Beyond the glamour of spotlights and sold-out shows, a different story unfolded.

I had lived a life of precision, every step calculated, every move deliberate. As a South Asian, Indian, to be specific, the expectations were clear: excel academically, secure a respectable career, and maintain family honor.

I checked all the boxes: straight A's, a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, and a coveted job managing the images of Hollywood's elite.

My nani instilled in me discipline and determination, qualities that served me well in the cutthroat world of celebrity PR. I remained behind the scenes, content to orchestrate the lives of the famous while keeping my own out of the spotlight.

I stood outside Henry's office, my heart racing with anticipation. Syra's teasing smile didn't help.

"Did you fuck something up?" she asked, chuckling.

I rolled my eyes. "I hope not."

Henry's voice beckoned me inside. I entered, finding an familiar face.

"Ah, Ayana, come in. Please sit," Henry said, gesturing to the empty chair beside Erik Robertson, Gabriel Hansen's manager.

I recognized him instantly. Who wouldn't? Gabriel Hansen was Hollywood's youngest heartthrob, with a reputation for controversy. Erik Robertson has been managing the promising musician since he was 16.

"Mr. Robertson," I said, extending my hand.

Erik's firm handshake and charming smile put me at ease.

"Ayana, nice to finally meet you," he said. "I've heard great things about your work."

Henry intervened. "Erik has a proposal for you, Ayana."

I turned to Erik, intrigued.

"We are really impressed with your handling of Gabriel's PR," Erik began. "We'd like you to consider a new role - as his personal assistant."

My eyes widened. "Umm...why?"

Erik leaned forward, his voice persuasive. "We believe your expertise would be invaluable in managing Gabriel's image from the inside out. You'd gain unparalleled insight into the music industry."

I hesitated, unsure.

"Thank you for the offer, Erik," I said, "but I'm not convinced. Working as a PR for Gabriel for two years has already given me that insight."

Erik's expression turned out expectant. "We're willing to offer a substantial salary increase - fifty percent above your current pay."

The figure stunned me.

Henry chimed in, his voice supportive. "I think you should take it, Ayana. This is a career-changing opportunity."

Erik's eyes locked onto mine. "Gabriel needs someone with your skills. His previous assistant...didn't work out."

I sensed unease beneath Erik's polished demeanor.

"I'll think about it," I said finally.

Erik nodded, gathering his belongings. "I'll await your answer. Henry, let me know within the hour?"

Henry nodded.

As Erik departed, I turned to Henry. "What's going on?"

Henry's expression turned serious. "Gabriel's career is in trouble, Ayana. Erik needs someone trustworthy to manage him."

I frowned. "And you think I'm that person?"

Henry nodded. "You're the best we've got."

As I stepped out of Henry's office, Syra's inquisitive gaze met mine. "Well?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I shook my head, my mind still reeling from the unexpected proposal. "Gabriel Hansen's manager wants me to be his personal assistant."

Syra's eyes widened, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "That's a big deal," she whispered, her voice laced with excitement. "The money must be insane."

I nodded, still trying to process the staggering figure Erik Robertson had thrown at me. A fifty percent hike on my current salary was a tantalizing prospect, but the thought of working for Gabriel Hansen, the notorious bad boy of Hollywood, sent a shiver down my spine.

Henry summoned me again, his voice low and urgent. I re-entered his office, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Ayana, I know you're hesitant, but this is a career-changing opportunity," Henry said, his eyes locked onto mine.

I took a deep breath, my doubts spilling out. "I don't know, Henry. Gabriel Hansen is difficult. His reputation precedes him. I had to work my ass off to save him from the media in his last blunder"

Henry leaned forward, his elbows resting on his desk. "That's exactly why he needs you. You've managed his image for two years; now it's time to take control internally."

I sighed, weighing the pros and cons. Working for Gabriel Hansen would be a challenge, but the potential rewards were undeniable.

"And what about my work here?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

Henry's expression turned reassuring. "You'll still be affiliated with Glasshouse. We'll retain your PR services for Gabriel."

I nodded, my mind racing with the implications.

"Give me an answer, Ayana," Henry pressed, his voice firm but gentle.

I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out. "Okay, I'll do it."

Henry's face broke into a warm smile. "I'll call Erik."

The corridors of Glasshouse seemed to stretch out before me like a precipice, leading me toward a future fraught with uncertainty. My heart beats with nervousness.

Later that evening, Erik called to thank me for taking them on the offer. He urged me to meet him at Gabriel's house tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp.

The next morning, I woke up at seven and prepared myself for the next journey of my career. I had my breakfast and booked a cab. Gabriel's house is in Pasadena, the greater part of Los Angeles.

I reached the address and stood before the grandeur of Gabriel's mansion, its opulence a testament to his success. "Rich kids," I thought, shaking my head.

Inside, Erik awaited me in the office, his polished demeanour, a stark contrast to Gabriel's notorious reputation.

"Ayana, good morning," Erik said, handing me a thick folder. "Your priority is the music launch for his newest Single, 'Break My Heart' and securing a new record deal with Fossil Entertainment."

I scanned the schedule, my mind racing.

"Gabriel's meeting with Fossil Entertainment is crucial," Erik emphasized. "His previous label dropped him due to...personal issues."

I nodded at the complexity of his career.

With the folder clutched tightly, I ascended to the third floor, my heart pounding.

Gabriel's door loomed before me. I knocked firmly.

The door swung open, revealing a disheveled Gabriel Hansen.

Half-naked, with tattooed arms and messy hair, he eyed me with annoyance.

"Who the fuck are you?" he growled.

I stood tall, unwavering.

"Good morning, Mr. Hansen. I'm Ayana, your new PA. You have a meeting with Fossil Entertainment at 10 am. It's 9. Please get dressed. We'll be leaving shortly. I'll wait outside."

Gabriel's gaze narrowed, but he stepped aside, revealing two naked women sleeping on his bed.

I maintained my composure, ignoring the scene.

Gabriel's expression darkened.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?" he sneered.

I smiled coolly.

"I'm the one who's going to save your career, Mr. Hansen."

Gabriel's eyes flashed with anger, but he backed down.

"Fine. Give me 15 minutes."

I nodded and turned to leave.

"Ayana?" Gabriel called out.

"Yes?"

"Make sure those two are gone."

I nodded curtly.

"I'll take care of it."

I went inside his room and opened the blinds revealing the sunlight inside the room. The two women, scantily clad and hastily gathering their belongings, left his room with an air of discomfort. Their bleary eyes and smudged makeup spoke volumes about the previous night's escapades.

I waited outside wondering the number of times this scene unfolded. Erik removing the prostitutes from his room and nagging Gabriel to focus on his career.

I chuckled to myself.

As Gabriel emerged from his room after exactly fifteen minutes as promised, refreshed and dressed, I couldn't help but notice his striking features. His raven-black hair, mussed from sleep, framed his chiseled face. His dark eyes, fringed with impossibly long lashes, seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Soft, plump lips curved into a sly smile, and a small mole below his lower lip added a hint of vulnerability to his rugged charm.

His signature black jeans and band T-shirt accentuated his lean physique, honed from years of performances and music videos.

"What now?" he asked, his tone disinterested.

I briefed him on the day's schedule as we descended the stairs, but his gaze drifted off.

"Mr. Hansen, are you still intoxicated?" I inquired.

Gabriel remarked. "I'm fucking hungover."

I bit back a retort, thinking, "then you shouldn't have drunk so much the night before a big day."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Let's go."

As we descended the stairs, Gabriel's gaze lingered on me.

"Why do you look so familiar?" he asked, intrigued. "Did we have sex before?"

I recoiled, taken aback. "No. I was too busy saving your reputation."

Gabriel's face lit up with a captivating smile.

"Ah, right... I saw you at Glassglow."

For a fleeting moment, his smile humanized him.

But his crude question still lingered.

As we stepped into the sleek, modern headquarters of Fossil Entertainment, I could feel the weight of Gabriel's reputation preceding us. The whispers, the sideways glances, the thinly veiled disdain - all echoed through the sterile corridors.

Erik Robertson, Gabriel's manager, awaited us in the conference room, flanked by Olivia Lee, the CEO of Fossil Entertainment. Her piercing gaze sliced through Gabriel, as if daring him to disappoint.

"Mr. Hansen, your recent antics have raised concerns," Olivia said, her voice dripping with disapproval. "We can't afford to have our artists embroiled in scandal. Despite your talents, you have quite the reputation in the industry."

Gabriel shrugged, his nonchalance a thin veil for the turmoil brewing beneath. "I'm still selling out shows more than your other clients, Olivia. You know you need me.", he smirked confidently.

Olivia's expression remained unyielding. "That may be true, but our investors demand more. We need an artist who can uphold our values."

I intervened, my words carefully crafted to salvage the situation. "We understand your concerns, Olivia. Gabriel is committed to his music, and he is incredibly talented as we know already. I have close relations with his PR and we've discussed strategies to revamp his image."

Erik nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Olivia. "We're willing to work together to ensure Gabriel's success."

Olivia's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with skepticism. "I want to see results."

Olivia turned her attention towards me, and said amusingly, "You're Ayana Hazarika right? The Senior PR officer in Glassglow. We have heard about your work. You have been looking after Mr. Hansen behind the shadows for a long time. Aren't you?".

"That'd be me, yes." I said proudly.

"Then I guess we have nothing to worry about... Welcome aboard, Mr Hansen." Olivia concluded the meeting by shaking our hands.

As we exited the conference room, Gabriel turned to me, his expression laced with surprise. "You're good at this." he said, a hint of admiration creeping into his voice.

I smiled wryly. "Thanks, but you still have to clean up your act"

Gabriel's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with defiance. "I always get what I want."

I raised an eyebrow, a warning flickering in my tone. "Not this time, Mr. Hansen."

The tension between us crackled, a spark waiting to ignite.

As evening descended, the mansion transformed into a flurry of activity. Gabriel's stylist, Maria, arrived to prep him for the music launch of "Break My Heart". I watched as she expertly crafted his signature look - raven-black hair perfectly messy, dark eyes accentuated with subtle liner, and a black tuxedo that hugged his lean physique.

Meanwhile, Erik summoned me to the office for a meeting.

We gathered in the conference room with Henry, Erik, and I were joined by Sonja Guevara, Leah Hale's manager, and her PR team.

"Welcome, everyone," Sonja began, her voice confident. "We're here to discuss a strategic partnership between Gabriel Hansen and Leah Hale."

Leah, the stunning daughter of Elvis Hale, is a rising star in Hollywood. Her manager, Sonja, outlined the benefits of a PR relationship.

"Gabriel's music and Leah's upcoming film projects align perfectly. A romantic connection between them will generate immense buzz, boosting their respective careers."

The PR strategy was clear: leverage Leah's good-girl image to revamp Gabriel's tarnished reputation.

Gabriel's already well-built stardom and fanbase will highlight Leah's rising career.

Henry nodded, intrigued. "I like it. The media will eat up their story."

Erik scribbled notes. "What's the scope of this partnership?"

"Joint appearances, social media posts, exclusive interviews...we'll create a narrative of a blossoming romance," Sonja explained.

I raised an eyebrow. "How about we arrange their first appearance together today at the music launch?"

Sonja was intrigued, " That's a great idea. Leah will be attending the music launch. So we can arrange it. This will be their official declaration of the relationship."

The room fell silent as we weighed the pros and cons.

"Gabriel's on board?" Henry asked.

Erik nodded. "He understands the benefits. But we need to ensure Leah's team is committed."

Sonja's expression turned serious. "We are. Leah is eager to elevate her profile, and this partnership will achieve that."

Erik turned towards me and said, "Ayana, please fill Gabriel about these recent developments."

"Sure". I nodded.

I knocked on the door, and Gabriel's deep voice beckoned me to enter. Inside, I found him immersed in a virtual world, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he played video games on his PC.

I tapped his shoulder, breaking the spell. "Gabriel, we need to talk."

He removed his headphones, his eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I forgot about the task at hand, lost in their captivating intensity.

"What's up?" he asked, his tone neutral.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the updates. "Leah Hale's team confirmed the partnership. You're meeting today to discuss the details."

Gabriel's expression darkened. "Another PR relationship, huh?"

His annoyance was palpable.

"I know you're not thrilled, but-"

Gabriel interrupted, his voice laced with frustration. "I'm a musician, Ayana, not a puppet. Can't they see I'm trying to rebuild my career, not just my image?"

I empathized with his concerns. "I understand, but this partnership can benefit both you and Leah. Your combined fanbase will create a powerhouse."

Gabriel scoffed. "And what about my music? Does anyone care about that anymore?"

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Your music is still the priority, Mr. Hansen. This partnership will help revive your reputation and attract new fans."

Gabriel's gaze lingered on mine, searching for reassurance.

"Today is crucial," I continued. "We need pictures of you and Leah together. It'll generate buzz and set the tone for your partnership."

Gabriel's jaw clenched. "Fine. I'll play along."

His reluctance was evident, but I knew he'd come around.

As I turned to leave, Gabriel's voice stopped me.

"Ayana?"

"Yes?"

"Make sure Leah's team knows I'm not just a pretty face. I'm still a musician."

I nodded, smiling. "I'll convey the message."

"Let's move, the car's ready" I beckoned him to follow me.

I escorted Gabriel downstairs, where his security team and cars awaited. He looked stunning in his tailored tuxedo, his hair perfectly styled.

"Time to go, Mr. Hansen," I said, smiling.

Gabriel's expression remained subdued, his eyes hinting at his unease with the PR partnership.

Sonja, Leah's manager, greeted us with a warm smile. "Nice to have you on board, Gabriel. My client will meet you at the launch."

Gabriel nodded curtly, his tight-lipped smile betraying his reluctance.

As we departed for the music launch, the tension in the car was palpable.

Gabriel's silence spoke volumes about his discomfort with the situation.

He glanced at me once, his eyes softening slightly.

Upon arrival, the paparazzi frenzy erupted.

I stayed behind Gabriel giving him the proper exposure of the media.

"Gabriel, over here!"

"Smile, Gabriel!"

Gabriel's mask slipped into place - charming, confident, and camera-ready.

Shortly, Leah Hale emerged from a sleek black sedan, radiant in a crimson gown.

The flashbulbs popped as Gabriel and Leah posed together.

Gabriel swiftly corrected his image alongside Leah and rested his hands on her waist. They looked picture perfect. There's not a hint of discomfort in his face which he expressed before. He masked himself quite well.

The media buzzed.

"Gabriel and Leah: Music's New Power Couple"

"Leah Hale and Gabriel Hansen Sizzle on the Red Carpet"

As Gabriel and Leah posed for photos, the media frenzy intensified. Their chemistry was palpable, and the cameras captured every smile, every glance. The paparazzi started storming with questions.

"Are you two dating?"

"Leah, what do you have to say about the recent controversy about Gabriel?"

They remained silent, and posed, ignoring the questions of the paparazzi.

These media houses are vultures who would pay anything to get one scoop inside the celebrity's life, with no remorse, no humanity.

I admired their professionalism. There's no sense of discomfort at the remarks being passed. Both Leah and Gabriel were completely in control of their emotions and smiled at the camera. I wondered if that's what it means to be a celebrity, being constantly in the spotlight, every action being scrutinized, micromanaged in every spectrum of their lives and remaining composed even with dirt constantly thrown at their faces.

It's a mask, a character written by someone else.

But behind the blinding flashes of the cameras, we fail to see:

The human.

Gabriel Hansen showed me the reality of the stars.