𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐧

“ Unspoken Tension ”

The luxurious apartment was filled with an air of tension as Beyoncé paced back and forth, her frustration palpable. The conversation with her father, conducted in rapid French, was reaching its boiling point. His voice, a blend of disapproval and concern, echoed through the apartment.

Beyoncé’s voice rose in response, her French sharp and defensive. “Papa, je fais ce que je crois être le mieux pour moi et pour mon avenir!” She slammed her phone down onto the table, her frustration evident.

Her father’s reply was a rapid-fire stream of French, filled with words like "absurde" and "inacceptable," denouncing her decision to work in America and leaving her familial duties behind.

As Beyoncé tried to defend her choices, her frustration boiled over, and the argument grew more heated. The intensity of the conversation left her visibly shaken, her anger and stress written all over her face.

Just then, the apartment door opened, and Onika stepped inside. She closed the door behind her with a deliberate, firm motion, the click of the latch cutting through the thick tension in the room.

Beyoncé turned around, her expression shifting from frustration to surprise as she saw Onika. “Hey,” she said, her voice softening despite the lingering tension.

Onika, observing Beyoncé’s strained demeanor, stepped forward with genuine concern. “Are you okay? You seem stressed.”

Beyoncé forced a small, tired smile. “Yeah, just my father. It’s always the same argument. He doesn’t understand why I’m here, why I’m working for Americans when he thinks I should be back home.”

Onika's gaze softened as she approached Beyoncé. “I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Do you want to talk about it?”

Beyoncé shook her head, though her eyes showed a flicker of vulnerability. “Not really. I just want to get away from it all for a bit.”

Onika reached out and took Beyoncé’s hand gently, her touch a comforting presence amid the turmoil. “Let’s go then. I’m here for you.”

Beyoncé nodded, appreciating the support. “Thanks, Onika. I just need to clear my head.”

Onika guided Beyoncé towards the door, her presence a calming contrast to the storm of emotions Beyoncé had been battling. As they walked out of the apartment, Onika glanced at Beyoncé with a mixture of concern and resolve.

The car ride to the wine fabric was filled with a tense but silent anticipation. Beyoncé, dressed in a sleek, professional outfit, was focused on reviewing the final details of the deal, while Onika sat beside her, her eyes occasionally darting toward Beyoncé with a mixture of admiration and concern.

As they arrived at the wine fabric, the scene was set for the final negotiations. The sprawling estate was as picturesque as ever, with its lush vineyards and stately architecture. Onika and Beyoncé stepped out of the car and were greeted warmly by Brent, the charming right-hand man who had previously caused some tension between them.

“Ms. Knowles, President Maraj,” Brent said with a smile, extending his hand in greeting. “It’s good to see you both again.”

Beyoncé smiled back, shaking his hand. “Brent, always a pleasure.”

Brent’s attention lingered on Beyoncé a little longer than necessary, and Onika noticed the subtle flirtation in his demeanor. It was clear that Brent’s interest in Beyoncé was more than just professional, and it irked Onika.

As they walked into the wine fabric, Brent guided them to a private tasting room. Onika kept a watchful eye on Brent as he poured glasses of the finest wine for them. The atmosphere was elegant, but the undercurrent of tension was palpable.