Chapter 58: Shifting Priorities

The soft hum of the private jet’s engines filled the cabin as Aaron reclined in his seat, reviewing scripts on his tablet. Kimberly sat across from him, scrolling through her phone while occasionally glancing out the window at the clouds. Their schedule had been packed lately, but this quick trip to Los Angeles was necessary for Aaron to finalize a deal with a major studio.

Aaron looked up from his tablet, his sharp jawline accentuated by the light streaming through the window. “Are you sure you’re okay, Kim? You’ve been quiet since we boarded.”

Kimberly set her phone down and met his concerned gaze. “I’m fine. Just thinking about everything we’ve got coming up—your movie, the wedding, this documentary. It’s... a lot.”

Aaron leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “If it ever feels like too much, you have to tell me. I don’t want you burning out.”

She smiled softly, appreciating his concern. “I can handle it. I just need to make sure I’m balancing everything right.”

“You don’t have to balance it alone,” Aaron said firmly. “We’re a team, Kim. I’ve got your back, just like you’ve always had mine.”

Kimberly’s heart swelled at his words. She reached across the table and took his hand. “I know. And I love you for that.”

The tender moment was interrupted by a knock on the cabin door. Marcus stepped in, holding a folder. “Hate to break up the lovefest, but we’ve got some details to go over before the meeting.”

Aaron sighed, releasing Kimberly’s hand. “Alright, let’s hear it.”

---

By the time they landed in Los Angeles, Aaron and Kimberly had slipped back into their professional dynamic. Marcus whisked them away to the studio in a sleek black SUV, where they were greeted by a flurry of executives eager to finalize the deal.

Kimberly stayed on the sidelines, observing as Aaron navigated the room with ease. He was confident, charismatic, and commanding—all the qualities that had made him a star. Watching him in his element always filled her with pride.

After hours of negotiations, handshakes, and photo ops, the deal was done. Aaron was officially signed on to star in one of the studio’s biggest upcoming projects.

As they left the building, Aaron pulled Kimberly close, his arm around her waist. “What do you think, fiancée? Ready to marry a leading man?”

Kimberly laughed, leaning into him. “I was ready the moment you asked me.”

---

Later that evening, the two of them joined Kelvin and Kehlani for dinner at an upscale rooftop restaurant. The view of the city skyline was breathtaking, and the atmosphere was lively yet intimate.

“So,” Kelvin said, raising his glass of wine, “to Aaron Pierre—soon-to-be husband, movie star, and documentary subject. You’re killing it, man.”

Aaron clinked his glass against Kelvin’s. “Appreciate it, bro. But let’s not forget the woman behind it all.” He turned to Kimberly, his eyes filled with admiration. “None of this would’ve been possible without her.”

Kimberly blushed, smiling shyly. “Stop. You’re the star here.”

Kehlani leaned over, nudging her friend. “Girl, take the compliment. You’re basically a power couple at this point.”

The group laughed, the conversation flowing easily as they celebrated Aaron’s success. But amidst the laughter, Kimberly couldn’t shake the feeling that the balance they’d worked so hard to maintain was about to be tested in ways they hadn’t anticipated.

---

As they returned to their hotel that night, Kimberly sat on the edge of the bed, slipping off her heels. Aaron walked in behind her, his tie already loosened, and sat beside her.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice soft.

Kimberly nodded, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her. “Just... thinking about everything again. I don’t want to lose what we have, Aaron. It’s hard enough with your schedule, and now this movie, the documentary—”

Aaron interrupted her, cupping her face in his hands. “Kim, look at me. None of this means anything if I don’t have you by my side. I’d give it all up for you in a heartbeat.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she leaned into his touch. “I don’t want you to give anything up. I just want us to find a way to make it work.”

“We will,” he promised, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “We’ve come too far to let anything tear us apart now.”

As they lay in bed that night, wrapped in each other’s arms, Kimberly silently vowed to hold onto the life they were building together—no matter how chaotic it might get.