Ep 3-the Gala begain
Niva (Fl)
The music is loud.
The hall is a sea of expensive gowns and sharper intentions.
And everyone’s looking at me.
Reyansh(fl 1 uncle)
Of course they are.
You’re the brightest thing in this room.
Niva (Fl)
They’re not just looking.
They’re assessing.
Trying to figure out if I’m weak. Or capable.
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
Then let them.
And when they blink, smile.
Like you’re the storm they didn’t prepare for.
Augustus (fl 3 uncle)
Poetic threats again? I like this side of you, Aiden.
Augstya(fl 2 uncle)
Focus.
Niva, go greet the investors first.
Mr. Callum is at the far end. He respects confidence.
Niva (Fl)
Right. I’ve rehearsed this.
Smile. Nod. Speak clearly.
And don’t trip in heels.
Jim(fl father)
You’ll be brilliant.
But if it gets too much, signal me.
Niva (Fl)
What’s the signal?
Jim(fl father)
Your eyes.
I’ve known them since before you could speak.
Niva (Fl)
{I walk, heels tapping like a heartbeat.
The moment stretches like it’s waiting to snap.
I shake hands. Smile politely. Nod where it counts.
But my heart... it pulls toward the corner of the room—Where they stand.
My father.
My uncles.
My anchors.}
Mr.callum
Miss Nive. You’ve grown into quite the woman.
Niva (Fl)
Thank you, Mr. Callum.
I hope to also grow into someone you’ll respect across the boardroom.
Mr.callum
Spoken like your uncle Augstya.
But you’ve got your father’s presence.
Dangerous combination.
Niva (Fl)
Only dangerous to the unprepared.
Reyansh(fl 1 uncle)
Look at her, Augstya.
She didn’t even flinch when Callum tried to test her.
Augstya(fl 2 uncle)
She’s not a child anymore.
That’s what they’re all seeing tonight.
Augustus (fl 3 uncle)
It scares me a little.
Like we’ve let her go too far… too fast.
Jim(fl father)
She was born for this.
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
She was born for more than this.
Jim(fl father)
What do you mean?
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
I mean—look at her.
Everyone wants a piece of her now.
And we’re just supposed to stand here?
Augustus (fl 3 uncle)
You’re not the only one thinking that.
Jim(fl father)
Careful, all of you.
Reyansh(fl 1 uncle)
We’ve always been careful.
But she’s not a little girl.
Not anymore.
Niva (Fl)
{Why does it feel like they’re watching me too closely?
Why do their stares burn hotter than any stranger’s?}
Niva (Fl)
Aiden. Can I talk to you? Alone?
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
Of course
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
You did amazing in there.
You don’t need any of us anymore.
Niva (Fl)
Don’t say that.
I’ll always need you.
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
Yeah?
Because lately…
It’s been hard pretending.
Niva (Fl)
Pretending what?
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
That all I feel is pride.
That I don’t notice the way you smile differently now.That I’m not drawn to you in ways I shouldn’t be.
Niva (Fl)
(whisper)You’re not alone.
Niva (Fl)
I see it.
In your eyes. In the way you touch me.
And maybe it’s wrong.
But it’s rea
(Silence. A breath. A look.)
Aiden (fl 4 uncle
Then we’re...
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