Chapter 5: Beneath the Sunset
997 Words
Three days after the meeting at the restaurant, the first official shoot for Porter Corporation's summer collection finally began.
The location was a private beach along the Spanish coast.
Crystal-blue water stretched endlessly toward the horizon while golden sand reflected the morning sunlight.
The collection was called Rosas.
A line of elegant women's swimwear inspired by confidence, beauty and freedom.
Crew members hurried across the beach carrying equipment while photographers adjusted their cameras.
At the center of the production stood Lilia David or rather, Mhagi Flores.
Today's featured outfit was a sophisticated red two-piece swimsuit.
The design was simple yet striking, elegant without being excessive. The moment she stepped onto the set, conversations stopped.
Even the experienced photographers couldn't help staring. She carried herself with effortless confidence.
Not the confidence of a celebrity but the confidence of a woman who knew exactly who she was.
"Cameras ready!"
The director raised his hand.
"Action!"
Instantly, Lilia transformed. Every movement looked natural. Every pose looked effortless.
The ocean breeze danced through her hair as she walked along the shoreline. The photographers clicked continuously. One after another. None of them wanted to miss a shot.
"Excellent!"
"Perfect!"
"Hold that pose!"
The entire crew became energized.
Even Xavier, who had come to observe the project, found himself impressed. He had worked with countless models over the years. Most needed direction. Most needed constant guidance.
Lilia didn't. She understood exactly what the camera wanted. The result was flawless. After nearly two hours, the director finally called for a break.
The crew erupted into applause.
One photographer lowered his camera and laughed.
"I think we just finished half the campaign in a single morning."
Several others nodded in agreement.
"She's incredible."
"No wonder she's Spain's biggest actress."
"These photos are going to sell everything."
Lilia accepted the compliments with her usual calm smile.
"Thank you."
The first session had ended successfully. The next shoot would begin near sunset when the golden hour lighting appeared.
That left nearly four hours of free time. After changing into a light beach cover-up, Mhagi decided to grab lunch alone.
The nearby seaside restaurant offered privacy and excellent food. Exactly what she wanted or so she thought.
The moment she entered the restaurant, several people recognized her. Some whispered. Others secretly took pictures. Nothing unusual.
She was accustomed to public attention.
What she wasn't expecting was the tall foreign man who suddenly approached her table. The man smiled confidently. Too confidently.
"Excuse me."
Mhagi looked up politely.
"Yes?"
"I've never seen someone as beautiful as you."
She immediately knew where this was going. The man pulled out a chair.
"What's your name?"
"Lilia."
"A beautiful name."
Mhagi returned her attention to the menu. Unfortunately, the man didn't get the hint.
"Can I have your number?"
"No."
The answer was immediate. Most people would have left after that. This man wasn't most people. He laughed.
"Come on."
"I said no."
"Maybe you're just being shy."
Mhagi slowly lowered the menu. The irritation was becoming harder to hide.
"I assure you, I'm not."
The man leaned closer.
"Are you free tonight?"
His smile widened.
"I can show you a really good time."
That did it. Her patience disappeared instantly. For a brief moment, Mhagi seriously considered breaking his jaw.
Just one punch.
Maybe two.
Nobody would blame her.
She was already imagining the sound his face would make against the floor when suddenly a strong arm settled across her shoulders.
The foreign man's confidence immediately vanished. His eyes widened. Standing beside her was Xavier Porter.
Tall, calm snd clearly unimpressed.
The difference in size between the two men was impossible to ignore.
Xavier's gaze settled on the stranger.
"Is there a problem?"
The question sounded polite. The tone wasn't. The foreign man swallowed.
"No."
"Good."
Without another word, the stranger quickly disappeared.
Mhagi watched him flee before looking up at Xavier. Then she gently removed his arm from her shoulders.
"Thank you."
"No problem."
The response was simple. Professional. Exactly like her own. For a few moments, silence settled between them.
Finally, she spoke.
"What are you doing here?"
Xavier pulled out a chair across from her.
"I came to check on the shoot."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Personally?"
"The collection is important."
Fair enough.
He leaned back slightly.
"Although after what just happened, maybe we need additional security."
Mhagi almost laughed.
"If that's because of him, it's unnecessary."
"He was bothering you."
"I could handle him."
Xavier stared at her.
"You realize most people would have called security."
She shrugged.
"I don't like having too many people around me."
"That's not the point."
"It is for me."
The conversation left Xavier strangely speechless. A normal actress would have welcomed extra protection. Lilia seemed annoyed by the idea.
He found himself wondering if this woman understood how vulnerable she had looked moments ago.
Of course, if he knew she could probably defeat half his security team alone, he wouldn't have been worried at all.
"You really think you could protect yourself?"
Mhagi smiled.
"I know I can."
Xavier studied her expression.
There wasn't a trace of doubt.
For a moment, he genuinely questioned whether her mind worked differently from everyone else's. Before he could ask another question, a sudden voice interrupted them.
"Mr. Porter! Miss David!"
Both turned simultaneously.
A reporter was hurrying toward their table.
Camera already raised. Microphone in hand. Mhagi immediately recognized trouble. The reporter practically bounced with excitement.
"Are the dating rumors true?"
Xavier's expression darkened. The reporter continued before either could answer.
"Has your business partnership become something more?"
"Are wedding plans already being discussed?"
"What does your family think about the relationship?"
Mhagi nearly laughed. Xavier looked ready to fire someone. The reporter smiled brightly.
Completely unaware that he had just become the most irritating person on the entire beach.
And judging from the dangerous look shared between Xavier and Mhagi, he was seconds away from discovering exactly how much they hated unnecessary rumors.
- Writer
