The shadow in his spotlight

In my world, fantasy is a cruel thing. And mornings, always comes with reality. Lying there with Aiden, his head on my chest, I didn't want it to end. Sometimes I let myself imagine, that this was real. That I wasn't just his assistant, but the man who he kissed breathless against the wall, a few hours ago.

By the time the sun pushed through the curtains, Aiden had already gotten out of bed to answer a call. His voice softened when he thought I was still asleep, so I kept my eyes closed and listened.

Victoria.

Ofcourse it was her. His manager. His mother. The one in charge of his perfect, untouchable image.

She was already preparing the next event, always talking about times and schedules, like the world might stop spinning if he didn't follow the script. She never asked how he was feeling. It was more like she didn't care.

Aiden, the pre-event dinner is confirmed for seven. The car arrives at six-thirty. Don't be late, and remember to wear the charcoal suit. That looks better on you. The stylist will meet you there."

Yes, Victoria," Aiden said with his usual charm. "Is there anything else?"

"The Photoshoot's at noon. I'll send the brief later. And Aiden, don't bring distractions.".

I felt the jab, although my eyes were still closed. I knew I was 'the distraction' she was talking about. The disdain in her tone said it all.

She has never acknowledged me. Not once. To her, l was nothing but just a pair of hands holding things, and a mouth that was meant to stay shut. To her, that was all I was supposed to be in this world. A shadow.

When I came out from the shower, I got dressed in my usual slim-fit black suit. Aiden was already putting the on designer jacket he wore the previous day, the one I had taken off myself.

"I smiled as I approached him"

"Good morning," he said softly, but there was guilt in his eyes.

I adjusted his collar, smoothing the fabric. It was intimate, but it looked professional. "Morning," | murmured. "Did you sleep well?"

Aiden hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah ofcourse I did. One of the best night I've had in weeks."

I smirked faintly. "I'm glad I could help."

By morning, we were back in his world. i walked a few steps behind him, his phone in one hand, his iPad in the other, while assistants, photographers, and makeup artists swirled around us. Each wanting a piece of him.

Later that afternoon, It was time for the photo shoot. I watched as cameras clicked, stylists hovered over Aiden, brushing invisible dirt from his jacket and adjusting his collar. He moved through it all like a man who was born to be worshipped.

I leaned against the wall, quietly watching him as he posed, with that seductive charm the world couldn't get enough of.

Just then, the co-star from his latest film, a tall brunette that looked like a model, walked up to him during a break and placed a hand on his shoulder. She laughed at something he said, leaning in just a little too close and whispering something that made him grin in a hot way.

I knew it was irrational and that I shouldn't be jealous, but I couldn't help myself. I knew that public flirting meant nothing in this industry, almost half of Hollywood is built on fake chemistry.

But right now, I didn't give a shit. Watching someone else touch what was mine, it made my blood boil.

He glanced at me once across the room. And he saw the flicker in my eyes.

Later, in the car, he reached for my hand when the tinted door closed, and I let him take it for a second before I pulled away. My voice was calm, almost teasing, but filled with the truth I wanted him to feel.

"I see your friend is.. friendly," I muttered, staring out the window.

Aiden glanced at me, his brows arched in amusement.

"Friendly?"

"You know what I mean," I said, trying to keep my tone

neutral. "All the touching, the laughing... she was practically all over you, touching you like she owns you".

I said, my gaze still on the passing city outside.

Aiden's chuckled, his mouth curved into a small, guilty smile. "Jamie, you know that meant nothing. She literally flirts with everyone, and it's part of the job. I was just —

"Smiling for the world," I finished for him. I finally looked at him, letting my tone drop lower, gently asserting my dominance through my words. "I hope you remember who you belong to when the lights go out."

His breath hitched, while his fingers twitched, like he wanted to reach for me again, but he didn't.

"Ofcourse i know," he murmured.

"Good," I said, leaning back, satisfied. He needed these reminders to keep him on track.

Lunch was at his favorite restaurant. It was a private little spot with a dark wood interior and just enough for someone like him. The staff knew him well; they didn't need a menu to know what he wanted.

"Steak and mashed potatoes," I said to the waiter before

he could ask. "Medium rare."

Aiden smirked at me, from across the table. "You really do know me too well."

Lunch was normal. We talked about the pre-event dinner Victoria had been fussing over, the scripts that needed his attention, the never ending appearances. He even complained about the tux he'd have to wear again.

I teased him about how much he loved the attention, even if he wouldn't admit it.

I love those rare moments.

I was about taking another bite, when my phone buzzed.

I glanced down, expecting a message from the driver.

Instead, my stomach dropped.

The headline stared at me. It was paired with a grainy photo of two blurred silhouettes tangled together in a hotel room.

For a second, all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.

Aiden noticed the change in my expression. His brows drew together. "What is it?"

I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I slid the phone across the table.

He stared at the screen, his jaw tightening, his eyes flicking to mine. Tension filled the air like a storm that was about to break.

"Jamie..." His voice was rough, panicked. "This can't be happening."

"It's just a shadow," I said calmly. "It doesn't even prove anything."

"Shadows are more than enough," he whispered. His eyes met mine, filled with fear. "They can destroy me with shadows."

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed again.

Another headline.

The silhouette was sharper this time, although not clear enough to prove anything, but close enough to ignite a storm.

The new headline screamed back at us:

"IS AIDEN VALE'S MYSTERY LOVER A MAN?"