–Zane–

  I've always liked the idea of film. Stories. Characters. Illusions projected on a screen.

  It's a nice contrast to the slow rot of what we call humanity.

  Lives that are so boring that they invented a new type of entertainment—where they make silly stories and fictional facades to distract them of the actual dullness of reality.

  Fiction exists to distract the masses from the dull ache of their own mediocrity.

  It fits me... Perfectly.

  They only see what I let them see. A smile sharp enough to cut gss, a voice smooth enough to drown suspicion.

  All it takes is knowing their truths and what they want to hear and mold it to perfection to meet their wants—wrapped in an illusion of their needs.

  It's as easy as breathing.

  But if they ever saw what's underneath—they'd burn me at the stake faster than my deteriorating sense of self is going up in fmes.

  I rested my chin on one hand. Pying with a pen on the other.

  Processing paperwork as I read its contents swiftly. My table organized.

  Every pen and stationery id out from shortest to longest. Other paperwork stacked in a neat pile, while other documents are organized in color-coded folders and by alphabetical order.

  Not a speck of dust in sight. No object pced out of order.

  No pce for imperfections.

  I twirled the pen once more between my fingers before setting it down with exact precision—tip aligned with the edge of my desk, like everything else in this room. Controlled. Silent. Neat.

  A gentle knock surfaced through the silence of my office.

  Looking up, I watched as my secretary opened the door slightly. Enough so she could enter. Her heels clicking softly against the marble floor, the only sound breaking the silence as she came closer to my desk.

  "Sir, the investors have arrived. They're ready for you."

  She said with a stoic but gentle voice, a piece of paper in hand. The list of the guests—handing it to me.

  I stood up smoothly from my desk. Whatever darkness lingered flickered into a warm, welcoming smile full of charm—Taking the paper from her.

  "Just in time."

  The boardroom is filled with grown men dressed in thousand-dolr suits. Thinking they have the the world is in the palm of their hands—they don't. They feel important—only because I let them. A smile here, a compliment there. That's all it takes.

  I strutted through them, coming in front of the room as I met their welcoming smile as I greeted them with mine. Their eyes gleamed with lust for power, desperate for validation.

  Easy prey.

  Just another room of pawns I have wrapped around my finger. Strung with a simple smile.

  Pathetic.

  I began the meeting. The words coming out of my mouth smooth and charismatic. A few jokes and compliments here and there and they're hooked. They all ate it up. Just as always. Just as pnned. But still, I feel nothing from it

  A man with silver hair stood up, wearing a neatly ironed and expensive navy suit and tie, reflective silver gsses and an ever-friendly smile.

  "I have a question, if you may."

  He said with the tone of pure intentions. Pure intentions? Hah! There's no such thing in this industry.

  "So what's the real breakthrough here—scientific innovation, or how well you've taught people not to ask questions?"

  He said following a chuckle. I met his gaze, the corner of my smile twitching—just for a second. A flicker of irritation I quickly buried. No one here would notice. At least, no one sharp enough to.

  I gave a slight smile, a composed and gentle voice.

  "Innovation always comes with uncomfortable questions. The real talent lies in knowing which ones are worth answering—and which ones lead nowhere but trouble."

  I straightened my posture. Making them all know who's in charge and in front.

  "Curiosity is a valuable trait, of course. But even curiosity has its limits—especially in a room like this."

  I maintained a warm and charming tone. Warm enough to pass as charm. Sharp enough to cut.

  The man got the hint and gave me an uneasy but polite nod. Sitting back down to his chair.

  The warm and welcoming smile surfaced on my face again, continuing the rest of the meeting with ease and a steady flow.

  Words of wit and hollow smiles. The only thing that's preventing humanity from falling into ruins.