The Rapper's Favorite || An Eminem Fanfiction

Chapter 7: Unwritten Consequences

Aria's POV

The folder on the table feels like a weight pressing down on my chest.

Anyone else in my position would have signed the contract without a second thought. Working with Marshall—one of the biggest names in the world—should be the break I've been waiting for. But for me, it's not that simple. I've spent years hiding behind the name Ava Rivers, and if I sign this contract with my real name, it could blow up everything I've built in the shadows.

I shove the folder into my bag, my chest tightening. It's not just my future I'm worried about—it's his. Marshall doesn't know what kind of backlash this could bring. If my past comes back to haunt me, it won't just be my name in the headlines. It'll be his album, his career, his comeback on the line. And I can't let that happen.

I grab my jacket and head for the studio. Maybe the music will drown out these thoughts. At least for tonight.

———

When I walk into the studio, Marshall's at the soundboard, his back to me, headphones on. He's lost in the beat, focused, but I know he's clocked me. He's always aware.

I drop my bag on the couch, feeling the weight of it settle in my gut. The air in here is thicker than usual, like the tension we've been avoiding is finally catching up to us.

"So, what cult are we starting tonight?" I ask, hoping to break the tension.

Marshall pulls off his headphones, smirking. "Still figuring out the details. Gotta make sure the initiation rituals are perfect."

I grin. "Can't have a cult without solid rituals."

He nods, but the joke doesn't break the heaviness between us like it usually does. His expression shifts, more serious now, and he turns back to the soundboard, adjusting something. I can feel him waiting—waiting for me to bring up the contract.

"How's it going with the contract?" he asks, his tone casual, but there's an edge to it.

I tense, my eyes flicking to my bag. "It's... at home."

"You've been thinking about it?" His voice is steady, but I can hear the expectation underneath.

"Yeah... still thinking."

He finally turns to face me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've been in every session, Aria. You've been shaping this album. What's holding you back?"

My stomach tightens. How can I explain it? It's not just my future that's at stake. "It's complicated."

"Complicated how?" His voice is more direct now, cutting through the careful tone he started with. "You've earned this. This is your work too."

I swallow hard, glancing away. He doesn't understand—if I sign this contract, it's not just my name that'll be dragged through the mud if things go sideways. Marshall's album, his career, his entire comeback could be at risk. I can't let my past do that to him.

"I've been fine as Ava," I say, trying to brush it off. "It's easier that way."

Marshall frowns, crossing his arms as he leans back in his chair. "Easier? Hiding behind a name isn't easier. You're hiding, Aria. Ava's just a mask. You're the one doing the work."

His words hit harder than I expected. He's right, but he doesn't know the full story. He doesn't know what signing this contract could mean for both of us. If I go public, there are people who won't just let me slip back in. They'll make sure I'm dragged down, and I won't be the only one.

I force a smile, keeping my voice steady. "I just... need time."

Marshall's watching me closely now, suspicion clouding his expression. "It's not just about the name, is it?"

I flinch inwardly, feeling the weight of his gaze. He's starting to see through the cracks, and I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up. But I can't risk telling him the truth—not yet.

"I'm used to staying in the background," I say, shifting the conversation back to safer ground. "It's where I'm comfortable."

He doesn't answer right away, his eyes narrowing as he watches me, like he's trying to piece together what I'm not saying. After a moment, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. But you know this isn't just about credit. It's about owning what you've done. You deserve that."

The words settle deep in my chest, but instead of comfort, they bring a fresh wave of guilt. I can't tell him that my hesitation isn't just about me. It's about him too. If I take this step, if I bring my name into the mix, I could be dragging him into a storm he's not prepared for. And I can't do that to him—not after everything he's already been through.

"I'll think about it," I say quietly, my voice barely steady.

Marshall leans back, nodding, but I can tell he's not satisfied. He knows something's wrong, and I can feel the tension growing between us. Sooner or later, he's going to push for answers I'm not ready to give.

As he turns back to the soundboard, I sink into the couch, the folder in my bag weighing me down. Signing this contract means reclaiming my name, but it also means risking everything I've built as Ava. Worse, it could mean dragging Marshall into a fight that's not his. And I'm not sure I'm ready to do that.