𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬

𝐒 𝐈 𝐗

• Cracks In The Armor •

Onika hurried through the long, polished hallways of the office building, the sound of her heels echoing off the marble floors. She clutched a stack of papers tightly in her hand, her heart racing not just from the haste. The tension in the air had been palpable, and now, as she approached Robyn’s office, those same unsettling feelings gnawed at her.

When she finally reached Robyn’s door, Onika barely hesitated. In her rush, she pushed the door open without knocking, a mistake she realized immediately.

Robyn, sitting behind her desk, looked up with a raised eyebrow. "You're late," she said coldly, her voice laced with a sharp edge. "And you didn't knock."

Onika’s gaze quickly swept across the room. Beyoncé was standing near the large windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline, but she wasn’t admiring it. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her posture rigid as she stared out, not acknowledging Onika's presence at all. There was a chill in the air that hadn’t been there before.

Onika swallowed nervously and offered a quick apology. "Sorry, I was stuck in traffic."

Robyn’s expression softened slightly. "Oh, then I don’t blame you. I had the same situation this morning," she said, dismissing the issue with a wave of her hand. The moment of reprieve brought a small sense of relief to Onika.

She quickly handed the papers to Robyn, her eyes flickering briefly to Beyoncé, who remained distant, her back still turned to the room. The coldness between Beyoncé and Robyn was more than just the usual tension that came with their professional relationship. Something had clearly happened before Onika arrived.

Robyn took the papers without further comment. "Thank you, Maraj. You may leave," she said curtly, her attention already shifting back to whatever task lay before her.

Onika hesitated for a split second, glancing once more at Beyoncé. She was curious, almost worried, about the shift in the air between the two women, but she knew better than to linger. With a nod, she quickly exited the office, closing the door behind her.

As she made her way back to her own desk, Onika couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Beyoncé had been so tense, so withdrawn. She hadn’t even acknowledged Onika’s presence, which was unusual. Normally, Beyoncé was the first to offer a quick smile or a passing comment, but today she was different. Something had clearly gone down between her and Robyn.

Onika’s thoughts spiraled into places she didn’t want to go. She found herself wondering what their relationship was really like behind closed doors. How did they navigate their power dynamics? Who was in control? Was Beyoncé submissive to Robyn, or was it the other way around? The questions flooded her mind, leaving her both intrigued and disturbed.

But she quickly pushed those thoughts aside. It wasn’t her business. Whatever happened between Beyoncé and Robyn was their concern, not hers. She had her own work to focus on, and the last thing she needed was to get caught up in office drama that had nothing to do with her.

Back in Robyn’s office, the tension that Onika had sensed was now boiling over. As soon as the door clicked shut behind Onika, Robyn turned her full attention to Beyoncé. "You’re acting like a bitch, come on," she snapped, her voice dripping with irritation.

Beyoncé’s gaze remained fixed on the skyline, her posture rigid. "Don’t start with me, Robyn," she warned, her tone icy and controlled, but there was a slight tremor in her voice that betrayed her anger.

Robyn’s eyes narrowed. "Oh, I’m starting because you’ve been unbearable all morning. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Beyoncé finally turned to face Robyn, her eyes blazing with anger. "What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? Do you think I didn’t see you with Victoria last night? Do you think I’m stupid? You would have flipped if it were the other way around."