I stood on the film set, cradling baby Ema, who played Natasha Jr. in the movie adaptation of Moonlight Shadow. Five months of intense filming had come to an end.
"Cut! Wrap!" the director yelled, beaming.
Relief washed over me. I had poured my heart into this role, into Talia's story.
Charles (Kael) and Christopher (Lord Ravenswood) congratulated me.
"Proud of you, Dahlia," Charles said.
Christopher patted my back.
"You shone as Talia."
I smiled, reflecting on the journey.
This film had been a distraction.
From Clyde.
From the pain.
From the memories.
But now, as I gazed at Ema, I realized:
My story wasn't over.
Clyde still lingered in my heart.
I thought of Anissa, my sister.
Her marriage to Clyde.
The complicated web.
I pushed those thoughts aside.
Tonight, I celebrated.
My performance.
My resilience.
As the after-party began, I laughed and chatted with the crew.
Champagne corks popped.
Toasts echoed.
Charles raised his glass.
"To Dahlia, the true alpha!"
Christopher smiled.
"To a story that will inspire generations."
I smiled.
"To new beginnings."
But as I walked off the set.
I knew.
My true story.
Was far from over.
Clyde still held a piece of me.
And I wondered.
Would we ever be free?
As I walked out of the film studio, the warm evening sun enveloped me, casting a golden glow over my sense of accomplishment. I had poured my heart into the role of Talia, and now it was time to celebrate.
Clyde, my love, emerged from the parking lot, a bright smile spreading across his face.
"Hey, superstar!" he exclaimed, opening his arms.
I melted into his embrace, feeling the tension of the past few months dissipate.
"Congratulations, my love," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.
He handed me a bouquet of red roses, my favorite.
"You deserve it all and so much more," he said, eyes shining with adoration.
I hugged him tightly, genuine happiness overflowing.
"Thank you, Clyde. This means everything."
We shared a tender kiss, the chemistry between us crackling.
"I have to go soon," Clyde said, glancing at his watch.
"Anissa's birthday party. My dad called, reminding me to attend."
I nodded understandingly, though a pang of unease lingered.
We had navigated the complicated web of our past, and now we were building a future together.
"I'll make it up to you tonight," Clyde promised, his voice low and husky.
My heart skipped a beat.
"I love you," I whispered.
"Forever," he replied.
With one last kiss, Clyde helped me into the passenger seat.
Baby Ema's caregiver smiled.
"Congratulations, Dahlia! You deserve it."
I smiled back, basking in Clyde's love.
As we drove away, I cuddled next to him.
We arrived at Anissa's birthday party, the atmosphere lively and vibrant. Clyde took my hand, leading me through the crowd.
Anissa's eyes narrowed as she spotted me.
Her expression twisted into a scathing glare.
"Dahlia, congratulations on your film," she spat, her voice dripping with venom.
I sensed tension.
As we mingled, I overheard hushed conversations.
"Poor Anissa, her husband's clearly not interested... in her."
"Pathetic, really. She's jobless and looks so worn out."
"I heard he's still got feelings for her sister."
Their words cut deep.
I spotted Anissa across the room.
Pain and anger flickered in her eyes.
I approached her, despite the chill.
"Ani, can we talk?" I asked.
For a moment, she seemed hesitant.
Then, her facade crumbled.
"Leave me alone, Dahlia," she snarled.
"You're fake. You think you're so perfect, but you're not."
Her words stung.
"I know you're dating Clyde," she hissed.
"Behind my back."
I took a deep breath.
"Ani, Iā"
"Don't even try to explain," she cut me off.
"You're my sister, but you're dead to me."
Clyde appeared beside us.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
Anissa's gaze locked onto his.
"You're still defending her?" she spat.
"After everything?"
Clyde's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Anissa, calm down," he said.
But she stormed off.
The room fell silent.
I felt a chill.
Our secret was out.
And Anissa would never forgive me.