When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

When I got home, Clyde made a beeline for the guest room, not even giving me a chance to speak.

It was his way of shutting down the conversation, a tactic he often resorted to since our school days. Whenever he encountered a topic he didn't want to discuss, he'd retreat to process it alone before coming up with a solution.

I wasn't a fan of his silent treatment, but at most, it only ever lasted a night.

Ignoring his mood, I decided to pack some clothes and stay at a hotel for a few days, at least until I could wrap up the Aspire World project.

What I hadn't anticipated was the police showing up at our office the very next day, right after Clyde dropped me off.

"Melanie, good morning. We need you to come with us for an investigation into a missing person related to Isla," one officer said, his tone emotionless.

"Isla's missing?" I was stunned. I had just seen her account spewing slander about me online yesterday.

The officer nodded. "She's been missing for 48 hours and is completely unreachable."

"What does that have to do with my wife? She has an alibi for those 48 hours."

Clyde stepped in front of me, putting himself between me and the officers.

"Mr. Patterson, your wife is a person of interest in this case. We need your cooperation," the officer insisted.

Before Clyde could retort, our colleagues began to gather around, sensing the drama. I quickly touched his arm to calm him down. "They're just asking for cooperation. I'll go with them."

"Tell everyone to get back to work. It's nothing."

Reluctantly, Clyde released me, his protective stance softening only after Gemma rushed over, looking panicked.

"Mr. Patterson, there's an urgent situation that needs your attention," she said, her eyes darting nervously to the officers and back to us.

I nudged Clyde. "Business first."

“I'll be right behind you once I'm done, don't worry."

With that, Clyde hurried off with Gemma, and I followed the officers to the station where I provided my alibi for the time of Isla's disappearance.

"Officer, I've been swamped with work recently. And frankly, Isla doesn't have anything I'd want to blackmail her for," I explained.

She still needs Kayla to give her money, so she definitely wouldn't have enough money to be kidnapped.

The officer, still skeptical, showed

me a photo of a man and asked if recognized him. I was uncertain. İ felt like I had seen him before but couldn't place him.

"That's the man who took Isla!"

"You're saying I hired him? But I honestly don't know him."

"You were just hiring the kidnapper. Tell me where the victim is."

The voice of the police suddenly rose, but I became even more puzzled.

I have seen this person before, but I really can't remember, and what does it have to do with Isla?

"Sorry, I don't know him"

"Why don't you start with this person and see if he has a grudge against Isla or if he has taken money from anyone?"

At this point, I knew I had to be honest, but I really didn't know this person either.

The police tried to intimidate me

further, but it was clear to me that while Isla had targeted me and Clyde with false accusations, we had no reason to abduct her.

"Melanie, stop beating around the bush. We have evidence!"

"You were seen with this man at your company's café and the hotel, and you gave him money."

“That's impossible,” I countered, knowing well I hadn't given anyone any money, let alone a kidnapper.

The officers then presented a bag of jewelry, claiming it belonged to me and was pawned for a significant sum.

Laughing at the absurdity, I

explained, "Sorry, officer, but you

clearly don't understand my

household. Those jewels? I couldn't

even access them without mye

husband and his secretary's permission."

"And for the record, I've had issues with Kayla before, even involving the police. Plus, I haven't been home recently."

The officers exchanged glances, clearly doubting their stance as one rushed out, presumably to verify my story.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Thinking about Kayla once going to my house to get my jewelry, I always feel that this matter may also have something to do with her.

When Kemp, my attorney, arrived without Clyde, I was told about a major incident at a construction site that required Clyde's immediate attention.

"Don't worry, they can't hold you for more than 24 hours without solid evidence. I'll talk to them," Kemp reassured me. "Where's Clyde?" I asked, sensing something was off, especially recalling Gemma's panicked expression earlier. Clearing his throat, Kemp finally admitted, "There's been a serious accident at the site. There are casualties."