The next morning, I woke up to Clyde's warm smile beside me, his eyes shining with affection.
"Good morning, Moon," he whispered, pecking me softly.
We snuggled, watching TV together, enjoying each other's company.
After a relaxing morning, I took a refreshing bath, feeling rejuvenated.
I slipped into my vibrant lemon dress, its brightness reflecting my mood.
The diamond heart necklace sparkled around my neck, reminding me of our passionate night.
I tied my hair into a messy bun, adding a touch of elegance.
Clyde's eyes lit up as I emerged.
"Stunning," he said, his gaze roaming over me.
We checked out, ready to return to reality.
Halfway through our journey, Ani's call flashed in my mind.
I tensed, recalling her question.
"Clyde, Ani called yesterday," I said, my voice hesitant.
His expression turned serious.
"What did she say?" he asked.
I hesitated.
"Asked if I knew where you were."
Clyde's eyes narrowed.
"We'll handle it together," he reassured.
His confidence calmed my nerves.
But doubts lingered.
How would Ani react?
Would our secret be exposed?
Clyde's hand enveloped mine.
"Together, Moon," he whispered.
I opened the door to find Ani slumped on the chair, tears streaming down her face. Her baggy dress seemed to swallow her whole, accentuating her frailty.
"Ani, what's wrong?" I asked, concern etched on my face.
She looked up, eyes red-rimmed. "Clyde," she whispered, her gaze shifting to him. Her expression turned sorrowful.
"You missed our first antenatal and heartbeat check," she said, her voice cracking. "It was today."
Clyde's face fell. "Oh, Ani, I'm so sorry. I lost track of time."
Ani's eyes welled up. "You always do. You're never there for me."
I sensed a deeper pain behind her words.
"Ani, please understand," Clyde began.
But she cut him off. "No, Clyde. I know you don't love me. Not like you should."
Clyde's face contorted in anguish. "Ani, that's not true."
But Ani's gaze pierced him. "Don't lie. I see it in your eyes. You're going through the motions, but your heart's not in it."
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing their affair.
Clyde's eyes darted to me, then back to Ani. "I'm trying, Ani. For our child's sake."
Ani's laughter was laced with bitterness. "For our child's sake? You're not even here for me, let alone our child."
The tension was palpable.
The door closed behind Ani, leaving Clyde and me in an uncomfortable silence.
Clyde broke the silence. "I have to go to work. We'll talk later."
I nodded, understanding.
As Clyde left, I prepared for my next shoot, my mind still on Ani's words.
Later, on set, I immersed myself in Talia's character.
---
The grand hall of Ravenswood Manor echoed with Lord Ravenswood's authoritative voice.
"My son, Kael, shall succeed me as alpha," he declared, surveying the gathered elders.
Talia emerged from the shadows, her mask firmly in place.
For the first time, she spoke up, her voice steady and resolute.
"I refuse to let Kael take what's rightfully mine," she said, her eyes flashing with determination.
The elders exchanged surprised glances, whispering among themselves.
Lord Ravenswood's expression darkened.
"Talia, you can't possibly—"
"I am the biological child of the alpha," Talia continued, her voice growing stronger. "My birthright supersedes Kael's adoption."
Kael's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
"You think you can lead, Talia?" he sneered. "You're broken, weak—"
Talia stood tall, her shoulders squared.
"I was born to lead," she declared. "And I will not be silenced."
Lord Ravenswood's face reddened with rage.
"You dare challenge my authority?" he thundered.
Talia's gaze met her father's, unwavering.
"I dare claim my rightful place," she replied.
The room fell silent, tension palpable.