The Gilded Cage

Perhaps it was the damage from the fall, but when my daughter was born, her health was extremely fragile—high-needs, allergic to almost everything, and refusing formula.

Her tiny face was swollen and bruised, and she cried all night, every night.

I was the only one there, an exhausted new mother struggling to care for a fragile newborn.

Desmond nodded in understanding.

"Ms. Warren, you've been out of the workforce for too long. If you join us, you'll have to start from an entry-level position. Is that alright?"

Without hesitation, I nodded. "That’s fine."

He stood up and shook my hand.

"Then welcome aboard."

As I returned his handshake, my heart pounded violently.

The same way it had when I found out I had been accepted into Langston University.

It felt like... I just took the second step in my life.

…

The next day, I stepped into the office.

Desmond looked at me with an apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry. Your offer has been revoked."

I froze. "Why?"

He swallowed hard, then cautiously pointed in a direction.

"Our company was just acquired. The new CEO said... we can't hire you."

I followed his gaze.

Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting a golden glow around the man sitting in the leather executive chair.

He was tall, dressed in a tailored suit.

Beneath the slate-gray trousers, black socks wrapped around his ankles.

The leather chair slowly turned.

He had a sharp nose, thin lips, a prominent brow, and strikingly defined features.

The only accessory on him was a watch worth seven figures, exuding quiet luxury.

Suppressing his anger, he spoke in a low voice.

"Elaine Warren, have you had enough? Your daughter is waiting for you to come home."

His gaze swept across the office, glancing at the yellowed walls and the outdated water dispenser, before his lips curled into a mocking smirk.

“How much are you even making here? A little over a thousand a month? I’m busy. I don’t have time for your games."

I lifted my eyes, looking at the man I had been entangled with since I was twenty.

Now, in my thirties, I suddenly found it laughable.

I heard myself say softly, "Go back? For what? To take care of your little mistress during her pregnancy? Daniel Sterling, I’m not that pathetic."

Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I’ve told you a thousand times—I was drunk that night. I don’t remember anything."

The sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed in the office.

The door opened just a crack, and a pair of nude-colored heels stepped inside.

Scarlett Snow walked in, dressed in a sleek business suit.

Beneath the slate-gray skirt, her long, fair legs stood out.

Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and though her stomach had a slight curve, her figure remained slender.

She placed a stack of documents on Daniel’s desk and spoke softly, “Mr. Sterling, here is the acquisition contract for this company. Please review it.”

It felt like a heavy blow, landing squarely in my heart.

I took a deep breath, forcing back the sting at the corners of my eyes, and stared at him coldly.

"How thoughtful of you. Coming to see your ex-wife and bringing along your pregnant mistress."

Daniel’s brows furrowed as he replied impatiently, "Scarlett isn’t like you. She’s my chief assistant. If I didn’t bring her to a merger, who else would I bring?"

He lifted his gaze, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Oh, right. You wouldn’t know anything about that. You’ve never worked before."

Each word was a blade, cutting deep.

It felt like a damp cloth was pressed against my heart, heavy and suffocating.

At eighteen, I was a rising star, the top student in the province.

A bright red banner with my name swayed at the entrance of my school—everyone knew who I was.

The townspeople beamed with pride, their smiles warm and genuine.

"Elaine’s going to do great things one day!"

At twenty-two, I was the student body president.

I represented Langston University at an academic conference in Velocity, standing before thousands, speaking with fluency, confidence, and unwavering poise.