Chapter 13: Behind the Glamour

The after-party was a whirlwind of flashing cameras, cocktails, and endless chatter, but Kimberly couldn’t shake the weight of the tension that followed her like a shadow. Vanessa’s cold glare earlier that evening had haunted her, and as they mingled with industry bigwigs, she kept her distance from the woman who seemed to have a bone to pick.

Aaron had been by her side most of the night, but as the evening wore on, she could tell he was beginning to feel the pressure of his newfound status. The reporters had been relentless, even more so after his big win. They wanted soundbites, they wanted photos, and they wanted a glimpse into the man behind the actor. But Aaron’s attention never strayed too far from her.

Kimberly could feel the weight of his gaze every time she glanced up. The last few hours had been a blur of small talk and polite smiles, but there was one moment she couldn’t forget. When he’d pulled her into a secluded corner of the party, his arm slipping around her waist, his lips close to her ear.

“You look stunning tonight,” he’d whispered, his voice low and intimate, even amidst the chaos of the room.

Kimberly had smiled, her heart fluttering as she caught the sincerity in his eyes. It wasn’t just the red carpet glamour or the press that made him stand out; it was moments like that, where it felt like everything else fell away, and it was just the two of them.

Now, as the night stretched on, Aaron was still the center of attention, but it wasn’t the same kind of attention that Kimberly had been used to. She was more than just his assistant now. She was his date for the evening, and that role came with a level of scrutiny that she hadn’t anticipated.

Kelvin, however, had taken it all in stride, bouncing between conversations with everyone he knew, while Aaron and Kimberly hung back near a quieter corner. A group of journalists had gathered around them, asking questions about Aaron’s future projects.

“Any new roles coming up?” one reporter asked, her camera clicking non-stop.

Aaron’s response was smooth, effortlessly charming as always. “I’m excited to be working on Mufasa soon, but right now, I’m just soaking in the success of Rebel Ridge. And of course, spending some time with my amazing team.”

Kimberly’s smile was a little too tight as the reporters continued to ask about the future. She was fine with it. This was Aaron’s world, and she was just a part of it now. But it still felt strange to be part of the press circus—something she never thought she’d be involved in.

She noticed Vanessa in the distance again, and this time, her eyes were fixed on Aaron and her with laser focus. A chill crept up Kimberly’s spine, but she forced herself to ignore it.

Aaron must have sensed her discomfort because he leaned closer to her, his fingers brushing hers as he spoke. “Don’t let her get to you. You’re doing great.”

Kimberly nodded, grateful for his quiet reassurance, but it didn’t completely ease the gnawing feeling inside her.

Just then, Kelvin reappeared at their side, his face full of mischief. “Did you see the latest headline? They’re calling you Aaron’s ‘new arm candy,’ Kimberly.”

Aaron smirked, clearly amused. “I’m sure they’ll be coming up with more ridiculous headlines soon enough.”

Kimberly couldn’t help but laugh, the tension melting away just a little. Kelvin’s presence always had that effect on her. He was the type of guy who never took anything too seriously, which was exactly what she needed to break up the weight of the evening.

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It was nearing midnight when the mood in the room shifted. The event was winding down, and the guests were beginning to make their way out, though the photographers weren’t done with their questions just yet. Aaron had his hand on the small of Kimberly’s back as they moved toward the exit, the flashbulbs blinding and the voices of the paparazzi growing louder. She could hear them shouting questions at him, but for once, she felt more protected than overwhelmed.

Then came the unexpected: Vanessa appeared right in their path, a glass of champagne in her hand, and a look on her face that screamed she was ready for a confrontation.

Kimberly steeled herself, her posture straightening. She didn’t know what to expect, but she wasn’t backing down.

“Enjoying the spotlight, Kimberly?” “ said, her voice dripping with disdain. “I see you’re getting comfortable in Aaron’s world.”

Aaron immediately stepped in front of Kimberly, his jaw tightening as he faced Vanessa. “I think you need to back off, V,” he said, his voice low but firm. “This isn’t your business anymore.”

The words felt like a slap in the face, and Kimberly almost felt sorry for Vanessa, though she would never admit it. She hadn’t wanted to be the source of drama, but here they were.

Vanessa's eyes flared, but she didn’t say anything more. With one last look at Kimberly, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.

Aaron turned back to Kimberly, his hand once again at her back. “Let’s go.”

They made their way out into the cool night air, the flashing lights from the paparazzi still trailing them, but it didn’t matter anymore. With Aaron by her side, Kimberly felt something shift inside her. She wasn’t just an assistant. She wasn’t just a backdrop in his world.

She was becoming part of it.