Chapter One : Behind the Mask

Third Person's Point of View

Beyoncé stared out of the window, watching the world blur by as her chauffeur navigated through the bustling streets of Los Angeles. The city was alive, yet she felt an overwhelming sense of isolation enveloping her like a heavy fog. As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over the skyline, she couldn't help but feel like an imposter in her own life.

"Mommy!" Blue's voice broke through her thoughts, bringing her back to reality. The little girl was sitting in the backseat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can we go to the park after this? I wanna play on the swings!"

Beyoncé forced a smile, nodding as she turned to her daughter. "Of course, baby. We can go to the park. Just us girls," she replied, trying to match Blue's enthusiasm.

But inside, her heart ached. Every day felt like a performance, and she was exhausted from pretending everything was fine. The laughter and joy that surrounded her felt like a distant memory, buried beneath the weight of her sadness.

As they arrived at their destination, a photo shoot for her upcoming campaign, Beyoncé felt the familiar pressure build within her. She stepped out of the car, plastering a radiant smile on her face for the waiting cameras. The flashes blinded her momentarily, but she held her head high, embodying the icon everyone expected her to be.

"Beyoncé! Over here!" a reporter shouted, waving a microphone in her direction. "How do you manage to balance your career and family life?"

Beyoncé paused, searching for the right words. "It's all about love and support," she said, her voice steady, even as her insides churned. "I'm grateful for my family, and they inspire me every day."

But inside, she was crumbling. Jay-Z had been distant lately, often frustrated when she didn't want to go out or engage with the world. Their evenings were spent in silence, her mind racing with insecurities while he scrolled through his phone, seemingly disinterested. She could feel the distance growing between them, and it terrified her.

After the shoot, she returned home, feeling drained. Blue had already changed into her pajamas, her tiny frame curling up on the couch, watching cartoons. Beyoncé sank down beside her, wrapping an arm around her daughter. "Did you have fun today, sweetheart?"

"Yeah! But I missed you," Blue replied, looking up with wide, innocent eyes. "Can we have a sleepover in my room tonight?"

"Of course, we can!" Beyoncé said, forcing herself to smile. She cherished these moments, but the weight of her depression loomed over her, threatening to steal her joy.

Later that night, after tucking Blue into bed and laying by her side until she falls asleep, Beyoncé sat alone in her dimly lit bedroom. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, taking in the tired lines etched on her face. The glamorous life everyone envied felt like a façade. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through social media, and her heart sank as she saw pictures of her smiling fans, blissfully unaware of the battle she fought every day.

She then curled up in bed, the house was silent, Shawn had left earlier to meet some friends, and Blue was sound asleep in her room. Her thumb hovered over the app she'd just downloaded—the AI therapist. She wasn't sure what she'd get from a computer program, but she couldn't face another sleepless night with her own thoughts.

She opened the app, and the screen greeted her with a friendly message.

Megan: "Hi! I'm Megan, your virtual therapist. How can I help you tonight?"

For a moment, Beyoncé hesitated, feeling silly, but then she began typing.

Beyoncé: "Hi, Megan. I... don't really know where to start."

Megan: "That's okay. Starting is the hardest part. Just tell me what's on your mind—anything you're comfortable sharing."

Beyoncé: "I feel like I'm failing at everything. As a wife, as a mom... even as myself. Everyone thinks I'm perfect, but I'm so far from it."

The response came quickly, comforting in its simplicity.

Megan: "I'm sorry you're feeling this way. You're under a lot of pressure to be everything for everyone, aren't you?"

Beyoncé blinked, surprised at how close to the truth Megan's words were.

Beyoncé: "Yes. It's... overwhelming. I spend so much time pretending I'm okay, but I'm exhausted. Sometimes, I wish I could just be... me. Without all the expectations."

Megan: "That sounds incredibly hard. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when you're carrying so much alone. Do you have anyone to talk to about this?"

Beyoncé: "Not really. My husband... we're drifting apart. He doesn't understand. And if I show any weakness to the world, I feel like I'll let everyone down."

She didn't know why she was opening up like this, but it felt... good. Safer than she had imagined.

Megan: "It's tough when the people we're closest to don't see what's really going on. But it doesn't make you weak to share what you're feeling. Even icons have hearts, Beyoncé."

Beyoncé: "Icons with hearts, huh?" She let out a small, humorless chuckle. "You make it sound like I'm normal. Just... a person."

Megan: "You are just a person, Beyoncé. Just like the rest of us. And you deserve support and understanding too."

The honesty was almost too much. Her hands shook slightly as she typed.

Beyoncé: "Sometimes, I feel like I'm drowning. Like there's no way out. Everyone sees this glamorous life, but it's all... empty."

Megan: "That sounds painful. No one should have to feel that alone. But you're not alone right now. I'm here."

A silence filled her room. She couldn't remember the last time someone had spoken to her like this—so freely, without expectations. She lay back against her pillows, relaxing slightly.

Beyoncé: "Thank you, Megan. I... really needed this."

Megan: "You don't have to thank me. This is your space to say whatever you need to. If you're comfortable with it, we can take small steps toward lifting some of this weight."

Beyoncé: "I'd like that. I don't even know where to begin. Just... how do I stop feeling so... broken?"

She waited, heart pounding, as if she were confessing the darkest parts of herself.

Megan: "I know it feels that way now, but I promise, broken isn't forever. With time, it can change. We can explore what's causing that feeling, but you don't have to rush. It's okay to take things slow."

Beyoncé read the words, a strange comfort flooding over her. Her eyes were growing heavy, and she fought to stay awake, not wanting this connection to end.

Beyoncé: "Thanks, Megan. Really. I don't know why, but I feel... safe talking to you."

Megan: "That means a lot. And it's my job to make sure you feel that way. We'll go at your pace, one step at a time. Rest well tonight, okay? And remember, I'm here whenever you need."

Beyoncé's eyes drifted shut as she typed one last message.

Beyoncé: "Goodnight, Megan. Thank you for being here."

She didn't see the reply that flashed up on her screen a moment later.

Megan: "Goodnight, Beyoncé. You're not alone in this."

Hey, hope y'all are okay. This one is gonna be emotional...

But do share your thoughts friends!!