When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 9

Having landed the gig, I didn't want to waste any time. After all, I had to make money.

Post-operation, my mind was still super sharp even though my body was all weak.

When I called Lina, her voice trembled with emotion. "Melanie, you finally reached out. I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

Last year, Lina joined us as an intern before becoming my assistant. She was a bit of a free spirit but earnest and dedicated to her work. Most importantly, she could handle isolation, a necessary trait for design work, making her perfect for the position.

Before leaving the company, I had arranged for someone to look out for her, but it seemed she wasn't doing well. I cleared my throat, instructing her to bring me the plans and designs for the Radiant Systems project.

She hesitated. "Melanie, didn't you drop that project? I'm not sure they'll hand them over if I ask for the files."

I said, "Just say Clyde asked for them. Also, tell HR I'll work from home for the next few days, and you're my assistant again."

I needed my people around when I returned to work. I couldn't afford to go solo as before. Besides, I might need to keep working indefinitely to afford my medical bills.

Lina was dumbfounded when she arrived at the hospital. "Melanie, you get hospitalized because of the tumor..."

I extended my hand weakly. "The files, please. Don't worry. The surgery went well. I'm not dying anytime soon."

But I knew my condition might recur. All I could do was cherish each day and strive to make ends meet.

With tears streaming down her face, Lina handed me the files and a laptop. "I figured you wouldn't have brought yours. Use mine for now. How are you supposed to work like this? Mr. Crawford is out of line!"

Her sobs grew louder as she lamented how Clyde had abandoned all his responsibilities to be with Kayla.

"They're scuba diving, cruising... Kayla is posting about it all over social media. And here you are, hospitalized, and he's off playing with his mistress? Men are all jerks!"

I tapped her head lightly with my pen. "Don't lump all men together. It's just Clyde who's the problem."

After a while, she went out and returned with some fruits, trying to smile. But she hesitated to speak when looking at me.