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Ensley sat on the edge of a hospital bed, her designer dress contrasting sharply with the sterile surroundings. She sighed, running a hand through her hair, which fell perfectly in place despite the setting. Ariah entered, her heart sinking at the sight of her sister looking so out of sorts.

“Hey, Ens,” Ariah said softly, pulling up a chair beside her. “What’s going on?”

Ensley looked up, her expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. “It’s just… everything’s so overwhelming right now. The pressure, the travel, the constant scrutiny.” Her voice wavered as she spoke, revealing the cracks behind her glamorous facade.

Ariah reached out, taking Ensley’s hand. “You don’t have to go through this alone. What’s been the hardest part?”

“I feel like I’m losing myself in all of this,” Ensley admitted, her eyes glistening. “I don’t even know if I still love modeling. It’s just a blur of events and expectations.”

Ariah squeezed her hand tighter. “You need to take a step back. It’s okay to feel lost. You’re more than your career, Ensley.”

Ensley nodded slowly, grateful for her sister’s support. “Thanks, Ariah. I just wish I could find a way to balance it all.”

“Let’s figure it out together,” Ariah said, her voice steady. “You deserve to be happy, no matter what that looks like.”

In that moment, surrounded by the hum of the hospital, the sisters shared a quiet understanding, their bond stronger than any challenge they faced.

Ariah leaned in closer, concern etched on her face. “By the way. Have you talked to Mom and Dad lately? How are they handling everything in the States?”

Ensley sighed, glancing away. “Not really. They’re caught up in their own world, busy with work and the events they attend. It’s like they don’t see how much I’m struggling.”

Ariah frowned, sensing the weight of their parents’ absence. “I wish they’d realize how much you need their support right now.”

“I know,” Ensley replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just another trophy for them.”

Ariah squeezed her sister’s hand. “You’re their daughter first. We should find a way to bring everyone together, maybe a family visit or something.”

“Yeah, that could help,” Ensley said, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “Just having everyone around might make things feel less lonely.”

Ariah’s heart sank as she listened to Ensley. “I feel so guilty,” she confessed, her voice trembling. “We should have visited Mom and Dad. Wen and Iya haven’t seen their grandparents in so long.”

Ensley nodded, understanding the weight of Ariah’s words. “It’s tough balancing everything. But the kids need that connection, too.”

“I keep thinking about how much they’d love to spend time together,” Aria said, her brow furrowing. “What if they miss out on something special?”

“Maybe we can plan a trip soon,” Ensley suggested gently. “It doesn’t have to be a long one. Just enough to reconnect.”

Aria took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and determination. “You’re right. I need to make this happen for them—and for us.”

As she looked at Ensley, the guilt slowly began to lift, replaced by a sense of purpose. “Let’s talk about it more when you’re feeling better.”

                   ---------

Mac sat in her office, staring out the window as thoughts of Aria filled her mind. She picked up her phone, hesitating for just a moment before dialing. The phone rang, and her heart raced with each passing second.

“Hey, babi!” Ariah’s cheerful voice came through, instantly brightening Mac’s mood.

“babi! I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss you,” Mac admitted, a smile spreading across her face.

“I miss you too! How’s your day going?” Ariah asked, her tone softening.

“It’s busy, but not the same without you here. I keep thinking about our last cozy night together,” Mac replied, longing in her voice.

“Me too. Ensley’s at the hospital, so it’s been a bit hectic. But we’ll get through it together,” Ariah said, her warmth palpable even over the phone.

“I wish I could be there with you,” Mac said. “When do you think we can visit your parents? I want Wen and Iya to see their grandparents.”

“Let’s plan it soon. I want that for them, too,” Ariah responded, her voice filled with hope.

“Alright, I’ll make it happen. Just remember, I’m here for you, no matter what,” Mac said, her heart swelling with love.

“Thank you. I love you,” Ariah said softly.

“I love you too my wife . Can’t wait to be back in your arms,” Mac replied, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

Ensley leaned against the wall, smirking. "So, how was that sweet call with Mrs. Lim ? I half expected her to serenade you over the phone."

Ariah blushed, trying to play it cool. "We were just talking, you know, married life stuff."

"Right, because nothing says romance like discussing laundry and dinner plans!" Ensley teased, grinning

Ensley raised an eyebrow, still smirking. "What? You think I'm the one who needs to find a prince charming?"

Ariah shot back with a playful grin. "Well, someone has to keep up with my level of sweetness! When are you planning to join the lovebirds’ club?"

Ensley rolled her eyes. "Lovebirds? More like you and Mac are in a cheesy romance novel!"

Ariah laughed. "Hey, if you want a fairytale, you better start looking for your knight!"

Ensley crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "As if I need a knight. I'm perfectly fine being the independent sister."

Ariah leaned in closer, eyes sparkling. "Independent, sure, but don’t act like you wouldn’t want someone to share those cheesy moments with!"

Ensley scoffed, “Cheesy? Please. I’m just waiting for someone who can handle my level of sarcasm.”

Ariah grinned. “Good luck with that! Maybe start by not scaring them away with your wit.”

Ariah raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "So, what’s it going to be, Ensley? Are you waiting for a tall, dark stranger, or are you open to a cute girl too?"

Ensley feigned shock, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Whoa, who said I was into girls? I mean, I’m just exploring my options!"

Ariah laughed, enjoying the banter. "Options, huh? Just make sure they can keep up with your sass. Otherwise, they’ll be running for the hills!"

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