The air inside the house had turned heavy; the once-lively dinner gathering was now reduced to an uncomfortable silence. Aleysia's heart sank as she witnessed the bitter turn of events, Tyrone's actions forcing her to make a choice that she had never wanted to face.
With a deep breath, Aleysia steeled herself after making her choice. She turned to Yolanda, embracing the woman who had been a second mother to her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I'm so sorry, Aunt Yolanda," Aleysia whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I never wanted things to end up like this." She pulled away, offering the older woman a sad smile before turning to Whitney, wrapping her arms around her best friend.
"I'm going to visit your home; don't worry." Whitney whispered, tightening her hug.
"Take care of each other, okay?" Aleysia murmured, her words laced with a silent plea for understanding as she stared at Yolanda, Whitney, and Jamal in return.
