I wrapped my arms around Clyde, pulling him close.
Our lips met in a tender kiss, sweet and gentle.
In that moment, nothing else mattered.
I loved him, and that was all.
As we walked home, arm in arm, my thoughts turned to Ani.
My sister.
How could she do this to me?
To us?
Steal my love, ruin our lives?
Anger simmered, bubbling beneath the surface.
Why had she manipulated Clyde's family?
Why had she trapped him in a loveless marriage?
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
I felt betrayed.
By my own flesh and blood.
Clyde sensed my tension, his grip tightening.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"Ani," I whispered.
"My sister."
Clyde's expression darkened.
"I'll make it right," he vowed.
"We'll find a way."
But how?
The damage was done.
Our lives forever altered.
As we approached my apartment, I hesitated.
"What now?" I asked.
Clyde's eyes locked onto mine.
"We face this together," he said.
"No more secrets."
I grasped Clyde's hands, my eyes pleading, as tears brimmed beneath my eyelids.
"Please, don't confront Ani," I begged, my voice trembling.
"Despite everything, she's my sister, my family."
Memories flooded my mind, memories of Ani, who had practically raised me.
Ani, who had always been there, supporting me, loving me unconditionally.
My anger wavered, replaced by love and loyalty.
"I love her, Clyde," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"I know she's wronged us, but I can't bear the thought of hurting her."
Clyde's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding.
"I understand," he said gently.
"But what about us?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"What about our future?"
I took a deep breath, my heart heavy.
"I want you to pretend everything is alright," I said finally.
"For now, let's keep up the facade."
Clyde's brow furrowed, his face etched with confusion.
"And what about her pregnancy?" he asked.
"You want me to care for her, for our family, while hiding my true feelings?"
I nodded, my resolve firm.
"Yes, I am," I said.
Clyde's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
"You're asking me to care for the woman who manipulated me," he stated.
"The woman who tore us apart."
I held his gaze, my heart aching.
"I know, Clyde," I whispered.
"But for my sake, for my family's sake, please."
Clyde sighed, his shoulders sagging.
"I'll do it, Dahlia," he said.
"For you, for us."
As we entered, a warm scene unfolded before my eyes.
Ani sat on the couch, gently brushing Rhodes' hair, her face radiant with affection. Rhodes, our little nephew,son of my aunt Sophie and Uncle Jack, who was currently visiting abroad.
Clyde approached Ani, his expression softening.
"Let me help," he said, supporting her.
"You need to be careful, Ani. You're pregnant."
Ani's face lit up with a thrilled smile.
"Oh, thank you, Clyde," she cooed.
"You're always so thoughtful."
Rhodes, sensing the tension, looked up.
"Mom's coming home soon!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
Ani smiled" yeah.. aunt Sophie called to tell me they'll be back in a few days "
"Just take care of yourself ", clyde said
Ani's eyes met Clyde's, filled with gratitude.
"I'm so lucky to have you," she whispered.
Clyde's gaze flickered to mine, his eyes conveying a mix of emotions.
I forced a smile, hiding my turmoil.
Ani's innocence was a facade.
But for now, I'd play along.
"Goodnight, Rhodes," I said.
"Time for bed."
As we tucked Rhodes in, Ani chatted excitedly.
"Clyde, have you thought about baby names?"
Clyde's response was warm.
"We'll decide together."
I bit my lip, suppressing my emotions.
How could Ani be so oblivious?
Didn't she know the pain she'd caused?
The deception?
I pushed aside my anger.
For Rhodes' sake.
For my family's sake.