A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

by
Amani Kardous/ Nelly Donia Chihi/ Omar Barbachi/
Sahar Hamemi/ Abdel Wadoud Dadah/ Yasmine Saidi.
 Synopsis
When Lily’s husband and sister die under
mysterious circumstances, she’s thrust into a
deadly conspiracy. Detective Mattheo, guided
by his partner and fiancée Daisy, races to
uncover the truth but as the case unravels, so
does his grip on reality. Secrets run deep,
betrayals cut deep… but the most shocking
truth? Not everyone is real.

Veil of Deceit : A psychological thriller where

trust is an illusion, and the mind is the
ultimate battleground.
 Characters
Lily Salvator (Nelly donia chihi):
A woman caught between grief and suspicion. The
people she loved are gone, but the truth they left behind
refuses to stay buried.

Ethan Walker (Abdel wadoud dadah):

A husband with too many secrets. He knew something
dangerous.. was that why he died, or was there more to
his story?

Lena Salvator (Yasmine saidi):

A sister who got too close to the truth. She tried to warn
Lily, but now it’s too late… or is it?

Detective Mattheo Riddle (Omar barbachi):

A sharp investigator haunted by the past. The deeper he
digs, the more reality begins to slip through his fingers.

Detective Daisy Black (Amani kardous):

Mattheo’s fiancée and partner, always by his side. But
something about her doesn’t feel right. Is she keeping a
secret… or is she the secret?

Seraphina Blackwood (Sahar hamemi):

A woman who always comes out on top. She plays the
game well, twisting the truth to her advantage. But what
happens when the lies catch up to her?
 Themes
1_ Deception and Betrayal: The play explores how lies,
hidden agendas, and manipulation drive the characters’
actions, leading to shocking betrayals.

2_ Illusion vs. Reality: Detective Mattheo’s struggle with

his perception of reality, especially with Daisy’s presence,
raises questions about what is real and what is imagined.

3_ Guilt and Grief: Lily and Mattheo both battle their past
traumas, showing how loss and guilt shape their decisions
and emotional states.

4_ Corruption and Power: Seraphina’s cunning

manipulations and the pharmaceutical conspiracy reveal
how ambition and power can lead to unethical actions.

5_ Justice and Revenge: The pursuit of truth is driven by

both a desire for justice and a thirst for vengeance, blurring
the lines between right and wrong.

6_ The Fragility of the Mind: Mattheo’s hallucinations and

the psychological effects of manipulation highlight the
human mind’s vulnerability under extreme pressure.

7_ Love Beyond Death: Daisy’s presence, despite being a

hallucination, represents lingering love and unfinished
business, adding an emotional depth to Mattheo’s journey
 Symbolism
In Veil of Deceit, symbolism is used to deepen the audience's
understanding of the characters' emotions, reveal hidden truths, and
highlight major themes such as grief, betrayal, justice, and illusion.

1_ The Picture Frame:

The picture frame, placed in Lily’s house, symbolizes identity,
memory, and illusion. It holds a photo of Lily and Ethan, representing
Lily’s attachment to the past and her idealized view of their
relationship. As the truth about Ethan’s betrayal is revealed, the
frame becomes a visual reminder that appearances can be
deceiving.

2_ The Old Phone:

Lena’s secret phone is a key symbol of hidden truths and the voice of
the dead. Even after her death, the phone holds crucial evidence
exposing the crimes committed by Ethan and his firm. It shows that
truth cannot stay buried and symbolizes how justice often comes
from unexpected places

3_ The Black Folder / Documents:

The black folder is a symbol of secrecy, corruption, and eventual
exposure. It contains documents revealing illegal activities within
Ethan’s company. As the folder is passed from Seraphina to Lily and
Mattheo, it represents the uncovering of lies and the shift in power
toward truth and justice.

4_The Empty Chair:

The empty chair on stage symbolizes absence, presence, and
unresolved grief. It is connected to Daisy, who is no longer alive but
still present emotionally. While no other character acknowledges the
chair, Daisy sits or stands near it, reflecting how the living carry the
weight of lost loved ones in silence.
 ACT 1: The Restaurant: (PAST TIME)

The scene opens in a well-lit, upscale restaurant. The atmosphere is calm,

with soft chatter filling the air. Lily and Ethan are sitting at a table near the
window, enjoying a quiet dinner. Ethan is dressed sharply in a suit, but his
focus is clearly divided. Lena, Lily’s younger sister, is sitting across from them,
her eyes distant. Her mind seems to be elsewhere, her thoughts lost in the
haze of something that doesn’t belong in this calm setting.

Lily [smiling at Ethan, speaking with a light tone]: Here we are, just the
three of us, no distraction.

Ethan [glancing at her briefly, then looking back at his phone, voice
distracted]: Yeah, it’s been a while. But, you know, life just… gets in the way
sometimes.

Lily gives him a slightly puzzled look, but before she can respond, she notices
that Lena is unusually quiet. Lena is absent-mindedly stirring her drink,
staring out the window. Her fingers tremble slightly, but no one notices. The
distance between them feels palpable, as if there’s an invisible barrier that
keeps her from truly connecting.

Lily [noticing Lena’s silence, trying to keep the mood light]: Lena, are you
okay? You’ve been quiet tonight.

Lena [softly, her gaze unfocused, almost as if talking to herself]: Mm. Just
tired.

Lily looks at her sister with a knowing expression but doesn’t push it. She
turns back to Ethan, but her eyes briefly flicker to Lena again, noticing the
subtle unease that clings to her sister’s demeanor.

After a moment, Ethan stands abruptly, checking his phone and muttering
under his breath.

Ethan [glancing down at his phone, distracted]: I’ll be right back. I need to
take this.

He walks toward a quieter corner of the restaurant, leaving Lily and Lena at
the table. The moment he’s out of earshot, Lena leans in slightly, her voice
low and shaky.
Lena [hesitating, looking around as if to make sure no one is listenin]: Lily, can
I tell you something?

Lily [noticing the discomfort in her sister’s voice, leaning in with concern]: Of
course, Lena. You can tell me anything. What’s wrong? Are you sick?

Lena [pauses, her voice faltering, then slowly says]: Actually, I’m not… I’m just…

She stops mid-sentence, her eyes darting to where Ethan is returning to the
table, his presence now looming over them. Lena immediately goes quiet, her
posture stiffening as if she’s put up a wall in an instant.

Lena [forcing a smile, voice tight]: Never mind. I’m fine. Really. I’m just tired.

Lily looks at her, brow furrowed slightly, sensing that something is off, but she
doesn’t press further. Ethan returns to the table just as Lena finishes speaking,
his presence imposing as he drops back into his seat with a sigh, still
preoccupied with his phone.

Ethan [without looking up from his phone]: We should head out. I’ve got some
work to take care of.

Lena doesn’t react, her face unreadable as she shifts her gaze to the table. Lily,
however, notices the brief flash of tension that passes between the two of them.
There’s an unspoken understanding that seems to hang in the air, something
uncomfortably close to hostility. She looks between Ethan and Lena, sensing an
invisible rift.

Lily [trying to ease the tension, her voice a little softer now]: Of course, if you
have to go, we can leave.

Ethan stands, already grabbing his jacket, his demeanor cold and rushed.

Ethan [more impatient now, barely looking at anyone]: Yeah, let’s go.

Lena stands up without a word, her hands shaking slightly as she gathers her
things. Lily’s eyes follow her sister, her suspicion growing, but she doesn’t voice it.
She simply stands and walks toward the exit with them. As they leave, the
atmosphere is heavy with unspoken words and a palpable tension between
Ethan and Lena, leaving Lily to wonder what, exactly, is going on.
 ACT 2: Interrogation (Present Time)

Scene 1: Lily Under Scrutiny

Location: Police Interrogation Room

The tension in the room is thick. Lily sits stiffly, her hands resting on the table,
fingers twitching slightly. Matteo watches her closely, his eyes unreadable. Daisy
stands nearby, arms crossed, observing every detail.

Mattheo [calm, measured]: We’re still trying to understand exactly what

happened to your husband. Lena, your sister, died just over a week ago, and now
Ethan is dead. And we know for sure that he was found in your home, yet you
didn’t call for help until your friend did.

Lily [quickly, her voice shaky]: I... I didn’t know what to do. I panicked.

Mattheo [his tone hardens slightly, eyes narrowing]: It’s not just the panic,
though. It’s everything. Something's really missing here and you’re not telling
me everything, Lily. You didn’t call for help. You didn’t speak to anyone when you
found him. And why did you leave him like that at the first place !!?

Daisy [low, to Matteo but loud enough for Lily to hear]: Look at her hands.
She’s shaking. And she’s avoiding eye contact. She’s hiding something.

Lily [her voice rising, defensive]: I’m not guilty! I would never do that to my
husband. I loved him! And I loved my sister too. If you’re accusing me of both
deaths… I would never do that!

Mattheo [calm but firm]: No one’s accusing you.. yet. But we need answers.

Lily exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair, her fingers trembling
slightly.

Lily [her voice cracking]: I didn’t know what to do! It was all too much. I just..I
couldn’t. My sister and my husband… both gone. It’s too much for me! You have
no idea what it’s like. Picture yourself in my place for just a second. The shock,
the grief, the confusion… I didn’t know how to handle it. I didn’t know where to
start. And now my niece is calling me, asking me to come and revise some
documents my sister left. As if I’m in the mood to search for documents right
now. Just let me grieve my loved ones in peace.

Mattheo straightens slightly, his expression sharpening.

Mattheo [frowning, his tone pressing]: What documents? What are you
talking about?

Lily [blinking, like she just realized what she said]: My niece… she said
she found some papers. Hidden in my sister’s closet.

Daisy exhales slowly, shaking her head.

Mattheo [pressing]: Why didn’t you say this earlier?

Lily [quietly, shaking her head]: I forgot. I thought it wasn’t important.

Mattheo watches her for a long moment, then leans back slightly.

Mattheo [measured, deciding]: I’m going to ask an officer to take you to

your sister’s house. See what your niece is talking about. Maybe it’s
something important. Right now, we need to consider everything.

Lily swallows hard and nods. Without another word, she stands and
leaves. The door clicks shut behind her.

Scene 2: We’ll Figure It Out!

Mattheo exhales, rubbing his temple. Daisy watches him, thoughtful.

Daisy[softly, soothing]: You need to breathe, honey. You’re too tense.

Mattheo exhales sharply, rubbing his temples. He reaches into his pocket,
pulls out a small pill bottle, and shakes one out into his palm. Without a
word, he grabs a water bottle from the table, unscrews the cap, and
washes the pill down in one quick gulp. Daisy watches him carefully.

Daisy [gently]: Are you okay?

Mattheo [scoffing, tired]: Don't worry about it, it's just a headache. Always
comes with the job.

Daisy steps closer and wraps her arms around him from behind, resting
her chin on his shoulder. Her voice is warm but firm.
Daisy: We’ll figure it out, honey. We always do. You and me.

Mattheo [murmuring]: I don’t know this time. Something’s really off, and
it’s like no one sees it except us.

Daisy [reassuring]: You always say that when a case gets tough. And you
always find a way through it. You’re the best detective I know, Mattheo. If
anyone can figure this out, it’s you.

Mattheo lets out a dry chuckle, shaking his head.

Mattheo: I wish I had your confidence.

Daisy tilts her head, studying him.

Daisy [serious]: It’s not confidence, it’s faith. Faith in you. And faith that
the truth always comes out. (beat) Lily is hiding something. I can feel it.
The way she was avoiding eye contact, the way her hands were shaking.
She’s holding back.

Mattheo [hesitant]: Yeah… maybe. But what if she’s just scared? What if
she really doesn’t know what’s going on?

Daisy [firmly]: Then we keep pushing until we find out. Maybe those
documents her niece found will help us understand what’s going on. And
we’ll figure out later if she’s guilty or not.

Mattheo takes a deep breath, rubbing his temple one last time before
straightening. His focus sharpens.

Mattheo [more focused]: Alright. Let’s go talk to Seraphina. If Ethan was

involved in something shady, his business partner would probaly know.

Daisy [teasing]: Back to work, then?

Mattheo [smirking slightly]: Back to work.

They exchange a lingering glance before heading out together.

 ACT 3 : A Dangerous Confrontation (PAST TIME)

Location: A private office at Ethan’s company.

[Lena turns slowly to face Ethan, her voice sharp but controlled.]Lena: Do
you think this can go on forever, Ethan? That no one will ever find out? That
you can keep lying, keep covering things up, and the truth will stay buried?
[steps forward] How long will you keep deceiving yourself before you realize
everything will eventually come crashing down?

Ethan [defensively]: I have no idea what you’re talking about, Lena.

Lena [bitter laugh, shaking her head]: Oh, come on. Don’t play this game
with me, Ethan. I know you too well. The excuses, the late nights when you
weren’t where you were supposed to be, the way you flinch every time
someone asks about work… [voice cracking slightly] Do you really think I
haven’t noticed? Do you honestly believe I was blind to it all this time?

Ethan: You’re making assumptions, Lena. And assumptions can be

dangerous. Just because something seems a certain way doesn’t mean it is.
You’re looking for something, for some grand conspiracy, but the truth is
much simpler than you think. You’re letting paranoia cloud your judgment.

Lena: Oh, how I wish that were true. But I know, Ethan. [her voice steadies,
dead serious] I know everything. There’s no more room for doubt. I’ve seen
the proof, heard the facts, connected the dots. You can’t hide this from me
anymore.

Ethan: And what exactly do you think you know? Because from where I
stand, you’re working with half-truths and guesses. Do you really believe
you’ve figured it all out? That you’ve uncovered some deep, dark secret?
What if you’re wrong, Lena? What if everything you think you know is just a
misunderstanding?

Lena [pauses, quieter now]: And I know… about your past. About what you
did.

Ethan: Don’t stand there acting like you understand the full picture. You
don’t. You never did.
Lena: No! I won’t stop! [voice rising with emotion] I’ve been silent for too
long, convincing myself I could look the other way, pretend things weren’t as
bad as they seemed. But I can’t do it anymore. The lies, the excuses it’s over.
[pointing at him] You have to face the truth, Ethan. You can’t run from it
forever.

Ethan: And what truth is that, Lena? That I’m the villain in your story? That
everything bad that’s happened is my fault? Life doesn’t work like that.
There’s more at play here than you can even imagine. You think exposing
me will fix things? That suddenly everything will be right again? It won’t. You
don’t know what you’re walking into.

Lena: Oh, but I do. [approaching the desk] I understand more than you
think. I understand that you’ll do anything to protect yourself, even if it
means lying, betraying, and manipulating everyone around you. I
understand that you were willing to destroy everything just to come out
unscathed. [quiet, fierce] But I won’t be part of this anymore.

Ethan [desperate tone creeping in]: Lena, don’t do this.

Lena: It’s too late, Ethan. [takes an envelope from her bag and places it on
his desk] This ends tonight. No more lies, no more deception. Whether you
tell Lily the truth or not, it won’t change anything. I will do what I have to do,
and I will walk away. [looks him straight in the eye] And there is nothing you
can say that will change my mind.

Ethan: don’t do this. Please. You think you’re making the right choice, but
you’re not. You think you’re fighting for something just, but you don’t see
the whole picture. If you walk away now, you won’t be safe. You think you’re
standing on solid ground, but you’re stepping into quicksand.

Lena: Oh, but I do. I know exactly what I’m up against. And I know you’re
scared. [turns to leave] But this time, I won’t back down.

Ethan [takes a step forward]: Lena, wait

Lena [without turning back] It’s over, Ethan.

Lena walks out. Ethan is left frozen, staring at the envelope on his desk.
Lights dim slowly, the silence ringing louder than any words.
 Act 4: Questioning Seraphina (PRESENT TIME)
Scene 1: Before the Interrogation
Location: Outside Seraphina’s office.
Mattheo and Daisy stand in the hallway. Mattheo exhales, rubbing his
temple as he gathers his thoughts. Daisy leans against the wall, watching
him. Before Entering the Office

Daisy [arms crossed, studying him]: You’re doing that thing again.

Mattheo [glancing at her, confused]: What thing?

Daisy [tilts her head, amused]: The overthinking, the tension in your jaw,
the dramatic pause before knocking on the door…

Mattheo [scoffs lightly, running a hand through his hair]: It’s called
preparation.

Daisy [smirks]: It’s called self-doubt.

Mattheo [sighs, shaking his head]: Seraphina isn’t just some witness.
She’s smart—calculating. Every word out of her mouth is meant to
manipulate.

Daisy [nods knowingly]: She’s a chess player. And you hate playing
defense.

Mattheo [leans against the wall, arms crossed]: Exactly! She’ll try to
steer the conversation, feed me just enough half-truths to make me
question everything.

Daisy [gently]: Then don’t give her control. Let her think she’s winning.
Let her talk. The more she talks, the more she reveals.

Mattheo [chuckles dryly]: That’s your plan? Just let her talk?

Daisy [shrugs, smirking]: It worked on you.

Mattheo [gives her a look, then shakes his head with a small smile]: I
walked right into that one.

Daisy [laughs, then serious again]: Look, she’s dangerous in her own way.
Not in an obvious way, but in the way she twists perception. Just… don’t let
her drag you into her version of the truth.

Mattheo [nods, adjusting his jacket]: Okey. Let’s see what Seraphina has
to say.

He knocks on the door. Daisy follows him inside, quiet but observant.

Scene 2: Seraphina’s Game.

Location: Inside Seraphina’s Office

Seraphina sits behind a sleek desk, flipping through some papers. She
looks up with a slow, practiced smile.

Seraphina [lightly]: Detective Mattheo. What an unexpected visit.

Mattheo [taking a seat, keeping his tone neutral]: Don't play with me
Seraphina, I'm sure you expected it.

Seraphina [laughs softly, setting her papers aside]: Well, I was

wondering when you’d come knocking. But tell me, what exactly do you
think I can help with?

Mattheo [leaning back slightly]: You worked closely with Ethan. His death
affects your business, doesn’t it?

Seraphina [tilts her head, thoughtful]: Tragic, really. But business moves
on, detective. Unlike some people.

Daisy folds her arms, watching Mattheo carefully.

Mattheo [raising an eyebrow]: By some people, you mean Lily?

Seraphina [sighs, tapping her nails on the desk]: She loved him. Desperately.
Unhealthy, really. That kind of love can turn into something… dangerous.
Mattheo [watching her carefully]: Dangerous how?

Seraphina [leaning in, lowering her voice like she’s sharing a secret]:
Ethan told me things. How suffocating it was. How she always suspected
something. She was obsessed, Mattheo. And when she found out about
the affair.

Mattheo [sharp tone]: So you’re admitting there was one?

Seraphina [smiling slightly]: Oh, Ethan and Lena were very… close. More
than a brother-in-law and sister-in-law should be. And Lily.. she must have
seen it coming.

Mattheo remains silent for a moment. Daisy shifts beside him.

Daisy [quietly, eyes narrowing]: She’s laying a trap.

Mattheo [ignoring Daisy, eyes on Seraphina]: Lily doesn’t strike me as a

killer.

Seraphina [laughs softly, shaking her head]: Oh, Mattheo. Everyone’s a

killer when they’re desperate enough.

A beat of silence. Mattheo watches her, unreadable. Daisy stands still, her
gaze fixed on Seraphina.

Seraphina [sitting back, folding her hands]: Let me guess.. you came in
here expecting me to be the villain of your little story? That’s the problem
with people like you, detective. You love a neat little conclusion. But the
truth? It’s never that clean.

Daisy [low voice, glancing at Mattheo]: She’s testing you.

Mattheo [exhales, standing up]: We’ll talk again soon.

Seraphina [smirking, watching him leave]: I’ll be waiting.

Mattheo walks out. Daisy follows, silent but thoughtful.

 Act 5: Lena’s House (PRESENT TIME)
Scene 1: The Hidden Phone
Location : Lena’s House

The scene opens inside Lena’s house. The atmosphere is heavy, the air
thick with dust and memories. The police officer waits outside, leaving Lily
alone in the dimly lit room. She walks cautiously toward a small wooden
box her niece found, hesitating before kneeling beside it.

Lily [murmuring to herself as she places her hands on the box,

exhaling slowly]: I don’t even know what I’m… uh, what I’m looking for.

She opens the box and starts sifting through its contents, old bills,
scattered notes, official-looking papers. She frowns, flipping through the
documents. The words are dense, filled with scientific terms she doesn’t
understand.

Lily [frustrated, shaking her head]: What is all this? I don’t understand a
thing…

She pushes the papers aside, exhaling sharply then, her fingers hit
something unexpected. A phone. An old, black cellphone, hidden at the
bottom of the box. She hesitates, picking it up, turning it over in her hands.

Lily [whispers, confused, staring at it]: What is this phone? Why does she
have a hidden phone?

She presses the power button. The screen flickers on no password. Her
breath catches as she scrolls through the call log. One number appears
repeatedly, sometimes multiple times a day. Her stomach tightens.

Lily [reading, eyes narrowing, voice growing uneasy]: This number… she
called this number several times before her death. What’s wrong? Who
was she trying to reach?

Without thinking, she taps the call button. The dial tone rings. And rings.
Then..click. A man answers.
Unknown Man [slight hesitation in his voice, then hopeful, urgent]: ...
Lena?

Lily [quickly, gripping the phone tighter, her pulse racing]: No, it’s not
Lena. It’s her sister. I just found her phone, and I don’t understand…

A tense pause. The man’s breathing is audible. Then abruptly the line goes
dead. He hung up.

Lily [staring at the screen, stunned]: Seriously ? Okay let me check his
number on truecaller!

Her mind races. She refuses to let it end there. With shaking hands, she
copies the number and pastes it into Truecaller. The search loads, and
then.. a name appears. Her eyes widen as she reads it aloud.

Lily [barely whispering, confusion washing over her]: …BBC Journalist?

A wave of confusion hits her.

Lily [frowning, shaking her head in disbelief]: What does my sister have
to do with a BBC journalist?

Her breath catches. What possible connection could Lena, a scientist, have
with a journalist? Why was she calling him obsessively? Her fingers
tremble as she digs back into the box, shuffling through the documents
more urgently. Then she finds them. Letters. Printed emails. An envelope.
She picks it up, carefully opening it. The moment her eyes land on the
handwriting, she gasps softly.

Lily [whispering, her fingers brushing the ink as if to confirm it’s real]:
Oh… this is my sister’s handwriting.

Her heart pounds. She flips through the papers, scanning the text. Then,
she starts reading aloud, her voice breaking slightly as the truth unravels.
Lily [reading, disbelief growing in her tone]: …Meditec’s drug… severe
hallucinations… suicidal tendencies… They faked the reports. Covered up
the deaths. Lied about the trials.

She flips to another email, addressed to the journalist. Her lips part as she
reads her sister’s desperate words, her hands shaking.

Lily [softly, realization crashing down on her]: She was trying to expose
them…

She reads further, her sister’s urgency pressing against her like a weight.

Lena's Letter [voice-over as Lily reads, her own voice shaky]: They
know. They know that I have the reports. I don’t think I’m safe anymore. If
anything happens to me, promise me you’ll tell the world.

Lily’s grip tightens around the paper, her breath uneven. She lowers the
letters to her lap, staring blankly ahead as it all sinks in. Lena didn’t just
stumble onto something, she was fighting to reveal the truth. And now,
Lily knows too much. The room feels colder, the silence deafening.

She closes her eyes, her hands gripping the papers tightly. Then, she
opens them again, her expression no longer just confused..now, she’s
determined.

[she grabbes her phone and call] Lily: we have to meet as fast as
possible, it’s urgent, I’m gonna send you the address.
scene 2: Point of No Return (Past Time).
Location: Ethan’s Office
The office is silent except for the soft hum of the overhead lights. Tension
hangs thick in the air like smoke, suffocating and inescapable. Lena
stands rigid, her hand trembling slightly as she places an envelope on the
table between them.

Lena: I’ve thought about this long enough. I can’t be part of this anymore.
Ethan steps forward instinctively, his eyes wide with disbelief, voice
caught between desperation and guilt.
Ethan: Lena, wait.. please, just listen to me for a second.

She doesn’t even flinch. Her voice is calm, cold.

Lena: There’s nothing left to explain. I won’t stay in this firm, not with
either of you.

Seraphina, lounging casually in the corner with her arms crossed, tilts her
head and smirks like a cat watching birds fight over crumbs.

Seraphina: Oh, how dramatic. Leaving just when things get interesting.

Lena’s eyes shift slowly toward her, sharper now.

Lena: Interesting? That’s one word for it. Watching everything rot from
the inside out… I suppose some people find that entertaining.

Ethan reaches out, helpless.

Ethan: Lena, please, it’s not what you think. You don’t understand the full
picture.

Lena: Don’t I? I used to think that too. That I was missing something. But
then I started asking questions. About the reports. About the missing files.
About the people who stopped responding after the trials.

Seraphina glides toward them, heels clicking like a warning. She stops just
out of reach, her voice like silk, a knife hidden beneath.

Seraphina: Oh, Lena. You're always so quick to draw conclusions. You think
you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you? But I’ve learned something you
clearly haven’t. No one gets to sit on the sidelines here.

Lena clenches her fists, her eyes burning.

Lena: I trusted you, Ethan. And you stood there, watching me walk
straight into the fire. You let her play god with people’s lives and you said
nothing.
Seraphina [smiling lazily]: Ah, trust. How quaint. But you’ve always been
too idealistic, haven’t you, Lena? We don’t deal in trust here. We deal in
something far more potent: control.

Lena [cutting her off]: Control. Is that what this is? You, pulling strings
behind the scenes, deciding who lives and who dies, while Ethan hides in
the shadows?

Ethan lowers his head, a silent admission of guilt.

Seraphina [tilting her head, enjoying the drama]: You’re almost there.
But you’re missing the point. Ethan doesn’t hide. He plays the game, he
always has. He’s just... not as good at it as I am.

Lena: And you? You knew what that drug was doing. You knew it could
kill. But it wasn’t just that.. it was worse. It made people see things that
weren’t real. Hallucinations that twisted their minds, tore them apart. You
didn’t just stay silent, you helped her cover it up. And when I got too close?
You turned on me.

Ethan’s shoulders slump. His voice is low, weary.

Ethan: I never wanted this, Lena. Not any of it. I never meant for things to
get this far.

Lena [coldly]: But you let it happen. You stood by while people suffered.
You chose power. And now you’re just another name on a long list of the
guilty.

Ethan: No, I’m not!

Seraphina [interrupting, voice dripping with mockery]: Oh, Ethan isn’t

trapped, dear. He’s... committed. To the cause. To the company. To me.
That’s why we’re in this mess.

Lena [bitterly]: No. He’s afraid. That’s all it’s ever been. Afraid of losing his
reputation. Afraid of the truth getting out. Afraid of you.
Ethan: That’s not fair

Lena: Isn’t it? You could’ve stopped this. You had the choice again and
again and you always picked the easy way out. You let her decide what
you’d become.

Ethan’s jaw tightens. His voice rises with frustration.

Ethan: You think this is easy for me? You think I don’t hate what’s
happening?

Lena: Then act like it. Because hating it from the sidelines doesn’t make
you innocent.

Seraphina laughs softly, almost admiring the exchange. She steps closer, a
dangerous amusement glimmering in her eyes.

Seraphina: Oh, Lena... Your righteous anger. It’s so charming. But it won’t
save you. None of it will. Not from me, and certainly not from yourself.

Lena glares at her with raw disdain, then turns back to Ethan, her voice
quieter now, but cutting deeper.

Lena: You know what the worst part is? I didn’t come here to fight. I came
to give you a chance. But I see now you were never a victim. You made
your choice. And soon, the world will know exactly what that choice cost.

She turns on her heel, walking away without another glance. Her footsteps
echo as she heads toward the door.

Ethan [calling after her]: Lena

Seraphina [firmly, with a chilling calm]: Let her go.

They both watch the door swing closed behind her. Ethan’s breath catches
in his throat.
Ethan: She’s gone.

Seraphina [smiling coldly, eyes gleaming]: Not yet.

Ethan turns to her, confused, a shadow creeping into his expression.

Ethan: What do you mean?

Seraphina [stepping forward, her voice taking on a sinister edge]: She

knows too much. And she’s angry. That makes her dangerous.
Unpredictable. You, my dear, can’t control someone like her. That’s a
problem.

Ethan: Lena’s not a threat. She’s hurt. She’ll move on.

Seraphina [laughing softly]: Oh, Ethan... How quaint. You still believe she’s
just some fragile little thing who’ll forget everything and walk away? How
adorable. Let’s see how long that lasts when she starts talking. Telling
people the secrets we’ve buried.

Ethan: She wouldn’t

Seraphina: Wouldn’t she? I think she would. And you? You have
everything to lose.

Ethan shakes his head slowly, disbelieving.

Ethan: Lena is not like that. She’s not you.

Seraphina [smiling like a predator]: No, she’s not. Which is exactly why
she’s dangerous. She’s unpredictable. You can’t control her. And that
makes her a liability.

Ethan: What are you saying?

Seraphina steps in close, her voice low, like she’s sharing a dark secret with
him.
Seraphina: I’m saying... you fix this. Now!

Ethan’s eyes widen in horror. He stumbles back.

Ethan: No. No, I won’t

Seraphina [leaning in, whispering like a promise]: Oh, but you will.
Because if you don’t? That little secret you’ve been keeping? The one that
would destroy you? Well... I’d hate for it to slip out, wouldn’t you?

Ethan [voice cracking]: You wouldn’t. Seraphina leans in closer, her voice
dangerously sweet.

Seraphina: Wouldn’t I?

Ethan: This isn’t right. You know it isn’t.

Seraphina [smiling serenely]: Right? Ethan, right stopped mattering a

long time ago. What matters now is survival. No loose ends. No threats.
Just... peace.

Ethan: You don’t have to do this.

Seraphina [smiling, her tone like steel]: Oh, I’m not going to do anything.
You are.

A heavy silence. Ethan doesn’t move. Seraphina watches him with that
same unwavering calm.

Seraphina [softly, like training a pet]: Good boy.

 Act 6: The Shocking Revelation (PRESENT TIME)
Location: Lena’s House.
The front door creaks open. Footsteps echo down the hallway. Detective
Mattheo enters first, his gaze sharp, followed by Daisy. Lily is already there,
standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by scattered papers, open
boxes, and a phone clutched tightly in her hand. Her breathing is uneven,
her hands shaking as she tries to make sense of it all.

Mattheo : what did you find lily, your voice seemed a little bit shaking on
the phone.

Lily [without looking up, her voice urgent, frantic] : Look at this. Look at
all of this.

Detective Mattheo takes the papers, flipping through them. His expression
darkens with each word. Daisy leans over his shoulder, glancing at the
contents.

Lily [her voice rising, overwhelmed] : She was trying to protect people,
trying to expose the truth.

[She grabs another set of papers, more frantic now.] :The drug,
Meditec’s drug, caused hallucinations, suicidal thoughts. She had proof.
And they killed her for it.

Mattheo’s jaw tightens as he flips through more records, bills, emails. A

storm brews in his expression. Lily moves closer, grabbing at another
document, desperate for him to see it all.

Lily [rapidly, almost breathless] : She was in contact with a journalist look
at this she called him every day, multiple times.

[She gestures wildly at the phone on the table.] : She had a hidden
phone! I..I didn’t even know she had this.

Mattheo studies the papers in silence, while Daisy, leaning against the wall,
tilts her head, smirking slightly.
Daisy [mocking, amused] : So, there was no affair after all.

Lily doesn’t react. She doesn’t even glance at Daisy. Mattheo, however,
stiffens, looking away. Mattheo, still flipping through the documents,
suddenly stops. His eyes land on a familiar logo printed at the top of one
of the files.
The silence was thick and heavy, pressing down on the room like an
unspoken weight.

Mattheo [quietly, hesitant] : Isn’t this… the name of your husband’s

company?

Lily blinks, thrown off. She follows his gaze to the paper in his hands. The
Meditec logo glares back at her. Her stomach twists.

Lily [softly, nodding] : Yeah.

Mattheo’s hands tremble slightly. His breath becomes uneven. Slowly, he

reaches into his pocket, pulling out ase
small bottle of pills. He turns it over,
revealing the label. The name matches.

Mattheo [his voice barely above a whisper, shaken] : Are you sure… your
husband’s company produced this kind of medicine?

Lily’s eyes flicker between the bottle and the detective’s face. Something
about his expression unsettles her.

Lily [hesitant, but firm] : Yes. This is the medicine I told you about. The
one my sister tried to expose. Why? What’s wrong?

Mattheo’s grip tightens around the bottle. His breathing is uneven. Then,
suddenly he turns his head slightly. Not to Lily. To Daisy. Lily follows his
gaze there’s nothing there.

Mattheo [his voice shaky, filled with pain] : Hold on a second. You’re not
actually real ?!

Lily [slowly, confused, tense] :Who… who are you talking to?
Daisy doesn’t answer immediately. She just looks at him with sad eyes, her
expression soft and filled with sorrow. Mattheo takes another step toward
her, his chest tightening.

Mattheo [voice cracking, struggling to keep it together] : I thought you

were... real. I thought you were helping me get through everything… but it
was just the pills messing with my head ?!

Mattheo's breath is shaky as he pauses, his mind racing as the pieces fall
into place. He looks at Daisy with raw emotion, his hands trembling.

Mattheo [voice breaking] : You were never really here, were you? All this
time, I thought you were helping me, but it was just the medicine

Daisy’s eyes fill with even more sadness as she steps closer to him, but her
presence feels distant, like she can’t fully reach him. She shakes her head,
her voice soft and full of regret.

Daisy [quietly]: I didn’t want to hurt you, Mattheo. I just wanted you to
keep fighting... for the truth. For Lily.

Mattheo [slightly raising his voice] : I thought I needed you, but it wasn’t
real. The pills kept me believing in something that wasn’t actually there.

Daisy steps back, her face full of sorrow and love for him. She nods slightly,
understanding the pain he’s feeling.

Daisy [softly, her voice filled with affection] : I’m so sorry, Mattheo. But
you’re strong... you’ll find your way. You don’t need me to keep fighting. You
can do this.

Mattheo stares at her, his heart breaking as the realization sinks in. He
watches her with a pained expression as she begins to fade away. His chest
tightens, his breathing uneven, as he struggles to process everything.

Mattheo [whispering, broken] : I thought I was losing my mind... but I was

losing you.
Daisy, her figure growing more transparent, looks at him one last time with
love and sadness in her eyes.

Daisy [softly, with a tear in her voice] : You’ll carry me with you, Mattheo.
In your heart. Always.

And then, she’s gone. Mattheo is left staring at the empty space where she
stood. His heart aches, his mind still reeling from the truth. The silence in
the room is deafening. He stands motionless for a moment, the reality of
her absence crushing him.
Lily watches Mattheo in silence, his shoulders slumped, his hands still
trembling as he stares at the spot where Daisy was. The weight of the
moment hangs in the air, and Lily, now more confused, steps toward him.

Lily [softly, uncertain] : Mattheo... who were you talking to?

Mattheo takes a deep breath, the pain still fresh. He reaches into his pocket
and pulls out a worn photograph. He hands it to Lily, his fingers shaking
slightly.

Mattheo [quietly, voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and regret] : This
is Daisy. My fiancée. She died... two years ago.

Lily looks at the photo, her eyes wide as she recognizes the woman in the
picture.

[Mattheo’s voice cracks as he continues] Mattheo :I kept seeing her and

hearing her voice .I didn’t realize it was the medicine. I thought she was still
here, but she’s not. it was all the pill’s effects

Lily’s eyes soften as she processes his words. The reality of the situation
sinks in, and she finally speaks, her voice gentle.

Lily [softly, compassionately] : I’m so sorry, Mattheo. I had no idea...

Mattheo nods, his gaze dropping to the floor. The truth is heavy, but he
feels a sense of clarity now, the fog lifting. He swallows hard, his voice
steadying.

Mattheo [with quiet resolve] : It’s okay. We need to focus on what matters
now... finding the truth. For Daisy. For your sister.

He looks up at Lily, determination in his eyes. She nods, a silent agreement

between them.
 Act 7: The Final Confrontation ( PRESENT TIME)

The door slams open. Lily storms in, eyes blazing with anger. Seraphina
looks up slowly from her desk, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

Seraphina [mockingly, with a soft chuckle]: Ah, here she is. The grieving
widow.

Lily doesn’t flinch. She steps forward, voice cutting through the room.

Lily [cold, steely]: Cut the act, Seraphina. I know everything.

Seraphina raises an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair, unphased.

Seraphina [with a slow, amused smile]: Do you?

Lily drops a folder onto the desk, the papers inside scattered, some slipping
to the floor. Seraphina glances at them briefly.

Lily [voice steady but filled with rage]: I know what your company did.
The drug. The hallucinations. The suicidal tendencies. How you covered it
all up. How you pushed Lena to the edge, and now… she’s dead.

Seraphina chuckles softly, looking at the papers.

Seraphina [casual, almost bored]: And?

Lily [gritting her teeth, fury rising]: You killed her to shut her up.

Seraphina stands up, walking around the desk slowly, like a predator
stalking her prey. She comes to stand in front of Lily.

Seraphina [with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes]: You’re a smart girl,
Lily. But you’re wrong.

[She steps even closer, almost in a whisper, her voice soft and cruel]
Seraphina : It wasn’t me who killed Lena.
Lily looks confused for a moment.

Lily [shaking her head, not understanding]: What?

Seraphina [voice cold, calculating]: It was your husband.

Lily freezes. Her eyes widen in shock, disbelief creeping into her voice.

Lily [shaken, whispering]: What are you talking about?

Seraphina’s eyes gleam, satisfied with the chaos she’s created.

Seraphina [calm, almost like she’s explaining something trivial]: Ethan

was weak. He couldn’t handle the pressure. The guilt from what Lena
uncovered. She was about to bring everything down.

[She steps even closer] Seraphina : But I knew the truth about him. His
dark secrets. I knew how to push him. So I did. And he killed her to protect
himself and this company. To protect everything that feeds him.

Lily recoils slightly, her face pale. She’s unable to process this.

Seraphina [grinning, savoring every word]: So, I gave him a choice. Either
he kills Lena, or I expose his dark secrets.

Lily stares at her, speechless. Her heart races. The words don’t fully sink in
yet.

Seraphina [with finality, her voice dripping with contempt]: He chose to

kill her. And now, we both know why.

Lily recoils, her mouth trembling as the gravity of what Seraphina has said
settles in. Ethan, the man she loved he had killed Lena, all under
Seraphina’s twisted direction. The weight of betrayal crushes her.

Seraphina [softly, savoring her control]: I didn’t kill Lena, darling. Ethan
did. And don’t you dare think that you can paint me as the villain. I did
what I had to do. This company.. this empire.. is everything.
It pays for my luxury vacations, my designer suits, the life I deserve. And I
will not let anyone, not even you, ruin it for me.

Lily recoils further, speechless. Her hands clench into fists as her vision
blurs with rage.

Seraphina [grinning, almost victorious]: So tell me, Lily… Do you think

you’ve won?

Lily’s mouth trembles slightly as she takes a deep breath, forcing herself to
speak.

Lily [voice quiet but unwavering]: No. I don’t think I’ve won.

She pauses, locking eyes with Seraphina, and her voice grows stronger.

Lily: I know I’ve won.

Seraphina’s eyes narrow, the smile fading from her lips. Just as she opens
her mouth to respond, the sound of the door slamming open is heard.
Armed officers flood the room, their guns drawn, moving quickly and
efficiently.
The tension is electric. Lily doesn’t flinch. She steps back slightly, but her
expression is one of quiet resolve. The officers move in swiftly with
Mattheo. Mattheo speaks.

Mattheo [sternly]: Lily… We’ve got everything.

Lily doesn’t respond. She’s finally gotten the truth, but she’s not satisfied.
The look on her face is grim determination. As Mattheo approach
Seraphina, she lifts her wrists, ready for the cuffs. Her eyes stay fixed on Lily.
Her voice is a low, final whisper.

Seraphina [softly,with venom]: But remember, Lily… you didn’t write the
ending.
Mattheo place the cuffs on Seraphina’s wrists. She doesn’t resist. Her gaze
never leaves Lily. As they begin to lead her away, Seraphina stops and turns
back one last time, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Seraphina [almost a hiss, a final threat]: The ending isn’t over yet.

Lily doesn’t respond. The door slams shut behind Seraphina, leaving the
room in silence. Her laughter lingers a haunting echo in Lily’s mind, a final
reminder of the battle she won but never truly wanted.

The End.
 About The Play Team
Nelly Donia Chihi (Llily): Lily, the character I played in Veil of Deceit,
felt personal to me, but I think anyone can see themselves in her.
We’ve all had someone we trusted and cared about who ended up
betraying us that kind of pain is universal. I chose to play Lily because
I could relate to her strength in hard times. Her story is one that many
people can connect with, and that’s what makes her so powerful.

Omar Barbachi (Mattheo): Mattheo, the investigator I created and

played in Veil of Deceit, embodies my own resilience and
determination. His relentless pursuit of the truth, even when reality
seems to slip away, reflects my own journey pushing through
academic struggles and personal challenges without giving up. Like
me, he refuses to accept things at face value, always questioning,
always searching for deeper answers. His haunted past and unshaken
resolve mirror my own drive to succeed, even when the odds seem
stacked against me. Through Mattheo, I explored themes of
deception, persistence, and the cost of uncovering hidden truths
concepts that resonate deeply with me as I navigate my own path.

Amani Kardous (Daisy): Daisy is a character that feels very personal

to me. I've always loved detective stories and wanted to create a
character who wasn't just involved in the plot but also brought
emotional depth. Daisy is quiet, observant, and strong in her own
way, and I connect with that. Like her, I tend to notice things and
think carefully before acting. Though she’s a ghost in the play, her
presence still strongly influences the story, and I found it powerful to
write a character who can shape events even without being
physically there. Writing Daisy gave me the chance to explore themes
of love, justice, and memory, and playing her allowed me to express a
side of myself that is more reflective and reserved. I'm proud of how
she became a key part of Veil of deceit.
Sahar Hamemi (Seraphina): Seraphina was never just a character I
created her from the parts of me I don’t usually show. She’s
calculated, unapologetic, and always in control. I didn’t write her to
be evil. I wrote her because I understand her. Like me, she’s been
underestimated, misread, and forced to play the game smarter than
everyone else. Playing her let me tap into a version of myself that
doesn’t flinch, doesn’t explain, and doesn’t care if you’re comfortable.
And honestly? It felt good.

Abdel Wadoud Dadah (Ethan): I chose Ethan because he’s a

complex character who hides his fear and guilt behind silence. What
drew me to him is his inner conflict he’s not evil, just lost. Playing him
made me feel the pressure he carries and helped me understand
how small mistakes can grow into something bigger. I connected
with his struggle, and living his emotions taught me a lot about
human weakness and regret.

Yasmine Saidi (Lena): Lena is a powerful character because of her

emotional depth and moral strength. What makes her stand out is
her courage she doesn’t stay silent in the face of injustice, even when
it hurts. There’s something inspiring about how she transforms her
pain into determination. Audiences connect with her because she
reflects the voice of truth, the person who dares to confront what
others try to ignore. Her presence is not loud, but it’s unforgettable.
She leaves an impact because she speaks from the heart, and that
kind of honesty stays with people.