Chapter 40-41
Chapter 40 – Media Reaction
The launch of Calvin Klein's new campaign featuring Gigi Hadid and Rafael Valente caused an instant impact. The photoshoot, which highlighted intimate and relaxed moments, drew attention not only to the couple's undeniable chemistry, but also to a striking detail: the tattoo on Rafael's back.
The main image, which showed Rafael from behind with Gigi leaning on his shoulder, featured the imposing design of the Archangel Michael, with open wings and a sword in hand. The art captured the public's attention, and soon, the tattoo became the main topic of conversation on social media and in the international media.
The day after the campaign was launched, major news and fashion websites featured Rafael and his tattoo on their covers:
"Gigi and Rafael redefine modern romance in Calvin Klein's new campaign" – Vogue
"Who is Rafael Valente? The mysterious man who conquered Gigi Hadid and now the fashion world" – Vanity Fair
"The tattoo that tells a story: the symbolism behind Rafael Valente's Archangel Michael" – GQ
On Twitter, fans and curious people couldn't stop commenting:
"Okay, who is this Rafael Valente and why have I never heard of him before? The guy is a Greek god with an epic tattoo!"
"I NEED to know the story behind the tattoo on his back. It looks like something out of a movie."
"The chemistry between Gigi and Rafael is insane. And that tattoo? Pure art!"
On Instagram, Calvin Klein's posts accumulated millions of likes in a matter of hours. The photo of Rafael showing off the tattoo went viral, being shared by thousands of people, including artists and influencers.
The Archangel Michael is known as the protector of soldiers and the just, and his representation was the subject of articles speculating about the meaning behind Rafael's choice. Art and religion experts were invited to give their opinions on television shows and podcasts.
"The Archangel Michael tattoo is a powerful statement. It symbolizes strength, protection and justice. It is fascinating to see how this image fits with Rafael's trajectory, from a military man and police officer to the world of fashion." – Dr. Martin Arrows, religious art historian.
On YouTube, videos analyzing the tattoo began to appear, with titles such as:
"The hidden history of Archangel Michael: what does Rafael Valente's tattoo reveal about him?"
"From BOPE to Calvin Klein: Rafael Valente and the meaning of his tattoo." Gigi and Rafael's Reaction
While the world speculated about the tattoo, Rafael and Gigi watched the repercussion at home, laughing at the most absurd theories that appeared online.
"Did you see this?" Gigi asked, showing a video on her cell phone. "Some people are saying that you must be some kind of reincarnated angel because your tattoo has "so much divine energy."
Rafael rolled his eyes with a smile.
"Do people seriously believe that?"
She laughed.
"You're not helping. It seems like everything you do just adds to the mystery."
Rafael raised an eyebrow, pulling her closer on the couch.
"Maybe I should let the mystery continue."
Gigi joked, lightly slapping her arm.
"Or maybe you should give me credit. I bet half of this hype is because I'm in the picture with you."
Rafael laughed out loud.
"No doubt. But I think you like all this fuss."
Gigi leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
— Maybe just a little.
In Gigi's circles, the campaign's impact was also a hot topic. Bella Hadid posted on Instagram Stories:
— "Tip of the day: get a boyfriend who looks like an epic hero in a fashion campaign."
Hailey Bieber commented on Calvin Klein's post:
— "Okay, Gigi, you win. Rafael is unreal."
Kendall Jenner sent a message to her friends group:
— "Rafael with that tattoo could easily star in an action movie. I'm starting to think he has a secret past!"
Stassie added:
— "You two are literally the most iconic couple right now."
Even Zayn Malik, Gigi's ex and Khai's father, was asked about the campaign in an interview. With a warm smile, he said:
— "I saw the pictures. They look so happy. This is the most important thing for me."
In the face of the avalanche of attention, Calvin Klein scheduled an interview with Rafael for a promotional video for the campaign. During the chat, he spoke about the tattoo for the first time.
— This tattoo means a lot to me. Archangel Michael is seen as a protector, and for someone who has spent so much time in conflict scenarios, like me, it symbolizes the idea of protection for those around me and for myself.
The interviewer asked:
— And what was it like for you, someone with such a different trajectory, to enter this world of fashion?
Rafael smiled.
— It's a completely different challenge, but very rewarding. And to do this Being with Gigi makes everything easier.
The Calvin Klein campaign with Gigi and Rafael not only reinforced their status as one of the most admired couples of the moment, but also solidified Rafael as a rising cultural icon. His story, mixed with his natural charisma, made him win over the public in a unique way.
While people were still talking about the tattoo and Rafael's past, he remained focused on the present, with Gigi and Khai by his side, enjoying every moment of this new phase in his life.
Chapter 41 – A New Era of Happiness
The years passed, and Rafael and Gigi's lives changed in ways neither of them could have anticipated. Their relationship, which began with a chance meeting in New York, blossomed into a solid and passionate partnership. The wedding took place in an intimate ceremony in Italy, surrounded only by close friends and family.
Now living in a spacious home in Los Angeles, the Valente-Hadid family had grown. Khai, at eight, had loved being a big sister since the birth of little Gabriel, Rafael and Gigi's first biological child. The house was filled with love, laughter, and moments of pure happiness.
It was a sunny morning, and the house was abuzz with activity. Gabriel, only two years old, ran around the living room with infectious energy while Khai read a story to him aloud. Gigi was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, and Rafael was adjusting Gabriel's toys that were scattered around the living room.
— "Khai, can you get Gabriel the dinosaur book? He loves that one," Gigi asked as she stirred the pancake batter.
— "Sure, Mommy!" Khai replied, running to his brother's room.
Rafael approached Gigi, hugging her around the waist as she cooked.
— "Good morning, my wonderful wife," he said, kissing her neck.
Gigi laughed, leaning into him.
— "Good morning, my husband. Did you sleep well?"
— "With you by my side? Always," he replied, with a smile.
She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but laugh.
Breakfast on the Table
With the table set, the family gathered together. Gabriel was in his highchair, swinging his feet and trying to catch the pieces of fruit that Rafael placed on his plate.
— "Daddy, can I feed Gabriel?" Khai asked, with an anxious smile.
— "Sure, but slowly, okay? He's a little tornado when he's eating," Rafael joked, handing her the spoon.
While Khai helped his brother, Gigi watched the scene with a smile.
— "Did you know you'd be so good with kids?" she asked, looking at Rafael.
He shrugged, but his eyes showed emotion.
— "I've always wanted to have a family, but I never imagined it would be something like this. It's better than I could have dreamed."
After breakfast, the family spent the afternoon in the garden. Rafael had recently installed a swing for the children, and Gabriel was delighted with it.
— "Higher, Daddy!" the little one shouted as Rafael gently pushed him on the swing.
Khai, sitting next to Gigi on a blanket on the lawn, watched attentively.
— "Mommy, am I a good big sister?" she asked suddenly.
Gigi held her daughter's hand and smiled.
— "You're the best sister Gabriel could have. He adores you."
Khai smiled, visibly pleased. — "I like taking care of him. He's funny."
Across the garden, Rafael watched the scene and felt a wave of gratitude. He approached, holding Gabriel in his arms, and sat next to Gigi and Khai.
— "You are my world," he said, looking at his family. G
igi touched his face, moved. — "And you are ours."
After the children were put to bed, Rafael and Gigi sat on the porch with a glass of wine. The silence of the night was broken only by the distant sound of cicadas.
— "Sometimes I wonder how we got here," Gigi said, looking up at the stars.
— "You mean since New York?" Rafael asked, holding her hand.
— "Yes. Who would have thought that the mysterious man who saved my life would become my husband and the father of my children?"
Rafael smiled.
— "I think it was written. Everything I went through before I met you prepared me for this. To be the man you and our children need."
She leaned into him, touching his face.
— "You are more than that. You are the man I have always dreamed of."
They were silent for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company.
As the years passed, Rafael and Gigi continued to balance their careers and family life. Gigi was still one of the most sought-after models in the world, but she prioritized her life with Rafael, Khai, and Gabriel. Rafael, in turn, explored new ventures, from security consulting to collaborating on fashion projects.
Their home became a home for friends and family, where laughter, love, and stories were always shared.
One afternoon, as Rafael stood on the porch with Gabriel in his arms and Khai showing Gigi a drawing he had done at school, he felt a peace he had never imagined possible.
"I think I finally found my place," he said to himself.
And he knew it was true. Here, surrounded by his family, Rafael had found more than a home. He had found the life he had always wanted.
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