In the soft morning light, Alia gently feeds the children and lovingly puts them to sleep. Then she calls for the maid and says in a gentle voice:
Alia (softly):
"Take care of them. No one should open the door or go outside. And if anything happens—call me immediately."
The maid nods respectfully.
Maid:
"Yes, ma'am. Don't worry."
Alia then walks slowly toward the garage, her eyes brimming with fierce confidence.
As the garage door opens—
A sleek black BMW stands before her—like a royal predator waiting in silence.
She gets into the car.
She's dressed in a silk top, light jeans, sunglasses on her eyes.
Her hair flows freely, and her lips have a soft gloss shimmer.
She starts the engine, glances back with a serious expression, and says to herself:
"Something different is going to happen today..."
In Front of the Party Venue
The venue resembles a grand palace, shimmering in hues of pink, gold, and white.
As Alia steps out of her car, all eyes turn to her—her style and presence stealing everyone's attention.
Just then—
Her younger sister approaches from a distance, wearing a smart outfit, a small purse in hand, her face glowing with joy.
Alongside her is Aliza, Alia's private bodyguard—
Dressed in a black suit, earpiece in ear, sharp eyes scanning the area.
Aliza walks up and says:
"Ma'am, the entire area has been scanned. You're safe. But someone entered the building we couldn't identify before."
Alia looks a little surprised.
Her sister comments:
"Apu, you look especially mysterious today."
Alia gives a soft smile:
"Because today, I'm not just a guest… I am the story."
The three of them step into the venue together.
Camera flashes, music, soft chatter all around—
But in their eyes—alertness.
Because they know—
Beneath these party lights, a shadow may be lurking.
Farewell in Laughter
Alia, her younger sister, and Aliza stand together beside the BMW.
A soft breeze lifts Alia's hair gently.
Her sister laughs and says:
"Apu, you look like you're walking a red carpet today!"
Alia:
"And you're my fashion police. If I wear anything wrong, you'll be the first to call it out."
They both laugh.
Aliza adds from the side:
"Laugh all you want, but I'm still on duty." (She winks.)
Alia and her sister chuckle again.
Then they all take a selfie together—
A moment that might just be the beginning of a new story.
Alia places her hand on the car door and glances back—
Through the children's window, she sees tiny hands waving.
A soft, tender smile touches her lips.
Alia (with a gentle look):
"Let the day begin with a smile…
And end with strength."
Aliza opens the door.
Alia slowly steps toward the car.
Her sister teases:
"Hey Apu, you're the queen of tonight's party! Tell me later who couldn't stop staring at you!"
Alia:
"They'll look, sure…
But they won't touch.
I'm Victor's wife—The Shadow Queen."
They all laugh again.
The car starts.
Alia looks back one last time,
Her eyes carrying a mix of shadow and light.
The car drives off—
Leaving behind a smiling farewell,
One that may return again tomorrow, shining brighter.
It's late at night.
After the party, Alia returns home, tired.
She steps out of the car and slowly opens the door.
Soft yellow lights glow in the house.
The clock strikes midnight.
A strange stillness fills the space.
Alia removes her heels and tiptoes to the children's room.
There she sees—
Four little hearts sleeping peacefully,
Blankets tucked around them, faces calm and serene.
She lovingly runs her hand over their heads and says:
"Your smiles… they're my whole world."
Suddenly...
A faint voice echoes from a distant room.
Alia flinches.
The sound is coming from the library.
She walks silently toward it.
Peeking through the crack of the door, she sees—
Victor standing there, and beside him—Margaret.
Both of their faces are serious.
Margaret is speaking softly,
And Victor is listening, head lowered.
Tears swell in Alia's eyes with surprise.
"Margaret? Here? This late? With Victor?"
Her heart trembles.
She steps a bit closer to hear more…
But just then—
Victor slowly lifts his head,
And his eyes meet Alia's through the narrow opening in the door.
Silence.
Margaret turns around too.
Now Alia's eyes are filled with shock and humiliation.
Her lips tremble, but she says nothing.
Victor walks forward and quietly says:
"Alia… it's not what you think."
Alia (soft, but firm):
"You don't know what I'm thinking."
There's fire in her eyes.
From the background, the soft breathing of her sleeping children echoes…
As Victor meets Alia's fierce, unwavering gaze,
he stands silently for a few moments.
Then, slowly, he turns away—
without saying a word, he walks out of the room.
Alia remains still—
her eyes blazing, her face frozen in silence.
Just then—
Margaret slowly steps forward.
A mysterious smile curves her lips.
Suddenly, she moves in—closer to Alia.
So close, their breaths almost blend.
Margaret:
"My beauty queen…
That red nightdress of yours…
You know, no matter how strong Victor is—this color is his weakness."
Alia's eyes stay locked in stunned disbelief…
Then slowly, it transforms into cold fury.
Margaret steps even closer.
Her lips near Alia's ear,
her breath brushing against Alia's neck.
Margaret (softly, whispering):
"You don't know what Victor is hiding from you.
And me?
I'm not just his protector—
I'm his past too."
Alia's face trembles.
But she holds the fire within her steady.
For a moment—
They stare into each other's eyes,
as if a silent war is raging between them.
Alia (in a cold voice):
"It's not the color I wear…
It's my courage that's Victor's true weakness.
And you know it."
Margaret smirks wickedly.
Margaret:
"We'll see, my dear queen.
We'll see…"
Then, slowly, she steps back.
Alia remains there—alone.
And in the darkness of the night,
just one phrase escapes her lips:
"The game has begun."
Night.
A soft light glows inside the room.
Alia lies on the bed, wrapped in white sheets.
Her face holds a quiet, wounded pride.
Her eyes are closed—but she isn't asleep.
Beside her lies Victor.
For three days, he has received no response from her.
Only silence.
Suddenly—
Victor slowly turns toward her.
His eyes are filled with exhaustion, guilt, and a silent war of love.
He gently pulls her closer.
His lips softly touch her forehead.
Victor (in a gentle voice):
"Sorry… Alia..."
Alia says nothing.
He leans in further,
placing a light kiss on her cheek.
Victor (whispering):
"My Shadow Queen… I made a mistake…
Forgive me."
Alia slowly opens her eyes.
Her gaze is steady—cold.
Alia (with a voice sharp as a blade):
"Go away...
There's no point acting anymore."
Victor freezes.
He stares at her face—
now filled with nothing but distance.
Alia (looking away):
"If love only brings pain,
then there's no meaning in trusting it."