Chapter 55

New York, midtown Manhattan, 50th Street and 6th Avenue, Rockefeller Center.

Radio City Music Hall in New York, a theater that can hold more than 6,000 people, was packed to the rafters.

The 2003 MTV Video Music Awards were held here, with American singers like Madonna, Britney, Beyonce, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Linkin Park, and Justin Timberlake in attendance.

The red carpet outside buzzed with countless media reporters and fans, creating an electric atmosphere even before the main event.

Britney walked in with Charles and led him to the seats on the third floor of the hall. Charles wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer.

Compared to the Oscars, music award shows were less serious and more laid-back.

"Music awards are different from film awards. This place is going to light up soon. Many artists will perform on stage," Britney chatted casually with Charles.

"Do you have a performance too?" Charles asked.

"Yeah, I'm performing the opening act with Madonna and Christina," said Britney, wearing a low-cut mini skirt that accentuated her curves.

"Which artists do you like?"

"Well, right now, I really like your songs and Avril's. I also enjoy Shania Twain's country music and for male singers, Michael Jackson and Snoop Dogg!"

"I like Michael too," laughed Britney Spears.

"Are you just a guest performer tonight?"

"Yeah, just the opening act," Britney said, giving Charles a hug. "I'll go backstage to prepare. I'll come find you after my performance!"

After Britney left, Charles got ready to enjoy two hours of live performances by top stars.

At 8 PM, the awards show officially began. Charles saw the host was Chris Rock, the guy who would famously be slapped by Will Smith at a future Oscars ceremony.

Soon, Britney Spears walked out from backstage, dressed as a bride and holding a microphone. Christina Aguilera followed in a similar wedding dress, and the hall's atmosphere heated up.

The audience got even more excited when Madonna, in a black suit and top hat, joined them.

The three stars sang and danced, delivering a powerhouse performance that set the tone for this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

When Madonna and Britney shared a kiss, the hall erupted in cheers, and Charles stood up to applaud.

This was the legendary "kiss of the century" between the two queens at the MTV awards!

While Charles was engrossed in the performances, Britney, now wearing a baseball cap, returned.

"Your opening act was amazing, and the duet with Madonna was fantastic," Charles praised.

"Thanks!" Britney replied, sitting beside Charles to enjoy the show.

When the Best Male Artist award was announced, it went to Britney's ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. She clearly felt something.

Justin won for the song he used to publicly stir up rumors about Britney's infidelity and even cast a lookalike actress for the music video.

Since their breakup, Justin and the media had been abuzz with negative coverage about Britney.

Charles glanced at Justin on stage and then at Britney beside him.

Though not yet embroiled in marriage and divorce drama, Britney was at her peak, yet the breakup and intense media scrutiny weighed heavily on her.

Switching from America's sweetheart to a sexier image unsettled many. The governor's wife from Maryland even said she'd shoot Britney if she could, accusing her of corrupting young children.

"Let's leave," Charles suggested, patting Britney on the shoulder.

"Okay," Britney nodded and smiled. She was very needy for love, which perhaps explained her impulsive marriage early the next year.

Charles took Britney to his suite at the Rosewood Carlyle Hotel after leaving Radio City Music Hall.

They took the elevator from the underground parking lot to the suite.

Britney took off her hat and jacket, slumped onto the sofa, and asked lazily, "Did I make you miss the awards ceremony?"

Charles waved it off, "I'm not that into music; I'm more into film and TV."

Britney still had that angelic face and a body to die for. Her future transformation seemed unreal.

Charles brewed two cups of coffee, handed one to Britney, and sat beside her.

"Thanks," Britney sipped the coffee, feeling better.

"You know I run a film company in Hollywood, right?"

"Yeah, I know. You've been quite successful, a new-wave producer in Hollywood!" Britney was unsure why Charles brought this up.

"Do you know that my mom is now a senior executive at ETA, one of Hollywood's top five talent agencies?"

Britney shook her head.

"Do you trust me?" Charles asked, looking into Britney's eyes.

"Yes, why?" Britney looked back, her eyes clear and deep.

"Since your breakup last year, your manager hasn't helped stabilize your image. The PR has been a disaster. Switching to a racy image and taking on bad movie roles is depleting your popularity," Charles continued, "and many media outlets keep attacking you. Your management team has taken no effective measures to handle it. You need to know that public opinion can be terrifying."

Uncontrollably, Britney hugged Charles and cried, "They say I'm a promiscuous woman, that I corrupt children, and that they should shoot me. What can I do? I just want to be a star; I can't educate their kids for them! There are always reporters blocking me, at my home, near my office, always asking me disgusting questions!"

"Go ahead, cry it out!" Charles comforted Britney, gently patting her back. Emotions need to be released; if suppressed for too long, they can lead to mental issues.

"I just love singing, but now it feels like everyone hates me," Britney vented, sobbing, "My parents only want my money; they don't care about my feelings."

Being from a small town with a troubled family - parents who fought, drank, and were violent - Britney had significant family issues.

*****

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