August 15: Homecoming
I left Clyde's office, more questions than answers swirling in my mind. Seeking comfort, I headed home to my Aunt, Uncle, and sister.
As I walked in, warm smiles enveloped me.
"Dahlia! Welcome back!" Aunt Sophie exclaimed.
Uncle Jack hugged me tight. "We've missed you, kiddo."
Anissa's eyes sparkled. "Sis! I've got news!"
We sat down, and Anissa's words tumbled out.
"I'm engaged!"
My jaw dropped. "What? That's amazing!"
Then, she said it.
"Clyde proposed to me last week."
My mind stuttered. Clyde? Our Clyde?
But Anissa's Clyde wasn't my Clyde, was he?
I laughed, shaking my head. "What a coincidence!"
Anissa grinned. "I know, right? Clyde's an amazing guy."
As we celebrated, I pushed aside the nagging feeling.
This Clyde couldn't be my Clyde.
Could he?
August 20
Being home felt amazing. Aunt Sophie's warm cooking, Uncle Jack's gentle teasing, and Anissa's infectious laughter wrapped me in a sense of belonging.
But my stay was short-lived. Another role beckoned, this time in Europe.
As I packed, Anissa helped, her eyes sparkling with sisterly love.
"I'm going to miss you so much," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
"I'll miss you too, Anni," I replied, hugging her tight. "But I'll be back before you know it."
As we chatted, I noticed a flicker of melancholy in Anissa's eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, sensing her unease.
Anissa shrugged. "Just feeling a bit stuck, I guess. Acting's not taking off like I hoped."
My heart went out to her. Anissa had always dreamed of becoming an actress, but success had eluded her.
"You'll get your break, Anni," I said, conviction in my voice. "You're talented and dedicated. It's just a matter of time."
Anissa smiled, her eyes still hinting at disappointment.
As I prepared to leave, Aunt Sophie and Uncle Jack enveloped me in warm hugs.
"Come back soon, dear," Aunt Sophie said.
"We're proud of you," Uncle Jack added.
Anissa walked me to the door, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Dahlia, I'm happy for you. You deserve all the success in the world."
I hugged her tight.
"You'll have your moment, Anni. I know it."
With a final glance, I left, carrying the weight of my sister's unspoken struggles.
September 10: Filming in Europe
As I immersed myself in the new role, excitement coursed through my veins. The European landscape, the talented cast, and the challenging script invigorated me. Every scene, every take, and every rehearsal filled me with a sense of purpose.
But amidst the thrill, a nagging ache persisted. Clyde Grey.
I missed him terribly, unable to shake the feeling that our connection had been severed. The memories of our laughter, our whispers, and our promises lingered, refusing to fade.
One evening, while browsing news online in my trailer, a headline caught my eye:
"Clyde Grey Becomes CEO of Grey Enterprises, Merges Companies, Joins Ranks of Self-Made Billionaires"
My heart skipped a beat. Clyde, the man I loved, had achieved phenomenal success.
Pride swelled within me. I remembered his drive, his passion, and his vision. His unwavering dedication to his business had always impressed me.
As I read on, details unfolded. Clyde's innovative approach had transformed his family's company, catapulting it to new heights. The merger with his own company had created a business empire.
A self-made billionaire.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. Why hadn't he contacted me? Had he moved on? Was he happy?
The questions swirled, but one thing remained certain: my love and admiration for Clyde.
I recalled our last conversation, the silence that followed, and the unanswered calls. A pang of sadness struck me.
"What happened, Clyde?" I whispered to myself. "Why did you disappear?"
The article mentioned his accomplishments, his philanthropic efforts, and his vision for the future. But it didn't mention me.
Was I just a forgotten chapter in his life?
I took a deep breath, letting the emotions settle. I was genuinely happy for Clyde's success.
As the days passed, my mind wandered back to Clyde. What was he doing now? Was he thinking of me?
February 10
Unexpected Encounter
I returned home, eager to celebrate Anissa's special day. Her wedding was just around the corner, and our family was buzzing with excitement.
As I helped with the preparations, Anissa's joy was contagious. I was genuinely happy for her.
The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the groom's family.
"Anissa, they're here!" Aunt Sophie called out.
We gathered in the living room, exchanging warm smiles and greetings.
That's when I saw him.
Clyde Grey.
My heart stopped.
What was he doing here?
Anissa's fiancé, standing beside her, was Clyde.
The room spun.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
"Clyde?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
His eyes locked onto mine, a mixture of shock and guilt.
"Dahlia," he said, his voice low.
The connection between us was palpable, but I couldn't process this.
"Clyde Grey, my fiancé," Anissa introduced, beaming.
My world crumbled.
Clyde, my Clyde, was engaged to my sister.
How could this be?
I forced a smile, trying to hide my turmoil.
"Congratulations," I managed to say.
Clyde's eyes pleaded for understanding, but I couldn't give it.
Not now.
Not ever.