Disclosure

Buy A Heart

12pm
October 12
Beyoncé Knowles POV

My fingers twirled the glass of water in a circle on the fine wood table of an even finer restaurant. I then checked the time on my watch once again as I continue to wait for the individual who had purchased, or was showing interest, in purchasing my painting that was sitting across from me. I hoped this wasn't a sham or some elaborate plan for Megan to teach me a lesson in her many artistic ways. I needed this money and if what she said was true about the amount, it could be life changing.

As I checked my watch once again, I sighed in frustration.

"In a rush?" I heard a familiar voice come from behind. She then sat across from me right next to the painting as I rolled my eyes in confusion and annoyance.

"There's no way." I mumbled as I looked down.

"Way." She said as she went in her purse and pulled out a check.

"I knew this was too good to be true. I appreciate it, but you can't buy this painting." I started to get up as she ignored me and pushed the check closer into my view. The amount on the check was what made me sit back down.

"Are you serious right now? I'm not understanding." I glanced at it then back at her.

"What game are you playing?" I sighed cautiously.

"No games. I want to see you succeed." She shrugged. For a moment it almost felt genuine until she smirked. Here's the catch.

"Ariana what games are you playing." I asked a question but it wasn't so much as a question anymore, more like an acknowledgment. Ariana then seemed to give in and got comfortable at the table, even calling the waiter over and ordering a drink while I patiently awaited a response and explanation.

"Do you remember when I saw you and Onika at the art show?" She sipped her wine slowly.

"Yes." I sighed. So that's what it was? A way to insert herself?

"She's pregnant." She stated and looked me in my eyes.

"Is she? I mean she is married." I responded with my best expression of surprise.

"But she's pregnant by you." She seemed to test me. We then stared at each other for a few seconds befire I cracked and lost the staring contest.

"She told you that?" I tested the waters right back. My fingers tapped on the glass of water in front of me. It was clear I was nervous. She then smirked at me and looked down at the table.

"You both are no good at this. What are your plans now that you have a little one on the way? Better yet.. what does Xavier think? Judging from her covered up bruises he already knows something is off." She put the story together with little to no assistance from me. She was right... he didn't know but he was sure to find out soon just like she did... which is why Onika's plan to leave unscathed was slim to none. I needed to talk to her again and talk her out of that shit, but first I needed to handle this. Was she planning on outing us to Onika's husband?

"What do you want?" I asked in annoyance. I had way too much stress and disappointment in my life. Now wasn't the time for games.

"I want to manage your art career." She said.

"I don't understand. You were there yesterday. I couldn't even sell this piece. What did you do?" I asked her as she laughed.

"I sent your art to a few of my celebrity friends. They sent over a check immediately and all I want is a tiny percentage." She shrugged and continued while I listened intently.

"You don't really think I attend these shows for sport? There's potential here. There's potential in you. You have the talent and I have the connections. We could make a lot of money Beyoncé. You do need the money don't you babydaddy?" She blinked and called my bluff.

"Don't call me that again... Now I don't understand this business. What exactly do you do?" I tried to make sense of this.

"I have the connections to the industry that you need. I can auction off your art to billionaires Beyoncé. Say the word. Your talent could make us both millions. It could open doors into the industry. I'm a businesswoman. Simple." She stated sternly with a slight smirk.

I looked at the large number on the check and almost pissed myself. It was no way I would've sold that piece without her. I needed her. There was no telling what was going to happen with Onika and her situation and I couldn't have my child's mother and my child living in the neighborhood I was currently in.

"Who is Matteo Russo?" I read the name off the check, acknowledging for the first time that I was considering accepting it.

"Have you seen the new horror movie "Silence"? She asked.

"Alex wants to see it when we get back home... are you saying?.."

"He's the lead actor. Real connections Beyoncé. This painting will be in the living room of his mansion by tomorrow. Then every single one of his famous friends will be looking for one just like it. Do you understand what i'm saying?"

I sighed. "Yes. Okay... Let's work. Well wait....Did you okay this with Onika?"

"Is she your mother or your child's mother?" She instantly got smart with me. She seemed annoyed at the thought of me considering Onika in this decision.

"Don't worry about it. I'll talk to her." I rolled my eyes. There was then an awkward silence between us as I contemplated telling both my girlfriend, Megan and the mother of my unborn, Onika, that I was working with another woman who had shown blatant interest in me. This could be a dangerous 3 way spiral but I needed this woman. I needed this money. Once I got my feet set in the industry, I would sever the work relationship.

"This is strictly professional?" I cautiously asked.

"Strictly."

"And you stay out of Onika and I's business?"

"Potentially." She giggled, making me frown.

"Kidding. I'll keep these lips sealed." She shook out her hand for me to shake. I reluctantly shook her hand with a firm grip, letting her know this wasn't that.

"I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract." She said while standing up. My eyes got wide. Legalities, of course.

"Beyoncé we're in this for the long haul. You don't think i'm stupid do you?" She seemed offended but in a comedic manner.

"I suppose not." I sighed.

"Don't take that big ass check to your poor neighborhood." She said in a petty manner before she walked off.

Author's Notes 🗒️:

Here damn! 🙄

This app is acting funnyyyy. Glitching and making it hard to push the content. Also readers aren't getting notifications??? what's that about? 👀

Anyways,

What do we predict?

Plot twist?