Luminous Gems

Chapter 5

Steam rose from the heated pool as the three friends lounged on recliners, sipping champagne. The spa's serene ambiance was a stark contrast to their chaotic lives. Mandisa stretched out with a contented sigh, a lazy smile spreading across her face. "You needed this," she said, glancing at Finola, who was lying back with her eyes closed, soaking in the warmth.

Finola sighed dramatically. "I did. I might be fabulous, but even fabulous needs a recharge." She took a long sip of champagne, savoring the moment of peace.

Mandisa rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

Faheema giggled, swirling her glass with a playful smile. "I think that's part of her charm."

As the conversation shifted to their respective struggles, the air grew heavier with tension. Finola let out a deep sigh, swirling her champagne glass absently. "I don't know, guys," she began, her voice brittle. "I just feel like everything I do is for show with Castellano. There's a lot of mind games at play with him, I still can't believe he took the Joburg breakout fashionista opportunity from me. It feels like all he wants to see me as is a pretty face, you know?"

Mandisa frowned, her brows knitting together. "That's rough. He's supposed to appreciate your actual contributions, not just your looks."

Finola's gaze drifted to the steaming water of the pool. "It's just... I feel like I'm just there to fill a spot next to him at events. Like, how many times can he introduce me as his company biggest potential without actually acknowledging what I bring to the table?"

Faheema nodded sympathetically. "It sounds like you're questioning whether he values you for more than just a pretty accessory."

Finola clenched her jaw, her frustration palpable. "Exactly. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I see it with so many women around me—just filling a role without real agency."

Mandisa's lips twisted into a frown. "It's tough. I get it. I've been somewhat experiencing that at work, I'm just this invisible shadow. No one sees my potential, and I'm always overlooked."

She continues to ventefrustration simmering beneath the surface. "I've been overlooked for promotions for so long. It's like no one hears my voice no matter how loud I scream through my work." She fidgeted with the strap of her bikini, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Faheema sighed, tracing patterns in the water with her fingers. "I'm growing increasingly dissatisfied with my marriage. I'm not sure I'm in it for the right reasons anymore."

The three women exchanged looks, each one understanding the deep sense of discontentment in the others' voices.

Finola's gaze flickered between her friends. "Maybe it's time we all take a stand. A bold stand. We need to start demanding more—not just for ourselves but for each other too."

Mandisa nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Yeah, we do. We need to challenge this status quo, not just sit back and take it."

Faheema leaned forward, a glimmer of excitement replacing her previous dissatisfaction. "Let's make a pact then. By the end of the week, let's commit to taking bold steps towards being seen, to pushing back against the bullshit and taking control of our own lives."

Finola raised her glass, a resolute smile on her lips. "I'm in. I'm done being just an ornament. I deserve to be taken seriously for what I do, not just how I look."

Mandisa reached for Finola's hand, giving it a squeeze. "And you, Mandisa—you deserve to be recognized for your skills and your contributions at work."

Mandisa's voice softened as she looked at them both. "And you, Faheema—you deserve to be loved truly."

The three women clinked their glasses together, sealing their pact with a shared determination. As they settled back into their chairs, the tension seemed to lift just a little.