The Smile That Cracks

 – Skylar's POV

They were cheering.

Everywhere I went, people stood taller, spoke louder, smiled wider. My name echoed in the streets—not whispered like a rebel, but spoken like a promise. Skylar Blackwood, the voice of the people.

And yet... I didn't feel victorious.

I stood at the top floor of the People's Agency HQ, looking out through the glass wall. Below, citizens lined up for assistance, opportunities, a better tomorrow. The system was working. I was working.

But something didn't sit right.

The sudden ease of it all. The smooth approvals. The funding. The silent support from people I knew were once loyal to Chris. This wasn't how revolutions worked. This was too quiet.

"Ma'am," my aide, Rhea, entered briskly, holding a fresh intel file. "More districts have pledged loyalty to the agency. Donations have doubled. And look at this..."

She placed a sleek black chip on the table.

"It's from Sector 3. An anonymous donor just transferred 500 million Blackwood Currency. No conditions."

My blood froze.

No one gives that kind of money without expectations.

I picked up the chip slowly, feeling its weight like a trap in my palm. My thoughts swirled.

Chris.

He was letting me win. No—he was pushing me to win.

This wasn't freedom. This was a stage. And I was the actress in his twisted production.

I stared at the massive logo of the People's Agency on the wall—my dream, now tainted.

"Call a meeting," I said. My voice was low, sharp. "Top strategists only. Lock the room. No tech."

Rhea nodded and rushed out.

This was no longer about helping the people.

It was about survival.

Because if Chris was playing games…

…I needed to rewrite the rules.

End of Scene.