Fame & Passion

Chapter 1: Paris

Paris, France
February 17th, 2018

The Paris night sparkled like a thousand diamonds, an apt backdrop for the charity fashion show and gala dedicated to nurturing young minds. Among the star-studded guest list, Taylor Swift stood with grace, her presence a testament to her generous contribution to the cause. Nearby, Valentina, the rising star of the modeling world, exuded a magnetic aura.

Valentina, at 5'9", moved through the gala like a living work of art. Her hair, dark and flowing, her eyes held a captivating blend of browns and greens, revealing an enigmatic allure.

The fashion show had unveiled a world of exquisite designs, with Valentina strutting down the runway, embodying grace and beauty. Taylor Swift, not a model by trade but a performer, had delivered a soul-stirring song that left the audience mesmerized.

As the night progressed, Taylor and Val couldn't help stealing glances at each other every time they walked down the runway. There was something unspoken, a connection that seemed to transcend the glitz and glamour of the event. Valentina's heart skipped a beat each time their eyes met, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more of Taylor than what the public eye could see.

After the fashion show, as the guests mingled and celebrated, Valentina mustered up the courage to approach Taylor. She took a deep breath, her palms slightly sweaty, and made her way through the crowd. When she finally stood in front of Taylor, she couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous excitement.

"Taylor, I have to say, your performance was absolutely captivating," Valentina said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Taylor's eyes twinkled with appreciation, and a smile played on her lips. "Thank you, Valentina. That means a lot coming from someone as talented as you," she replied, her voice warm and sincere.

Valentina couldn't help but blush at the compliment. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing the conversation. "You know, I've been following your music for years, and your songs have gotten me through some tough times. Your talent is truly inspiring."

Taylor's smile widened, and she leaned in slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, it seems we have something in common then. Your presence on the runway tonight was nothing short of breathtaking. You have an incredible gift."

Their conversation ended just as fast as it had started, a sudden interruption broke their enchantment. Valentina's phone buzzed insistently, demanding attention. She reluctantly pulled away from Taylor, offering an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Taylor. I need to take this call. It might be important."

Taylor nodded understandingly, though a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Of course, Valentina. Duty calls. We'll continue this conversation later."

Valentina hurriedly stepped away from the crowd, answering the call with a hushed tone. "Valentina! Sorry to interrupt your fun at the gala, you were great by the way! But I have something important to tell you. Can you call me back as soon as you're alone?" It was her manager, Sylvia, she hung up before Val even had time to say hello, it was a habit.

Val was intrigued by what Sylvia had to say, she quickly forgot how excited she was to finally meet Taylor Swift; she was nervous, but I bet Taylor couldn't even tell.

Valentina called off for the night; she had been invited to the after-party, but instead, she called her driver and went to her hotel.

As soon as she entered the room, she called Sylvia back, she didn't even get changed first.

"Hey, Val, I have great news for you, so, take a seat."

"Hello! Good night, how are you doing Sylvie? I'm great, thanks for asking!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry, but I'm excited for what I'm about to tell you."

"Oh my God, Sylvia, you're kind of scaring me, go on."

"I just got a call this morning from Greta Ger-"

"Greta Gerwig?!?! Why was she calling? It has something to do with me?"
Greta was her favorite director of all times; she even auditioned for a secondary role in Lady Bird, but had no luck.

"Yes, girl, let me explain please, I don't like to be interrupted. So, she called me this morning, she asked especially for you in her upcoming movie, to be honest, I didn't think she even knew you existed, so I am as surprised as you are right now. I'll send you the script she gave me; you have an audition next week in Hollywood. I already said yes for you; I knew you would accept." And again, she hung up the phone.

Valentina was in shock; the best way to process what was happening was screaming into the pillow next to her.

She was so excited for this, her modeling career was successful, but she didn't get any good roles when she tried acting; this is a great opportunity right now.

Val didn't want to tell anyone yet; she was so excited she thought she could ruin it anytime; she fought the urge to tell everything to her best, Emily, while she was texting her.

Val 😼:

Heyy girl

Remember I said I was too tired for the after-party?

That was bullshit, come to my hotel room I'll be ready in 20 min

Valentina didn't wait for her bestie to reply; she knew she would come right away, instead, she went to her closet to see what she could wear to celebrate.

While she chose a short electric blue halter dress that left little to the imagination, someone else came to mind: Taylor. She had caught her eye the moment she went out to the runway, I mean, she had always had a little crush, she wasn't a crazy fan, but have you seen Taylor Swift? That woman was gorgeous; I couldn't say the same about the man she wrote that song about, though...

Emily got into the room without even knocking, Valentina wasn't surprised, they went like that to each other's houses all the time.

"Bitch, I could have been naked!" Val had just changed into her sexy dress.

"That would have been such a sight, though," Emily was already changed and had makeup on; she was about to take a taxi to the after-party when she got the message. "Why the sudden change of mind? Is someone else going?"

"I just want to celebrate, I'm not tired anymore. But... Do you know if Taylor Swift is going?"

"I have no idea, girl, but if she does, she's probably going with her boyfriend; she's way out of your league, sorry!"