When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 1

After college, I left my penniless boyfriend, chasing dreams and dollars with a wealthy heir abroad.

Two years later, I was sent packing back home, only to find my ex had made it big. He went to great lengths to marry me.

Everyone said he was head over heels, ready to let bygones be bygones.

Little did they know that he turned the table on me, changing lovers like shirts in a twisted revenge. He'd confront me, demanding why I wasn't jealous, why I didn't care.

I'd only smile back. "Why should I care when I'm gonna die anyway?"

On our third anniversary, Clyde Patterson set off fireworks by the beach with Kayla Osborne while I curled up on the couch, endlessly dialing his number.

"Sorry, the number you are calling is not available..." The robotic voice echoed again, and I passed out.

When I awoke, I was in a hospital bed, the doctor hesitating before me.

"How long do I have?" I asked calmly.

He gave a bureaucratic sigh. "With surgery now and regular chemotherapy, there's still hope."

I stared blankly at the ceiling, replying, "This is my second relapse."

Pain pierced through me, sweat beading on my forehead.

"Ms. Crawford, a new drug could inhibit the cancer cells. Each dose is $50,000."

"If you could keep up with the medication for six months after the surgery..." He stopped, knowing I couldn't afford it.

I was Mrs. Patterson, the CEO's wife, but I was penniless, delaying my treatment further.

Pulling myself up, I dressed. "Let's schedule the surgery first."

The surgery was a few thousand dollars. Maybe I could manage that.

Clutching the pendant around my neck, I felt an indescribable bitterness.

Back home, I first thanked my neighbor, Brenda.

She looked at me sympathetically. "Don’t mention it. It's Rocky you should thank. I wouldn't have known you had fainted if it wasn't for his barking. Good thing the ambulance came in time. You young folks need to look after yourselves."

Rocky, my adopted Labrador, was my savior.

One month after Clyde and I married, he brought another woman home. Their unabashed actions, loud as if to ensure I heard, were a slap in my face.