Chapter 174-175-176

Chapter 174 – The Ralph Lauren Show

The day of the long-awaited Ralph Lauren show finally arrived. Gustavo was backstage, wearing the outfit he would wear to close the event. The look chosen for him perfectly highlighted his athletic body and exuded an air of mystery and elegance, mixing sophistication with the natural confidence he always carried. The suit, meticulously designed, had details that accentuated his figure, but also brought a classic simplicity, typical of the Ralph Lauren brand. Each piece seemed to have been tailored to capture Gustavo's essence.

As he adjusted his suit and looked in the mirror, Gustavo felt the energy that always accompanied him before important missions. He knew that out there, in the audience, were his biggest supporters: his parents, João and Leila, and his fiancée, Kendall.

In addition to them, Gustavo was fully aware that some of the biggest names in world fashion were present: Anne Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, and Brazilian supermodels Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, great friends of Kendall. He knew the influence these women had had on his fiancée's career and felt that this moment was a great opportunity to prove that he also belonged in that world.

Ralph Lauren, observing everything closely, approached Gustavo before the show. He had already noticed the same imposingness he had seen in Gustavo on the day of the Tom Ford show. Now, it was time to see how he would handle being the final highlight, the one who would close the event.

Ralph Lauren (thinking): "He has the posture of a military leader, but with the class of someone who was born for it. A man made for fashion."

The show began, and one by one, the models paraded their pieces down the catwalk. The event was impeccable, but everyone knew that the greatest expectation was reserved for the last model: Gustavo. As the show progressed, Gustavo's name was on the lips of many in attendance. Those who had seen him on the Tom Ford runway were eager to see him again, while others who had not yet met him were curiously awaiting the man who had drawn so much attention at his debut.

Backstage, Gustavo concentrated, focusing on the moment, as he did on his missions in the special forces. He took a deep breath, feeling his body prepared and his spirit determined.

Finally, it was Gustavo's turn. He would be the model to close the show, the most anticipated moment of the night. As he waited for his entrance, the lights on the runway adjusted and the music became softer. There was a palpable anticipation in the air, and all eyes were fixed on Gustavo's exit.

As soon as he walked onto the runway, there was silence. It wasn't just his appearance that drew attention, but the aura of confidence and respect he exuded. It seemed like every step he took reverberated through the room, as if his imposing presence was shaping the environment around him. Her walk was firm but graceful, balancing strength with elegance.

In the front row, Kendall watched her fiancé with a proud smile on her face. Gisele, Adriana and Alessandra, next to her, also exchanged looks of approval. The three, who had been role models and mentors for Kendall at the beginning of her career, now witnessed the man who was part of her life carve out his own space in that universe.

Adriana Lima (whispering to Gisele): "He's different from any other model I've ever seen. He has something unique."

Gisele Bündchen (smiling): "I think we found someone who knows how to dominate the fashion world, just as he dominates everything he does."

Alessandra Ambrosio (joking): "Kendall, watch out, your fiancé is going to steal all our jobs!"

Kendall laughed, proud and delighted with what she saw.

In the audience, Anne Wintour, always reserved in her expressions, watched with interest. Gustavo's posture, the way he carried his clothes and his effortless confidence made a deep impression on her. She knew he had the potential to be one of fashion's new sensations, someone who could bring something different to the runway, a man with a unique story but with the elegance and presence of a true fashion icon.

As he reached the end of the runway, Gustavo paused for a brief moment, looking directly at the audience. His gaze was confident and determined, as if he were leading a mission. He turned around with the same grace and strength with which he had started, and as he walked back, the applause began. At first it was timid, but it quickly grew until the entire room was giving a standing ovation.

Ralph Lauren, who had been watching from a discreet position, smiled with satisfaction. He knew that Gustavo had exceeded expectations. The show had been a success, and Gustavo had once again proven that he had something that few in the fashion world possessed: a perfect combination of charisma, strength and elegance.

Backstage, as soon as Gustavo returned, Kendall walked up to him, her eyes shining with pride. She hugged him, pulling him in for a quick kiss.

Kendall (with a big smile): "You were amazing! I'm so proud of you."

Gustavo, still feeling the adrenaline of the moment, hugged her back tightly.

Gustavo: "I just followed what you taught me. But I have to admit, it's different when you're out there."

Ralph Lauren approached and, with an approving smile, shook Gustavo's hand.

Ralph Lauren: "You closed this show masterfully. It was exactly what I expected and more. You're not just a model, Gustavo. You have the presence of someone who was born to lead."

Gustavo thanked her humbly, still processing everything that had happened. He knew that this was another important step in his new journey. And so, with another milestone achieved in his career, Gustavo felt like he was just beginning to conquer a new world.

Chapter 175 – The Pre-Show Meeting

Before the show and Kendall and her friends' reactions

The Ralph Lauren show was about to begin, and backstage was buzzing with energy. Gustavo was getting ready to close the show, while Kendall, already seated in the front row, anxiously awaited the start. She wore an elegant black dress and impeccable makeup, exuding the style and sophistication for which she was known in the fashion world.

As the final details of the event were being adjusted, Kendall saw a movement at the entrance. When she looked to see what was happening, she immediately recognized the iconic figures of Anne Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, and her former mentors and friends, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. They walked together, radiating the same confidence and charisma that made them legends in the fashion industry.

Kendall quickly stood up to greet them. Although she was already an established supermodel, that trio had played a fundamental role in her career when she was just starting out, and the respect she felt for them was immense.

Kendall (smiling): "You came!"

Gisele Bündchen (hugging Kendall): "Of course we came, honey. We wouldn't miss it for anything."

Adriana Lima (joking): "We're here to see Gustavo rock the runway. He's going to outshine us all!"

The four of them moved closer, and Anne Wintour gave Kendall a polite wave before settling into her seat, but the focus of the moment was on the supermodels and the subject that would soon arise: Gustavo.

Alessandra Ambrosio (laughing): "You really got lucky, Kendall. You got a man who, besides being gorgeous, seems to have been tailor-made for the fashion world."

Adriana Lima (in a provocative tone): "And the chemistry between you two in the Calvin Klein photos! Those pictures practically set social media on fire."

Kendall (laughing shyly): "He's amazing, isn't he? And to think that when we first met, he was a stuntman with a military career behind him. Now, he's about to close the Ralph Lauren show!"

Gisele Bündchen (smiling proudly): "Gustavo is the complete package. He has the charisma, the confidence, and the kind of presence that can't be taught. But on top of all that, he has you. You make a perfect couple, Kendall."

Kendall blushed slightly, but was happy to hear the compliments for the man she loved. The three supermodels exchanged knowing glances, remembering when they helped Kendall at the beginning of her career, and now, seeing her with Gustavo, so confident and in love, was a reason for joy.

Gisele (provocative): "And he's not just a pretty face. I heard he's also quite skilled at... everything he does, right?"

The group burst out laughing, including Kendall, who quickly added:

Kendall (laughing): "Yes, he is. But, all jokes aside, Gustavo really is putting his all into this. He treats every show like it's a military operation. Total focus, attention to detail... It's impressive."

The three supermodels, with their careers already well established, knew how to recognize when someone had potential. And Gustavo was clearly impressing not only with his physique or appearance, but with the attitude and professionalism he brought with him.

Adriana Lima (thoughtful): "He has something special, Kendall. He's not just a handsome man. He has this... energy. Something that makes everyone around him stop and take notice."

Alessandra Ambrosio (nodding): "He exudes confidence and respect, like a leader. And that, when combined with the fashion world, is a powerful formula."

Gisele Bündchen (laughing): "You're lucky to have gotten that man, Kendall. He's going places."

The four of them laughed together, feeling the lightness and joy of the moment. It was a rare gathering between friends and mentors, where the past and the present intertwined. They had watched Kendall grow up, and now, they admired how she and Gustavo were conquering the world together.

As the laughter echoed, the lights began to dim, signaling the start of the show. Kendall sat back down next to her friends, eager to see Gustavo on the catwalk.

As the music started and the first models walked down the runway, Kendall looked around and realized the enormity of the moment. She was surrounded by people who had shaped her career, and now Gustavo was about to take another big step on his path in the fashion world.

The show progressed, but she knew that the big moment was reserved for the end, when Gustavo closed the event. Looking at her friends, she smiled, knowing that they shared the same feeling: pride and admiration for the man she had chosen.

Chapter 176 – Anne Wintour's Eyes

The Ralph Lauren show was reaching its climax. The lights focused on the stage, and the soft music that filled the room slowly silenced the audience. Everyone was waiting for the last model, the big star of the night. Gustavo, in his role of closing the show, was about to enter the catwalk.

Sitting in the front row, Anne Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue, observed every detail meticulously. Beside her were Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Kendall, all subtly vibrating with the moment. But Anne's gaze was sharp, analytical, and her focus was completely on Gustavo.

As Gustavo appeared on the catwalk, wearing an impeccable suit that molded his athletic body and his imposing presence, Anne slightly adjusted her sunglasses. With each step he took, it seemed that the entire room vibrated with the energy he emanated.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "He's not just walking the runway. He's commanding everyone's attention here."

She had seen many men walk the runway, but few with such natural confidence. Gustavo brought an almost military imposingness to the runway. He was a man accustomed to leading, someone who seemed to control the environment around him. The contrast between his background as a Special Forces captain and his presence in the fashion world was intriguing to Anne.

As Gustavo walked, Anne couldn't take her eyes off him. The mix of strength, elegance and magnetism he exuded was something rare, almost mystical.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "He has what few have – a presence that goes beyond beauty. He is a force. He could be the next big thing."

In her mind, Anne began to visualize something she rarely did: the cover of American Vogue. Putting someone like Gustavo, a man who transcended traditional fashion, on the cover of the world's most important magazine was a bold but powerful idea. He wasn't just another model; He brought a story, a depth that few others had.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "He's not just a pretty face. He has a story behind him. A former Special Forces captain, a man who has risked his life, and now he's here, controlling this space with the same confidence he must have had on life-or-death missions."

She knew that audiences loved stories of overcoming and transformation. Gustavo had one of those stories. He had come out of the shadows as a stuntman and former soldier to become an emerging figure in fashion. For Anne, he represented a new era in men's fashion, where physical and emotional strength met.

As Gustavo walked down the runway, Anne's gaze changed. It was no longer just admiration for a great model, but the perception of a rare opportunity. She knew that American Vogue had always been a symbol of fashion, power and elegance.

Putting Gustavo on the cover would be a revolutionary move.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "He would be perfect. A Vogue cover with Gustavo could break barriers, attract new audiences and show that the modern man is much more than appearances."

She was already mentally organizing the next meeting with her team, preparing to propose Gustavo as the cover star. She imagined him in a photo shoot that combined his military strength with the sophistication of fashion. Something that was raw, but at the same time extremely refined.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "I can see it. Him on the cover, wearing something iconic, with that determined and confident look. A cover that the whole world would stop to admire."

When Gustavo reached the end of the runway and struck his final pose, the room erupted in applause. Everyone knew he had been the star of the show. But for Anne, this was more than a fashion moment. It was confirmation that she was about to shape the next great male figure in the industry.

She turned slightly to Kendall, who was watching her with a slight smile. Kendall knew Anne was impressed, but she had no idea that something much bigger was unfolding in the editor-in-chief's mind.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "Yes, Kendall. You're lucky. But that's not all. Gustavo is about to become a legend."

By the time the show ended and Gustavo returned backstage, Anne had made up her mind. She would do whatever it took to get Gustavo on the cover of American Vogue. It wasn't just an idea; it was a vision. Gustavo represented the new era of fashion: strength, elegance, and a fascinating story.

Anne Wintour (thinking): "I need him on the cover. He's going to be the next face of global menswear."

With that fixed idea, Anne was already planning her next steps. Gustavo would be much more than just a runway model. He would be an icon. And this, Anne knew, was just the beginning.