I packed up Rhodes' belongings, and we bid farewell to Aunt Sophie and Uncle Jack's cozy home.
As we arrived at Ani's house, her face lit up.
"Hey, sweetie!" Ani exclaimed, opening her arms for Rhodes.
Rhodes ran to her, grinning.
"Aunt Anissa!" he said, hugging her tight.
Ani showered him with kisses.
"I've missed you so much, Rhodes!"
She led him to the living room, where a spread of snacks awaited.
"Surprises for my favorite nephew!" Ani said, beaming.
Rhodes' eyes widened.
"Wow, Aunt Anissa!"
As Ani and Rhodes spent quality time together, I noticed Clyde's absence.
"Where's Clyde?" I asked casually.
Ani's expression faltered.
"Working late. Again."
Her tone hinted at frustration.
....
I sat on the couch, rehearsing my lines for the upcoming shoot.
Ani burst into the room, radiating joy.
"Dahlia, guess what?" she exclaimed.
Her eyes sparkled.
I set aside my script.
"What is it?"
Ani waved a report in the air.
"I'm pregnant!"
My jaw dropped.
"Congratulations, Ani!" I managed.
But inside, turmoil brewed.
Clyde's words echoed:
"I don't want kids."
The argument I witnessed.
Ani's happiness was contagious.
But I couldn't shake off the unease.
"How's Clyde taking it?" I asked.
Ani's smile faltered.
"He...doesn't know yet."
My concern deepened.
"Ani, are you okay?"
She nodded.
"I'll tell him tonight."
Doubts lingered.
Would Clyde be thrilled?
Or devastated?
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
Ani's news replayed in my mind.
Clyde.
Pregnant.
Baby.
Tears streamed down my face.
I sobbed uncontrollably.
How could he?
He'd said he loved me.
Now, he was having a child with Ani.
My heart shattered.
Blinded by tears, I grabbed my keys and drove to Clyde's office.
I needed answers.
The city blurred around me.
My mind raced.
Why did he marry Ani?
Why did he get her pregnant?
I arrived at Clyde's office, my emotions in turmoil.
His assistant looked up, concerned.
"Dahlia, what's wrong?"
"I need to see Clyde," I demanded.
The assistant hesitated.
"Let me check."
Moments later, Clyde emerged.
"Dahlia, what's going on?"
His eyes narrowed.
"You've been crying."
My voice trembled.
"Ani's pregnant."
Clyde's expression changed.
From calm to shock.
"What?" he exclaimed.
"You didn't know?" I asked.
Clyde shook his head.
"No."
He looked stunned.
Unprepared.
"How is this possible?" he muttered.
I felt a pang of guilt.
Maybe I shouldn't have been the one to tell him.
I was consumed by a mix of emotions - anger, hurt, and betrayal. Weakly, I slapped his chest, pushing him away.
"Don't touch me!" I sobbed, my voice trembling.
Clyde's eyes filled with confusion and concern.
"Dahlia, why are you reacting like this? We've been over for a long time. You said you didn't love me," he said, his tone gentle.
His words cut deep, reopening old wounds.
Did he really believe that?
Didn't he see the pain he'd caused?
Didn't he remember our past?
Disheartened, I turned to leave, but my legs felt heavy.
Clyde grasped me from behind, his arms wrapping around my waist.
"Wait, Dahlia," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I tried to shake him off, but he held tight.
"Let go!" I demanded, my voice cracking.
Clyde's grip on me loosened slightly.
"Listen to me," he urged, his voice filled with desperation.
"I swear on my life, I never slept with Ani," he said, his words dripping with sincerity.
I spun around, searching his eyes for any sign of deception.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Clyde's face was etched with conviction.
"I mean, I don't know anything about her being pregnant," he emphasized.
My mind reeled.
Was this possible?
Could Ani be hiding something?
Was Clyde telling the truth?
Clyde's grip on me loosened further.
"Dahlia, talk to me," he pleaded.
"Tell me what's going on," he urged.
His eyes locked onto mine.
I saw the genuine concern.
The desperation.
The sincerity.
But could I trust him?