When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Before I could fully wake up, the scent in the air told me I was back in the hospital, and it seemed to be the same room I remembered.

I moved my hand slightly and then slowly opened my eyes, to see Clyde rushing over to me.

"Melanie, how are you feeling? Anything hurts?"

His eyes were filled with concern, reminding me of our college days.

"Can't you just carry some sugar for your hypoglycemia? Didn't you open the stuff I bought for you? There was a box of chocolates in there, easy to carry around."

He unwrapped a piece of chocolate and popped it into my mouth.

Then he tried to give me a bottle of water, but I just set it aside.

The doctor walked in, looking exasperated at me.

"Melanie, what were you thinking? Didn't I tell you about keeping your..."

"Doctor, I'm sorry, I should have just carried some sugar with me."

The doctor glanced at Clyde but didn't say anything further.

He knew I didn't want anyone else to know about my condition, so he wouldn't spill my secrets.

Clyde was panicking, "Doctor, is hypoglycemia this serious? Can she just faint anytime?"

"It wasn't a faint. Someone knocked me out." I didn't want Clyde to keep pestering the doctor, so I quickly brought up what happened today.

I thought having Clyde get the footage would prompt Kayla to act.

But I was attacked first, proving my luck was as bad as ever.

Touching the back of my head, I then removed my wig to reveal a significant bump.

"I was hit here. We should probably call the cops. I suspect someone intentionally infected my computer with a virus and stole my video evidence."

After giving a brief rundown of events, Clyde's brows furrowed in concern.

"I'll call the police right away. Don't worry; I won't let anyone hurt you."

His vow sounded so earnest, yet I couldn't even muster a smile.

Trouble found me even within the safety of the Patterson Group, and he hadn't noticed I was attacked, making me doubt his protection.

Before he could call, his phone rang.

Hearing the other side, Clyde stood up immediately.

"Mack confessed? He attacked Melanie? Where is he now? Did he confess to everything? Alright, I'm heading to the station right now!"

After hanging up, I had my shoes on and was ready to go.

"Let's go. I'm involved in this; might as well sort it out myself."

Clyde, however, was reluctant, insisting I stay back for a check-up.

But I was equally persistent.

"My computer data is linked to several projects. I must go, in case he has backup data."

Seeing my determination, Clyde finally agreed to accompany me.

The fact that Mack was behind this felt odd to me.

But all I could think about was if Mack had copied my project materials, we wouldn't have to worry about the project's progress.

At the police station, Mack had indeed spilled everything.

Not only did he confess to

intentionally infecting the Design et

Department's computers with a virus, but he also admitted to attacking me out of guilt.

"Ms. Crawford, a forensic team will examine your injuries soon. You can also press charges and seek compensation.”

“He's facing charges for stealing trade secrets and assault. We'll see what the court decides."

After giving my statement to the police, I asked to see Mack, but he refused.

"He said he couldn't stand the idea

of a woman being a director and harbored resentment, not wanting you to complete such an important project." Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"And he doesn't want to see you or anyone from the company. I think you should consult a lawyer about compensation soon."

Mack, just a designer, couldn't possibly afford to compensate for the entire project and was likely facing jail time.

Yet, I felt there was more to this than just him acting alone.

"Officer, he was drinking with us that night, completely wasted. How could he possibly return to the office?"

The officer checked his notes, "He claimed he was faking it. There

many in the business world wheret

can

21 t

hold their liquor, you wouldn't know."

“He went home then doubled back to the office, thinking you'd never suspect him.”

"And why did he confess?" That was what puzzled me more.

With no evidence pointing to him, and even having an alibi proving his absence from the office, why confess?

"He was afraid he had killed you. After all, killing the boss' wife would mean a definite death sentence, better to confess."

This reasoning seemed plausible, yet something felt off, and I couldn't pinpoint what.

As I finished questioning, Clyde hurried over.

"Are you okay? Does your head still hurt?"

I shook my head, then whispered, "Something's not right. I think there's someone else behind Mack.”

"Are you sure? Any evidence?"

After thinking for a moment, I said, "He was definitely drunk that night, and with everyone there, timing doesn't add up."

"And then there was Kayla that night..."

Before I could finish, Kayla burst in.

"Clyde, Clyde, are you okay? I heard there was trouble at the company."

Her arm was bandaged, seemingly injured, which explained her absence from the office today.

I wanted to say more, but she wedged herself between us.

Then, looking shocked at her arm, she choked up and grabbed Clyde's sleeve. "Clyde, my wound reopened, Clyde...”