When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Before I left, I organized a modest funeral for Galen Brown.

His life had been a tough one, to say the least.

I knew he had long harbored thoughts of taking Talbot down with him, his words on the rooftop that day still echoed in my mind.

Even though I couldn't fix things, he was determined to find his own way out.

At the end of the day, it was all about keeping his daughter safe.

Geneva seemed to mature overnight, shedding her previously spoiled demeanor for a calmness that seemed uncharacteristic.

"Geneva, would you come back with me? I promised your dad I'd look after you."

I took her hand, genuinely hoping she would come with me.

We were the same, both without family now.

But she shook her head, saying, "Mellie, I know you're struggling too. I'll continue my studies here in Ironvale, then head to college. Lisa will help me out."

Lisa nodded in agreement.

"Melanie, dealing with the Pattersons won't be easy, especially with Clyde in his current state. You should focus on yourself for now. After all, I'm your cousin. Don't try to handle everything on your own, especially when it comes to your health, okay?"

Her meaningful glance hit home. I understood her concern.

My health wasn't great, and with Clyde comatose, the Pattersons were likely plotting their next move. Merritt had made his dissatisfaction with me clear, and I would face another tough battle when going back. Seeing Geneva's determined look, I decided not to press her further.

Given my own precarious situation, it was probably for the best that she stayed to focus on her studies and life. They dropped me off at the airport, promising to visit, though it was uncertain when we'd see each other again.

Once on the plane, Lucia's taunting voice filled the silence.

"Such sisterly love. Heard your cousin could betray her own father, and your uncle managed to get your dad killed. Quite the family genes, so ruthless!"

"Want to try me, Lucia?"

I responded emotionlessly, sitting beside Clyde's hospital bed, wiping his face.

Even that short exposure had reddened his skin slightly.

"What did you just say?"

།

Lucia was about to explode, but Laird shot her a warning glance, and she sat back down, still mumbling, "Who knows if some people did it on purpose?"

"With Clyde out, all his money and the company would go to certain individuals."

"Maybe they conspired together, one getting rid of her dad, the other her husband..."

I ignored her ramblings as if she was just spouting nonsense.

But suddenly, I noticed Merritt's gaze on me, pausing momentarily.

I continued to wipe Clyde's face, pretending not to notice his stare.

Even without Lucia's insinuations, Merritt might have reached the same conclusion. I indeed looked suspicious.

The silence on the plane was ominous; I knew everything would change once we returned.

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"And who are you to disagree?" Laird and Lucia jumped in, pointing fingers at me.

But my eyes were fixed on Merritt.

"Merritt, Clyde might wake up soon. Changing leadership now doesn't seem right. Won't you wait for your grandson?"

All I could hope for was a sliver of familial affection from Merritt, but he remained silent.

"How's my brother?"

Suddenly, a male voice broke the tension, and I saw a flicker of something in Merritt's eyes.