Anissa arrived the next day, determination etched on her face.
"I've come for Aarohi," she stated, her voice firm.
I smiled, a calculated calmness masking my emotions.
"Of course," I said, handing her a file.
Anissa's eyes widened as she scanned the documents.
Divorce papers.
Custody battles.
Full custody of Aarohi to Clyde and me.
Her face paled.
She crumpled.
Sobs racked her body.
"You can't do this," she pleaded.
"Aarohi's mine."
I stood firm.
"Clyde's signature is on those papers," I reminded.
"He's made his choice."
Anissa's eyes blazed.
"You're using my daughter as leverage," she accused.
"No," I countered.
"I'm ensuring Aarohi's well-being."
Clyde appeared beside me.
"Anissa, it's for the best," he said gently.
"You know I'll always care for Aarohi."
Anissa's anguish filled the room.
"Aarohi's all I have left," she whispered.
"We'll provide for her," I reassured.
"But she'll live with us."
Anissa's world crumbled.
Anissa collapsed at Clyde's feet, sobs racking her body.
"Don't take my child," she begged.
"Please, Clyde, I can't lose another one."
Memories of her first miscarriage flooded her eyes.
Clyde's expression darkened.
"Get up, Anissa," he growled.
"You don't deserve Aarohi."
Anissa clutched his legs.
"You can't take her away."
Clyde's voice hardened.
"I won't let my daughter grow up like you."
"Despicable, manipulative, and cruel."
Anissa's face twisted.
"You're cruel, Clyde," she spat.
"You're taking my child because of your hatred for me."
Clyde's eyes flashed.
"I'm doing this for Aarohi's sake," he snapped.
"You'll only poison her with your toxic nature."
Anissa stood, fiery determination burning within.
"I'll fight for my daughter," she vowed.
"With every breath, every tear, every fiber."
Clyde sneered.
"You'll lose, Anissa."
Anissa's voice rose.
"I'll prove you wrong, Clyde."
"I'll show you what a mother's love looks like."
The room trembled with tension.
The battle for Aarohi had begun.
The judge's gavel slammed down, sealing Anissa's fate.
"Custody granted to Clyde, considering his financial stability and influential social standing."
Anissa's face crumbled, her eyes pleading for mercy.
Clyde produced a document, his smile triumphant.
"Sign," he demanded, his voice cold.
Tears streaming down her face, Anissa scribbled her signature.
The pen dropped from her trembling hand.
Clyde's smile widened.
"Mine now," he whispered, his eyes gleaming.
Anissa collapsed, shattered and broken.
A pang of sympathy struck my heart.
For my sister.
My conflicted emotions swirled:
Pain, anger, and betrayal.
Memories resurfaced:
Her doubts about my innocence.
Her silence when I needed support.
Her selfish request to Father.
"Clyde, marry me."
Igniting this drama.
Resentment hardened my heart.
No comfort for Anissa now.
She'd reap what she'd sown.
Clyde approached me, his eyes warm.
"Let's go, Dahlia."
Our daughters awaited.
Aarohi, Salomi.
New beginnings.
Together, we left the courtroom.
Leaving Anissa's shattered dreams behind.
As we walked, Clyde's hand enveloped mine.
"Justice is served," he whispered.
But at what cost?
Anissa's anguish echoed.
A sister's bond, once strong.
Now frayed and broken.
....
Five years had passed since my sister's divorce to Clyde, some month after my best friend Emily's surprise nuptials to Emrys. His whirlwind proposal, disguised as a fake engagement to another, left Emily breathless and bewitched. The memory still made me smile. I also wanted that, our wedding plans had been delayed because of my career.
Now, I woke up to a serene morning, sunlight streaming through our opulent bedroom windows. Clyde slept peacefully beside me, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I leaned in, cuddling him close.
"Good morning," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Clyde's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto mine.
"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky.
I kissed his cheek, feeling his stubble.
"Today's agenda?" he asked.
"Lunch with the girls," I replied.
"And a charity gala tonight."
Clyde nodded.
"I'll be ready."
I slipped out of bed, donning a plush robe.
Into my expansive walk-in closet.
My stylist awaited, armed with an array of designer gowns.
"Today's look?" she asked.
"Elegant chic," I decided.
She presented a stunning gown.
Flowered patterns danced across the silk fabric.
Accentuating my curves.
I slipped it on.
Perfection.
My hair stylist worked magic.
Lush waves cascaded down my back.
Trendy, yet timeless.
Emily arrived, radiant in her own right.
"Wow, Dahlia!" she exclaimed.
"Radiant!"
We sipped champagne.
Gossiped.
Laughed.
Our friendship remained unbreakable.
Emrys joined us.
"Still sweeping Emily off her feet?" I teased.
"Always," he smiled.
As we prepared for the gala.
Clyde appeared.
Debonair.
Handsome.
"Shall we?" he asked.
I nodded.
Together, we dazzled.
Emily whispered.
"You two are goals."
I grinned.
"Thanks to Clyde."
The evening unfolded.
Glittering lights.
High society.
Philanthropy.
Clyde's hand enveloped mine.
"Proud of you," he whispered.
My heart swelled.