"To the right a little," the photographer yelled out and I turned my head slightly to the right as he snapped photos of me in a millisecond, "There it is! Beautiful!" he said, still snapping pictures. "Break!" the editor called out as the production team applauded me.

I walked over to Alisha and she handed me my water bottle. I took a sip out of the straw, "You're doing amazing! You look great out there!" Alisha said cheerfully. I gave her a small smile, "Thanks, Lish," I said starting to head to my dressing room. She gave me a sad smile and sighed following me.

"Where's Michael?" I asked as I walked towards the door. "He should be here any minute," Alisha said from behind me and I nodded. Michael was coming to visit me on set today after his studio session for HIStory.

I opened my dressing room door and saw a gift bag on the vanity. I slowly walked up to it, "Who sent that?" Alisha asked and I shrugged. I had an uneasy feeling about it and I didn't want to open it in front of Alisha if it was from who I thought it was from.

I sat down in my chair and moved the gift to the side, staring at it. "Ash, are you sure you're okay? You haven't been yourself for weeks and I'm seriously getting worried. I don't see you eat or even drink water anymore. You never acted down this bad before," Alisha said from behind me. I looked at her in the mirror and looked down at my hands.

"Someone's still threatening me," I said quietly, "I think that's who that gift is from." Alisha gasped, "Wes never found out who it was? I thought it was just some little crazed Michael fan," Alisha said. I shook my head, "No, he's been working with a team he put together but there's no leads on anyone as to whom it might be."

"Are you serious? Wha-what? I can't even comprehend this right now. How does Michael feel?" she asked worriedly. I stayed silent. "He doesn't know does he?" she asked hesitantly. I shook my head and I heard her suck her teeth. "Ashley, you have to tell him. This obviously isn't some joke now."

I stayed silent, looking down at my hands. "Hello?" she said smartly, making me look up at her. "I can't," I whispered. "Why?" she asked. I went in my bag and pulled out a note I got 3 days ago and handed it to her.

I watched her eyes turn to fright as she read the note. "When did you get this?" she asked, horrified. "3 days ago. It was sent to our hotel," I said and her eyes widened. "Your HOTEL? They're following you!?" she asked in shock. I nodded, "Yeah."

"Leave him now and no one gets hurt. Leave him and don't tell him why. Or else....you'll get hurt!" Alisha exclaimed, reading the note aloud. I felt tears in my eyes as she read it again. "Why haven't you given this to Wes!?" she asked in horror. "I haven't seen him. I'll give it to him today."

"I also haven't told Michael because he'd drop everything for me and he needs to be in the studio right now. It's crucial for him." Alisha sighed, "Yeah, but if I'm noticing a difference in you within a month, he definitely is. He probably is wondering what the hell he did."

I shook my head, "No, I told him it's work, which is also a factor. I can't even tell you the last time I slept for more than 5 hours." Alisha sighed and walked over to me, rubbing my back. "I don't feel human right now. I don't feel like myself and I hate it. And I see the effect it's already having on Michael. I try to be happy for him, but the moment I see him all I can think about is if I don't do something about these threats, someone is going to be out there trying to hurt him. And I don't want to break his heart by leaving him. I can't leave him," I said crying.

"Shh, shh, it's okay. We'll figure out who this is," Alisha said comforting me. "He cried on my birthday. Twice," I said, wiping my eyes. "What?" Alisha asked. "I saw him crying to Janet at the beach and I know it was about me. "I'm causing him pain, I'm the problem."

"Hey, don't think like that," Alisha said, shaking her head at me. "It's true. He cried at the beach and later on that night, I heard him cry to me, telling me that whatever it is I'm going through he wishes I would tell him. He thought I was sleep, but I wasn't. I hear him crying in the bathroom sometimes too when he thinks I'm not in the room. I'm breaking him and this is exactly what I didn't want to happen! This is all my fault!" I cried, getting frustrated.

"It's not your fault. I promise you it's not. It's someone who is jealous and I'm so sorry, Ash that this is happening to you but you need to tell him," Alisha said and I went to respond but we heard a knock on my door. "Give it to me," I said and she handed it to me, sitting down on the couch. I sat back in my chair and tried to compose myself, "Come in," I said softly.

Michael walked in looking extremely handsome with some Ray Ban aviators on. "Hi Michael!" Alisha said, gaining his attention. "Hey Alisha!" he said cheerfully with a smile. Alisha got up and hugged him. As he pulled back, he turned to me and smiled at me through the mirror, "Hey baby," he said walking closer to me. "Hey," I said, clearing my throat.

Anyone could see that I had been crying and once Michael realized, he slowly brought his hand up and took off his aviators, putting them in the inside of his military jacket. He looked at me and automatically his facial expression changed. He looked at me so sadly and full of pity. I tried giving him a small smile, but he didn't give me one back.

He walked up to me and I stood up out of my chair to give him a hug. As I went in for a hug he tried to kiss me, but I turned my head feeling guilty, so he got my cheek instead. I pulled away from our hug and he gave me a sad look and I couldn't bear it, so I stepped around him. "Alisha, where's Kevyn? I need a touch up for my next look," I said, shaking my leg, looking down at her.

She looked between me and Michael with a sad look on her face too. Out of my peripheral vision I saw Michael shake his head and put his sunglasses back on. "Uh, um, he's outside. I'll go get him," she said standing up but I put my hand up. "No, I'll get him," I said grabbing the gift and note and walking out the door

I watched as Ashley walked out the door to find Kevyn with tears in my eyes. I shook my head, plopping down on the couch opposite of Alisha. I shook my head. I looked over at Alisha and she looked at me with sadness in her eyes. "What's wrong with her?" I asked choking up. Alisha sighed and I felt a tear roll down my cheek from behind my sunglasses.

I quickly wiped the tear, "She's not the same and I don't know what's happening to her. She won't tell me anything and every day she's becoming more and more distant. She's breaking my heart little by little," I cried to Alisha and she placed her hand over mine for comfort, "She-she won't even look me in the eyes, she doesn't even kiss me anymore. I-I-I just want my old Smiles back. I just want her."

Alisha sighed sadly at me. "I feel like I'm losing a little piece of her every day," I cried, sniffling. "I'm so sorry, Michael," Alisha said softly, "She's going through a lot right now, she is, but just trust her. Give her time to get things situated."

I looked up at her with a slight frown, "You know," I asked but it sounded more like a statement. She stuttered over her words, "What's wrong with her?" I asked. "Michael," she started but I cut her off, "What's wrong Alisha!? Was it something I did? Something I said?" I asked frantically. "No, Michael, it wasn't you. She's just dealing with something and she's trying her best to get through it. I wish I could tell you, but it's not my place.," she said, shaking her head.

I wiped another tear that escaped and went to speak but Ashley walked in with her glam team. She looked at me and saw that I was crying. I wiped my tears, clearing my throat and stood up, "Excuse me," I said walking to the bathroom to compose myself.

After about five minutes, I walked out of the bathroom, turning off the lights. I turned around and saw an empty room with just Ashley sitting on the couch. She looked up at me when she heard the bathroom door closed. "Where is everyone?" I asked confused. "I sent them outside to give us a minute," she said softly. I nodded slowly and she patted the couch next to her.

I walked over and sat down next to her. She sat up and turned towards me a little. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it a little, but she still couldn't hold eye contact with me. I looked down in sadness at the silence between us.

"Thanks for coming to visit me," she said. "No need to thank me. I want to be here in support of you," I said and she looked up at me nodding, "For anything," I said emphasizing the last part. She looked away from me and I sat back in defeat. "Ashley, what's wrong with you!? What's going on between us!?" I asked, getting slightly frustrated. "Michael-" she said, but there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Ashley said softly. "Sorry, but we have 15 minutes till your next look," Alisha said and Ashley nodded, standing up.

She looked at me through the mirror and gave me a small smile. I looked down and played with my hands, unable to return her smile.

20 minutes later, we went out to set for Ashley to start shooting and even though my emotions weren't in the right place, I was still excited to see Ashley in her element. She was the most photographed woman in the world for a reason.

I watched attentively as Ashley posed in different poses and worked the camera. It always amazed me at how well she worked the camera and angles. There wasn't a camera Ashley met that she didn't know how to work. She was beautiful. I could just watch her for hours.

I smiled watching her as the photographers and editors cheered Ashley on. It was exciting to see how excited everyone was on set. Everyone was full of life, dancing to the music with their eyes on Ashley.

As I watched Ashley, I could tell she removed herself from reality for the sake of work. This was her escapism and since her birthday, I finally got a glimpse of her old self as she danced in between takes, smiling brightly at everyone. Even laughing with people on set.

Even though we were on a rough patch, I still loved her. I just hoped she still felt the same about me.

"Alright everyone, give it up for Ashley!!" the photographer yelled and everyone on set started clapping and cheering for her. It brought a smile to my face to see how loved and admired she was. I was so proud of her.

Ashley smiled, shyly waving everyone off, "Thank you guys! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity," she said smiling brightly. Everyone cheered more as she walked off set and over to us. She walked into my arms and hugged me tight, throwing me for a surprise. She hadn't shown me this much affection since her birthday. "Good job, baby. You did amazing!" I said to her in her ear. She pulled back, "Thanks Michael."

I was hoping she would kiss me, but she turned and hugged Alisha next. Afterwards, we went to her dressing room so she could change. I walked in and saw Wes whispering in her ear about something serious, but they stopped when they saw me. What's that all about?

"Hey Joker," Wes said, patting my shoulder. "Hey, Wes," I said, nodding at him. "I'm ready whenever you guys are," Wes said heading towards the door. I looked towards Ashley and she looked at me and then Wes through the mirror, "5 more minutes. I just need to gather some things," she said, standing up and organizing stuff on the vanity. "Okay, take your time," he said, leaving and shutting the door.

I sat down on the couch, rubbing palms on my thighs as I watched Ashley organize stuff around the room. "I don't know how I accumulate so much stuff when I have a shoot," she said with a little chuckle. "Yeah," I said quietly.

"You look beautiful," I said watching her hoping to get some genuine reaction out of her. She stopped organizing stuff on the coffee table and looked at me. She stood up straight and gave me a small smile, "Thanks baby," she said softly.

"I like your outfit," I said nodding and she looked down at it, "Do you?" she asked and I nodded eagerly, standing up making my way towards her. I wrapped my arms around her waist, "Oh yeah," I said leaning in to try and kiss her, but as always she turned her head slightly and I caught the corner of her mouth.

"Lipstick," she said, making an excuse. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, "right," I said irritatedly, "I'll be in the car," I said leaving, slamming the door shut. The day has been horrible and boy am I excited to see how dinner is gonna go.

Michael and I were escorted inside of The View Restaurant in Lounge which was a fancy, skyview restaurant that overlooked New York City. It was one of mine and Michael's favorite restaurants to come to when we were in New York together, so as obvious we had to. Except this time, I have someone threatening me and Michael with violence if I didn't leave him.

As we were escorted inside, we were bombarded with paparazzi outside of the restaurant asking a million questions. It was so bad that Michael literally had to hold me to his chest as if I was a child. We were blinded by lights in every direction and for a second we had even lost Wes and Devon. They had to find their way back to us because Michael and I got swarmed around. That's another thing that's been driving me down is that I can't go anywhere anymore without causing a scene. And me and Michael together? That was literal hell to try and maneuver through.

Fame is a great thing, but there's a side of it that people don't tell you either. Michael can't even recall the last time he's been to a grocery store and actually shopped without them clearing out the store and closing it and I'm starting to get that way as well. I've never felt so small.

The media is getting worse. Michael and I are praised for our power couple relationship, but also one of the most talked about couples and that comes along with deceitful headlines full of lies. Apparently last week, I was cheating on Michael at New York spring fashion week because I took a photo with Tupac.

Although Michael wasn't too happy about that either since Tupac went on Jay Leno and admitted he had a crush on me and said he wanted to meet me to take me out to dinner. As soon as Michael saw the picture, he was furious.

I know what I signed up for but everything that's been going on has been so hectic and it's making me depressed and anxious. I barely sleep, I don't have an appetite for days, barely have time in my schedule to drink a glass of water, someone is threatening harm, and Michael and I have been getting into arguments more frequently. I don't even know myself anymore.

I'm not a fan of my reality right now, but one thing for sure through all of this, despite what's been happening between the two of us, I still love Michael more than anything in the world.

"Here you are Mr. Jackson and Ms. Richmond. Welcome back," the waiter said as he gestured to our table overlooking New York City. "Thank you," we both said simultaneously. As always, Michael was a gentleman pulling out my chair for me. "Thank you," I said, sitting down and scooting in with the help of him. He nodded and sat across from me.

We overlooked the wine menu in silence trying to ignore the awkwardness. We knew what to get. We get the same thing every time we come here. "Good evening Mr. Jackson and Ms. Richmond, I'm Paul and I'll be your server tonight. Can I get the two of you started with any drinks tonight?" he asked.

Michael looked at me and I looked up at the waiter, "Can we have a bottle of your finest Sauvignon blanc please," I said, giving him a smile. "Absolutely," he said, writing it down, "Any appetizers?" he asked, looking between the both of us. "We'll have the tuna tataki for now," Michael said and the waiter nodded. "Coming right up."

I exhaled and looked out towards the windows, admiring the city from above. I felt Michael's eyes on me, but I saw his head turn towards the windows as well. Paul came and poured us our glasses of wine, me and Michael thanking him.

I took a sip, "So, how are you?" Michael asked. I looked at him and nodded, "Been better. How are you?" I asked back. "Been better," he answered. "How was the studio?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"Good, good. Yeah, good, um I put some final touches on Childhood today. That one should be complete when I go back to LA tomorrow," he answered. I smiled a little happy to hear him talk about his music, "Good, I'm glad to hear that. What do these next months look like as far as the album and promotions?" I asked, knowing he was going to be super busy.

He explained to me his plans to finalize his album, release the teaser, maybe do a couple of interviews and film some videos for the album as we ate dinner. "I-uh-," he stuttered and I raised my eyebrows at him, "I have a concept for the You Are Not Alone Video." I swallowed my wine, "That's great! What is it going to be?" I asked. "Well, I was thinking some scenes would pay homage to Maxfield Parrish's painting DayBreak," he said and I smiled a little. "That's a great idea," I said softly, playing with my food.

"Yeah, I was hoping that you'd be in the video with me as my love interest," he said and I looked up at him. He watched me play with my food around the plate. I dropped my fork and he flinched at the sound, "Sorry," I said and he shook his head.

I looked at him from across the table and I saw pain and hurt in his eyes. I was breaking him. I'm causing the pain and hurt behind his eyes and everytime I look at him, I'm reminded of it and I hate it.