EAST ASIA
Shelley walked into the house, her footsteps heavy and her face clouded with frustration. She dropped her bag by the door with a sigh and made her way into the living room, where her mother sat comfortably on the couch, knitting.
The rhythmic click of needles filled the cozy room as her mother hummed softly to herself.
"Good evening, Mom," Shelley said, walking straight to the refrigerator to get herself a cold drink.
Her mother looked up from her knitting and smiled warmly at her daughter.
"You're home early," she noted, her fingers still working skillfully through the yarn.
Shelley said nothing and kept gulping down the water like she had been deprived of fluids for a lifetime.
"What's wrong, Shelley? You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders," her mother asked again.
Shelley stopped drinking and sighed. She put the bottle of water back into the fridge and walked to the couch, her shoulders slumping
As the polished black limousine glided to a halt in front of the mansion, a hush fell over the crowd gathered outside.Heads turned, whispers floated through the air, and the excitement of the party dimmed momentarily as everyone's attention shifted to the luxurious car.It was clear this was no ordinary arrival; the anticipation crackled like electricity.With a smooth motion, the uniformed driver stepped out and opened the rear door."They're not joking. Who could that be?!" someone gushed in the crowd.Bruno emerged first, his tall figure commanding attention. Dressed in an expensive suit-though not from F&F to avoid suspicion and attention-he stood out. The suit emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist."That is definitely the most handsome guy at the party," Aliyah whispered, and Beyoncé smirked."I found a one-night stand now... Who's the bitch? Happy breakup day," she smirked to herself.The moment Bruno
Aliyah and Beyoncé froze at the awkward situation, looking around embarrassed as the kiss drew attention.Those two are out of their minds!A soft moan escaped Beauty's lips as Bruno's hand slid to her back, pulling her tighter against him. The sensation of his fingers pressing into her waist sent a shiver of desire down her spine.Bruno, on the other hand, was consumed by the moment. It was his first kiss, and yet it felt so natural, as if his body had been waiting for this moment all along.Of course, his body had been waiting!The feel of Beauty's lips against his was more intoxicating than he had ever imagined. He couldn't stop kissing her.Her taste, her warmth, the way her body fit perfectly against his-it was everything. It stirred up feelings he had never experienced before. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind clouded with nothing but the need to hold her, to feel her respond to him.The kiss deepened, and Bruno's
Beauty and Bruno stood on the red carpet, the flashing lights from the cameras illuminating their every move. Beauty felt as if every gaze was on her, silently judging.She panicked and smiled awkwardly at the camera, feeling uneasy. She had too many traumatic experiences with photographers in the past.Bruno noticed and leaned in close, whispering in her ear, "You look stunning... just focus on me."His voice was like a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.Beauty took a deep breath and looked up to see him smiling at her. He leaned down further and whispered, "Actually, I needed you to look at me because I don't like the way those men are looking at you.""With disgust?" Beauty whispered back."Disgust? Impossible. They're staring with admiration and lust instead. You're so beautiful. That's why. But don't worry, you're mine now."Beauty was speechless, feeling a chill when Bruno's hand rested protectively on her waist, pulling her
Beauty watched from behind, feeling even smaller as the seconds dragged on. Everyone around her seemed so at ease, so comfortable in their skin, while she felt every insecurity bubbling to the surface.Her uniform was the largest size available, and though it was too big, she had to wear it since no senior was bigger than her.When it was finally Beauty's turn, her heart raced. The photographer's initial excitement quickly turned to impatience."Alright, let's get this over with," he muttered under his breath, not even bothering to look at her as he adjusted the camera.Beauty's stomach twisted into knots. She took her place in front of the camera, unsure of where to stand or how to pose. Already uncomfortable in her own skin, she now felt all eyes on her.The photographer barely hid his irritation. "Okay, um... maybe turn a little to the side. No, no, not like that. Try sucking in your stomach a bit... and could you lift your chin a little higher?
"If you weren't so fat, maybe the ring would have been your size!"That was the angry voice of my boyfriend, Steven.He drew attention, and the other buyers at the jewelry shop stared at us.Today was supposed to be my engagement day, since Steven didn't know my size, so he popped the big question before we set out to get the ring."Baby, can we try another one, please?"I managed to say that with a smile on my face."Are you deaf?!"He yelled so loudly that I lost the power to hold back, and hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I felt my legs grow weak and my heart pounding painfully."We have larger sizes for her to try, sir," the jewelry store owner suggested politely, coming to my rescue.But he wasn't willing to give it a try."It doesn't matter what size you have-it won't suck those fats away! I'm fed up with this."This time, every head in the shop turned towards us, and all eyes were on us as the scene was established just as Steven had wanted.I felt like a clown.The jewelry st
And now presently 25 years old with no hope of finding love again.Good news. I got a job at the Famous & Fabulous fashion company, New York City.And I was able to make a friend who doesn't judge me by my looks._______“Whad'ya think?”My friend Jessie showed me a pic on her phone.“Wow Jessie this is perfect, you're so perfect”.I exclaimed, admiring everything in the picture, she's a runaway queen for sure.“Oh please, it's just the editing,” Jessie chuckled, blushing.“You are a natural, Jessie”.I continued.“Stop it already!”She got all red and laughed.“Let me see the second one” I requested, she swiped and showed me the pictures.“Isn't this from our summer collection from last year?”I asked curiously.“Yup, I kept them and recycled them because they look so good on me”.I shook my head, smiling.Our company's indeed lucky to have her as their model. She was the first friend I made in the company, actually more like my only friend.I smiled at her as she went through the p
I walked into the company's cafeteria downstairs-it was lunch break.After what happened back in the conference room, I wasn't sure how to feel... other than completely useless, of course."I'll have two jumbo burgers, please," I said to the waitress.She looked up at me and, as usual, ignored me entirely.Not the first time. It's like everyone here hates me-everyone except Jessie.What did I ever do to them?"Just one will be okay," I added again.Then, suddenly, her eyes lit up."What can I get for you?" she asked, biting her lower lip.Wait-definitely not me.I turned to see who she was talking to, and the moment I saw him, my heart skipped a beat. I had to tilt my head back to take in his full height.He stood there like a tall, powerful wall-if that wall just so happened to be sexier than 99% of the male population.I froze. My fingers clenched nervously, and my heart started racing.It was him-Bruno.Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and a rush of heat flooded my cheeks. He w
"I am so sorry," Jessie apologized immediately.She's always sorry after a childish act.Furiously, I looked at her, then back again-this time quickly-to double-check what I just saw.She was braless. Mine would never look that good without a bra.Her boobs were perfect, her nipples visibly piercing through her transparent white crop top, down to her tiny waist.I noticed her pierced belly button and a thin silver waist bead wrapped around her waist.She's indeed beautiful.I sighed in frustration.The truth is, everyone here is perfect-except me.I stole a glance at Bruno again. He never looked up at us. How can someone be so anti-social?"Jessie, can we talk later? I want to eat now, please."I hope she buys it."Why?" Jessie replied with a tight frown.I knew it wouldn't be that easy, though."Like... I... I said. I wish to eat," I replied, raising my brows.She giggled."Alright. Don't get mad, Your Highness."I shook my head, done with her.She leaned forward, pecked my forehead,
Beauty watched from behind, feeling even smaller as the seconds dragged on. Everyone around her seemed so at ease, so comfortable in their skin, while she felt every insecurity bubbling to the surface.Her uniform was the largest size available, and though it was too big, she had to wear it since no senior was bigger than her.When it was finally Beauty's turn, her heart raced. The photographer's initial excitement quickly turned to impatience."Alright, let's get this over with," he muttered under his breath, not even bothering to look at her as he adjusted the camera.Beauty's stomach twisted into knots. She took her place in front of the camera, unsure of where to stand or how to pose. Already uncomfortable in her own skin, she now felt all eyes on her.The photographer barely hid his irritation. "Okay, um... maybe turn a little to the side. No, no, not like that. Try sucking in your stomach a bit... and could you lift your chin a little higher?
Beauty and Bruno stood on the red carpet, the flashing lights from the cameras illuminating their every move. Beauty felt as if every gaze was on her, silently judging.She panicked and smiled awkwardly at the camera, feeling uneasy. She had too many traumatic experiences with photographers in the past.Bruno noticed and leaned in close, whispering in her ear, "You look stunning... just focus on me."His voice was like a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.Beauty took a deep breath and looked up to see him smiling at her. He leaned down further and whispered, "Actually, I needed you to look at me because I don't like the way those men are looking at you.""With disgust?" Beauty whispered back."Disgust? Impossible. They're staring with admiration and lust instead. You're so beautiful. That's why. But don't worry, you're mine now."Beauty was speechless, feeling a chill when Bruno's hand rested protectively on her waist, pulling her
Aliyah and Beyoncé froze at the awkward situation, looking around embarrassed as the kiss drew attention.Those two are out of their minds!A soft moan escaped Beauty's lips as Bruno's hand slid to her back, pulling her tighter against him. The sensation of his fingers pressing into her waist sent a shiver of desire down her spine.Bruno, on the other hand, was consumed by the moment. It was his first kiss, and yet it felt so natural, as if his body had been waiting for this moment all along.Of course, his body had been waiting!The feel of Beauty's lips against his was more intoxicating than he had ever imagined. He couldn't stop kissing her.Her taste, her warmth, the way her body fit perfectly against his-it was everything. It stirred up feelings he had never experienced before. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind clouded with nothing but the need to hold her, to feel her respond to him.The kiss deepened, and Bruno's
As the polished black limousine glided to a halt in front of the mansion, a hush fell over the crowd gathered outside.Heads turned, whispers floated through the air, and the excitement of the party dimmed momentarily as everyone's attention shifted to the luxurious car.It was clear this was no ordinary arrival; the anticipation crackled like electricity.With a smooth motion, the uniformed driver stepped out and opened the rear door."They're not joking. Who could that be?!" someone gushed in the crowd.Bruno emerged first, his tall figure commanding attention. Dressed in an expensive suit-though not from F&F to avoid suspicion and attention-he stood out. The suit emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist."That is definitely the most handsome guy at the party," Aliyah whispered, and Beyoncé smirked."I found a one-night stand now... Who's the bitch? Happy breakup day," she smirked to herself.The moment Bruno
EAST ASIAShelley walked into the house, her footsteps heavy and her face clouded with frustration. She dropped her bag by the door with a sigh and made her way into the living room, where her mother sat comfortably on the couch, knitting.The rhythmic click of needles filled the cozy room as her mother hummed softly to herself."Good evening, Mom," Shelley said, walking straight to the refrigerator to get herself a cold drink.Her mother looked up from her knitting and smiled warmly at her daughter."You're home early," she noted, her fingers still working skillfully through the yarn.Shelley said nothing and kept gulping down the water like she had been deprived of fluids for a lifetime."What's wrong, Shelley? You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders," her mother asked again.Shelley stopped drinking and sighed. She put the bottle of water back into the fridge and walked to the couch, her shoulders slumping
The evening air was filled with laughter, chatter, and distant music at the legendary Prestigious School's outdoor garden.Decorated with a large budget, a red carpet, a glow-up photo stand, a pool, and an archery target with your worst teacher's picture, many interesting and fun activities were available at the event.The guests and former classmates were already mingling, sipping drinks, and greeting each other excitedly.The huge hotel, where they would all be spending the night, was a new project sponsored by Beyoncé. Beautifully lit, it made the perfect backdrop for the reunion party.At the entrance, Beyoncé sat confidently on a plush chair, directing the flow of guests. Dressed in a sparkling, fitted sequin gown worth millions, she looked every bit the queen of the night. Of course, the award for the most expensive and well-dressed would be hers.Her closest friend, Aliyah, equally stylish, sat by her side with a judgmental loo
Beauty's eyes drifted to Bruno's lips. They were tinted with a soft shade of pink, plump and inviting. She hoped to taste them tonight, at least.Kai grinned, clearly pleased with their reaction."Blown away? You're welcome!"Beauty's brow furrowed as she shot Kai a disapproving glance."Kai, he specifically asked for a transformation so he could look like someone else, not a female version of himself!" she snapped."Oh, that's why they had that reaction," Bruno muttered under his breath.Kai rolled his eyes playfully, brushing a strand of blue hair away from his face."But it's not easy to make someone who's naturally good-looking look less attractive!" He winked at Bruno. "Mr. Bruno is just so pretty, it's hard not to make him look fabulous.""Kai!" Jessie exclaimed, throwing her hands up in frustration. "We're trying to make him unrecognizable, not turn him into a beauty pageant contestant!"Bruno laughed nervously.
Bruno blinked, looking a little surprised by Beauty's outburst, but then a small smile appeared on his face."Oops, did someone say something?" Jessie said with a grin, breaking the awkward silence.Kai gasped dramatically, putting a hand over his chest."Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know."Beauty's face turned bright red instantly, and she waved her hands in denial."No, no... it's not... actually-""Actually, you don't need to apologize, Kai," Bruno calmly cut her off, stepping forward and gently wrapping his arm around Beauty's waist.Beauty held her breath the moment his hand rested there, almost as if claiming her.Was he really playing the part of her fake boyfriend? Or did this mean something more? She looked at Bruno, searching his face for answers, but he kept his eyes on Kai."She's right," Bruno said, his voice steady. "I'm not single. Beauty and I... we're together."Beauty's eyes went wide, her heart racing
They walked to the window and saw his car outside.Just then, the doorbell rang downstairs.Jessie turned to Beauty, who instantly tensed up."He's already here," Jessie said, her voice soft but firm. "You need to go and talk to him. It's time to sort this out, Beauty."Beauty bit her lip nervously but nodded."Okay."They both rushed down the stairs.Kai was on his way to inform them about the visitor at the door when he saw them at the top of the staircase."Should I open the door?""Don't worry, Kai, she's got this," Jessie told the young man.As Beauty reached the door, Jessie called after her."And hey," Jessie said, "You must go to that reunion tonight. You hear me?"Beauty paused, her hand on the doorknob, and glanced back at Jessie then nodded.Jessie gave her a reassuring smile as Beauty opened the door.There stood Bruno, looking a bit anxious.His eyes met Beauty's, an