When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 29

Clyde seemed stunned by my indifference, his eyes filled with confusion as they met mine.

It used to be me chasing after him, and then, all of a sudden, declaring I didn't need him anymore must have been a shock. But maybe he didn't understand that my change of heart wasn't so sudden.

Suddenly, he became agitated, pinning me against the bathroom counter. “Don’t need me anymore? What’s that supposed to mean? You know Mrs. Patterson has a flurry of social events to attend. How can you ‘not need’?”

I looked at him coldly, devoid of any emotion in my gaze. When I needed him the most, he wasn't there. And he insisted on offering himself when I'd moved past that need?

“What are you smirking about?” His frown deepened.

I pursed my lips, letting out a soft sigh. “Clyde, why bother? If you're looking for a presentable Mrs. Patterson, why not go with Kayla? A necklace of tens of thousands, the latest designer handbags, and your affection, she’s the most presentable. She’s the perfect Mrs. Patterson, isn’t she?”

I pushed him away, annoyed, and returned to the dining table. There was no point in arguing any further. I was past the age of wanting to argue with him. In just three years, I felt like I had aged thirty. I was tired of fighting.

Clyde followed, sitting down with a huff.

Lucia looked at me with a forced smile. “Melanie, how long have you been feeling nauseous? Have you been vomiting a lot?”

Evelyn appeared concerned as well. “Are your periods regular?”

I knew what they were insinuating. They thought I was pregnant, which was laughable.

Before I could respond, Merritt slapped the table with enthusiasm. “Well, well, looks like the Patterson family might be expecting! It must be. It must be so!”

Seeing his joy, I didn’t have the heart to shatter his illusion. But perhaps it was better to know some things sooner than later to save from greater disappointment.

I sipped my red wine under the astonished gazes of the ladies and slowly spoke up, “No, I’ve just been having some stomach issues, not pregnant.”

Lucia visibly relaxed, leaning back in her chair with a lazy posture. “I thought as much. After all these years without news, I thought the hen would finally lay an egg.”

Laird coughed loudly, silencing her.

Evelyn chuckled awkwardly. “No worries. You’re both young. You're quite thin, which might make it difficult to conceive. You need to take better care, and in time, it will happen.”

In reality, both families would like to see me remain barren forever.

If Clyde had no heirs, the Patterson family would eventually be theirs.