A determined smile appeared on his lips.And the benefit for the companies? Their names would be displayed on each of these videos, on each post. Not just as sponsors, but as 'Impact Partners,' 'Companies That Chose to See the Truth.' It would be a revolution inmarketingof influence. We would show that luxury and social responsibility can coexist. That it's not just about selling a product, but about using influence to change the world."
She searched his eyes, the passion in her voice almost palpable.Would these companies have the courage to place their names alongside images of suffering, but also of hope and resilience? To associate themselves with such a vital cause? It's a risk to their image, yes. But it's also an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate true social commitment, something that goes far beyond aslogan of ESGgeneric. It would be a new currency of value, not just money, but the impact generated."
Elara saw the glint of analysis in Daniel's eyes, his mind already processing the endless possibilities and calculated risks. He knew the corporate world better than anyone.It's a bold idea, my lotus flower," Daniel finally said, his voice hoarse, almost a whisper. He removed the cigarette from his lips and slowly stubbed it out on the edge of the pool, the smoke rising into the blue air. "Very bold."
He pulled her closer, her body nestled against his in the water.I have money, Elara. Much more than could be spent in ten lifetimes. My wealth is almost as invisible as I am. It's a tool, not a goal. And if you want to use your influence, your light, to illuminate these shadows, to give a voice to the voiceless, to help MSF and the Red Cross... then know that you have my unconditional support. Financial and in every other way I can provide."
His gaze became intense, fixed on her eyes.Companies may hesitate.status quoIt's comfortable, and the truth is disturbing. But if any of them refuse, or don't have the courage, I myself can be the 'impact partner.' Or we'll create a foundation. Or we'll do it anonymously, without the need for corporate names. The important thing is the cause, not the advertising of virtue."
He kissed her forehead, a kiss of approval and deep complicity.You have the ability to move mountains, Elara, to touch hearts. And if you choose to use that gift for that, to show the horrors no one wants to see and the heroic actions of those there infront...then you won't just be an artist, but a force for change. And I'll be by your side, every step of the way."
Elara felt a shiver run through her body, not from the chill of the breeze, but from the magnitude of the partnership forming. With Daniel, the possibilities were limitless. She hugged him tightly, her face wet with pool water and, perhaps, a few tears of gratitude and determination. The rising sun illuminated the city outside, and there, in the vastness of that rooftop, a new purpose had dawned for Elara, with Daniel as her pillar and her strength. She had found her place in the world, beside theGhost, ready to uncover the harshest truths and fight for them.
The sun was already beginning to rise higher in the sky, casting an intense white light that reflected off the water of the infinity pool where they were. The pool, always heated to37 degrees Celsius, looked like a liquid mirror that spread to the edge of the horizon, where the blue sky blended with the glass sea, making the pool and sky seem like a single expanse of serenity. Around it, the pool cover was an open space, with a modern glass and steel structure that filtered the sunlight, creating an atmosphere of tranquility, but also of intensity. A few lounge chairsdesignMinimalist, with neutral-toned cushions and light fabrics scattered along the edge, a glass table with a centerpiece of green plants, perhaps a few small cacti, completed the scene. A light breeze blew through the air, gently swaying the glass curtains, while the waves carried the scent of the sea and garden flowers, mingling with the smell of chlorinated water and warm sun on the skin.
Elara lay on her back on the edge, her legs immersed in the warm water, her feet dangling slowly, her wet hair falling in waves around her face. Her eyes fixed on the horizon, thoughtful, as she adjusted the focus on the camera at her side, ready to capture any detail or moment that might capture that moment of peace. Daniel, lying beside her, also with his legs in the water, had a cigarette in his hand, and his posture was relaxed, as if he knew every detail of that space, every sigh of the wind, every subtle sound around him. His brown eyes, a deep honey hue, shone with a calm, almost meditative light.
He turned his face to her, unhurriedly, holding the cigarette in one hand, and spoke in a low voice that only she could hear clearly. The sun reflected off his fair skin, highlighting the strength of his features and the serenity of his gaze.But know this, my love, what you know about the Red Cross and MSF is only superficial. I've donated and continue to donate millions to them every year, helping them in any way I can, in the shadows, behind the scenes. My wealth is almost as invisible as I am. It's a tool, not a goal."
His gaze grew intense, fixed on her eyes, and the tone of his voice hardened, laden with a possessiveness that Elara was already beginning to love.Another thing: you have Facebook, Instagram, now Elon Musk's X, and TikTok. All of this to help you. You don't just need to show tragedy; run advertising campaigns, show your daily life, saying, "Just because I'm sitting here doesn't mean I'm doing nothing; I'm here because you guys with money don't help either." Run aid campaigns!"
Daniel approached, his voice deep and assertive.And another thing, you have me to help you. I don't always live here, I'm always moving. My team, whom you know here at home, and I are a family. So I ask you, Hollywood actress, will you be with me, be my wife? You have to be by my side. I'm jealous of what's mine, really, and so fuck the world if they don't like it."
Elara felt a shiver run through her, not from the chill of the breeze, but from the magnitude of the proposal and the ultimatum presented. The choice wasn't just about what she would do with her platform, but about the fate of her own life, her very identity. With Daniel, the possibilities were limitless, but the conditions were clear, non-negotiable. She hugged him tightly, her face wet with pool water and, perhaps, a few tears of gratitude and a decision already forming in her heart. The rising sun illuminated the city outside, and there, in the vastness of that rooftop, a new purpose had dawned for Elara, with Daniel as her pillar and her strength. She had found her place in the world, beside theGhost, ready to uncover the harshest truths and fight for them, knowing that this choice would take her down a path of no return, but a path alongside the man who was her universe.
"Do you like to swim naked in the pool?" Daniel asked, his voice husky, almost a whisper. He watched her, an amused glint in his eyes, as the hand not holding the cigarette lightly brushed her thigh under the water. "Answer, Elara.Do you like bathing naked outdoors?Do you like staying here like this?"
Elara felt heat rise through her body, not just from the heated water, but from the boldness of his question. Her green eyes met his, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. She slid closer, the touch of his skin through the water a gentle electricity.
"It depends on the company, Daniel," she replied, her voice thick with irony and invitation. Her fingers played with the water, sending small ripples toward him. "But, yes. I like freedom, the feel of the air on my skin, the vastness of the sky... especially when I'm with you." She tilted her head, her eyes fixed on his, an intensity that defied the serenity of the moment. "It's a kind of truth, isn't it? To be completely exposed, without disguise."
Daniel laughed, a deep, satisfied sound that echoed softly in the air. He leaned closer, the cigarette forgotten between his fingers, his attention completely focused on her.Then," he continued, his voice lowering to an almost predatory tone, "now I ask you:Do you want to enter my world like this? With nothing to hide, with everything on display?"
Elara's eyes locked with his. The proposition wasn't just a question, but a gateway to a life she was barely beginning to understand. She knew the truth he offered was more dangerous, more intense, but also infinitely more real than any role she'd ever played. It was a choice between the fiction of her career and the harsh but authentic reality of his.
"So, miss, what do you want to do? Me or Hollywood?" Daniel asked, the question hanging in the air like a promise and a challenge.
Elara didn't hesitate. She slid her hand around the back of his neck, pulling him into a deep kiss, a kiss that answered every question without a single word. It was a kiss of surrender, of decision, of abandonment. Her lips moved against his with an urgency that surprised them both, a silent promise that her place was by his side, in whatever world he inhabited. When they parted, the air between them was thick, but the decision was sealed in her eyes.
"Your world, Daniel. And just like that, completely."His voice was a whisper, but every word was firm, charged with conviction. "Hollywood is a stage. I want real life, the truth. And if the truth is in your shadows, I will embrace them with you."
Daniel's smile deepened, his dark eyes shining with a satisfaction that went beyond the physical. He pulled her into a tight hug, her body nestled against his in the water.Wise choice, my lotus flower. Wise choice."
Later, with the sun already higher and the heat intensifying on the rooftop, Elara sat on one of the luxurious loungers, a soft towel wrapped around her, while Daniel, next to her, leafed through atabletwith the latest global news. A twinge of curiosity, now fueled by purpose, compelled her to act.
She took her owntablet, which sat on the minimalist glass table, and began typing. Her mind was buzzing with the conversation at the pool. "Every time I design a project, I research it," she muttered to herself, more than to Daniel. "So why not research theMSFand toRed Cross? What do they actually do?