I stood in my room, lost in thought as I dried my hair, the gentle hum of the dryer a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. The sound of the front door opening broke the silence, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety.
Ani bubbled into the room, Clyde shadowing her, his eyes never leaving hers. Their laughter and whispers sliced through me like a knife, a painful reminder of what I'd lost.
I watched, frozen, as Clyde gently helped Ani remove her coat, his fingers brushing against hers with an intimacy that made my heart ache.
"Hey, guys," I managed, forcing a weak smile, trying to shake off the feeling of unease.
"Morning, sis!" Ani chimed, oblivious to the tension.
"Hey," Clyde added, his tone curt, his eyes barely meeting mine.
"Would you guys like some breakfast?" I offered, attempting to sound casual.
But Clyde cut me off, his voice dripping with condescension.
"We already had breakfast at the hotel," he said.
His smirk stung, a fleeting glance that spoke volumes.
I stared at him, searching for a glimmer of remorse, a hint of acknowledgment.
Instead, he looked away, his attention returning to Ani.
Ani didn't notice, too caught up in her own excitement.
"I had the best time, Dahlia!" she exclaimed.
My smile felt like a mask, a fragile facade hiding the pain.
"I'm glad, Ani," I whispered.
The tension hung like a challenge, thick and oppressive.
Clyde's indifference pierced me, a stark reminder of our shattered past.
I gathered my belongings, preparing for the day's shoot. Clyde offered to drop me off, citing convenience since he was heading in the same direction.
As we drove, tension simmered between us. Clyde's casual tone belied the emotional turmoil he'd stirred.
"Hey, Dahlia, don't look so sad," he said.
I turned to him, my eyes searching.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Clyde shrugged.
"You know, with Ani and me... You wanted her happy, right?"
His words cut deep.
"You think this is what I wanted?" I whispered.
Clyde's expression turned cold.
"You said you wanted Ani to find love. I'm making her happy."
The blow struck true.
"And maybe soon, we'll welcome a child," he added.
My heart shattered.
"You're...moving on," I stammered.
Clyde's gaze never wavered.
"I am. With Ani."
Rage and sorrow warred within me.
"You're doing this to hurt me," I accused.
Clyde's smile twisted.
"No, Dahlia. I'm doing this because I've moved on."
The car stopped.
We'd arrived.
I grabbed my bag.
"Thanks for the ride," I muttered.
Clyde's eyes locked onto mine.
"Anytime, Dahlia."