Chapter 12: Glitz, Glamour, and First Impressions

The days leading up to the Golden Globes were a whirlwind of appointments, fittings, and lessons that Kimberly never thought she’d experience. Aaron’s team had pulled out all the stops—there was no way she could walk into this event unprepared. The last thing she wanted was to look out of place in a world that felt so far removed from the office she was used to.

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It all started with the dress.

The moment she stepped into the designer’s studio and saw the green satin, mermaid gown hanging from the rack, Kimberly’s breath caught in her throat. It was everything she’d imagined—elegant, sleek, and daring all at once.

The dress fitted silhouette hugged her curves perfectly, highlighting her figure in a way that felt both sexy and sophisticated. It was the kind of dress that made you feel like a star just by wearing it.

Kimberly slipped into the gown, and as she turned in front of the mirror, she could barely recognize herself. The green satin shimmered under the light, clinging to her body like it was made for her. The high slit added just the right touch of allure while still being classy enough for the Golden Globes.

“You look stunning,” the stylist said, taking a step back to admire the look. “The color is perfect for your skin tone. We’ll just need to make sure the fit is right, and it’ll be ready for the night.”

Kimberly smiled, feeling a wave of excitement—this was a world she was just beginning to step into, and it felt intoxicating.

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The next stop was the hair salon. Kimberly had always kept her hair long and a little messy—nothing too extravagant. But now, with the upcoming event, she was willing to try something different. She sat in the stylist's chair as the scissors snipped away, shortening her hair into a sleek bob. The transformation was striking—her hair now fell just above her shoulders in a smooth, straight style that made her look polished and refined.

“Perfect,” the stylist said as he finished, adding a little shine serum for that extra touch of glamour. “This is going to look incredible on the red carpet.”

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After her hair was done, Aaron’s team scheduled a series of etiquette lessons. At first, Kimberly had been hesitant, but she quickly realized how important they were. The lessons were about more than just posture and greeting people with the right handshake; it was about navigating a world that had its own rules—rules she’d never had to follow as Aaron’s assistant.

“Remember to smile, be gracious, and don’t let the flashing lights throw you off,” her etiquette coach advised. “You’re walking into a room full of people who will be watching your every move.”

Each lesson was a reminder of how much was riding on this night. It wasn’t just about the Golden Globes; it was about her stepping into a new role—one that would be watched by the world.

---

The night of the Golden Globes finally arrived. Kimberly stood in front of her mirror one last time, taking in the full effect of her transformation. The red satin dress glistened under the lights, the high slit giving her a sense of confidence she hadn’t known she had. Her bob cut framed her face perfectly and gave her a glow that matched the sparkle in her eyes.

She adjusted the gold chain necklace that rested delicately against her collarbone, completing the look. The gold heels, though higher than she was used to, gave her a touch of elegance and made her feel like she was walking on air.

As she stepped into the living room, she saw Aaron waiting for her. He was in his tuxedo, looking every bit the part of the A-list actor he was. The black suit contrasted perfectly with the boldness of her red dress, and the two of them together looked like something straight out of a magazine.

“You look... incredible,” Aaron said, his voice soft with admiration.

Kimberly felt a blush creeping up her neck. She hadn’t expected him to be so vocal about it, but there was something about the way he looked at her that made her heart race. “Thank you,” she said, smiling shyly. “You look pretty good yourself.”

He grinned, extending his arm. “Shall we?”

They made their way to the car, and as they pulled up to the venue, the sound of cameras flashing and reporters shouting their names immediately hit them. Kimberly’s heart thudded in her chest, the magnitude of the event sinking in. This wasn’t just a work event; it was a whole new world. She clung to Aaron’s arm, feeling his presence as a calming anchor in the chaos.

---

As they stepped out of the car, the flashing lights were blinding. Reporters shouted questions, and photographers clicked away, trying to capture every moment. Aaron’s arm was firmly around her waist, guiding her forward with confidence. He was protective, shielding her from the barrage of attention and making sure she was comfortable every step of the way.

“Over here, Aaron! Who’s this?” one of the reporters called out, trying to get their attention.

“This is Kimberly,” Aaron said, his voice firm but warm. “She’s my date for the night.”

The reporter raised an eyebrow. “Your date? So, is this something more than just work?”

Aaron gave the reporter a playful smile. “We’ll see.”

Kimberly felt her heart race again. She hadn’t realized that Aaron would so openly claim her as his date. It made her feel... important, like she belonged here in this glittering world of fame and fortune.

They posed for a few pictures, standing close to each other as the photographers snapped away. The whole experience felt surreal, and Kimberly was doing her best to keep it together, not letting the overwhelming energy of the event break her composure.

---

As they were about to head inside, a familiar face appeared in the crowd. Kelvin Harrison Jr., Aaron’s longtime co-star and best friend, waved at them, making his way through the throng of people.

“Hey, you two,” Kelvin said, offering a wide grin as he finally reached them. “Look at you both. I had no idea Aaron was hiding such a gem.”

Aaron laughed, slinging an arm around Kelvin’s shoulders. “We’ve only just met, so don’t go making any rumors, man.”

Kimberly chuckled, feeling the warmth of the moment. “Nice to meet you,” she said, holding out her hand.

Kelvin shook it, his grin widening. “You too. I’ve heard a lot about you from Aaron.”

“Yeah, good things, I hope,” she said with a smirk.

“Oh, definitely,” Kelvin said, giving Aaron a teasing look. “You’ve got great taste, man.”

The three of them posed for a few more pictures together, and for the first time that evening, Kimberly felt like she truly belonged. The tension she’d felt earlier had eased, and she was able to enjoy the moment for what it was—a chance to be part of something bigger than herself.

The Golden Globes ceremony had officially begun, and Kimberly found herself seated between Aaron and Kelvin at one of the front-row tables. The atmosphere was electric, the room filled with the hum of excited chatter and clinking glasses. Despite the luxury of the evening, Kimberly couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of her element. She was used to being behind the scenes, not at the center of the spotlight.

Aaron, ever the professional, sat tall and confident beside her, his arm casually resting on the back of her chair. Kelvin, ever the life of the party, leaned in with an exaggerated whisper.

“This is surreal, huh?” Kelvin said with a grin, his eyes scanning the room. “I mean, this is the world you’re stepping into now, Kimberly. Can’t believe you’re not even breaking a sweat.”

Kimberly laughed, her nerves still there, but she was doing her best to keep it together. “I’m definitely sweating on the inside,” she admitted, glancing at Aaron for reassurance. He gave her a quiet smile, his hand brushing hers under the table as if to ground her.

The cameras panned across the room, and the spotlight finally settled on the stage as the host began announcing the nominees for the Best Actor in a Drama series. Kimberly, heart racing, couldn’t help but glance at the seat across the room where Vanessa was sitting. She was looking stunning in a black gown, but the look on her face—utterly fixed in a glare as she stared in their direction—did not escape Kimberly’s attention. It wasn’t just a casual look; it was one of jealousy.

Aaron caught Kimberly’s gaze and noticed the direction of her eyes. He leaned in, his voice low, “Don’t pay her any mind, Kimberly. You look amazing tonight.”

But before Kimberly could respond, Kelvin, ever the cheeky one, pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message. His grin was mischievous as he hit send, and a few seconds later, his phone buzzed with a notification. He looked over at Aaron and raised an eyebrow.

“A little something for Ms. Hudgens,” Kelvin said, his voice dripping with amusement. “She’s gonna be madder than a hornet when she sees that.”

Aaron frowned slightly but couldn’t hide the smirk forming on his lips. “You didn’t.”

Kelvin’s grin widened. “Just a little harmless fun. Let’s see how she reacts to this.”

The three of them continued to chat, but Kimberly could tell that the undercurrent of tension from Vanessa's glare hadn’t gone unnoticed. It felt like an unspoken challenge, and for the first time, Kimberly wondered if she was truly ready for all this. Was it worth it? The scrutiny, the competition, the drama? But then Aaron gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, and she pushed the doubt aside.

---

The evening pressed on, with the room buzzing with excitement and anticipation as more awards were announced. The atmosphere grew even more intense as the nominees for Best Actor in a Drama series were finally revealed, and Kimberly couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as Aaron’s name was called.

“Aaron Pierre for Rebel Ridge,” the host’s voice echoed through the theater.

Kimberly’s heart skipped a beat as Aaron stood up, his face a mixture of shock and gratitude. The audience erupted into applause, and Aaron made his way up to the stage, his confident stride taking him to the podium. Kelvin clapped him on the back with an enthusiastic cheer, but Kimberly could only watch in awe as Aaron took his moment.

As Aaron accepted the award, Kimberly sat in her seat, beaming with pride. This was his moment, and it was one that belonged entirely to him. She wasn’t just an assistant anymore—she was part of this journey, part of his success.

“I just want to thank my incredible team, the cast of Rebel Ridge, and of course, the fans,” Aaron said in his acceptance speech, his voice steady and calm despite the intensity of the moment. “And I couldn’t have done this without the amazing people who support me every step of the way.”

Kimberly’s heart swelled as she watched him speak. She couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to him—this was the side of him that made her admire him even more. The man who had worked tirelessly for his dreams and was now standing in the glow of his success.

---

As the applause settled, Vanessa’s glare was back, and this time, it was aimed directly at Kimberly. The air between them felt thick, and it didn’t escape Kelvin’s notice. He leaned in toward Aaron, his voice a low whisper.

“Did you see that?” Kelvin asked, nodding toward Vanessa. “I swear she’s about to throw a drink in your girl’s face.”

Aaron chuckled, his fingers drumming absently on the side of his glass. “She can glare all she wants. Doesn’t change anything. Let’s just enjoy tonight.”

But Kelvin was already typing another message on his phone. He gave Aaron a sideways glance. “You know, I’m just trying to keep things interesting.”

Kimberly felt the subtle shift in the atmosphere, and though she didn’t want to let it bother her, she couldn’t ignore the tension between herself and Vanessa. She had never been the kind of woman to compete for attention, but in this world, it felt unavoidable.

---

After the award ceremony, the trio made their way inside the after-party, the buzz of celebration surrounding them. The music was louder now, and the mood lighter. Kimberly was still on a high from Aaron’s win, but she could sense the growing tension around her.

She spotted Vanessa in the distance, talking to a few reporters, but as soon as she saw Kimberly, she immediately turned away. It was like a silent war was being waged, and Kimberly was just a pawn in it.

Aaron, noticing her discomfort, leaned down to her ear. “Don’t worry about her. Let’s have a good time tonight. You deserve it.”

Kimberly nodded, though she was still aware of the watchful eyes on her. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention like this. But with Aaron beside her, guiding her through the night, she began to feel like she could hold her own.

As the evening went on, more familiar faces appeared—actors, producers, and industry insiders - all mixing and mingling, catching up over champagne and cocktails. And just as Aaron promised, they did their best to stay in their bubble, even when cameras lingered a little too long.

Kelvin, ever the playful one, popped over to their table again, a wide grin on his face. “You two are definitely the hottest couple in the room,” he teased, drawing a playful roll of Aaron’s eyes.

Kimberly smiled, shaking her head. “We’re just getting started.”

And with that, the night carried on, full of glitz, glamour, and the quiet, simmering drama that was just beginning to unfold.