Chapter 6: Caught in the Frame
1068 Words
The reporter never got his answers.
Before either Xavier or Lilia could respond, security quickly stepped between them and escorted the overly enthusiastic journalist away from the restaurant.
The moment he disappeared, Xavier pinched the bridge of his nose.
"This is getting ridiculous."
Mhagi laughed softly.
"You should be used to it by now."
"I'm not."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"No."
His answer came so quickly that it surprised even him. For a brief moment, their eyes met before Xavier looked away.
The atmosphere suddenly felt awkward. Fortunately, Geo called from across the beach.
"Break's over! Everyone back to work!"
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Both of them immediately stood. Neither mentioning the strange tension that had appeared between them.
The second shoot began exactly at four-thirty in the afternoon. The sunlight had softened, painting the beach in warm golden hues.
The crew hurried into position while photographers adjusted their equipment. Today's featured outfit was a stunning white one-piece swimsuit from the Rosas collection.
When Lilia emerged from the changing area, conversations instantly stopped. The elegant white fabric complemented her skin perfectly.
Her dark hair was tied into a messy bun, allowing several loose strands to dance freely in the ocean breeze.
Under the golden sunlight, she looked almost unreal. Like a goddess who had stepped out of the sea itself. Even the photographers paused for a second.
"Wow."
Several crew members openly stared.
Geo grinned.
"See? This is why I wanted her for this campaign."
Not far away, Xavier remained silent but he couldn't deny the truth. She looked breathtaking. The shoot officially started.
As expected, Lilia moved naturally in front of the cameras. Every pose looked effortless. Every expression appeared genuine.
She understood lighting. Angles. Movement.
The camera loved her and she knew exactly how to use it.
After nearly thirty minutes of shooting, Geo walked toward Xavier. A mischievous smile spread across his face.
"I think something's missing."
Xavier frowned.
"What?"
"A partner."
Geo pointed toward the set.
"The collection would look more appealing if she had someone beside her."
Xavier immediately understood where this was heading.
"No."
Geo ignored him.
Turning toward Lilia, he called out.
"Lilia!"
She looked over.
"Yes?"
"Would you mind having a partner for a few shots?"
Lilia shrugged.
"If it's necessary."
Geo's smile widened.
"It is."
Then he looked directly at Xavier.
"Perfect."
Xavier narrowed his eyes.
"Don't."
Geo laughed.
"Why don't you change, bro?"
The signal Xavier sent with his eyes was very clear. 'Don't mess with me' unfortunately, Geo had known him for years and wasn't intimidated.
A few minutes later, Xavier found himself changing into one of the male outfits from the collection. A white beach polo paired with casual summer pants.
As he walked toward the set, laughter erupted from the crew. Halix nearly choked trying not to laugh.
Geo looked extremely proud of himself.
Meanwhile, Lilia remained surprisingly calm. When Xavier reached her side, he cleared his throat.
"Sorry about the sudden change."
"No worries."
Her response was professional as always. The cameras started rolling. Immediately, the crew became excited.
The visual combination was almost unfair. Lilia looked elegant and radiant. Xavier looked effortlessly handsome.
Standing side by side, they resembled the lead couple of a romance movie.
"Perfect!"
"Closer!"
"A little closer!"
The photographers practically screamed with excitement. Lilia maintained her professionalism.
A smile here. A glance there. A relaxed pose. Everything came naturally.
Xavier, however, was having a much harder time. Not because of the cameras but because every time he looked at her, she remained completely unaffected by his presence.
No nervousness. No excitement. Nothing.
Meanwhile, the crew members were already whispering among themselves.
"I swear they're dating."
"They look too good together."
"Maybe those articles were right."
"Look at them."
"That's not business chemistry."
The gossip spread like wildfire. Even some of the photographers joined in.
By the time the final shots were taken, half the staff seemed convinced that Xavier Porter and Lilia David were secretly involved.
The shoot finally ended shortly before sunset. The sky glowed orange and gold as the last photographs were reviewed.
Geo gathered everyone together.
"Excellent work today."
Applause erupted then he turned toward Lilia.
"And thank you again for collaborating with us."
She smiled politely.
"It was my pleasure."
One by one, the crew members began leaving. Equipment was packed. Vehicles departed.
Soon, only a handful of people remained. Mhagi sat quietly while texting Fathima.
'Where are you?'
The reply arrived almost instantly.
'The boss has an order'
Mhagi already knew which boss.
Don Nicollo.
Her grandfather rarely interrupted her schedules unless something important required attention.
'K.'
That was her entire response.
Standing from her chair, she prepared to call a taxi. Before she could open the app, a sleek black Lamborghini pulled up in front of her.
The passenger window lowered.
"I'll drive you home."
Xavier.
For a moment, she considered refusing. Then exhaustion reminded her she had been working since sunrise.
"Thank you."
She entered the vehicle. The drive began in comfortable silence.
Madrid's evening lights illuminated the roads while soft music played through the speakers.
After several minutes, Xavier spoke.
"You handled today well."
"I was paid to."
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"Fair answer."
The conversation continued naturally after that. Nothing personal. Nothing unusual.
Until Xavier suddenly asked,
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
For a second, Mhagi blinked. Then she laughed. The sound was surprisingly genuine.
"I don't."
She turned toward him.
"Why did you ask?"
Xavier immediately regretted the question.
Nothing.
That should been his answer.
Instead, he found himself internally questioning his own sanity. What the hell are you asking?
He cleared his throat.
"Just curious."
Mhagi's smile widened slightly.
"Sure."
Fortunately, her condominium building appeared ahead. The car stopped then she opened the door.
"Thank you for the ride."
"You're welcome."
With one final nod, she disappeared inside.
The next morning, both of them woke up to complete chaos. Every entertainment website in Spain carried the same story.
The newest headline screamed across social media:
SUNSET CHEMISTRY! LILIA DAVID AND CEO XAVIER PORTER SPOTTED IN ROMANTIC BEACH SHOOT
Another article quickly followed:
PRIVATE DINNER, BEACH PHOTOS, AND A LATE-NIGHT RIDE HOME—ARE SPAIN'S HOTTEST PAIR FINALLY CONFIRMING THE RUMORS?
And for the second time in less than a week, Xavier Porter found himself staring at a newspaper in complete disbelief.
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