"Some women walk into a ballroom.
Others shift the gravity of it."
— Unknown Tweet during the Gala
📍 VR Imperial Hall — Spotlight Still On
Sara stood beside Aarav, calm as if this moment wasn't about to set the internet on fire. Cameras kept flashing like gunfire wrapped in glitter.
Aarav didn't offer his arm.
He didn't need to.
He walked beside her — not leading, not following.
Equal.
Host (still stunned): "Ms. Sara… a few words?"
Sara stepped forward to the mic, every eye pinned on her. Even the board members of VR Group leaned in.
She could say something safe. Neutral. Forgettable.
But queens don't do safe.
Sara (with a calm smile):
"I am honored to be here… not as a symbol…
but as someone who has earned her place."
A ripple moved through the crowd.
🎭 On the Balcony — Alisha Watches
Her jaw tightened.
She glided down the stairs, her crimson gown flowing like spilled wine, toxic and beautiful.
Alisha (whispering to herself): "Let's see how long your poise lasts… Sara."
🎤 Media Trap — Live Notification Appears on Screens
A notification pinged on EVERY media phone at the gala.
An article headline flashed across big screens near the cocktail section:
"CEO Aarav Vir Rathore appoints actress Sara Mehta as 'Charity Ambassador' — PR move to clean corporate image?"
Immediate online storm begins.
"Oh… so she's just a pretty face for his charity event."
"Charity ambassador = glorified poster girl."
"HAHA so not even girlfriend… just a hired decoration."
Reporter microphones lifted again — but this time, with sharper tone.
Reporter: "Ms. Sara, is this appointment real or just a PR setup by Mr. Rathore?"
Another reporter: "Are you here as a partner… or just an actress hired to smile for cameras?"
The air went icy.
Even Aarav turned his head — just a few degrees… to watch her answer.
This wasn't just a question.
It was a crown test.
Sara… SMILED.
Not sweet.
Not shy.
Confident. With fire.
She took the mic before Aarav could speak.
(And that alone made the room inhale.)
Sara (voice smooth, commanding):
"If I were just a face… I would stand behind him.
But I am standing beside him.
That should answer everything."
The hall went SILENT.
Then—
A wave of gasps.
Even Aarav's grip on the champagne glass tightened… ever so slightly.
Pride.
📸 Twitter Erupts:
"SHE SAID IT. SHE SAID IT WITHOUT SAYING IT."
"'I stand beside him' — THAT'S POWER LANGUAGE."
"She didn't label the relationship. She just asserted POSITION."
🎭 Alisha Steps In — Barely Smiling
She approached, her heels clicking like a countdown.
Alisha (soft, poisonous): "Sara… darling. Bold words. But are you sure he sees you beside him and not just in his shadow?"
Reporters turned eagerly. A live confrontation.
Sara turned slowly… meeting Alisha's eyes.
Sara (calm, lethal sweetness): "If I ever stand in someone's shadow…
it will be because I chose the spot."
A murmur rolled through the hall.
Alisha's eyes flickered.
First crack. Visible.
In the Crowd — Eris Watches via a hidden live feed, whispering:
Eris: "Interesting.
The actress doesn't just love him…
She intends to reign with him."