The Price of Passion

Collabs & Assistants

Giselle Pov: Savage Fenty Inc.

As we walked into the building, Robyn's assistant welcomed us and guided us to an elevator. Onika did an excellent job of masking her nerves; I can only guess how many times she had to force a smile on her face until she perfected it.

"Can I get you two anything?" The girl asked as we made it to the top floor.

I observed Ms. Maraj's face while she examined the other girl, recognizing an expression I wouldn't label just yet due to lack of evidence. Declining, I pulled out a chair so she could sit. "Ms. Fenty should arrive any moment." Her assistant indicated before exiting the room.

I wanted to ask her if was she okay but I could see she was putting herself into a place where she felt safe, strengthing those walls she'd constructed around her. The woman who robbed her of the life she was supposed to have would be sitting across from her soon.

Hearing voices outside the door, I leaned in and whispered to her, 'Let me know if it becomes too much, and we'll leave.' Onika closed her eyes as a pair of heels clicked across the tile floor. I gently rubbed her back hoping to ease her tension.

Never have I ever experienced betrayal in the way that Robyn betrayed the younger girl. The Islander smiled at me and offered her hand. "Hello, Beyonce!"

"Ms. Fenty." I got up and extended my hand. "This is my assistant, Onika Maraj. She'll be joining us today." stepping aside, I introduced the two individuals who were already well acquainted.

I caught the subtle shift in the other woman's expression at the mention of the girl's name, but the way her eyes beamed upon seeing the girl is definitely something I plan to discuss with Ms. Maraj.

With a gentle tone, Robyn greeted the girl, but Onika just rolled her eyes in annoyance at her presence.

"Shall we begin?" I cleared my throat breaking their staring contest.

"Yeah... I appreciate you for following up with me." Robyn ran her hands through her hair, caught off guard. "I'm not sure what my team shared with yours, but I'm eager for us to partner on a project." she presented me with a portfolio, and I swiftly passed it on to Onika.

With a slight nod, she opened the folder and started to browse through the designs. "Thank you for your offer but, I'm not pursuing any partnerships at the moment." My team advised me that it would be unprofessional to decline over the phone, which was the sole reason for my attendance.  I had to save face.

"If you take a look, maybe you'll change your mind." she encouraged.

I called out to Ms. Maraj, capturing her attention as she delicately ran her fingers over a specific design. "What are your thoughts? Honesty please." I urged placing a reassuring hand on her knee.

The young girl glanced at Robyn and then turned her gaze back to me. "I think..." she began but quickly clamped her mouth shut. I signaled for her to keep going, encouraging her to share whatever she wished without fear of consequence. "In my opinion, this is merely a variation of her initial design. I believe this would benefit her more than it would benefit you. You'll do well whether or not this collab happens." Onika communicated solely with me.

I nodded In agreement, absorbing all her words. "We won't be doing any more favors." A smirk appeared on my lips as I closed the folder and slid it back toward her across the table. "We'll see ourselves out." I helped Onika out of her seat as we prepared to leave.

"Shae, please give my number to Ms. Knowles's assistant just in case she decides to reconsider." Robyn directed her assistant, who was standing silently by the door.