Ani's tears slowed, her eyes red-rimmed.
"Thank you, Dahlia," she whispered.
"For trying to calm him down."
I forced a smile.
"Anytime, Ani."
But Ani's expression turned curious.
"Dahlia, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," I replied.
"Why did you tell Clyde first?" Ani asked.
I hesitated.
"I...I wasn't thinking," I admitted.
Ani's eyes narrowed.
"Were you trying to hurt me?"
I shook my head.
"No, Ani, I swear."
But Ani's words cut deep.
"You knew how much this meant to me."
I apologized.
"Ani, I'm so sorry."
The weight of my actions crushed me.
I fled to my room.
Tears streamed down my face.
I collapsed onto my bed.
Their child would cement their relationship.
A constant reminder of what I'd lost.
Clyde would never be mine.
I sobbed.
My heart shattered.
The next morning, Clyde departed coldly, his eyes avoiding mine, and the tension between us was palpable. His silence spoke volumes.
I focused on Rhodes, playing with him, reading his favorite books, and keeping his laughter ringing through the house. Rhodes was Aunt Sophie and Uncle Jack's precious child, and I cherished every moment with him. But despite the joy he brought, my gaze drifted to Ani, her tears quiet but relentless.
My conscience pricked. I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd made things worse.
After Rhodes' nap, I decided to confront Clyde.
At his office, I was greeted by his assistant.
"Dahlia, he's in a meeting," she said, her voice firm but polite.
"Please, it's urgent," I insisted, my determination evident.
The assistant nodded.
"Wait here."
Moments later, Clyde emerged, his expression still icy.
"What is it, Dahlia?" he asked curtly, his tone unforgiving.
"Clyde, please talk to Ani," I begged, my words heartfelt.
"Listen to her side. She's hurting."
Clyde's jaw clenched.
"There's nothing to discuss."
"Ani's crying herself to sleep," I pressed.
"Your rejection is devastating her. Don't you care?"
Clyde's gaze wavered.
For an instant, I saw the Clyde I once knew - the one with compassion and empathy.
But his mask slipped back into place.
"I need time," he said flatly.
"Leave me alone."
His words stung.
But I refused to give up.
"Clyde, think about the impact on everyone," I urged.
"Ani, Rhodes, me - we're all affected."
Clyde's expression faltered.
For a moment, his resolve crumbled.
But then he regained control.
"Leave, Dahlia."
I didn't leave but stayed, my eyes locked on Clyde's.
"I understand if you decide to move on with Ani," I said softly.
"She's an amazing person, and she loves you deeply."
Clyde's expression changed, his gaze softening.
He stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Dahlia, I don't want anyone else."
His lips brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine.
The kiss was unexpected, yet familiar.
It stirred memories of our past.
Clyde pulled back, his eyes burning with intensity.
"I'll only love you," he whispered.
"No one else."
His words wrapped around my heart.
"I never want anyone besides you to carry my child," he added.
His declaration shook me.
Was he saying what I thought he was?
"Clyde, what about Ani's pregnancy?" I asked.
Clyde's face twisted in anguish.
"That's complicated."
"But my feelings for you aren't."