The knock on the door startled me, interrupting my thoughts. I hesitated, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. I approached the door, peering through the peephole.
Clyde stood before me, his eyes locked onto mine, filled with determination and concern.
"Dahlia," he whispered, his voice low and soothing.
He enveloped me in a warm hug, holding me close.
"Everything will be alright," he assured me.
My worries spilled out.
"What about Ani?" I asked.
Clyde's frown deepened.
"Don't worry about her," he said.
His reassurance brought temporary comfort.
The next morning, Clyde and I prepared for the press conference.
Media frenzy surrounded us.
Reporters clamored.
Camera crews swarmed.
Clyde's steady presence calmed my nerves.
Hand in mine.
Supportive smile.
"We're addressing the rumors," he said.
"Together."
Reporters' questions came.
Clyde fielded each one.
Defending our love.
Clarifying misconceptions.
My voice trembled.
Clyde's grip tightened.
"I love Dahlia," he declared.
"Past, present, future."
Gasps echoed.
Camera clicks.
Headlines.
"Love Conquers All"
"Clyde Chooses Dahlia"
The room erupted.
Chaos.
I stood outside Anissa's door, hesitant. Concern for my sister outweighed my anger. I took a deep breath and entered.
Anissa's pale face greeted me. Tears stained her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away.
"Satisfied with hurting me?" she asked, voice trembling.
My empathy evaporated.
"You're still clinging to him?" I sneered.
"Why can't you let go? He loves me, not you."
Anissa's expression transformed.
A faint smile.
She rose from her seat.
"You may have his heart," she said.
"But I have something you'll never have."
Her voice dripped with malice.
"His name. His commitment. Being his legitimate wife."
Her words struck like a slap.
I felt a surge of anger.
"You think a piece of paper matters?" I spat.
"It's not about love or commitment; it's about control."
Anissa's smile widened.
"You'll never understand," she said.
"What it means to be his wife."
The divide between us grew.
My anger boiled over.
Slap.
Anissa's face stung.
Immediate regret.
"Ani, I'm sorry!" I pleaded.
But Anissa's expression didn't waver.
No remorse.
No forgiveness.
Only loathing.
Her eyes blazed.
"You think a simple apology will suffice?"
Her voice dripped venom.
"You've humiliated me."
Push.
Slap.
My cheek burned.
Clyde burst in.
Fury etched on his face.
"Anissa, stop!"
He lunged.
Hand raised.
I grabbed his wrist.
"Hold on, Clyde!"
Tears streamed.
"It's my fault."
I pleaded.
"She's my elder sister."
"Right to discipline me."
Self-loathing consumed me.
Slap. Slap.
My own face.
Apologies spilled.
"Forgive me, Ani."
But Anissa's face remained.
Unyielding.
Loathing.
Clyde's grip halted me.
"Dahlia, no!"
His voice firm.
Protective arms enveloped me.
"Stop blaming yourself."
Anissa's scorn.
"Pathetic."
She spat.
"You think self-punishment."
Will redeem you?
Clyde stepped forward.
"Anissa, that's enough."
His tone commanded.
Respect.
Anissa's gaze looked hurt as she stared at the man she loved so much.
Defiant.
Unrelenting.