I found Anissa in the garden, tears streaming down her face.
"Anissa, I need to explain," I said, my voice trembling.
She turned, her eyes red-rimmed.
"Dahlia, I don't know what to think," she whispered.
I took a deep breath.
"Anissa, I didn't know Clyde was your fiancé. We...we have a past."
Anissa's eyes widened.
"A past?" she repeated.
I nodded.
"We dated for seven years. But he suddenly stopped contacting me. I thought he moved on."
Anissa's face contorted in pain.
"And then I found out he married you," I continued. "I was shocked, but I was happy for you, Anissa. I promised myself I wouldn't hurt you."
Anissa's tears flowed anew.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"I didn't want to ruin your happiness. And I know Clyde was over me."
Anissa's expression softened.
"Dahlia, I had no idea," she whispered.
I opened my arms, and Anissa stepped into them.
"I promise, Anissa, I won't hurt you," I said, hugging her tightly.
I lay in bed, lost in thought, when I felt a presence near me. I turned, and my heart skipped a beat.
Clyde stood beside my bed, his eyes blazing with anger and hurt.
"Clyde, what are you doing here?" I whispered.
But he didn't respond. His gaze pierced through me, as if searching for answers.
Suddenly, he moved closer, his face inches from mine.
"Dahlia, have you truly moved on from me?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I swallowed hard.
"Yes," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
But Clyde's expression twisted in skepticism.
"You expect me to believe that?" he growled.
Before I could respond, his lips crashed onto mine.
The kiss was deep, passionate, and possessive.
I felt my resolve melting, my body responding to his touch.
"Clyde, stop," I whispered, trying to push him away.
But he held me firm.
"You still feel it, don't you?" he whispered.
His words sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn't deny it.
I tried to shake off the lingering sensations from Clyde's kiss, but my body still hummed with passion. The memory of his lips on mine, his touch igniting a fire within me, refused to fade.
The next morning, I entered the living room, and my heart skipped a beat. Clyde sat on the couch, reading the newspaper, while Anissa poured tea for him. The domestic scene struck me as surreal.
He glanced up, our eyes locking in a charged moment. The air seemed to vibrate with tension.
But he didn't say a word.
Anissa, oblivious to the tension, smiled at me.
"Dahlia, you look stunning! Where are you off to?"
I smiled brightly, attempting to deflect attention from my bold outfit.
"I'm meeting Lara to sign my new movie contract."
Anissa's eyes widened.
"Congratulations, sis! You deserve it."
Clyde's gaze never left mine, his expression unreadable. Was he regretful of last night's kiss? Or did he want more?
I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Anissa continued, "We should celebrate tonight."
I hesitated.
"I'll check my schedule."
Clyde finally spoke.
"I have a business dinner."
Anissa nodded.
"Okay, dear."
The conversation flowed, but my mind wandered to Clyde's kiss.
What did it mean?
I arrived at the sleek, modern office, my heart racing with excitement. Lara greeted me warmly, and we exchanged pleasantries before the contract signing.
The director, Mr. Jenkins, beamed as he handed me the pen.
"Welcome to the team, Dahlia. We're thrilled to have you on board."
I signed the contract with a flourish, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"To new beginnings!" Lara exclaimed, raising her glass in a toast.
We celebrated with champagne, laughter filling the room.
But halfway through the celebration, Lara glanced at her watch.
"I'm so sorry, Dahlia, I have another meeting."
I nodded understandingly.
"Go ahead, I'll stay and chat with Mr. Jenkins."
Lara departed, leaving me alone with the director.
Mr. Jenkins smiled, his eyes crinkling.
"Dahlia, you're going to shine in this role. I have a feeling."
His words should have reassured me, but something about him seemed off.
Maybe it was the way he leaned in too close.
Or the intensity of his gaze.
I shifted uncomfortably.
"Thank you, Mr. Jenkins. I'm excited to start."
He nodded.
"I'll walk you out."
As we strolled through the deserted corridors, the silence grew thick.
I quickened my pace.
"Thank you again, Mr. Jenkins."
He placed a hand on my arm.
"Dahlia, wait."
His grip tightened.
"I have a special request."