Chapter 109: Gabriel in the Lioness Cast
It was a quiet morning in California when Gabriel's phone rang. He was sitting on the porch, drinking coffee and reviewing some paperwork related to the security consulting he still did from time to time. Stassie, barefoot, was watering the plants nearby, looking relaxed.
"Hello?" Gabriel answered, without much expectation, while he was fiddling with his laptop.
"Gabriel, this is Chris McCarthy from Paramount."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, dropping what he was doing. He knew the name; he was the executive producer of Lioness.
"Oh, sure, Chris. How can I help you?"
"First, I want to say it was a pleasure having you with us at the cast training. You brought an authenticity that we rarely see. That said, I have a proposal. We're expanding the story for season two, and we want to introduce a new character. A DEVGRU operative on loan to the CIA's Special Activities Division who joins the Lioness team. We think you'd be perfect for the role."
Gabriel was silent for a moment, letting his words sink in. He glanced at Stassie, who stopped what she was doing when she noticed the surprised expression on his face.
"Chris, this is... unexpected. I'm not an actor."
"And that's exactly why you're perfect. The character isn't your typical agent; he's a warrior, someone who's lived it. Plus, your military experience and natural charisma have already impressed the team. Let's work on making you feel comfortable. What do you think?"
Gabriel took a deep breath, already feeling his excitement building. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but he needed time to process it.
"Can I think about it for a while?"
"Sure, but not too long," Chris joked. "Filming starts in two months, and we want you on board."
After he hung up, Gabriel told Stassie about the offer. She immediately broke into a wide smile.
"Babe, that's amazing! You've been asked to be a part of one of the most-watched shows right now. Of course you have to accept."
"I don't know, Stass. Acting is different. It's out of my comfort zone."
She leaned closer, cupping his face in her hands. "If anyone can do it, it's you. Besides, you've already lived everything they want to portray. This isn't acting for you; it's just being yourself in a different setting."
With Stassie's words echoing in his mind, Gabriel finally decided to accept the challenge.
Two months later, Gabriel was on the set of Lioness. He was wearing a combat uniform with the DEVGRU emblem on his arm, carrying perfect replicas of the weapons he had used during his time in the service.
The director greeted him warmly. "Gabriel, welcome. We're excited to have you with us. Your character is essential to this season. He's a respected veteran who Joe knows from previous missions. Your presence will bring a new dynamic to the team."
Backstage, he met Zoe Saldaña, who played Joe. They had met during the cast training, and she gave him a warm hug.
"You finally got the nod," she joked. "You're going to rock."
Gabriel smiled, still adjusting to the idea of being on camera.
Gabriel's character, Ethan "Reaper" Kane, was a former DEVGRU known for his precision and skill in high-pressure situations. Reaper was called to work with the Lioness for a sensitive operation involving international terrorism, where his expertise was essential.
In the first scene they shot together, Joe and Reaper were in a tense briefing.
Joe: "You still do things your way, don't you, Reaper?"
Reaper: "It worked before. I don't see why it would change now."
The chemistry between the two was evident, and the director was pleased with Gabriel's performance.
"You have presence, Gabriel. Keep it up."
One of the most intense scenes Gabriel shot was a nighttime assault on an enemy base. The set was shrouded in smoke and darkness, while simulated explosions lit up the scene. He led the crew, moving with a confidence that only someone with his real-life experience could convey.
"Lights out! Move left!" Gabriel shouted during the scene, his voice carrying authority.
Zoe commented backstage: "It's almost scary how real you make it seem."
Gabriel laughed. "To me, it's just an ordinary day."
During breaks, Gabriel began to bond more with the cast. Nicole Kidman, the series' producer and actress, congratulated him on his performance.
"You bring authenticity to the series, Gabriel. I can't think of anyone better for this role."
He thanked them, but never failed to emphasize that the merit went to the team that supported him.
After an intense week of filming, Gabriel returned home. Stassie welcomed him with with a tight hug.
"So, how was it?" she asked, curious.
"Intense, but good," he replied. "Now I understand why actors get so exhausted. It's like planning a mission every day."
She laughed, kissing him on the cheek. "I'm sure you're stealing the show."
As news of Gabriel's participation leaked to the media, fans of the series began to speculate about his character. Forums and social networks were flooded with theories:
"Who is the new operator who will work with the Lioness? Sounds promising!"
"Gabriel is going way beyond fashion. I can't wait to see him in action."
Paramount itself released a promotional image of Gabriel as Reaper, dressed in his tactical uniform, holding a rifle and with a determined look.
"Welcome to the team, Reaper," read the caption.
Gabriel was officially in the entertainment world, but his essence remained intact. For him, this was just another mission – but perhaps one of the most exciting of his life.
Chapter 110: A Love Sealed Forever
The sun shone high in the California sky, reflecting off the vast gardens of a luxurious mansion chosen for the most important day of Gabriel and Stassie's lives. The setting was breathtaking: white and pink flowers adorned every corner of the space, cascades of lights hung between the trees, and an altar adorned with greenery and candles looked like something out of a fairy tale.
Stassie insisted on an intimate ceremony, but one filled with meaningful details. Gabriel agreed, mostly because he knew how much it meant to her. "I want it to be about us, love. Just our family and closest friends," she had said, holding his hands weeks ago.
Now, that moment had arrived.
Gabriel stood in a private room, adjusting the last details of his classic black suit. He looked in the mirror, took a deep breath, and smiled to himself. Stassie was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he couldn't wait to see her walk down the aisle.
His best man, Tim, a friend from his service days, entered the room with a playful expression.
"Are you nervous, bro?" Tim asked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the door.
Gabriel laughed, adjusting his tie. "I just want everything to be perfect for her. Stassie deserves the world."
"She's going to get it. And she has you, which is saying a lot," Tim said, patting him on the back.
Meanwhile, Stassie was surrounded by her closest friends, including Kylie and Kendall. Dressed in a stunning white gown with a classic cut and delicate lace detailing, she looked like a vision of heaven.
"You look perfect," Kylie said, holding her hands as she fought back tears.
"I still can't believe today is the day," Stassie said, smiling nervously. "Gabriel is my everything, Kylie. I've never been happier in my life."
The guests were seated in neat rows in the garden, on white chairs decorated with gold ribbons. Among those in attendance were the Kardashian-Jenner family, Stassie's sister Alexia and her father, as well as some of Gabriel's colleagues and friends from the worlds of security and fashion.
When the music started playing, Gabriel was already at the altar, his eyes fixed on the beginning of the aisle. In the distance, he finally saw her.
Stassie walked arm in arm with her father, who had a proud smile on his face. Gabriel's eyes lit up with emotion as he watched the woman who had changed his life walk towards him.
"She's beautiful," Tim whispered, standing next to him.
"More than that," Gabriel replied, barely able to speak.
When Stassie reached the altar, her father handed her to Gabriel with a brief hug and a look of approval.
"Take good care of her, son," he said, with emotion in his voice.
"With my life," Gabriel replied, with sincerity.
The officiant began the ceremony, but it was during the vows that everyone became emotional.
Gabriel took Stassie's hands and began:
"Stassie, you came into my life when I least expected it, but exactly when I needed it the most. With you, I learned what true love, patience and dedication are. You make me want to be better every day, and today I promise to be your partner, your protector and your biggest fan for the rest of my life."
Stassie was already crying before she even began her own vows.
"Gabriel, you are everything I dreamed of and more. You are my strength, my shelter and my best friend. With you, I feel safe, loved and complete. Today, I promise to be by your side at all times, to support you, to love you and to make you happy forever."
There were sighs and tears among the guests, as the officiant declared them husband and wife.
"You may kiss the bride," he said with a smile.
Gabriel pulled Stassie in for a deep and passionate kiss, which was met with applause and screams of joy.
The party was a mix of elegance and fun. Dinner was served under a starry sky, with exquisite dishes chosen by the bride and groom. A famous DJ commanded the dance floor, ensuring that no one could stand still.
Gabriel and Stassie had their first dance to the sound of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. They looked at each other as if they were the only people in the world, and everyone present felt the love between them.
"You know we are now officially life partners, right?" Gabriel said, whispering in her ear as they danced.
"And I couldn't be happier," Stassie replied, kissing him softly.
During the speeches, Tim made everyone laugh by remembering some stories about Gabriel from his time in the service.
"I never thought I would see the day when Gabriel, the most focused and serious guy I know, would fall in love like this. But Stassie, you are the only one who made it happen, and for that I thank you. You brought light into his life."
Kylie also gave an emotional speech, looking directly at Stassie.
"You have always been mine sister, but now seeing you so happy and fulfilled makes me realize how special Gabriel is. Gabriel, thank you for taking care of her and for being everything she deserves. Welcome officially to the family."
Gabriel, visibly moved, raised his glass in thanks.
As the party was coming to an end, Gabriel and Stassie exchanged knowing looks. They were ready to start their new life together.
At the exit, the guests waited for them with lit candles, creating a lit hallway as they walked to the car that would take them to their honeymoon.
Gabriel squeezed Stassie's hand, intertwining her fingers with his.
"Ready for the rest of our lives?" he asked.
"With you, always," she replied, smiling.
And with that, they got into the car, ready for the next chapter of their love story.
Chapter 111: A Week in Paradise
The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was music to Gabriel and Stassie's ears. Their trip to Hawaii had been carefully planned, and the couple was finally in paradise to celebrate their love. Staying in a private bungalow in Maui, surrounded by crystal clear waters and a stunning skyline, they were ready to enjoy every second of their honeymoon.
As the plane landed, Stassie squeezed Gabriel's hand, excited as a child.
"I can't believe we're here!" she said, looking out the window of the car that was taking them to the resort. "It's so perfect. I can already feel the relaxing vibe of this place."
Gabriel smiled, admiring her excitement. He always enjoyed seeing Stassie beaming. "Wait until you see the bungalow. I saved the best one for us."
When they arrived at the resort, they were greeted with flower leis and refreshing drinks. The bungalow was a dream: a wooden building over the ocean, with a large porch, a private pool, and a bed covered in flower petals.
"Gabriel!" Stassie exclaimed, running to the porch. "Look at this view! It's unreal!"
Gabriel followed her and wrapped his arms around her. "I wanted something worthy of you, Stass. And I think this comes close."
She turned to him, smiling lovingly. "None of this would be as amazing if you weren't here with me."
The next morning, the couple woke to the sound of the ocean. Stassie changed into a white bikini while Gabriel changed into navy blue shorts. They ate breakfast on the porch, with tropical fruit and Hawaiian pancakes topped with coconut syrup.
"This is the life," Gabriel said, as he cut a piece of pineapple.
"I think we could stay here forever," Stassie joked, taking a slice of mango.
After breakfast, they decided to explore the area. They rented a convertible Jeep and drove along the Road to Hana, a winding road surrounded by waterfalls and lush forests.
"This road is like a movie," Stassie said, snapping photos on her phone as the wind ruffled her hair.
They stopped at black-sand beaches and overlooks with breathtaking views. Gabriel insisted on taking a picture of Stassie in front of a waterfall.
"You're the real beauty here," he said, adjusting the camera.
"And you're my favorite photographer," she replied, blowing him a kiss.
That night, they had dinner at a beachside restaurant. The menu included fresh seafood and white wine. Gabriel ordered a plate of grilled shrimp, while Stassie opted for mahi-mahi with mango salsa.
"The food is amazing," Stassie said, savoring the dish. "But being here with you is the best part."
"I agree," Gabriel said, holding her hand across the table.
Back at the bungalow, they decided to relax in the private pool. Gabriel dove in first, while Stassie stood on the edge, playing with the water.
"Are you just going to watch?" he teased.
"Maybe," she replied, with a mischievous smile.
He swam to the edge and pulled her into the water, laughing as she squealed in surprise.
"You're hopeless!" she said, lightly slapping his chest.
"That's why you love me," he replied, holding her by the waist.
The night ended with the two of them cuddling in bed, listening to the sound of the waves as they whispered promises of eternal love.
Over the next few days, Gabriel and Stassie experienced everything Hawaii had to offer.
Snorkeling: They explored a coral reef, swimming alongside colorful fish and sea turtles. Stassie was mesmerized by the marine life and insisted on taking a picture with Gabriel underwater.
Surfing Lesson: Gabriel, ever the competitive one, rode the waves with ease, while Stassie struggled to balance on her board. "You make it look so easy!" she complained, as she fell into the water.
"That's because I'm great at everything," he joked, helping her back onto her board.
Helicopter Over the Volcanoes: They flew over the volcanoes and beaches of Hawaii, and Gabriel couldn't resist taking several photos of Stassie with the helicopter's headset on. "You look like a secret agent," he said, laughing.
On the last night, Gabriel arranged a surprise. He had the resort prepare a private dinner on the beach, with a table decorated with candles and flowers.
Stassie was speechless when she saw the scene. "Gabriel, this is… perfect!"
They dined under the stars, talking about the incredible moments they shared on the trip.
"I'll never forget this week," Stassie said, holding Gabriel's hand.
"And I'll never forget how much I love you," he replied.
After dinner, they walked along the beach hand in hand. Gabriel stopped suddenly, pulling her close.
"You know you're my world, right?" he said, looking into her eyes.
"And you're mine," she replied, before kissing him passionately.
When they returned to the bungalow, the couple already felt nostalgic about leaving Hawaii.
"I don't want this to end," Stassie said, lying on the bed with her head on Gabriel's chest.
"It's not over, love," he replied, stroking her hair. "This is just the first of many adventures we'll have together."
And so, with the sound of the waves as their soundtrack, they ended the most special week of their lives, ready for whatever the future held.
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