Aunt Sophie's warm smile welcomed me into her cozy living room, a haven from the turmoil that had engulfed my life. The soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, calming my frazzled nerves.
"Dahlia, dear, I've invited Anissa over," Aunt Sophie announced, her voice gentle but firm. "We need to settle this once and for all, you guys are family and she's being way too stubborn, I'll make her come to her senses."
I nodded, apprehensive about facing my sister, but trusting Aunt Sophie's wisdom.
As Anissa arrived, the atmosphere shifted. Tension hung like a palpable fog, threatening to suffocate us all. Aunt Sophie intervened, her presence a calming balm.
"Girls, let's sit down and talk this through," she urged, guiding us to the plush couch.
Anissa's icy demeanor chilled the room, while I fidgeted, nervous about confronting the elephant in the room.
"Anissa, dear, explain your perspective," Aunt Sophie coaxed, her eyes encouraging.
Anissa's voice dripped with conviction. "Clyde and I are married. He made vows to me, and I won't let anyone come between us."
I listened, trying to understand her pain, but her words stung.
Aunt Sophie's nod signaled me to speak.
"Clyde loves me," I began, my voice trembling. "We share a connection that goes beyond words."
Anissa snorted. "Infatuation, Dahlia. That's all it is."
Aunt Sophie's firm hand halted Anissa's interruption.
"Let Dahlia finish," she said.
Aunt Sophie's warm arms enveloped me, a haven from the turmoil. "Dahlia, dear, tell me everything," she coaxed.
I poured out my heart, tears streaming. "Aunt Sophie, I love Clyde so much. He makes me feel seen, heard, and understood. His touch ignites a fire within me, and his words are my solace."
Anissa's eyes welled up with tears, her face etched with pain.
Aunt Sophie's expression turned stern, her voice firm. "Anissa, why are you being so selfish? Can't you see how happy Dahlia is with Clyde?"
Anissa's voice trembled. "You don't understand, Aunt Sophie. I loved Clyde with all my heart. I married him, built a life with him. And then...then Dahlia came along and stole him from me."
Aunt Sophie's face softened, but her tone remained firm. "Anissa, dear, you're not thinking about Dahlia's happiness. You're only considering your own feelings."
Anissa's tears spilled over. "Why does everyone always prioritize Dahlia's happiness over mine? I'm your niece, too. Don't I deserve love and respect?"
Aunt Sophie's voice rose. "You're being selfish, Anissa! You should want your sister to be happy, no matter what."
I felt uneasy, sensing Aunt Sophie's bias.
"Actually, Aunt Sophie," I intervened, "maybe we should listen to Anissa's perspective."
Aunt Sophie's gaze turned to me, surprised.
Anissa's voice grew stronger. " I'm not trying to be selfish. I just feel like I've lost everything I loved and worked for."
Aunt Sophie's expression remained unsympathetic. "Anissa, how can you be so heartless? Dahlia's just trying to find happiness, she lost her parents at such a young age, poor girl hardly remembes anything about her parents."
Anissa's face crumpled as she sobbed. "You never understand me, Aunt Sophie. You always take Dahlia's side, don't forget we both lost our parents that day yet I was practically raising her and now she's biting me back!."
Aunt Sophie's voice rose. "That's because Dahlia's always been the sweet one. Talented, beautiful, and pleasant. You're upsetting her, Anissa."
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling Anissa's pain.
"Wait, Aunt Sophie," I intervened. "Ani has a right to her feelings."
Anissa's eyes flashed. "Don't try to look calm and pitiful, Dahlia. You're just trying to gain sympathy."
I stood up. "Ani, that's not fair. I'm trying to understand—"
"Stop!" Anissa snapped. "Don't pretend to be the victim. You've always gotten everything you wanted."
Aunt Sophie intervened. "Anissa, stop being cruel! Dahlia's just trying to help."
Anissa's tears turned to anger. "No one ever listens to me! I'm always the villain."
I took a step forward. "Ani, I'm listening."
Anissa's glare cut me off. "Save it, Dahlia. You've won. You have Clyde, and everyone's on your side."
The room fell silent.