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Chapter 5 - Choosing & Chosen

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[ Just a reminder readers. As Nadia is Muslim she wears hijab but I'm referring hijab as veil in the book. She wears mask when she is outside or Infront of camera so no one knows how she actually fully looks. But when there is no outsiders she skips wearing mask. Beside her family and friends only her employees know how she actually looks like Including Elijah.

It's not a religious reason she just doesn't like strangers seeing her face so that she can protect her privacy. ]———

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Nadia's POV

SheVanta needs endorser and permanent models for Aurlith. And I'm not letting anyone else choose them. I'll select them myself—and I already know who my endorser will be: Elijah Marquez

He's not just an actor or a model. He's a hero.

The man who lost his father early. Who's mother had to overwork so that her sons could have a better life.

He'd decided to carry the weight himself. He stepped into the spotlight not for fame, but for happiness. He trained, auditioned, and worked until exhaustion became a routine. He did it all with a quiet resilience. Still people hated him for his success, always wanted to drag him down. Only a few believed in him. But not everyone noticed that his smile didn't always reach his eyes.

But not me. I noticed.

Even now, when the world sees his smile, I see the ache behind his eyes.

"Alys, give me a list of male and female models between the ages of 26 and 28. They need to be kind, friendly, chaotic, mature, and professional."

Alys replied, "Yes, Boss. Noted. So, models whose personalities match mine, correct?"

"Correct."

Alys got me the list, and I did my own research. I wanted their personalities to align with my requirements. I chose two female models and one male, since I had already picked my brand ambassador. It wasn't hard to choose the other three—Grace, Martin, and Zara.

I asked Alys to contact their agencies and hire them as the faces of Aurlith—especially Elijah Marquez. He has to be my brand ambassador. He's the perfect fit for the position.

Luckily, they all agreed. I then told Alys to arrange a greeting meeting with them.

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Elijah's POV

I was scrolling through my old pictures nostalgic, slightly embarrassed, and wondering—when my phone rang. It was my agency.

"SheVanta wants you as the brand ambassador for Aurlith."

I paused. Aurlith? That name rings a bell. High fashion, luxury, elegance. I'd seen their pieces on red carpets and in fashion mags. Their designs? Clean. Bold. Elegant. Timeless. Absolutely!

But what really stood out about the brand wasn't just the designs. It was the woman behind it.

Nadia Rehmani

She's not just the owner—she is the brand. Every image, every detail, every decision has her fingerprints all over it. I'd seen pictures of her before. Graceful but grounded. Young, but the kind of young that holds power without even raising her voice. Her eyes—they always looked like they knew more than they let on. Calm, but calculated. Soft, but no-nonsense. Dangerous in the most beautiful way.

I won't lie, that alone piqued my interest.

My agency had no objections, so I agreed to the offer.

Being the face of a luxury brand? It's no joke. It's pressure, image, expectations—all tied up in designer fabric and flashing cameras. And this wasn't just any campaign. This was her brand. Her vision. Which meant she was going to be involved. Closely.

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A week later.

Their first meeting after 7 years.

The room exuded modern elegance—glass walls, minimalist decor, and a curated table set with premium welcome boxes. A small group of actors and models sat neatly, a hint of excitement and nerves in the air. All of them were in their late twenties, around 26 to 28 years old.

Then, the owner of SheVanta, Ms. Nadia Rehmani entered the room with her assistant, Alys Safiya Darian.

An aura of elegance, power, and warmth surrounded her. Her presence was commanding yet comforting, her eyes calm and serene. As she walked toward the table with Alys beside her, the room quieted, every gaze fixed on her with anticipation and curiosity.

She smiled gently before speaking. Her voice was smooth, sharp, and filled with grace.

Nadia:

"Hello, everyone. I hope you're all doing well. No need for introductions—I've personally selected and researched each one of you. You're here not just because of your portfolio, but mostly because of your character. You're cheerful, intelligent, and just the right amount of chaos—but mature where it matters. That's the kind of energy I want for SheVanta."

She paused, her eyes meeting everyone briefly with an amused spark.

Nadia:

"I like working with people who are kind and easygoing. I want you to feel comfortable with me—while keeping things professional, of course. I prioritize friendship with professionalism. Since we're all close in age, I'd like you to think of me not just as your boss, but as a friend too."

She turned her attention to Rabin again, her tone playful.

Nadia:

"Mr. Elijah—you can call me Nadia. And for Martin, Zara, and Grace. Call me whatever you're comfortable with— Ms. Nadia, Ms. Rehmani or Boss."

Elijah leaned back slightly, grinning with that charmingly shy energy he was known for.

Martin:

"Then I'm going with Boss. Just don't blame me if I tease you because I'm kind of a teaser."

Everyone chuckled.

Zara (grinning):

"He says that now, but he'll be the first to get teased."

Elijah :

"I feel like we will all get along perfectly as long as we support and respect each other."

Nadia :

"Exactly."

Grace:

"I feel like we're about to become the most chaotic group ever."

Nadia smiled.

Nadia :

"That's exactly what I want—energy, chaos, elegance. As long as we hit our deadlines and look stunning while doing it, I don't care if you dance between takes or prank Alys."

Alys let out a mock gasp, placing a hand to her chest.

Alys: "Noted. I'll be sleeping with one eye open."

The room filled with laughter, the air now relaxed and buzzing with a sense of camaraderie. At that moment, SheVanta wasn't just a brand—it felt like the beginning of something genuine, dynamic, and unforgettable.

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Elijah's POV

As I expected, she's more than what people were shown.

Graceful, yes. Elegant, undeniably.

Eyes.....hypnotising.

But there's something else. Something deeper. She's friendly in a powerful way. The kind of presence that doesn't need to speak loudly to be heard. She walks into a room and the atmosphere shifts, like the air straightens itself out in respect.

There's warmth in her smile, but it's measured—intentional. You can tell she's used to leading, used to being the one people turn to, but she carries it lightly, like it's second nature.

Everything about her feels composed, yet . Like she could laugh with you one second, and outmaneuver a boardroom the next without breaking eye contact.

And I can't lie—watching her in action makes this whole brand ambassador thing a lot more meaningful.

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