Chapter 89 – The Premiere of "Operation Geronimo"
June 2027 – Los Angeles, TCL Chinese Theatre
The night was vibrant on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard.
It was the premiere of "Operation Geronimo – The Hunt for Bin Laden", the long-awaited documentary mini-series starring Gustavo, which mixed dramatization and historical facts to portray one of the most impactful events in modern history.
The event was grand, reflecting the importance of the project: a red carpet rolled out along the Walk of Fame, security guards everywhere, photographers and journalists crowded together, and a crowd of fans shouting the names of the stars present.
In addition to the main cast, several guests from the film industry were there, as well as military figures who had participated in the real mission.
But, among them all, one couple caught the media's attention: Gustavo and Kendall Jenner.
Flashbulbs rang out non-stop as a black Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the red carpet.
The driver opened the door and Kendall stepped out first.
She looked stunning in a minimalist black Prada dress, paired with a delicate diamond necklace and an impeccable bun.
Then Gustavo stepped out beside her, wearing a perfectly tailored dark Tom Ford suit, sans tie, the sophisticated yet unpretentious style that had become his signature.
He held Kendall's hand, and together they began walking down the red carpet.
Journalists shouted questions as flashbulbs illuminated their every step.
— Gustavo, what was it like playing such a mysterious character like "Red"?
— Kendall, how do you feel about Gustavo's success in Hollywood?
Gustavo smiled at the photographers and answered calmly.
— It was one of the biggest challenges of my career. I wanted to bring authenticity to the role, without exaggeration, respecting the real heroes who were in this operation.
Kendall, next to him, added with a smile. — I always knew he was incredible, but seeing him dedicate himself so much to this role made me even more proud.
Gustavo and Kendall stopped to talk to journalists from the international press. One of the Variety reporters asked: — Gustavo, your character, "Red", is based on the real operator who shot Bin Laden. Did you have any contact with him during the preparation for the role?
Gustavo nodded. — Yes. I had the honor of meeting him personally. He gave me details that had never been revealed before, not only about the mission, but about the mentality of the elite operators. This guy lived through things that most people can't even imagine. My goal was to honor this story as faithfully as possible.
Another journalist from the Hollywood Reporter asked:
— The series will be released simultaneously on Netflix. Do you think this release model, along with the screening of the entire series at the premiere, could impact the way audiences consume productions of this type?
Gustavo answered seriously:
— Of course. This story deserves to be told in depth, and Netflix gave us total creative freedom. Releasing everything at once allows people to fully immerse themselves in the story, without having to wait weeks to see the outcome.
The journalists continued to ask questions, while Gustavo and Kendall continued to follow the interview protocol before entering the theater.
Inside the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, the guests settled into their luxurious chairs.
The lights went out and the giant screen lit up with the Netflix logo, followed by the title in bold letters:
"OPERATION GERÔNIMO – THE HUNT FOR BIN LADEN"
The first episode began with a tense prologue, showing the opening moments of Operation Neptune Spear.
The camera shook subtly as Black Hawk helicopters flew in the darkness over Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Quick cuts showed the determined faces of SEAL Team Six operators, dressed in black tactical gear, holding rifles modified for covert operations.
And then, the scene cut to Gustavo, playing "Red".
His face was covered by a helmet and night vision goggles, but his posture and eyes conveyed the tension of the moment.
The audience held their breath.
The series was not just an account of the military operation, but a deep dive into the strategy, politics and mental preparation of these warriors.
Each episode showed a different aspect of the hunt for Bin Laden, from behind-the-scenes CIA intelligence to the tactical challenges of the mission.
The action scenes were realistic and impactful, without Hollywood exaggerations, but maintaining an engaging narrative.
The final episode showed the invasion of the compound, with Gustavo being the first to enter the room where Bin Laden was.
Silence filled the room when the final shot was fired.
And then, the screen went black.
End of the series.
For a second, the theater was completely silent. Then, the audience burst into a standing ovation.
The reaction was overwhelming.
Gustavo felt a chill when he saw the impact his performance had on the audience.
After the screening, Gustavo, Kendall and the cast went to a luxurious after-party organized by Netflix.
The event was held on a sophisticated rooftop in Los Angeles, with a panoramic view of the illuminated city.
The guests toasted with glasses of champagne, while the first reviews started to appear online.
One of the producers of the series approached Gustavo with his cell phone in his hand.
— Man, you have to see this…
The first reactions from the critics were impressive.
The series was being praised as one of the best documentary productions of the decade.
Gustavo was acclaimed for his intense and realistic interpretation of "Red".
Kendall read one of the headlines out loud:
— "Operation Geronimo redefines the military drama genre – and Gustavo delivers an awards-worthy performance."
She smiled proudly.
— You deserve this.
Gustavo put an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead.
— This is all only worth it because I have incredible people by my side.
The night continued with more celebrations, toasts and promises of a bright future for the series.
And, deep down, Gustavo knew that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.
Chapter 90 – A Life in Rio de Janeiro
Dawn in Rio
The sun was rising on the horizon, dyeing the sky with golden and orange hues, reflecting on the calm waters of Guanabara Bay.
The cool morning breeze gently swayed the white curtains of Gustavo and Kendall's house, located in one of Rio de Janeiro's most exclusive neighborhoods, with a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain.
It was an ordinary day, but it carried a tranquility that took both of them years to achieve.
On the balcony, Gustavo was standing, holding a cup of coffee, dressed in light shorts and a white t-shirt. He watched the sea, breathing deeply of Rio's salty, warm air.
Kendall approached him behind him, still wearing a silk robe, her hair slightly messy from the night's sleep. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her face on his back.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked in her hoarse morning voice.
Gustavo smiled, placing his hand over hers.
— Always. Even more so here.
She looked at the landscape, feeling completely integrated into this new home. Brazil had welcomed her in a way she never expected. Unlike the constant invasion of American paparazzi, here, the photographers were respectful, many even asked permission to take pictures. And the people? Oh, the Brazilian people made her feel as if she had been born there.
— I never imagined I would be so happy in a place like this... — Kendall murmured, watching the waves crash against the rocks.
Gustavo turned to face her, holding her face in his hands.
— I always knew Brazil would love you. You match this energy here, this human warmth.
She smiled, leaning in to kiss him slowly.
It was a calm kiss, different from the unbridled passion of the early years. Now, it was a mature, solid love, one that had survived time, hardships and life in the spotlight.
The years had been kind to Gustavo. He had not only consolidated his career as one of the greatest actors of his generation, but had also evolved into a prestigious director.
The three Oscars on his shelf at home were proof of this.
Two for Best Actor, for performances that challenged the limits of his art, and one for Best Director, recognition that he not only knew how to inhabit characters, but also create entire worlds for them.
But now, in the last phase of his career, he had chosen to slow down. There was no longer any need to prove anything to anyone. He just wanted to tell stories when he felt like it, without the pressure of the industry.
And Kendall?
She decided to retire from the catwalk a few years ago. After decades as one of the biggest supermodels in the world, she realized that she wanted more from life than flashes and fashion shows.
Now, she was investing in her own skincare and clothing brand, something that gave her pleasure without requiring her to be in the spotlight all the time.
Freedom was a new experience for both of them. For the first time, they were living for themselves and not for the world.
Kendall's relationship with Brazil was not just because of her marriage to Gustavo. Her family also became part of this new life.
Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie and even Kris Jenner were always visiting the couple. They loved Rio's beaches, the relaxed atmosphere and, above all, the warm welcome they received whenever they were in the country.
Corey Gamble, Kendall's stepfather, became an unconditional fan of Brazilian culture. He loved the music, the food and even tried to speak a few words in Portuguese.
One day, during dinner at Gustavo and Kendall's house, Corey raised a glass of wine and made a toast, using his best Portuguese:
— To life, to love and to Brazil, which welcomed us so well!
Everyone laughed and toasted together.
It was genuine happiness, without pretense, without the pressure of cameras and the public. Just real moments between family and friends.
And Gustavo? He looked at it all with a satisfied smile. He had built a life that was truly worth it.
Despite being two of the most famous people in the world, Gustavo and Kendall managed to have a relatively normal life in Rio. Of course, there were always curious looks and requests for photos, but everything was done with respect.
On a sunny afternoon, the two walked through the streets of Leblon, hand in hand. They stopped to have an açaí at a beach hut and chatted with some fans who approached them politely.
A young woman approached shyly and asked:
— Kendall, can I take a picture with you? I'm a huge fan of yours!
Kendall smiled and nodded, taking a selfie with the girl.
After she left, Kendall looked at Gustavo and laughed.
— Do you notice how people here don't treat us like unattainable gods? It's just genuine affection.
He nodded, taking a sip of his passion fruit juice.
— That's why I always knew this would be the right place for us.
Night fell over Rio, and Gustavo and Kendall's house was silent, lit only by the soft light of the moon reflecting on the sea.
They were lying in the hammock on the porch, looking at the starry sky.
"Do you regret anything?" Kendall asked, breaking the silence.
Gustavo smiled and pulled her closer.
"Nothing. Every choice I made brought me here. And that, love, is all I ever wanted." She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling her heart full.
After years of fame, of rushing around, of an intense life under the spotlight, they were finally where they should be.
Happy. Together. At peace.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: " The Lawyer and Policeman " and " Former CIA, Now LAPD "
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a