𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔

𝐼𝒱

Onika Maraj

(Long Chapter!)

The first rays of dawn filtered through my apartment window, casting a warm glow that contrasted starkly with the tumult of emotions rolling through me. It felt as though a storm had cracked open the façade I had been so delicately crafting with Beyoncé, and now I was left standing in the aftermath—drenched, raw, and uncertain. I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, trying to dispel the lingering doubts that crept into my mind like unwelcome shadows.

The day ahead loomed heavy with the promise of confrontation. Today, I would face Beyoncé again. I needed to convey the importance of boundaries—how crucial it was that we both acknowledged the parameters within which our partnership could thrive. As I brushed my teeth, I contemplated the perfect words that could encapsulate my thoughts—words that could venerate my identity while still upholding the vision we had for our relationship.

Choosing my outfit felt monumental. I settled on a fitted yet professional black dress that accentuated my curves, balanced by a bright blazer that added an air of authority. When you're a powerful woman in the tech world and trying to redefine partnership dynamics with a global icon, sometimes a killer outfit can give you the edge you need.

After a strong cup of coffee, I flicked through emails while doing my hair, mentally preparing myself for the confrontation. My phone buzzed, and I noticed a message from Marley—a reminder of our meeting later that day to discuss the upcoming project launch but also a source of comfort.

*"Thinking of you! You've got this. Don't let anyone dim your light. ✨"*

I smiled softly, appreciating her unwavering support. But appreciation wasn't enough to quell the anxiety knotting my stomach. I was ready to put my foot down, but the thought of facing Beyoncé again made my heart race—all the emotions from the previous night dug their claws into me.

As I gathered my things and headed out the door, I channeled the energy from within, reminding myself that this was about more than just me—it was about respect, equity, and recognition.

---

Arriving at the venue for our meeting—a sleek café buzzing with the atmosphere of productivity—I felt a mix of determination and dread. I spotted Beyoncé seated at a corner table, casually scrolling through her phone while draped in an effortlessly chic outfit. Today, she looked relaxed, but I wasn't here to bask in her glamour; I was here to speak my truth.

I approached her with a composed facade, though my heart pounded beneath the surface. "Hey," I greeted, settling across from her.

"Hey, Onika! You look incredible today," she said, throwing me a genuine smile that illuminated her features.

"Thanks," I replied cautiously, channeling my focus. "I think we need to talk about what happened at the party."

That smile faltered momentarily before she regained her composure. "Okay... What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, striking the right balance between calm and assertive. "I felt very sidelined last night, Bey. You brought someone else into our space without consideration for how I'd feel about it."

Her cool demeanor dimmed, and annoyance danced in her eyes. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. Sierra is a professional collaborator. I thought you'd appreciate me working with other talented people."

"Yes, but there's a difference between professional collaboration and disregarding our partnership," I countered, my voice steady but firm. "I am fully aware that you're a superstar and I'm incredibly proud of you, but that doesn't mean I should feel like an intruder in your world."