Anissa's eyes sparkled as she shared her exciting news.
"I got the lead role, Clyde!" she exclaimed.
But instead of congratulating her, Clyde's face darkened.
"What?" he growled. "You can't do that."
Anissa's smile faltered.
"Why not?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.
"You're pregnant," Clyde said firmly. "You need to take care of yourself and our child."
Anissa's expression turned defiant.
"I can handle it, Clyde," she insisted. "I've always wanted this role."
Clyde's frown deepened.
"I won't let you risk our child's health," he said.
The argument escalated, their voices rising.
"How can you be so controlling?" Anissa demanded.
"I'm just trying to protect you," Clyde countered.
Their disagreement lingered, tension filling the air.
Days passed, with Anissa's frustration growing.
One evening, she confronted Clyde.
"I promise to take care of the baby," she said. "But I need this role. It's my passion."
Clyde's expression softened.
"Fine," he said. "But promise me one thing."
"Anything," Anissa replied.
"Put the baby's health above everything," Clyde said.
Anissa nodded.
"I promise."
Clyde's face relaxed.
"Then do it," he said.
Anissa's smile returned.
Two months passed, and Anissa's belly grew.
One morning, I prepared breakfast for everyone.
Anissa glowed with a radiant smile.
Rhodes chattered excitedly, still with us since Aunt Sophie and Uncle Jack were abroad, some things happened that stalled them from coming for a while.
As we sat down to eat, Clyde's hand brushed against mine.
Our eyes met, and I smiled.
For a fleeting moment, the tension dissipated.
Anissa's gaze fell upon us, her expression unreadable.
After breakfast, Clyde helped Anissa with her lines.
Their laughter filled the room.
For a moment, they seemed happy.
Later, as Anissa prepared for rehearsal, Clyde's concern resurfaced.
"Be careful," he reminded her.
Anissa smiled.
"I will," she promised.
As she left, Clyde's eyes locked onto mine.
A silent understanding passed between us.
Anissa returned home, her radiant smile and exhausted eyes a stark contrast. I sat at the top of the stairs, watching her with a mix of emotions.
Jealousy gnawed at me, its familiar bite painful. I loved and cherished her, but she was married and pregnant to the man I loved. The man I had given my all to.
The injustice stung, festering like an open wound. Why did society pity women who made mistakes? The female lead, the wife, who wronged others? But I, the mistress, was vilified.
I never intended to hurt Anissa. Yet, I was the evil one. I knew Clyde first. Gave him my heart, my everything. But Anissa stole him from me.
Despite her kindness, her compassion, it didn't mean she deserved everything good. My heart ached, torn between love and guilt.
As Anissa approached, her gaze met mine.
"Hey, Dahlia," she said, her voice laced with concern.
I forced a smile, hiding the turmoil within.
"Hey."
Her eyes sparkled, oblivious to my inner turmoil.
"Rehearsal was amazing. I nailed the audition."
I nodded, feigning excitement.
"Congratulations."
" What's the storyline about?", I asked to mask my feelings
"A lady who's sister cheated with her husband, she grew powerful after divorce and fought for her love..how can her sister be so despicable?", Ani frowned
Everything only made me more uncomfortable...
Anissa's gaze lingered, sensing something amiss.
"Dahlia, is everything okay?"
I shook my head, avoiding eye contact.
"Yeah. Just tired."
Anissa's expression softened.
"Let's talk later."
I nodded, knowing that conversation would change everything.
As she passed me, her perfume wafted, a painful reminder of what I had lost.
Clyde appeared, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Dahlia," he whispered.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Later," I mouthed.
I stood behind Anissa, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Anissa."
She turned, a hint of surprise on her face.
"Dahlia, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etching her features.
I took a deep breath, the words spilling out.
"I love Clyde," I confessed, tears welling up.
Anissa's expression transformed from concern to shock.
"Dahlia, I thought we were past this," she said, her voice laced with confusion.
I shook my head, a sob escaping.
"You're the reason we separated," I accused, pain and anger mixing.
"We loved each other, but you had to tell his father you wanted to marry him."
Memories flooded back, and I crumbled.
"I loved him, Anissa. I still do."
Tears streamed down my face as I poured out my heart.
Anissa's face hardened, anger flashing.
"You're blaming me for your heartbreak?" she spat.
"I thought we were sisters, Dahlia. Not rivals."
Her words cut deep.
"You didn't even consider my feelings," I cried.
Anissa's expression darkened.
"You're just jealous because I'm pregnant with his child," she snapped.
I crouched, overwhelmed.
"That's not fair, Anissa," I sobbed.
But she was already storming out.
The door slammed shut.
I collapsed, tears consuming me.