Chapter 56: Under Pressure

Aaron woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing on the nightstand. He groaned, squinting against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Kimberly stirred beside him, her head resting on his chest.

“Who’s calling this early?” she mumbled, her voice groggy but soft.

Aaron leaned over carefully, not wanting to disturb her too much. Grabbing the phone, he glanced at the screen. It was Marcus.

“Marcus,” Aaron sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Of course.”

Kimberly chuckled sleepily. “Your manager doesn’t sleep, does he?”

Aaron kissed her forehead before sliding out of bed, his muscular frame casting a shadow as he stood. “Go back to sleep, babe. I’ll take this in the other room.”

Kimberly hummed in agreement, pulling the covers over her head.

Aaron stepped into the living room, answering the call. “Marcus, it’s 7 a.m. This better be good.”

Marcus didn’t miss a beat. “It’s about the documentary. The production team wants to start filming sooner than planned. They’re thinking next week.”

Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose. “Next week? That’s too soon. I haven’t even talked to Kim about the specifics yet.”

Marcus sighed on the other end. “I get it, but this is a prime opportunity. We need to capitalize on it while the buzz is still fresh. Plus, they’re bringing in one of the best directors in the business.”

Aaron frowned, pacing the room. “I need to make sure Kim’s comfortable with this. I’m not putting her under unnecessary stress.”

“You’re a good man, Aaron,” Marcus said, his tone softening. “Just don’t let this slip through your fingers. Call me after you talk to her.”

Aaron hung up, staring out the window as the city slowly came to life below. The weight of balancing his career, his relationship, and his personal life pressed heavily on his shoulders.

---

Later that morning, Kimberly found Aaron in the kitchen, his hands gripping the counter as he stared at his coffee.

“You okay?” she asked, walking up to him and resting a hand on his arm.

Aaron turned to her, his expression conflicted. “Marcus called. They want to start filming the documentary next week.”

Kimberly blinked, surprised. “That’s... fast.”

“I know,” Aaron said, his jaw clenching. “I told him I wouldn’t agree until I talked to you. This is your life too, Kim. I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

Kimberly studied him for a moment, her heart swelling at his consideration. “Aaron, I appreciate that. Really. But if this is important for your career, we’ll make it work. We’ll just have to set boundaries and communicate.”

Aaron exhaled, pulling her into his arms. “You’re too good to me.”

Kimberly smiled against his chest. “I know. But you’re worth it.”

---

The following week arrived faster than either of them anticipated. The production crew set up shop in Aaron’s penthouse, their equipment turning the space into a mini studio. Kimberly tried to stay out of the way, but it was impossible not to feel the tension as cameras and boom mics loomed.

“Kimberly, can we get you in this shot?” one of the producers asked, gesturing toward the living room where Aaron was sitting.

Kimberly hesitated, glancing at Aaron. He gave her an encouraging nod, but she couldn’t ignore the knot forming in her stomach.

She sat beside him, smiling nervously as the cameras zoomed in. The interviewer started with a question directed at Aaron, but soon shifted the focus to Kimberly.

“What’s it like being engaged to one of the biggest stars in the world?”

Kimberly froze for a moment before answering. “It’s... amazing. But it’s also challenging. Aaron’s career demands a lot of his time and energy, but we always find a way to prioritize each other.”

The interviewer smiled, but Kimberly could see the glint of curiosity in their eyes. “And how do you handle the media attention? It must be overwhelming at times.”

Kimberly took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “It can be, but I’ve learned to focus on what really matters—our relationship, not the noise around it.”

Aaron reached over, squeezing her hand. It was a small gesture, but it grounded her.

---

After the crew left for the day, Kimberly collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. Aaron joined her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“You were incredible today,” he said, kissing her temple.

Kimberly laughed softly. “I felt like I was walking on a tightrope the whole time. Is it always going to be like this?”

Aaron’s expression grew serious. “I hope not. I don’t want you to feel like you’re under a microscope.”

Kimberly looked at him, her gaze softening. “Aaron, I signed up for this when I said yes to you. As long as we’re in it together, I can handle anything.”

Aaron pulled her closer, his heart swelling with gratitude and love. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m not letting go.”

Kimberly smiled, resting her head against his chest. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

---

The next few days were a whirlwind. The filming continued at full speed, and Kimberly found herself growing accustomed to the cameras following them around. It wasn’t easy, but Aaron’s presence made it bearable. He’d often pull her into spontaneous hugs or brush his fingers against hers when he thought no one was looking. Small gestures, but they meant everything.

One afternoon, while Aaron was in the middle of an interview, Kimberly retreated to their bedroom for a few quiet moments. She sat by the window, watching the busy streets below. The city felt so alive, yet here, inside the walls of their penthouse, things felt oddly still.

A soft knock on the door broke her reverie.

"Hey, you okay?" Aaron’s voice drifted through, warm and comforting.

Kimberly smiled, walking over to open the door. “I’m fine. Just needed a breather.”

Aaron stepped inside, his eyes immediately softening when he saw the slight tension in her shoulders. He closed the door behind him and walked over to her, his hand brushing against her back. “I know this isn’t easy, but I appreciate you. More than you know.”

She leaned into him, feeling the familiar comfort of his strong frame. “It’s just... a lot. Being in the spotlight like this, I don’t know if I’m cut out for it.”

Aaron tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Kimberly, you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. We’re doing this together, alright? Every step of the way.”

She nodded, her heart swelling. “I just need to remember that. Together.”

Aaron’s eyes softened as he kissed her forehead. “That’s right. And if you ever need a break, just tell me. We’ll make it happen.”

She smiled, the weight on her chest easing just a little. “Thanks, Aaron.”

---

The evening brought a welcomed change of pace. The crew had finished filming for the day, and the penthouse was quiet once again. Kimberly and Aaron sat down to dinner on the balcony, the soft city lights twinkling in the distance.

Kimberly leaned back in her chair, taking in the view. “You know, sometimes I forget how beautiful the city is from up here.”

Aaron glanced over at her, his eyes filled with admiration. “It’s even more beautiful with you here.”

She chuckled, lifting her glass. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

Aaron grinned, raising his own glass to clink against hers. “Just telling the truth.”

They fell into an easy conversation, talking about everything and nothing. The chaos of the past few days felt like it was a world away as they laughed and joked, their connection growing even stronger.

“I know this whole documentary thing is a huge deal, but…” Aaron began, his voice turning more serious, “I don’t want you to ever feel like it’s more important than us. Or more important than what we’re building.”

Kimberly reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. “I don’t. I just want to make sure we’re doing this on our terms, Aaron. I don’t want to lose sight of what’s real in all of this.”

Aaron squeezed her hand, his expression sincere. “We won’t. I promise.”

---

A few weeks later, the documentary had taken shape. The cameras followed them through various parts of their lives, capturing the mundane moments as well as the extraordinary. Kimberly had grown more comfortable in front of the camera, but it was still a balancing act. Aaron could see the strain on her face sometimes, and he made it a point to steal away moments when they could be alone, away from the lens.

One evening, after the crew had wrapped for the day, Aaron pulled Kimberly into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.

"Come here," he said softly, guiding her toward the bed.

Kimberly smiled, a sense of relief washing over her as they collapsed onto the soft sheets together. The world outside faded away. In this moment, it was just the two of them, and that was enough.

“I think we’re doing alright, don’t you?” she whispered, snuggling closer to him.

Aaron ran his fingers through her hair, his eyes soft with affection. “We are. As long as you’re by my side, we can handle anything.”

Her smile deepened, and she kissed him gently. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

Aaron kissed her back, feeling the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. With her by his side, he knew they could handle whatever came their way.