When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

After the police had no further need of me, I hailed a cab back to Patterson Mansion. Given the scandal that had engulfed the Pattersons, staying with Jade was no longer an option. Besides, Clyde had only been feigning illness, requiring daily updates on the business to keep his remote control firm. As I pushed open the mansion's grand doors, an unexpected sight greeted me.

There, seated on the living room sofa with a brazen tilt of her chin, was none other than Kayla. Her hand rested on her belly, her eyes brimming with triumph.

In those brief seconds, my brain seemed to short-circuit, unable to comprehend the scene before me.

Lucia lounged on the couch, passing Kayla an apple with a disdainful glance in my direction.

"Some hens can't lay eggs, it seems. Kayla's carrying Clyde's baby. Isn't it time she was given her due recognition?"

Laird chimed in, "A Patterson child can't be born out of wedlock. It's time to acknowledge the lineage!"

Their back-and-forth was cut by York sipping coffee quietly, though his sidelong glances at me didn't go unnoticed.

Merritt watched the unfolding drama with a cool detachment.

Clyde approached, taking my hand, attempting an explanation, but Laird interrupted.

"Clyde, you're the last of your line. You can't let it end with you!"

"In the old days, Melanie could have been sent away for not bearing children within three years!"

Frozen by Laird's words, Clyde turned angrily.

"This isn't the past! My family's affairs are none of your concern!"

I gently withdrew my hand from his, not interested in his explanations.

Smiling, I took a seat in a corner.

"Just back from the police station. They seem interested in Ms. Osborne."

Kayla shrank back, fear in her eyes, which only irritated Lucia further.

"Melanie, what are you implying? Do you really want a Patterson child born behind bars?"

"You've always been like this. If you can't have a child, you won't let anyone else have one either. If you were capable, would Clyde need to look elsewhere?"

"Lucia, this is a family matter. Stay out of it!" Clyde interjected, trying to shield me from further insults.

But I wasn't really angry. I had never intended to bear his child.

Laird scoffed, "With your frail health, can you even bear a child? This might be your last chance!"

I caught a look from Merritt. He hadn't spoken, but his understanding was clear.

Kayla's involvement with Clyde had been orchestrated by Laird's family from the start.

Tears streaming down her face,

Kayla pleaded, "Melanie, I know you

don't like me, but the child is

innocent. You wouldn't want to see

Clyde's line end, would you?"

"Clyde, don't you want me and our baby? You've always wanted your own family."

Her words hurt not just Clyde, but me too.

I know Clyde wants children and a home.

Clyde, an orphan in the past, had only one wish: to have a family member who was connected by bones and blood, to be with the one he loved.

I struggled to keep my tears at bay as Kayla knelt before us, her tears flowing freely.

"Sorry, Melanie. I never meant to frame you. It was just that you were there."

"Isla went too far. She exposed you,

humiliating Clyde and causing the

Patterson Group's stock to

plummet. I just wanted to teach her a lesson..."

"I don't know how I accidentally pushed her. I was too scared at the time and ran away in a hurry. I didn't expect the police to arrest you. I'm really sorry."

Her casual confession of causing harm left me stunned, more so as Laird's family moved to protect her.

Lucia helped her up, "Why kneel? You've done a great service to the Pattersons. Crying during pregnancy is harmful to the baby." They put on quite the pitiable act.

I pulled out my phone, ready to dial 911, but Merritt's cane came down softly on my device.

He shook his head gently at me.

I hesitated, then nodded, putting the phone away.

Kayla was carrying Clyde's child; Merritt wouldn't ignore that.

"Take Ms. Osborne to the guest room," he instructed the butler.

Lucia signaled Kayla, who understood immediately and followed the butler upstairs.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

It was clear they intended for Kayla to stay.

Just as Kayla entered her room, the Eaton family arrived in haste.

"Not so fast, Uncle. That child might not even be ours. The Pattersons can't just accept anyone's child!" Evelyn exclaimed.

Eaton, usually quiet, was visibly upset, "Exactly, my wife's right."

He pulled out numerous photos and documents from his bag. "Uncle, there's something off about that woman, seriously off!"