Clyde's grasp on my arm intensified, his eyes burning with desperation.
"Don't abandon me, Dahlia," he implored, his voice cracking beneath the weight of his emotions.
His gaze shifted to Anissa, now a shadow of her former self.
"You're repulsive," he spat, venom dripping from every syllable.
Anissa's fragile form shrank, her once-vibrant eyes dull and lifeless.
"Would you believe me if I swore I didn't drug you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Clyde's laughter was cold, mirthless.
"Your deceit knows no bounds," he sneered.
"You think me a fool, blind to your manipulations?"
Anissa's eyes pleaded for understanding.
But Clyde's expression hardened, his heart sealed against her.
"Nothing can redeem you," he declared.
"I never loved you. Your cheap tricks only fuel my contempt."
Tears streamed down my face as I clung to Clyde.
Selfish, perhaps.
Yet I craved this.
Yearned for him to shatter the chains binding him to Anissa.
To claim him as mine.
To wear his ring.
To bear his name.
As Clyde's anger boiled over, Anissa's fragile form trembled.
Her eyes seemed to fade, extinguished by the ferocity of his words.
"What remains of us?" she whispered.
Clyde's response was icy.
"Nothing."
His arm enveloped me.
"I need you, Dahlia," he whispered.
"Only you."
In that moment, I knew.
Knew I'd claimed his heart.
Knew Anissa had lost.
Clyde's robust arms enveloped me, lifting me effortlessly into the car. His warm breath caressed my ear as he whispered sweet promises.
"I'll divorce her, Dahlia. I swear it."
His words ignited a flame of hope within me.
"Stay with me," he pleaded, his voice trembling with longing.
"Leave the heartache behind. Begin anew."
I nodded, my heart overflowing with emotion.
As we drove, the city's vibrant lights blurred outside, a kaleidoscope of colors.
We arrived at his luxury mansion, hidden away in an exclusive enclave.
The grand entrance beckoned, flanked by sleek marble columns.
Inside, opulent chandeliers cast a warm glow.
Every detail bespoke refined taste.
A world away from the dull, loveless home he shared with Anissa.
"This sanctuary is mine," Clyde revealed, his eyes shining.
"Where I escape the chaos. Find solace."
He led me through lavish rooms adorned with stunning art.
Soft melodies floated through the air, a soothing serenade.
Clyde's fingers intertwined with mine, sending shivers down my spine.
"I hardly ever stayed with Anissa," he confessed.
"Only here, I find peace."
My heart swelled with emotion.
He guided me to a breathtaking bedroom.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a serene garden.
A private oasis.
"Stay with me," Clyde repeated.
"Make this our haven."
I nodded, no hesitation.
Our lips met in a tender kiss.
Sealing our promise.
As night descended, we strolled hand-in-hand through the gardens.
Stars twinkled above.
Our love shone brighter.
The next morning, I woke before dawn, excitement coursing through my veins like a river of anticipation. The soft morning light peeking through the curtains beckoned me to start my day.
I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Clyde, who was still lost in slumber. My destination was the privacy of my bathroom, where my secrets and plans would remain safe.
I closed the door, locking it securely behind me, and began my calculations. My period chart lay spread before me, a map guiding me toward my ultimate goal.
The timing was perfect. Every punctured condom had increased the odds.
No pills for me. No barriers. Just nature's course.
I wanted to be pregnant. As soon as possible.
Clyde's divorce commitment would accelerate. A baby would seal our bond, ensuring his freedom from Anissa.
My hands trembled with anticipation as I envisioned the future.
Clyde's face, joyful and proud, holding our tiny miracle.
Our future. Together. No more secrets. No more Anissa.
Just us. And our growing family.
My heart swelled, overflowing with emotion.
I returned to bed, slipping under the covers beside Clyde.
He stirred, his eyes opening lazily.
"Good morning," he whispered.
"Planning something?" he asked.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
I smiled.
"Just our future," I replied.
His arms wrapped around me.
"Forever," he whispered.
As we embraced, I knew.
Knew this was just the beginning.