts. Just juice, no wine allowed. Ha, they're all complaining in the chat they might as well have stayed home with pasta."

There was a newbie complaint chat I didn't know, and even folks from Design Department III were venting. Compared to our fondue, the photos they shared in the chat made everyone agree that I had made a wise decision.

Jade nudged me, showing me her phone. Several from Design Department Ill had added her on social media and even invited her into their chat group. After they witnessed Kayla's behavior, their actions seemed to have shifted some allegiances.

After the meal, Kayla was drunk and all over me in the car, declaring her affection and promising to protect and provide for me. Under the curious gaze of the driver, I awkwardly disentangled myself, but she clung on.

Eventually, I dragged her out of the car and into the bedroom, where she suddenly burst into tears. "Mel, you're so good. Why did you have to get sick? That jerk Clyde, how dare he mistreat you? Once I'm strong enough, I'll take him down!"

Jade waved her fists a bit before collapsing. I removed her shoes and watched her with frustration and resolve, determined to help her secure her position at the company.

I recommended a company I had previously collaborated with to Jade the next day. By noon, she had sealed their first major project, energizing

everyone.

Jade ran into my office, wrapping me in a bear hug. "Melanie, look, I secured this contract myself. Oh my god, you're amazing."

Seeing her nearly speechless with excitement, I pushed her away, slightly annoyed. "Come on. It's just one contract. There'll be more. What's the big deal? Wipe that drool. You're killing me."

She offered me a coffee and eagerly helped with a few tasks. As she asked a bunch of questions about the partnership, her excitement was obvious. Then, she left, still clearly thrilled.

But I hadn't told her about my chemo session scheduled for the next day. She had her career and life, and I couldn't keep relying on her.

The next day, Jade was off early to the office while I took a leave to go to the hospital. My frequent absences had become the norm for HR since I used to be off work frequently.

But I hadn't expected to find Jade in trouble again after I returned from chemotherapy.