The Social Media Pioneer
"Aunt Viv became a TikTok sensation at fifty-five. When a brand manager wants to partner, she discovers some algorithms lead to love."
I never meant to go viral.
Just making cooking videos in my Atlanta kitchen, sharing recipes my grandmother taught me. Then three million followers happened. I'm Aunt Viv—fifty-five, accidental influencer, suddenly famous.
"I'd like to discuss a partnership."
The man slides a business card across my table. Marcus Webb—brand manager, representing companies that want my face on their products.
"I don't do sponsors."
"This isn't about sponsors." He pulls out a tablet. "This is about building something sustainable. Your audience trusts you. That's rare."
His pitch is different.
Not exploitation—cultivation. Building a brand that stays mine while growing.
"Why you care?" I ask.
"Because authentic voices matter." He shows me numbers. "And because your joy is contagious. People need that right now."
Collaboration becomes constant.
Marcus managing my business while I create content. Professional, efficient, but something more building.
"You watched my videos before we met," I realize.
"Every day for six months." He smiles. "Your laugh got me through my divorce."
"I'm sorry—"
"I'm not. It led me here."
"Here is complicated."
"Why?" He moves closer. "We're both adults. Both single. Both feeling something."
"You manage my brand—"
"I can refer you to someone else." His eyes hold mine. "If that's what it takes to make this right."
The kiss happens in my kitchen.
Where millions watch me cook, where no one sees this.
"This is crazy," I whisper.
"This is content I'll never share." He smiles. "Just for us."
His Midtown apartment is modern.
Everything my cluttered kitchen isn't—clean, curated, cold.
"Needs warmth," I say.
"I was hoping you'd bring some." He pulls me close. "Stay tonight. Let me experience what the camera can't capture."
He undresses me away from any lens.
"The real you," he breathes.
"Not for content—"
"For love." His mouth finds my neck. "That's what this is, Viv. I've watched you long enough to know."
His hands learn what cameras miss.
Private places, authentic reactions. When his mouth travels lower, I forget followers exist.
"Marcus—"
"This isn't for anyone else." He settles between my thighs. "Just for us."
When he enters me, I'm not performing.
"So good," he groans.
"More. No filters on this."
"No filters ever again."
Afterward, in his cold apartment, we warm it.
"Let me manage my own brand."
"What?"
"Sign everything over. I'll hire someone else." He pulls me closer. "Because I want to be your partner, not your employee."
"Marcus—"
"Marry me, Viv. Let me love you off-camera. Let the world see what I already know."
The announcement video breaks the internet.
Ten million views—Aunt Viv in love at fifty-five.
"To the woman who was already everything," Marcus toasts.
"To the man who saw past the screen," I counter.
The wedding streams to followers.
But the kiss is just ours.
Some influencers perform.
Some find someone who loves the person, not the brand.
And some viral sensations discover that the best algorithm is love that doesn't need an audience.
Authentically matched.
Perfectly paired.
Forever trending.