Chapter 82: Media Reaction
It didn't take long for news of Derek's permanent move-in with Kylie to spread. Within 24 hours, every tabloid, gossip site, and celebrity social media profile was in a frenzy, discussing the next step in the relationship of the quickly-increasing couple.
The next morning, as Derek and Kylie sat together in the kitchen, enjoying a quick bite to eat after their special breakfast the day before, Kylie's phone kept buzzing. Text alerts, Instagram notifications, emails from her publicist team, everything was buzzing.
"It seems like the whole world knows," Kylie commented, quickly glancing at her phone and showing the screen to Derek. "Look at this!"
She pulled up an article from a major celebrity website: "Derek Rogan, Kylie Jenner's New Boyfriend, Officially Moves Into Her Home! The Kardashian-Jenner Family Is Delighted With Their New Resident." The article was filled with photos of the two of them together, some old and others apparently taken the same day, showing Derek carrying boxes into Kylie's mansion.
Derek smiled, shaking his head.
"Well, I didn't think it would be this fast. But I'm not surprised. Everything you do becomes news in a matter of minutes," he said, taking a sip of coffee.
Kylie rolled her eyes playfully, but she knew he was right. Media attention was an inevitable part of her life.
"It is, right?" She shrugged. "But the important thing is that we're okay, and we're happy."
She leaned over to give Derek a quick kiss as Stormi and Aire played in the living room.
Soon after, the messages on Derek's phone started coming in, too. Some Marine Corps friends and academy colleagues began sending jokes and memes, making fun of the fact that he was now living in the mansion of the most famous woman in the world.
One of the messages read: "Rogan, you are definitely living the American dream now!" accompanied by a photo of Derek in military gear next to a montage of him in front of Kylie's house.
"Looks like my friends are having fun with this too," Derek commented, showing the message to Kylie, who laughed.
"Don't let them talk too much or you'll never invite them over again," she joked with a smile.
However, while they laughed together, outside, the media was in full swing. Paparazzi began to surround the house, looking for more images and information about the new phase of Derek and Kylie's life. The photos of Derek carrying his things into the house were soon supplemented by speculation about their relationship and even what their next steps might be.
One headline in a popular online tabloid read: "Is Marriage Next? Derek Rogan Moves Into Kylie Jenner's House, And Fans Are Eager To See What Comes Next."
The article was filled with comments from fans and critics alike, some supporting the couple, while others speculated about Derek's intentions, as is always the case with the intense scrutiny of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
"Look at this," Kylie said, showing Derek another headline while they were still in the kitchen. "They're even talking about marriage already!"
Derek laughed, shaking his head.
"They're always one step ahead, aren't they?" he commented. "I've barely moved in and they're already thinking about the future."
Kylie shrugged, accustomed to the media's constant assumptions about her life.
"They love to speculate, but who knows, right?" she said, winking at Derek playfully.
Meanwhile, Kylie's fans were also buzzing on social media. The comments on Kylie's Instagram and Twitter posts were flooding in, with people reacting to the news that Derek was now living with her.
Comments like "My favorite couple! Derek and Kylie are perfect together!" and "I'm so happy for you guys! Derek seems so good to you and the kids" flooded Kylie's recent posts.
On the other hand, there was some criticism too. As expected, some fans were skeptical about Derek's relationship and move in.
Comments like "Is he just taking advantage of her fame?" and "I hope Kylie knows what she's doing" also appeared on social media and celebrity message boards.
But Kylie, no stranger to such comments, ignored the criticism and focused on the positive messages.
Throughout the rest of the day, as the news continued to circulate, Kylie's PR team went into overdrive. They quickly sent out press releases confirming that Derek had moved in with her and that they were both very happy with this new phase of their lives. The statement also thanked fans for their support and asked them to respect the privacy of the family.
On television, the topic was discussed on several entertainment programs. Programs such as "E! News" and "TMZ" discussed their relationship, showing images of Derek carrying his things and reminiscing about his career as a Marine and now as an entrepreneur and personal trainer. Some hosts even mentioned the Paco Rabanne commercial that Derek had recently done, praising his ability to navigate the military and the glamorous world of celebrity.
"I always knew Kylie would end up with someone like Derek," said one of the "E! News" hosts. "He's strong, charming, successful, and seems to have a real connection with her and her children. Definitely a relationship to watch!"
Meanwhile, on social media, memes and jokes began to circulate, highlighting how quickly the news spread. Many created funny montages of Derek carrying boxes with heart emojis, and the hashtag #PowerCouple trended on Twitter, with fans discussing their relationship.
Kylie, upon seeing the reactions online, decided to post on her Instagram, thanking her fans for their support and taking the opportunity to post a photo of the breakfast that Derek had prepared for her, Stormi and Aire. In the caption, she wrote: "Starting this new phase of life with lots of love and gratitude. ❤️".
Derek, on the other hand, was more reserved when it came to social media, but he knew that this kind of attention was part of life with Kylie. He smiled when he saw her post, feeling proud to be part of that family and knowing that, despite the media frenzy, what really mattered was their happiness together.
And so, while the world speculated about the couple's next steps, Derek and Kylie remained focused on what really mattered: building a happy and peaceful life with Stormi and Aire, without letting themselves be shaken by the outside noise.
Chapter 83: Movie Mile 22
It was a quiet afternoon when Kylie's sisters decided to gather at her house to relax. Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Kendall had just arrived, and they were all in the spacious living room, spread out on comfortable couches and armchairs, surrounded by pillows and blankets. Stormi and Aire were playing upstairs with a babysitter, leaving the sisters free to spend time together.
Derek was in the kitchen preparing some snacks while the sisters chatted. Kylie, sitting next to Kendall, turned to her curiously when her sister brought up an unexpected topic.
"So, Derek," Kendall began, casting a quick glance at him in the kitchen, "the other day I did some research on that CIA unit you mentioned once… What was it? CIA SAD, right?"
Derek, who was chopping up some vegetables for a healthy meal, looked over his shoulder with a smile.
"Ground Branch, SAD," he confirmed. "It's a special operations unit. I told you a little about it once when you asked about some operations."
Kendall nodded, crossing her legs on the couch.
"Yeah, I was curious. I did some research and found a movie that portrays a team like that. I think they call it 'Mile 22.' Apparently, the CIA's Ground Branch team is the focus, and I thought it would be interesting to watch since you mentioned how they operate. Would you guys be up for it?" Kendall asked, looking at her sisters and then at Derek.
Kylie, always excited to spend time with Derek and her sisters, smiled.
"Sure! I love watching action movies, and if Derek says these guys really do that kind of stuff, it'll be even cooler to know there's some truth to the story."
The other sisters looked intrigued as well. Kim, in particular, leaned forward on the couch, interested in what the film might reveal.
"I've never heard of that unit before. So they're basically… private assassins for the CIA?" Kim asked, the curiosity in her voice obvious.
Derek walked over with a bowl of snacks and set it on the coffee table.
"Something like that, yeah. Ground Branch is part of what they call the CIA SAD—Special Activities Division—which basically handles covert operations. And yes, they sometimes get called in for elimination operations, but they also do infiltration, sabotage, hostage rescue, that sort of thing."
Khloe's eyes widened.
"Wow, and you've worked with them before?" she asked, clearly impressed.
Derek smiled privately.
"Let's just say I had a few interactions with them when I was in the special forces. But nothing as 'Hollywood' as you'll see in this film."
The conversation perked up with Derek's explanation, and the sisters quickly agreed to watch Mile 22. Kylie grabbed the remote and turned on the television, scrolling through streaming services until she found the movie. She pressed play, and everyone settled into their seats as the first few scenes began to appear on the screen.
As the film began, the fast-paced, intense action immediately captured everyone's attention. The tactical combat scenes, with the Ground Branch team eliminating targets and dealing with high-risk operations, were frenetic and brutal.
"Wow, this is insane!" Khloe exclaimed as a shootout sequence began. "Do they really do this kind of stuff, Derek?"
Derek laughed, clearly enjoying their reactions.
"Well, movies always exaggerate a bit, but yes, some of these operations are very real. The difference is that in real life, there's a lot more planning and less… Hollywood explosions," he commented, his calm voice contrasting with the intensity of the film.
As the film's plot progressed, showing the Ground Branch team dealing with betrayals, international politics, and impossible missions, the sisters became increasingly involved. Kim, always attuned to the nuances of the characters, observed:
"These guys have to be extremely cold to do this kind of thing. It seems like they can't let themselves get emotionally involved, right?"
Derek nodded.
"Exactly. Being emotionally distant is part of the job. If you start getting too involved, you can put the mission and everyone around you at risk. But at the same time, you have to maintain a balance, because an operator without humanity is also not useful. It's a tough job."
Kendall, who had initially been interested in the subject, turned to Derek.
"In the movie, they have this sense of loyalty to the team, but at the same time it's like each one is on their own. Is that really how it is? Like, you can never completely trust anyone?"
Derek thought for a moment before answering.
"It depends on the team and the mission." In operations like these, you trust your team to complete the objective, but you know that circumstances can change very quickly. So yes, there is a certain loneliness in this type of work. Because you have to be prepared for anything," he said, turning his attention back to the screen, where another tense scene was unfolding.
As the film neared its conclusion, with a final twist that surprised most of the sisters, Kourtney, who had been quiet until then, commented:
"Wow, that was… intense. I don't know how anyone can live in that kind of world all the time."
Derek smiled.
"Not everyone can. It's a hard road, and many come out of it with scars you can't see. But there's also a lot of honor and loyalty involved. You learn to value things that other people don't fully understand."
Kylie looked at Derek, proud of his experience and wisdom. She knew that despite the intensity of his past, he managed to balance that part of his life with the love and care he showed every day, especially to her and the children.
When the film ended, the sisters began to discuss the details of the story, discussing the plot twists, the action scenes, and the characters. Kendall, in particular, was fascinated by the idea of how a CIA team could operate with such precision and lethality.
"I think I'll have to do more research on these secret units," she said, laughing. "Very interesting. It's almost like they're ghosts, doing the dirty work that no one else can do."
Derek stood up, picking up the empty plates from the table and starting to clear away the things.
"Well, that's why they're called in when they're needed. But it's important to remember that, at the end of the day, it's just another side of war and politics. Every decision has an impact, and these teams are there to make sure things get done with as few casualties as possible," he explained as he carried the things to the kitchen.
Kylie smiled, admiring Derek as he busied himself with the dishes. He was a man of action and responsibility, but he also had a huge heart. It was this balance that made her fall more in love with him every day.
— I think we all have a new perspective on what goes on behind the scenes now, thanks to Derek and the movie — Kim said, laughing as she stretched out on the couch.
"And who knows, maybe next time we'll invite the CIA director himself to watch it with us!" Khloe joked, making everyone laugh.
The afternoon ended on a light and relaxed note, but with a new appreciation for what Derek had experienced and the intensity of the special operations world. The sisters left Kylie's house with many stories to tell, while Derek and Kylie said goodbye to them with smiles on their faces, ready to relax after a day of action... Hollywood style.
Chapter 84: A Romantic Getaway
After weeks of busy schedules, work, and busy family life, Derek and Kylie felt they needed some time to themselves. The idea of a romantic getaway came to them while they were having dinner together at home, in a rare moment of calm, and almost instantly, they both knew it was exactly what they needed.
"I was thinking, maybe it's time we get away, just the two of us," Derek suggested, looking into Kylie's eyes as the soft light from the kitchen illuminated their faces.
Kylie smiled, excited at the idea.
"That would be amazing. We've been so busy with everything that we haven't had any time to ourselves for a while. Where would you like to go?"
Derek shrugged thoughtfully.
"Somewhere quiet, away from all the spotlight. Maybe a beach, somewhere that allows us to relax and enjoy the moment. What do you think?"
Kylie thought for a second and suddenly her eyes lit up.
"How about Bora Bora?" We've always wanted to go, and this would be the perfect destination for it.
Derek smiled, already imagining the paradisiacal scenery of one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific.
"Bora Bora sounds perfect."
The decision was made. Over the next few days, Kylie organized everything efficiently, from booking a luxurious overwater villa to planning a private flight. Finally, the day of departure arrived, and they were both excited to begin this new adventure.
As the plane touched down smoothly on the runway at Bora Bora airport, Derek and Kylie stepped out to be greeted by warm tropical air and a gentle breeze blowing in from the ocean. Kylie, wearing a wide straw hat and sunglasses, took a deep breath, feeling the freedom of the island.
"I can't believe we're finally here," she said, turning to Derek, who was watching the horizon with a peaceful smile.
"Neither can I. We needed this. Just us, away from it all," Derek replied, intertwining his fingers with Kylie's.
On the way to the villa, they passed stunning landscapes, with crystal clear waters surrounded by lush mountains and coral reefs. It was as if they had been transported to an untouched paradise.
Arriving at the villa, which was perched above the water, Derek and Kylie were in awe. The panoramic windows offered a perfect view of the turquoise lagoon, and a small staircase led directly to the ocean.
"This is so beautiful!" Kylie exclaimed, looking around in awe.
Derek took a step back, watching Kylie marvel at her surroundings.
"Not as beautiful as you," he commented with a smile.
Kylie laughed and pulled him into a tight hug, resting her head on his chest.
"I love you, Derek. Thank you for bringing me here. We really deserved this."
"I love you too, Kylie. And you don't have to thank me. This trip is as much for me as it is for you. A break from everything," he replied, kissing her forehead.
Over the next few days, Derek and Kylie made the most of the tranquility and beauty of Bora Bora. In the mornings, they would drink coffee on the porch, their feet dangling in the water as the sun rose over the horizon. Derek would prepare simple meals, and Kylie would often comment on his culinary skills, laughing and joking that he was a "shadow chef" in the military.
"I can't believe you can cook so well!" she said, savoring an omelet he had prepared.
"I had to learn. Being on long missions makes you creative in the kitchen," he replied with a modest shrug.
"Well, you pass!" she said jokingly as she sipped her orange juice.
In the afternoons, they would spend hours swimming in the calm, clear waters of the lagoon. Sometimes, they would go diving together to explore the coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Kylie, mesmerized by the colorful fish, would giggle with delight as Derek dove alongside her.
"I feel like a kid here!" she exclaimed as they emerged from the water together, her wet hair falling over her shoulders.
"That's the whole point, to relax and have fun," Derek said, smiling as he wrapped his arm around her.
One night, after a long day of exploring, they decided to do something more romantic. They had a candlelit dinner at a beachside restaurant, the soft sound of waves lapping against the sand in the background. Kylie wore a light, elegant dress, and Derek, in a white linen shirt, couldn't take his eyes off her.
"You know, every time I look at you, I feel like I'm the luckiest man in the world," he said, holding her hand across the table.
Kylie smiled, blushing slightly.
"I feel the same way, Derek. You make me feel safe, loved. You're everything to me."
They clinked glasses of wine as the night sky lit up with stars. The moment was perfect, and they both knew this trip would be one they'd remember for the rest of their lives.
On one of the last days of the trip, Derek and Kylie decided to hike to the highest point on the island to get a panoramic view of Bora Bora. The hike was peaceful, with both of them enjoying the silence of the surrounding nature. When they finally reached the top, the view took their breath away.
"Wow… This is surreal," Kylie said, admiring the vastness of the blue ocean that seemed to stretch on forever.
Derek, next to her, was silent for a moment, taking in the beauty of the landscape and Kylie's presence by his side.
"I can't imagine a better place to be right now," he said softly.
They sat there for a while, side by side, enjoying the moment. The trip was not only a break from their busy lives, but a reinforcement of their love for each other. This time away from commitments, the noise of social media, and the pressure of the spotlight allowed them to connect even more deeply.
That night, lying in bed in the villa with the sound of the ocean in the background, Kylie snuggled into Derek's arms.
"Promise we'll take more trips like this?" she asked, her voice soft in the darkness.
Derek smiled, kissing the top of her head.
"I promise. Whenever we need some time alone, we'll escape. It doesn't matter where."
Kylie smiled, satisfied, and fell asleep in his arms, certain that their future would be full of moments like this together, in peace, and always finding time for the love that united them.
And so, the couple ended their romantic trip, knowing that this was just the beginning of many adventures they would still experience together.
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