When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

As I looked at the ring that had been my companion for three years, my throat tightened with emotion. The joy I felt when I first wore it was equal to my sorrow.

Clyde could never truly understand how I felt, and I had no expectations for him.

"Melanie, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were hypoglycemic. You must have been scared. That was why you sold the ring, right? I've had Gemma transfer a million dollars into your account. You can use it however you like and don't need to pawn anything anymore."

Clyde stood up, looking at me with deep affection, even attempting to slip the ring onto my finger again. I stepped back immediately, my eyes void of any emotion.

He had found the ring according to Jade's instructions and even redeemed it for me, but he never bothered to find out what was wrong with me. I wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad. It seemed he wasn't so concerned about my condition, yet he pretended to show deep affection.

Seeing my reluctance, he pulled a large diamond ring from his pocket, the one he gave me for our anniversary. "I bought this ring for you. It's only too big because you've lost weight, it wasn't meant for anyone else."

He stubbornly pushed the ring into my hand. I hesitated as I looked at the ring. He seemed to make sense, but I didn't care anymore.

I put the ring back into his pocket. "I can't accept such an expensive ring."

After all, we were getting a divorce. Keeping such an expensive ring felt inappropriate.

He seemed angry but immediately restrained himself, taking out our wedding ring. "I know you're nostalgic. The big diamond isn't practical for everyday wear. This one is better."

I went to the point. "Clyde, since I sold it, I don't want it anymore. You don't have to return it to me."

I took the ring and put it on the table.

The ring meant nothing to me, just like this marriage.

When Clyde was about to say something, Kayla burst into the room without knocking. "Clyde, do you like my dress? And this is the latest handbag. The white is just so cute. And this bracelet is finally in stock! Look, how shiny."

"Ms. Crawford, what are you doing here?" Her smile faded as she glanced at the rings on the table, then scoffed. "So, you're here for the ring, huh? How could I forget Ms. Crawford loves money? Do you also want to take that gemstone jewelry? Gold-digger?"

I looked her up and down, noting her expensive clothes, bracelet, and handbag, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Ms. Osborne, bought them with your salary? Is an assistant's salary that high?"Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Her face turned green in anger, and she pitifully clung to Clyde's arm. "Clyde."

She spoke his name so sweetly that it was enough to melt anyone's heart.

Clyde fixed his gaze on me, pondering.

Seeing no support for her, Kayla grabbed the ring from the table and slipped it onto her finger. "Perfect! See? Fits perfectly! Melanie, it's as if this ring was for me. You waste all the effort Clyde puts into you you heartless woman!"

I watched as Clyde went to her, taking her hand. I turned and pushed open the office door. It seemed everything was tailor-made for Clyde eAgirl looked somewhat like me, and even the ring size matched the old me. It seemed it was time for the original to exit the stage.

Before entering the elevator, I saw Clyde running toward me. I hurriedly closed the elevator doors. It was Jade's first day on the job, and I couldn't miss it.

Arriving at Marketing Department III, the atmosphere was awkward. It was my first time there, and I couldn't name them, although I had seen many of these people before.

After a brief introduction of Jade, there was scattered applause. I knew the idea of a parachuted leader was hard for everyone to accept, especially since this department seemed to have a close connection with Kayla.

One of the young men looked at Jade with disdain and a hint of fear. I guessed he was the one who had stolen Jade's design, which explained his guilt.

Jade seemed undeterred and

enthusiastic. Everyone, we're all part of the same department now, and I hope to get along with you all. Today's my first day at work, so how about I buy everyone a drink tonight? It'll be a good opportunity to get to know each other."

She smiled warmly, but the others seemed hesitant.

I quickly tried to smooth things over. "Ms. Scott didn't mean anything by it. She only wants to get closer to everyone. If today's not good, we can pick another day."

A girl nearby handed me her phone, and I saw Kayla had invited the department for dinner.

"Sorry, Ms. Scott, but the manager, Ms. Osborne, mentioned that she was hanging out with us this morning, and we all agreed, so..."

All eyes turned to me, and I nodded in understanding. "Today is definitely too short notice. Let's schedule for another day. I'll take Ms. Scott and colleagues from the Design Department I and II out now. That's settled then."