Clyde grabbed his keys and headed out the door, announcing, "I'm meeting the guys."
He turned, pecked me on the cheek, and left.
I stood frozen, my mind reeling.
Shockwaves coursed through me.
Clyde's sudden display of affection.
Contrasted sharply.
With his harsh treatment of Anissa.
And his cold demeanor.
What was going on?
Was this a facade?
Or genuine?
I shook my head.
Clearing the confusion.
The afternoon sunlight streamed.
Through the windows.
I spent the time.
Hanging around the house.
Tending to the flowers.
Lost in thought.
My agent's excited voice.
Pierced the serenity.
"Dahlia, I have fantastic news!"
"Hello?" I replied, anticipation building.
"You've landed a major campaign!"
My heart skipped a beat.
"Which one?" I asked, barely containing excitement.
"The prestigious Bellvue Jewelry!"
I gasped.
"This is huge!"
A mix of emotions swirled.
Elation.
Gratitude.
Relief.
My agent's words.
Echoed in my mind.
"This is a game-changer, Dahlia."
"Your career will soar."
I couldn't wait.
To share the news.
With Anissa.
And celebrate.
"My dear, I have even greater news," my agent said, her voice dripping with excitement, each word building anticipation.
"What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued, my mind racing with possibilities.
"You've been personally invited for an interview," she revealed.
I gasped, stunned.
"That hardly ever happens," she added, emphasizing the significance.
Then she dropped the bombshell.
"The show is... 'Eternal Night'."
My heart sank, weighed down by conflicting emotions.
The same show Anissa auditioned for.
Coincidence?
I felt uneasy, torn between loyalty and opportunity.
"Can I refuse?" I asked, hesitant, I explained the situation to her.
My agent's tone turned stern, businesslike.
"No time for family in business, Dahlia," she reminded me.
"Anissa might not even qualify," she added.
Her words cut deep, echoing in my mind.
Loyalty vs. Opportunity.
Torn.
I thought of Anissa's dreams.
Her passion.
Her dedication.
And my own ambitions.
My agent's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Dahlia, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
"You can't let personal relationships hold you back."
I knew she was right.
But at what cost?
I reluctantly agreed to attend the interview, swayed by my agent's persuasive words and the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As I arrived at the venue, my heart raced with anticipation, mixed with a dash of guilt. Anissa was already there, her confidence radiating, her passion for the role palpable.
I took a moment to compose myself, smoothing out my dress - a flowing, silvery gown that shimmered under the lights. The delicate fabric hugged my curves, accentuating my slender figure. My hair cascaded down my back in loose waves, with a few strategically-placed strands framing my face. My makeup was understated yet elegant, highlighting my features without overpowering them.
The judges' eyes lit up as Anissa finished her audition, their faces etched with genuine admiration. Impressed. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for my own performance. Trying my best, I poured my heart and soul into the audition.
My nerves dissipated, replaced by patience, as I waited for the judges' feedback. The deliberation began, with the judges exchanging animated glances.
Mrs. Jenkins, the first judge, frowned, her expression skeptical. "I'm not convinced," she said, her voice firm but measured. "While Dahlia has a certain charm, I worry she lacks the depth this role requires."
"But she's perfect," countered Mr. Thompson, his enthusiasm unwavering. "Her ethereal quality is captivating, and she embodies the essence of the character."
"She's the moon incarnate," added Ms. Rodriguez, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Her vulnerability and strength are precisely what we need."
The judges continued arguing, their discussion intense and passionate. Mrs. Jenkins remained unconvinced, her concerns valid.
"The role requires complexity, nuance," she pressed. "Anissa showed that in her audition."
But the other judges saw something in me, something that resonated with their vision.
"A certain je ne sais quoi," Mr. Thompson explained. "A vulnerable strength that will captivate audiences."
"A subtlety that will bring depth to the role," Ms. Rodriguez added.
Their words echoed in my mind as I waited for the final decision, my heart hanging in the balance. My hands clasped together, my fingers intertwined, as I silently pleaded for the opportunity.