Chapter 68
In Chapter 43 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” the protagonist, Sav, grapples with her emotions while interacting with her sister, Alyssa. The chapter begins with Sav denying that she has been crying, her quick response revealing her vulnerability. Despite her attempts to maintain a facade of calmness, she feels exposed and anxious. Alyssa, sensing something is off, seeks to apologize for their previous conversation, which had been tense. The atmosphere between them grows heavy as Alyssa expresses concern for Sav, prompting a deeper discussion about feelings that Sav struggles to articulate.
As Alyssa presses Sav for honesty, the tension escalates. Sav is caught off guard when Alyssa reveals she heard her crying, and the room feels stifling as Sav attempts to deflect the conversation. Despite her efforts to fabricate an excuse, Alyssa’s unwavering gaze and gentle insistence force Sav to confront her emotions. The bond between the sisters is palpable, as Alyssa reaches out for reassurance, urging Sav to open up. However, Sav finds herself paralyzed, unable to share the complexity of her feelings, which creates an emotional chasm between them.
Eventually, Sav admits that her distress is not due to Roman but rather Dean, which shifts the conversation dramatically. Alyssa’s initial reaction is one of sympathy, but as the discussion unfolds, it reveals the painful reality they both face. Alyssa shares her complicated feelings for Dean, who is on the verge of divorce, which shocks Sav. The revelation stirs jealousy and disgust within Sav, complicating their relationship further. Sav’s anger escalates as she confronts Alyssa about her feelings for Dean, expressing disbelief that her sister would consider reconciling with him, given his past neglect of Emily.
The chapter culminates in a heated exchange where Sav’s frustration boils over, leading to a painful confrontation. Alyssa’s retort about Sav’s own past mistakes, particularly her involvement with Monica’s husband, cuts deep, highlighting the tension and unresolved issues between the sisters. This moment serves as a turning point, forcing both characters to confront their choices and the emotional fallout of their respective situations. The chapter closes with a sense of unresolved conflict, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of familial bonds and the weight of personal decisions.
**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time p>
**Chapter 43: The Same Hell p>
“Me? Crying? No, I wasn’t.” The denial escaped my lips too quickly, my voice rising an octave, betraying the calm I desperately wanted to project. I hastily rubbed the sleeve of my sweater across my eyes, the coarse fabric scratching my skin uncomfortably.
As if by some magical force, I could erase the image of vulnerability she might have glimpsed.
“Something just got in my eye, and Roman was helping me get it out,” I added, trying to weave a narrative that sounded plausible.
Her brows knitted together, a clear sign of disbelief, yet she offered a gentle smile. “Mind if I sit?” She gestured toward the edge of the bed, a simple request that felt monumental in the moment.
“Of course.” The words spilled out in a rush, and my gaze flitted nervously to the meticulously arranged duvet. Thank heavens Roman had a habit of keeping his living space immaculate. If she had walked in to see the usual chaos I left behind, I would have felt even more exposed.
As she settled onto the mattress, it dipped slightly beneath her weight, the springs creaking softly in response. Her hands glided nervously down her thighs, once, twice—an unconscious gesture that mirrored her unease. “I wanted to apologize for the last time we spoke,” she said, her voice measured, each word seemingly chosen with care as if she had rehearsed this moment.
“I realized that some of my words were a bit harsh and very uncalled for, and… I really shouldn’t have said those things to you. Especially about p>
“No, no, no. It’s fine.” I interrupted sharply, my hand slicing through the air as if I could physically sever the connection to that painful memory. “I didn’t take it to heart. It’s really fine, Alyssa.” I dismissed her concerns with a wave, though inside, I was trembling with the weight of unspoken truths.
Her gaze bore into me, as if she were trying to peer into the depths of my soul. Those eyes, unwavering and intense, reminded me of our childhood—when she would search for every secret I tried to conceal.
“Sav, are you okay p>
I nodded, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” I even threw in a casual shrug, the kind people use in sitcoms to convey a facade of normalcy.
But she wasn’t buying it. No, she could see through my flimsy act.
The atmosphere between us shifted, thickening like the air before a summer storm. Alyssa took a deep breath, steadying herself before delivering the blow I hadn’t prepared for.
“I heard you crying from outside the door p>
Her words struck me like a bucket of icy water, shocking and disorienting.
Her brows furrowed, her tone low and careful. “Did Roman do anything? Did he say something? You can always talk to me p>
The room suddenly felt constricted, the air thinning around us. Heat prickled at my scalp, sliding down the back of my neck like a warning. My throat felt drier than the desert sun, parched and unyielding.
My palms grew slick with sweat, and I clenched them into fists to hide my trembling.
Still, I grappled with the need to fabricate a believable excuse.
“What? Crying? No… of course not.” My laugh came out brittle, an awkward sound that felt foreign to my ears. “I was sneezing. There was something in my throat p>
“Don’t lie to me, Sav. I’m your sister.” She leaned closer, her voice sharpening with concern. “I know you better than anyone p>
Her hand reached for mine, warm and reassuring, fingers wrapping around me with a quiet insistence that felt both comforting and terrifying.
“Talk to me. Please p>
I glanced down at our hands. Hers was steady, while mine trembled ever so slightly. I forced my gaze upward, inch by inch, until I met her eyes. The softness there wasn’t pity yet, but it was dangerously close.
I swallowed hard, unable to maintain the connection. My eyes slipped away, seeking refuge.
“Please, Sav p>
Words eluded me. I had always been open with Alyssa, my favorite sibling, sharing my thoughts without hesitation. But now, I felt paralyzed. How could I convey the complexity of my feelings?
As if she could sense my turmoil, she added, “I’m not going to judge you. Look around, am I really in a position to judge anyone p>
The corner of my mouth twitched, almost forming a bitter smile, but it never fully materialized.
I inhaled deeply, deciding to unravel my thoughts slowly.
“It’s not Roman,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
She let out a breath, relief washing over her like a balm. “Thank goodness. I’m relieved to hear that p>
I looked down at my lap, plucking at imaginary lint on my clothes. “It’s Dean p>
Instantly, her expression morphed into one of pity, a look I loathed receiving from anyone. I quickly averted my gaze.
“Don’t look at me like that p>
“No, Sav. I understand you. Damn, we’re literally living in the same hell. I don’t pity you. I sympathize with you,” she rushed out, her sincerity cutting through the tension in the room.
My ears perked up, curiosity piquing despite my reluctance.
“You’re still in love with Emily’s dad?” I blurted, disbelief coloring my tone.
She dropped her shoulders, a resigned acceptance in her posture. “Isn’t it obvious p>
Mortification washed over me, and I recoiled. “How? I mean, why? Should you?” The words tumbled out, barely restrained. “He’s married, Alyssa p>
She remained unfazed, her resolve unwavering. “They’re about to be divorced. He told me himself p>
Disgust bubbled up inside me before I could contain it. “You spoke with him p>
“We met.” A smile broke across her face, bright and genuine, and the sight twisted my stomach into knots. “I just wanted to let him know that I wasn’t going to let him take my daughter away from me. I informed him that Roman was ready to back me up in court p>
A dark, ugly feeling coiled low in my stomach—a vile sensation that felt disturbingly like jealousy.
Its bitter, metallic taste lingered under my tongue, refusing to be ignored.
“Well, Chloe’s rebellion sort of brought us back together,” she continued, her smile wide and unguarded. “He actually had no intentions of taking her away. He just wanted to connect with us. And strangely, Chloe helped make that happen p>
I struggled to comprehend her words. “What are you saying p>
“He’s leaving his wife, Sav.” Her tone took on a dreamy quality. “She couldn’t give him what he needed most. So he’s divorcing her. He wants to be present in Emily’s life now p>
Bile rose in my throat, a sickening wave of incredulity. “Are you serious p>
“I haven’t said yes yet,” she added quickly, “but it’s good to know that he isn’t going to cause any problems p>
“Are you out of your mind?” My voice cracked, louder than I intended, and my chest heaved with the weight of my words. “Shouldn’t you be pressing forward with a lawsuit against this guy? You should make him pay through the nose for neglecting Emily for five years! That’s his daughter.” My pulse raced as I leaned forward, unable to contain my anger. “You shouldn’t be sitting here smiling as if everything is okay. And divorce? Come on, Alyssa, put yourself in her shoes. She’s a woman. Just like you p>
Alyssa flinched as if I had struck her, a quick, involuntary recoil. Her eyes shut briefly, and when they opened again, something colder flickered within them.
The next words she spoke were quiet but sharp enough to slice right through me.
“Did you put yourself in Monica’s shoes when you slept with her husband, Sav p>
As the weight of Alyssa’s words hung heavy in the air, the tension between us crackled with unspoken truths and buried resentments. I felt the sting of her accusation seep into my bones, a reminder of my own failures and the tangled web of our intertwined lives. It was a moment that forced me to confront not only my choices but also the pain I had inflicted on those I loved most. The fragile facade I had built around my emotions began to crumble, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath. In that instant, I realized that we were both trapped in our own hells, each grappling with our demons while desperately seeking solace in one another. The irony of our shared suffering struck me, a poignant reminder that love can be both a refuge and a battleground.
In the aftermath of our confrontation, a fragile understanding began to blossom between us. The hurt lingered, but it was accompanied by a newfound resolve to face our realities together, rather than in isolation. Alyssa’s willingness to confront her own feelings of love and betrayal mirrored my own struggle to navigate the complexities of my heart. As we sat in the dimly lit room, our hands still entwined, I felt the first flickers of hope begin to ignite within me—hope that perhaps we could emerge from this chaos stronger, more honest, and more connected than before. It was a small step, but in the world of broken time and folded dreams, it felt monumental. Together, we could begin to heal, to forgive, and to redefine what it meant to love amidst the wreckage of our pasts.
In the next chapter of **Dreams Folding Into Broken Time**, readers can expect to delve deeper into the tangled web of emotions that bind Sav and Alyssa. The confrontation ignites a fierce debate that threatens to fracture their already fragile relationship. As tensions rise, the sisters must navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting echoes of their shared past. Will Sav find the courage to confront her own mistakes, or will she continue to deflect, putting her sister’s feelings above her own? The stakes have never been higher, and the air is thick with unresolved tension.
Meanwhile, the reemergence of Dean looms large over the narrative, casting a shadow that complicates Alyssa’s newfound hope. As secrets unravel and revelations come to light, both sisters will have to face the consequences of their choices. Will Alyssa’s desire to reconnect with Dean lead to healing, or will it spiral into a deeper conflict that could tear the family apart? With emotions running high and the past threatening to resurface, the next chapter promises to be a storm of confrontation and catharsis, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind their intertwined fates.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.