Chapter 9: Flashbulbs & Shadows
488 Words
The film wrapped in a blur of lights, applause, and celebration.
And just like that—
A new stage awaited.
The Met Gala.
An invitation only the biggest names received.
Skye O’Hare was now one of them.
—
The private jet hummed softly as it cut through the sky toward New York.
Skye sat by the window, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone, half-focused, half-lost in thought.
The movie was done.
The concerts were bigger than ever.
Everything was rising.
Everything was perfect.
Her phone buzzed.
A message.
Mom
A small smile touched her lips as she opened it.
Then—
It faded.
“I’m watching you closely.”
Skye blinked.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
That was… odd.
She typed quickly.
“What do you mean?”
No response.
She stared at the message for a second longer… then shook it off.
Probably nothing.
Right?
—
By the time she arrived, New York was already alive.
Cameras lined the entrance.
Lights flashed endlessly.
Names were being called from every direction.
“SKYE! OVER HERE!”
“SKYE, LOOK THIS WAY!”
“SKYE O’HARE!”
She stepped out of the car—
And the world paused.
Her outfit?
Unforgettable.
A massive fluffy white jacket draped over her shoulders like royalty.
White body-fitted pants sculpting her silhouette.
A sleek black crop top cutting through the softness with bold contrast.
She looked like power.
Like art.
Like a moment.
The cameras went insane.
Flash after flash after flash.
“She looks incredible!”
“OH MY GOD, SKYE!”
She moved effortlessly, owning every step, every pose.
A natural.
A star.
“Girl—look at you!”
Skye turned, grinning as she spotted Rihanna approaching, just as iconic, just as untouchable.
“Ri,” Skye smiled. “You already know.”
They exchanged a quick hug, cameras capturing every second.
“Save some attention for the rest of us,” Rihanna teased.
“No promises,” Skye shot back playfully.
Nearby, Taylor Swift waved her over, smiling warmly. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you,” Skye replied. “You too—always.”
And then—
“Skye.”
She turned to see Timothée Chalamet, effortlessly cool as ever.
“Didn’t expect to see you outshine everyone tonight,” he said lightly.
She smirked. “Get used to it.”
They laughed.
Selfies were taken.
Voices overlapped.
The night buzzed with energy, elegance, and power.
Skye was in her element.
At the center of it all.
—
But for a brief moment…
As another camera flashed—
Her phone vibrated again in her hand.
She glanced down.
Unknown number.
A new message.
“White looks beautiful on you.”
Her smile froze.
Just for a second.
Her eyes slowly lifted from the screen…
Scanning the crowd.
The lights.
The faces.
Famous.
Familiar.
Strangers.
Watching.
All of them watching.
—
But one of them…
Wasn’t like the others.
- Writer
