Venus Goddess of Love

DAIANAThis time, there's no way to adjust and tighten my expenses even more. I see how hard my mother tries to help me, raising me completely on her own after my father left us for a younger girl. We've been through a lot. My mother had the brilliant idea of baking cakes for others, and it's been successful. Sometimes I get called for small modeling jobs, but nothing as grand as my dream. My college is generating more expenses, and I have to fit into the world of high fashion. My agent, who happens to be my cousin, told me he would arrange something great to launch my career.

I hope it works out. After all, I don't have much to choose from. I just need to pay off my debts and graduate.I snap out of my thoughts as soon as I hear my phone ringing. I answer immediately when I see it's my cousin."Tell me... you have good news, Ben," I say, crossing my fingers for luck.He chuckles on the other end. "Let's just say yes, my favorite model."I let out squeals of joy and quickly realize I didn't let him finish speaking. "Sorry, tell me already.""I need you to look impeccable today because we're going to sign your contract. This will skyrocket your career without a doubt. But I hope you agree to the terms, and don't tell Auntie anything," he says, and I raise an eyebrow at his words."What do you mean I can't tell her about the terms? Benjamin, be careful with what you're getting me into," I take a deep breath."Relax, I don't think you have much choice at this point," he says, and I roll my eyes, disappointed."Alright, I'll meet you in a little while to go and sign this contract. I hope I won't regret it," I hang up, get up, tie my hair into a high bun, leaving a few strands loose in the front. I only apply some mascara and lip tint. I don't need much to look natural and beautiful. People often tell me I have envy-inducing beauty that drives others crazy. But I have my doubts. I only appreciate my eyes, the only good thing I remember about my father.My dream has always been to become a model, and I have all the qualities to be one: blond, tall, blue eyes, and a well-proportioned body with gentle curves. But my self-esteem is completely low due to the numerous attempts and so far, nothing noteworthy in terms of casting calls. My cousin started with me, using his knowledge and connections in high society, and he managed to get good gigs, but not the kind I truly aspire to.If he says he got me a great contract, it means my portfolio was convincing enough to catch their attention. And even if it wasn't, I'll go anyway. After all, I need money to pay off my debts as soon as possible. I don't want to hinder my mother's success in selling and fulfilling cake orders. It's time to reward her for all her efforts.I finish getting ready, deciding to wear jeans, a checkered shirt, and ankle boots. I grab my bag, leave a note for my mother, and head out to meet Ben.I meet him at the café where I used to work until recently. It's a few minutes from my house. Good times, but I had to start looking for internships and ended up leaving. The money I earned wasn't enough to cover my debts. I take a deep breath and see Ben sitting at a table, having coffee."Hey, handsome cousin and agent," I give him a peck on the cheek and sit down."My super top model, took you long enough," I see his wide smile. Benjamin has always been a close and beloved cousin. We grew up together, supporting each other in our respective journeys, whatever they may be."Tell me where my new casting will be? I'm excited since you said it would be great for the beginning of my career," I order a hazelnut cappuccino.He smiles smugly and takes his time to respond. "Well... I hope you understand that this is your only way to be noticed at the moment because I've tried various ways to fit you into high society. But my contacts always end up finding someone more experienced."I raise an eyebrow. "How about you stop beating around the bush and tell me already?""So, the agency that showed interest in your portfolio was... " He hesitates for a moment but finally finishes. "Venus!"I freeze upon hearing the agency's name. It's none other than the biggest fashion agency in New York, but they only work with the elite business class of the entire country, if not the world. There are many rumors that besides working with models who become renowned, they offer accompanying contracts, meaning you'll be chosen to accompany high society men, whether they are young or old. Just the thought makes my body shudder. But it's either take it or leave it, and if I choose to leave it, I'm even more lost in debt."Say something, you look as pale as a sheet, girl," he starts fanning me.I grab my cappuccino and drink almost all of it without realizing how hot it is. I take a deep breath and look around, trying to calm down."You're telling me you presented my portfolio to Venus Agency. You know their reputation very well, Benjamin!"He shrugs, which only irritates me further. "Now is not the time to choose. Do you want your mother to know about all your debts, including the overdue installment for your college loan?"I crumple up a paper and throw it at him. "I hope I won't regret this. Let's go!" I get up and walk towards his car, parked right in front of the café. I get in as soon as he unlocks it, buckle up, and we drive to the agency without exchanging a single word.Arriving at the location, I'm amazed by its facade. The name shines brightly, with mirrored glass spanning the entire length of the four-story building. If it exudes wealth from the outside, I can only imagine what it's like inside. I take a deep breath and step out of the car. Benjamin hands me a black folder. I open it and see the contract inside.

DAIANA

At first, I don't give it much importance, as he had warned me that we would go through all the clauses of the contract, along with the manager, so that if I don't agree with something, I should promptly inform them for them to decide whether to proceed with my hiring or not.

As we entered, I was even more impressed with the beauty of the place, modern with reddish tones in LED lights, and oak tones. The receptionist was already waiting for us and escorted us to the manager's office. I get closer to Ben and hold onto his arm.

"Here is so gorgeous; I'm not sure if I'm up to all of this," I say, smiling nervously.

"Relax, if you were called, it means you're up to it," he whispers in my ear.

I take a deep breath; as the receptionist points us to the waiting area, I look around. There are rooms with glass walls; I can see some rehearsals and casting choices. I get so distracted that I don't hear when I'm finally called; Ben has to nudge me to bring me back to reality.

"Sorry... I was admiring," I apologize with a smile and stand up.

"Daiana, this is Lillit, the manager and agent of Venus," I approach and greet her with a smile.

"Pleasure, Lillit."

"The pleasure will be all mine, Daiana. Your casting is wonderful, and you possess a magnificent beauty, something I've been looking for for a long time. Shall we go in and talk?" she asks as she walks towards her office, and we follow her.

Lillit is a mature woman, with a determined posture and high self-confidence. This is getting more and more intimidating; I'm not sure if I'm compatible with all of this. I sit in the chair in front of her, followed by Ben beside me. I place the folder on the table and open it.

"Daiana, before you carefully read the contract, I want to talk to you about it," she says as she sits down and crosses her legs, looking at me attentively.

"Of course, we can talk," I respond, smiling awkwardly, somewhat uncomfortable.

"Relax, there's nothing you should fear. I believe you know about Venus from various news spread around. But I assure you it goes beyond baseless rumors."

"I'm willing to listen," I say, leaning back in the chair, staring at her. Since she wants my attention, so be it.

Her posture changes, and her voice becomes firmer. "Daiana, everything we discuss here will be completely confidential; no one can know except your agent," she states, pushing a paper towards me, along with a pen.

ANNEX VII – CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

VENUS MODEL, undersigned, bound by the terms of Contract No. 2023, as Contracted to DAIANA CLARK, undertake to maintain confidentiality and secrecy regarding all technical information and other related to CLIENTS.

By this Confidentiality Agreement, I commit to:

I. Not use the confidential information to which I have access to generate exclusive and/or unilateral benefit to myself, to the detriment of the productive and/or intellectual activity of the CONTRACTOR, under penalty of accountability under the current civil and criminal regulations;

II. Not make any recording or copy of the confidential documentation to which I have access related to the CONTRACTOR, its activity, casting, and/or client list;

III. Not appropriate for myself or others any confidential and/or secret material that may be made available during the analysis, consultations, and/or proposition and implementation of a book;

IV. Not disclose the knowledge of the confidential information of the CONTRACTOR, its activity, clients, and/or personal casting, taking responsibility for all individuals who have access to the information through me, and thus undertaking to reimburse any damage and/or loss arising from a potential breach of the information provided.

In this Agreement, the following expressions shall be defined as follows:

"Confidential Information" shall mean any information disclosed related to the above-described client list, through the execution of the employment contract, regarding, or associated with, the evaluation, in written, verbal, or any other form.

"Confidential Information" includes but is not limited to information related to rehearsals, casting processes, performance plans, business secrets, data on specialized skills, flowcharts, specifications, diagrams, patents disclosed during the execution of the service.

"Evaluation" shall mean all discussions, conversations, or negotiations between or with the parties, in any way related or associated with the presentation of the proposal for work, consultancy, and/or referral of the aforementioned solutions.

The validity of the confidentiality obligation assumed by me through this agreement and henceforth referred to as the CONTRACTOR, shall be valid from the contracting of services and the provision of information by the CONTRACTOR, until the information becomes publicly known by any other person and/or by the CONTRACTOR, or upon written authorization granted to the CONTRACTOR by the parties interested in this agreement.

For non-compliance with this Confidentiality Agreement, the undersigned is aware of all legal sanctions that may arise.

_____, __ of _________, 2023.

Signature: ________________

Witnesses: ________________________________

_____________________________________________

After finishing reading, I sign it and push it back in her direction.

"Is there anything else I need to keep confidential?" I ask somewhat sarcastically, with a smug smile.

"Daiana, from now on, everything you read or hear within Venus will be of absolute confidentiality. So, we can proceed," she says as she stands up and grabs some coffee. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you very much," we say in unison.

"In your employment contract, you will see terms that may or may not be altered according to the client's interest who will request your services as an escort," she continues, returning to her chair and looking into my eyes. "Therefore, you will have to be fully available for Venus, at any time."

The possibility of having a client terrifies me, but I have nowhere to run. Just accept the inevitable; I need money, and this will be the opportunity.

AIDEN

The last interview I gave to a renowned TV show, I was asked if there was any woman who could conquer my heart. It was difficult to answer.

I've only fallen in love once in my 28 years, and it was intense and lasted for years, let's say it was teenage love. I discovered that I would be unable to give her everything she deserved. I'm very focused on work and sports, something I won't give up for the sake of my health. And I'm a very family-oriented guy. I sometimes go out to meet friends, but nothing too long. It's been approximately 6 months since I ended my 10-year-long relationship. It was time to explore other paths. But this began to give me headaches. As a renowned CEO known to the media, I'm constantly pressured about a relationship. For this reason, I decided to join the Social Elite, a well-known club for high-class individuals.

It was there that I found the solution to my problems: finding a companion who would do exactly what I wanted without any kind of commitment. The Venus agency, popular among the club members, has many models who become luxury escorts to climb the modeling industry. Some do it for fun and to find a good match. I heard that I could make a contract with all my requirements. I hope to find the ideal girl.

"Emilly, please. Cancel my appointments for the rest of the day," I say as I leave the office, adjusting my watch.

I need to go to Venus and explore the environment, see if it's really everything they say.

***

In a few minutes, I'm in front of the agency; its façade alone is attractive. The valet takes my car to the parking lot. I take off my sunglasses and enter the place. As soon as I enter, the receptionist is visibly startled when she recognizes me. Unfortunately, I'm well-known in the media due to my work, which I can't deny. Despite being bothered by it, I have to accept it.

"Sir... Aiden," she sighs quietly and tries to disguise it. "How can I help you?"

"Hello!" I look for her name on the badge. "Melanie, I would like to speak to your manager. I believe the name is Lillit, right?"

- Yes, she's finishing a meeting... please follow me, sir. – She hurries ahead, seeming a bit nervous. I follow her, and she indicates a chair for me to sit.

As I unbutton my jacket, I see the door open, and a beautiful blonde walks out, with a perfectly sculpted body, as if drawn by hand. Clear eyes and full lips. Our gazes meet like sparks. But we are interrupted as soon as Lillit notices my presence, making me lose sight of the blonde.

" Aiden Turner, to what do I owe your illustrious visit?"

We were introduced at one of the club dinners; she was the one who introduced me to the services her agency provides. So, she knew that at any moment, I would appear to ask for help.

" Hello, Lillit. I'll be brief. I want to choose a model to be my appearance girlfriend, and I don't want to see your casting. I want to hire the one who just left."

She smirks and tilts her head towards her office. – Let's go inside. Secrecy is something we value.

I settle into the chair. – I want to hire her; I'll pay whatever is necessary.

" I'm afraid it won't be possible; she's new to our agency and doesn't have the professional casting of the house."

I sip the coffee she just served and smile. – I don't care. I want her, and I'll pay whatever is necessary. For an initial contract of one week, in case I regret it and decide not to continue.

" Aiden, it seems the girl pleased you... Alright, we can arrange a contract to introduce you."

I open my widest smile, as I like. Sometimes having a lot of power brings excellent benefits. Luckily, I'll see her again.

" So tell me, what will be your requirements?"

" She needs to be prepared to be presented to the media. At a charity dinner I'm organizing for an orphanage." I glance at my watch, just out of habit.

" Just that, Mr. Turner?"

" No... She will have to accompany me to all dinners and events as requested. In addition to being available to travel with me." I hear the sounds of a keyboard as she seems to be typing everything I say.

" Well, I have to remind you that she is new here. And she doesn't quite understand the rules yet. But I can assure you she will be an excellent companion."

I get up, leaving the coffee cup on her table, and button my jacket. – I'm sure she will be. I'll need her in three days. So, do we have a verbal agreement? " I extend my hand, and she shakes it, sealing our agreement.

" Yes, Mr. Turner. We have a sealed agreement. The papers will arrive by email for signing."

" Perfect, also. Include in the payment clothes for her. I want her to be treated like a queen." I head to the door and without even saying goodbye, I leave with the certainty that in three days, my life could change.

Something this girl did has awakened in me; I need to live this moment to find out. This feeling of desiring someone so much as I am desiring her has never been awakened in me until now.

I go straight to the company; I need to handle some matters about the charity dinner I'm planning to present her to society. I'm sure we'll be the attraction of the evening. And that's the purpose, so I can have my name less talked about in the media after my breakup.

Despite the circumstances, my ex is still present in my life; she is my lawyer. Although I no longer want to maintain this connection, I need her by my side until I find a better lawyer. I'm sure she won't accept my new "relationship," but I don't care. What I felt for her ceased to exist a long time ago, and she knows it.