When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 49

At the Patterson Group's annual soiree, the evening unfolded with its usual flair despite the minor hiccup earlier. I, however, found myself nestled in a corner, the fear of losing the ring gnawing at me.

Even in my self-imposed isolation, folks kept approaching, eager for a chat. Being Mrs. Patterson, politeness urged me to smile, though my patience for small talk was wearing thin. Eventually, seeking refuge, I ducked into the ladies' room only to run into a thoroughly inebriated Eliana Chandler.

Eliana and I shared an alma mater, but our camaraderie ended there. Since freshman year, she seemed to have it out for me. It wasn't until a roommate spilled the beans that I understood why. Eliana had harbored feelings for Clyde, but I had unwittingly beat her to the punch.

She gave up on Clyde because her pride was hurt, and turned to bothering me instead.

I attempted to ignore her, but she snagged my arm, her words slurred yet cutting.

"Melanie, running away, heh? Feeling guilty?" she taunted.

"Eliana, you're drunk," I tried to deflect, struggling to free myself. It was a stark reminder of how powerless I felt, unable to shake off even a drunken Eliana.

Her grip remained firm as she sneered, "Quit your act, bitch! You once dumped Clyde for some rich guy, and now you're back? What, the gold digger wasn't enough, and you had to return and marry him, too? You don’t love him, and why didn’t you go to Aurorea with the rich guy? Why must you stick with Clyde?"

Her accusations stung because they spoke the truth I wished remained buried. While I had my frantic thoughts of recording her tirade for potential blackmail, Vinson, a senior from our college days, intervened.

"Miss Chandler, you've had too much. Let me help you to the lounge," Vinson offered, easily prying Eliana's hand off me.

Momentarily confused, Eliana pushed Vinson away upon recognition. "Vinson, are you out of your mind? She left with some rich guy to Aurorea, and you're here defending her? How can you have a crush on her? She’s a liar."

Eliana paused and added, “Oh, right. You went to Aurorea long ago. Sure, you didn’t know what happened then. Here, let me tell you...”

Unphased, Vinson summoned a waiter to escort Eliana away. I offered him a sheepish smile, apologizing for the scene. He wiped his hands, casually mentioning he remembered me leaving for Aurorea with my mother, not some wealthy suitor.