FRAUD

IV

Copyright © 2022 by howblack

Los Angeles, USA.

1 month later.

If Onika was being honest, many things, small but meaningful things, had changed. Decisions entail consequences, but when you don't take them, it is the universe itself that takes charge of dumping the fate that it sees fit on you. In the end, Onika always preferred to have control over her life.

After the small meeting Onika and Beyoncé had at the manager's house and a convergent work decision, finally their wish came true, they no longer see each other. Eventually, all physical contact is replaced by verbalization and memory. Her advisor, for example, was quotingBeyoncé's name almost full-time. Whether it was to explain how things should work when the two were together or the best methods for impeccable marketing advice.

It should be no secret that the two were like cats and dogs, biting and stepping on each other's toes. But with all the newness that was coming, Onika had already been instructed how to introduce to the public the arrival of her new occupation as a presenter. Beyoncé had not so far been correlated to all this. But Onikahad astute fans, some of whom were already aware of the strange movement in the two influence's routines. And of the unusual and mysterious follow that both had recently shared on Instagram. But that was Onika's last concern. She knew that soon everyone would know everything, especially since she had arrived in LA 3 days ago to start filming.

There were things Onika hated. But nothing was as annoying as the times she felt insecure or nervous. And she hated to admit it. Or even admit it to herself internally. The whole time she was being made up and specially instructed on her look, shoes, or the accessories she should wear, she hadn't been quiet for a single moment. A sign that she was anxious. She was energetic and chatty, even more so than usual. This attitude seemed to have made her win over the CBS team. They were amused by her jokes and the way she made them feel like close friends in such a short time. Onika really was veryendearing.

And Onika liked it, at least this way she could pour her attention into something other than her inner demons.

"All right. Come here." Bia says, messing up and shaping Onika's hair with her hands. She was the show's exclusive hairdresser and would be responsible for taking care of both her and Beyoncé during the filming season. "What did you think, star?"

Onika smiled at her nickname."Girl, it looks amazing." When Bia steps out of the way, the businesswoman is able to get a full view of her hair. The tightly defined curls tangled up as Onika ran her fingers through them. "I need this woman in my life 24 hours, God!" Her accent was strong and playful.

Bia smiles, apparently pleased by the rapper's approval.

"I'm at your service, mam" She winks.

May I confess?" Onika smiles and approaches as if to tell a secret.

"I'm loving this pampering. It's the life I asked God for."

"Can I confess something too?" Bia decides to play along. "I was so wrong about you! I don't want you to be upset but before I 'met' you, I couldn't stand you. Absolutely everything about you seemed shallow. I even devoted a good few hours of my day voting for you not to win the award that the short documentary for the film would give" Bia's voice sounds fearful as if she expected a scolding from Onika but the businesswoman is amused by the confession.

"On the first voting or the second?"

Bia smiles guiltily, her hands behind her body like a guilty child. "In both."

"Why am I not surprised?" She asks laughing. "As I see it, I feel that half of the American population shares this same feeling of yours. I don't know if I'm flattered or not." Onika whispers entertained.