Chapter 37-38-39

Chapter 37 – Gigi's Friends React

The campaign photos of Gigi and Rafael were released, and the impact was immediate. Social media exploded with comments about the undeniable chemistry between the two, and the images went viral within hours. Among the fans and the media, another group had an even more enthusiastic reaction: Gigi's friends.

Kendall, Hailey, Kylie, Lauren and Bella were in a group message buzzing with notifications, each sending comments and emojis as they shared their thoughts.

Kendall's Message

— "OMG Gigi, I just saw the photos! HOW did no one tell us Rafael was going to be a part of this?!"

Hailey quickly responded with a bunch of fire emojis:

— "He looked like a professional model! Girl, you guys are the definition of 'perfect couple.' I'm speechless."

Kylie chimed in:

— "Rafael needs to do this more often. Seriously, he has a presence that few professional models can match."

Lauren, always the witty one, replied:

— "I didn't even know he was that photogenic. Gigi, how did you hide this talent from us?!"

Bella, in turn, responded in a calmer but equally excited way:

— "I'm proud of you both. The photos came out amazing, and you can see how much you complement each other."

A few days later, Gigi organized a get-together with her friends at her house in Los Angeles. They were eager to discuss the campaign and see Rafael again.

When everyone arrived, the living room was filled with laughter and excited chatter. Gigi made a few glasses of wine while Kendall pulled up one of the campaign photos on her phone and showed it to everyone.

— "Look at this! Can you believe it? This man was born for this!" — Kendall exclaimed, pointing to one of the images in which Rafael was hugging Gigi protectively.

Hailey nodded enthusiastically:

— "Rafael has such an imposing energy, but at the same time it seems like he lets you shine, Gigi. That's what made the campaign so unique."

Gigi laughed, blushing at the compliments.

— "It was the photographer's idea, Marco. I didn't even think he would suggest Rafael, but it worked out great."

Lauren, with a glass of wine in her hand, looked at Gigi with a raised eyebrow.

— "And how did he react? Because Rafael doesn't seem like the kind of guy who loves being the center of attention."

— "At first, he was a little resistant," — Gigi admitted. — "But I think being with me made him more comfortable. And after he saw the result, even he liked it."

In the middle of the conversation, Rafael entered the room, wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans. He seemed calm, but stopped when he realized he was the center of attention.

— "What's up? What are you guys up to now?" — he asked jokingly.

Kendall laughed and pointed at him.

— "You! We're all freaking out over the photos. Rafael, how does it feel to be the new darling of the fashion world?"

He shook his head, laughing.

— "I'll leave that to Gigi. It was fun to be a part of it, but I don't think I'm a model. I'd rather be behind the scenes."

Hailey crossed her arms, pretending to be upset.

— "Are you kidding? Rafael, you stole the show! People are obsessed with you two."

Rafael looked at Gigi, smiling.

— "If I did anything right, it was because I was by her side."

The comment made everyone sigh in unison, and Kylie joked:

— "Okay, you two need to stop this. You're making us believe that perfect love exists."

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to the impact the campaign could have on Gigi and Rafael's future as a couple.

Kendall was the first to bring up the subject:

"You know what's funny? The media is starting to say that you two are the new 'power couple.'"

"I've seen that," Bella said. "People are comparing you to other iconic couples, like Victoria and David Beckham. Have you thought about doing more campaigns together?"

Gigi glanced at Rafael, who seemed relaxed on the couch.

"It depends," she said. "If it's something that fits us and Rafael is comfortable with, why not?"

Rafael shrugged.

"I didn't expect this much attention, to be honest. But if it's important to Gigi, I'm all in."

Lauren raised her wine glass.

"So that's it! Cheers to the perfect couple and all the amazing campaigns to come."

Everyone raised their glasses, laughing and celebrating.

Before leaving, Kendall pulled Gigi aside.

— "You know, I'm so happy to see you like this. Ever since Rafael showed up, you seem more complete, happier. He's different from anyone we've ever met."

Gigi smiled, touched.

— "He really is. I never imagined I'd find someone like him. And the fact that you like him means a lot to me."

— "Like him?" — Kendall laughed. — "Gigi, we love him! He's part of our group now, and no one's going to change that."

Gigi hugged Kendall, grateful for her support.

The night ended with laughter and promises of more dates, and Gigi felt even more confident in her relationship with Rafael. She knew she had the support of the people who mattered most to her, and that made everything even more special.

As she and Rafael got ready for bed, she looked at him, feeling grateful.

— "You know you won more than my heart today, right? My friends are your biggest fans now."

Rafael laughed, hugging her.

— "If I have you by my side, the rest is a bonus."

And so, once again, they proved to be the perfect couple, both in front of and away from the cameras.

Chapter 38 – Media Reaction to the Campaign

The launch of the campaign starring Gigi Hadid and Rafael Valente generated an international media frenzy. Within hours, the couple's images were on the covers of magazines, fashion websites, and social media. The obvious chemistry between the two was the main talking point, with headlines praising the campaign's impact.

The headlines were a mix of admiration, surprise, and even curiosity:

"Gigi Hadid and the Mysterious Rafael Valente: The Couple of the Year?"

"From Ex-Policeman to Fashion Icon: Who is Rafael Valente?"

"The Explosive Chemistry of Gigi and Rafael: New Power Couple?"

Several publications began to analyze every detail of the photos. Some highlighted Rafael's imposing physique, comparing him to renowned models, while others focused on the aura of protection he exuded alongside Gigi.

On Twitter, the hashtags #GigiAndRafael, #PowerCouple, and #RafaelValente quickly became trending topics. Gigi's fans were divided between praising Rafael and investigating more about him.

"Who is this wonderful man next to Gigi? I'm already a fan."

"If a former Brazilian police officer can do this, maybe I can do it in fashion too (I'm lying, but I'll dream)."

"Rafael Valente is an example that military discipline and style can go hand in hand."

On Instagram, the campaign photos racked up millions of likes and comments in just a few hours. Several celebrities also weighed in. Kendall Jenner commented:

— "🔥🔥🔥 This is what we call perfection."

Bella Hadid shared Gigi's post on her stories, writing:

— "My sister and brother-in-law ROCKED IT!"

At Vogue headquarters, the creative director was reviewing the images with her team.

— "These photos aren't just good, they're iconic," she said, gesturing to an image of Gigi being embraced by Rafael. — "We need a cover story detailing the concept of the campaign and who Rafael Valente is."

One of the writers raised his hand.

— "We're already getting thousands of hits on our website. People want to know everything about him, where he came from, what he did before he met Gigi."

The director thought for a moment.

— "Then let's do it. Full investigation. Who is Rafael Valente, and how did he manage to capture the heart of the world's most famous supermodel?"

The campaign also became the subject of debate on talk shows and gossip programs. On the night of the launch, The Late Show dedicated an entire segment to discussing the impact of the images.

— "Has anyone seen the pictures of Gigi Hadid and her model boyfriend, Rafael Valente?" — the host asked, drawing cheers from the audience.

— "Okay, let's be honest. Not only is he handsome, but he has a whole history as a former cop and military man. He's like... James Bond, but hotter."

The comment got a laugh, and the guests agreed.

— "That's true. And I love how he doesn't seem to be trying to be famous. He's just living his life."

The morning after the launch, Rafael woke up with his phone full of notifications. While making coffee, he commented to Gigi, who was in the kitchen next door.

— "I don't even know where to start with this," he said, showing the screen full of messages.

Gigi smiled, amused by his confusion.

— "Welcome to my world. But you'll get used to it, I promise."

Rafael frowned as he read one of the articles. — "It seems like they want to know everything about my life. Even my time in BOPE."

— "And does that bother you?" — Gigi asked, placing her hand on his arm.

He sighed.

— "Not exactly. I just don't want them to start romanticizing things that aren't so glamorous."

Gigi nodded, understanding his point of view.

— "That's how the media is. But, if it's any consolation, they loved you. I don't think I've ever seen so many positive reactions to a launch."

Meanwhile, in Brazil, the campaign's impact was equally strong. Many began to be proud to see Rafael representing the country on an international stage.

On Instagram, the official BOPE account reposted one of the photos with the caption:

— "One of our best always showing the strength and discipline of those who passed through here. #FacaNaCaveira."

The comments were full of support:

"Represent, Rafael! National pride."

"An example that BOPE trains not only police officers, but also extraordinary people."

The campaign was not only a commercial success, but it also solidified Rafael and Gigi as one of the most admired couples of the moment. Despite the flood of attention, the two remained united, showing that what really mattered was their connection.

While the media continued to speculate about their future, Rafael and Gigi knew that they were just beginning to write their story together, confident that they could face anything side by side.

Chapter 39 – More Couple Campaigns

The success of Gigi Hadid and Rafael Valente's first campaign opened doors they never imagined. After the initial impact, invitations began to arrive from various luxury brands, all wanting to take advantage of the chemistry and authenticity that the couple conveyed.

One afternoon, while Gigi and Rafael were on the couch in their living room in Los Angeles, reviewing a campaign contract, she looked at him with a smile.

"I guess you're officially in the fashion industry now."

Rafael laughed, adjusting his posture.

"It wasn't exactly my life plan, but… I'm having fun. Especially because I get to do it with you."

Gigi smiled, running her hand through his hair.

"Well, it looks like we're going to work together again. Dior wants us for their Valentine's Day campaign."

"Dior? That's big, right?" he asked, slightly uncomfortable.

"It's huge!" she said excitedly. "And honestly, they loved the contrast between us." You have this strong, intense thing, and I bring the classic side of the brand. It's perfect.

Rafael nodded.

"Okay, but only if you promise not to laugh at me while I try to look natural in front of the camera."

She laughed, leaning in to kiss him.

"I promise."

The Dior campaign was shot at a chateau in France, surrounded by lush gardens and stunning architecture. The creative team wanted to capture modern romance with a classic touch, something that Gigi and Rafael embodied perfectly.

Rafael arrived on set wearing an impeccable black suit, while Gigi wore a long red silk gown. They stood together in front of a giant gold mirror while the photographer, Pierre, adjusted the lights.

"Rafael, relax your shoulders a little. Look at Gigi as if it's the first time you've seen her," Pierre said.

Rafael turned to Gigi, his eyes darkening with an intensity that made everyone around them gasp.

"Like this?" — he asked, without taking his eyes off her.

Pierre clapped his hands excitedly.

— Perfect! That's it! That's what we want!

After a few hours, the team took a lunch break. Gigi and Rafael sat together under a tree, enjoying the view.

— You're getting really good at this, you know? — Gigi commented, taking a bite of bread.

— I think I'm learning. But I'm not sure if it's acting or if I'm just looking at you like I do every day — he replied, making her laugh.

Calvin Klein was the next brand to sign a contract with the couple, this time for a more casual and intimate campaign. The idea was to show the comfort and intimacy of a modern couple's day-to-day life.

This time, the photos were taken in a minimalist loft in New York. Gigi was dressed in a white top and jeans, while Rafael wore only gray sweatpants, revealing the defined physique that attracted attention in all the campaigns.

— Okay, Rafael, lie down on the couch as if you were resting, and Gigi, sit next to him — the photographer instructed.

As Gigi adjusted her position, Rafael joked:

— That's easy. Basically what we do at home.

She gave a short laugh.

— Yes, but without 20 people watching us.

The end result was a series of photos that captured the simplicity and authenticity of them as a couple. The images were an instant hit, with fans commenting that it was as if they were seeing real moments from Gigi and Rafael's lives.

After the success of both campaigns, Vogue asked for an exclusive interview with the couple. During the Q&A session, Gigi and Rafael were asked about what it was like to work together.

— It's fun — Gigi began. — But also challenging, because we want everything to look natural. Luckily, we have a lot of chemistry, so it ends up flowing.

Rafael agreed.

— For me, it's something completely new. I'm used to high-pressure situations, but this is a different kind of challenge. Luckily, I have the best teacher by my side.

The interviewer smiled.

"Rafael, many people are still surprised to see you in this world, coming from such a different career. What do you think about that?"

He thought for a moment before answering.

"I think it's an opportunity to show that people can reinvent themselves. My life before was completely different, but here I am, trying something new and, most importantly, sharing it with someone special."

The new campaigns have cemented Rafael and Gigi as the most talked-about couple of the moment. Fans loved seeing the relaxed and romantic side of the two, and fashion magazines were full of praise.

On Instagram, campaign posts racked up millions of likes and comments. Some messages stood out:

"I never thought anyone could steal Gigi Hadid's shine, but Rafael can."

"They don't seem to act. You can feel the love just by looking at the photos."

Even celebrities have gotten in on the act. Kendall Jenner commented on one of the photos:

— "The most beautiful couple on the planet. Fact."

Meanwhile, Bella reposted the images on her stories with the caption:

— "My favorites."

The campaigns not only strengthened Gigi and Rafael's presence in the fashion world, but also showed the world the power of genuine love. Despite all the attention, the couple remained true to who they were: two individuals in love, learning to navigate new challenges and opportunities together.

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