Before Beauty's parents could bombard her with any more questions.Beauty seized the opportunity to escape, hurrying toward her room. She could still hear them talking in hushed tones behind her, obviously not buying her casual dismissal.Her mother, still unsatisfied by the answers she got, persisted.“We need to talk about this, you know!”Her husband put his hands on his shoulder.“Just let her be Sweetie, we can only hope for this to be good…for the best…someone who will see her the way we see her”.“I hope so too… I am just you know…excited. I got a feeling that he is the one for her…did you see the way he looked at her? We need to know more about that young man… I want her to be happy…you know… I am sick of seeing her always sad and lonely and insecure…”.She paused abruptly as a sob erupts from her throat.Mr. Hill smiled and kissed her on the cheek.“Sweetie. I know you are excited and also worried, but let's not push her too hard into another relationship, give her some time…
"You are not joking. He called you," Beauty asked, her voice softer now, masking her disappointment."Yes! I still can't believe it".Jessie exclaimed."Yeah.... Why exactly?""I'm not sure,".Jessie replied with a laugh. "He said he was just checking in, making sure I was doing okay after that stressful week at work. It's so thoughtful of him, right? I didn't even know he cared about me like that. You know, in that sort of way."Beauty forced a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes."Yeah... Very thoughtful," she replied slowly, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.Suddenly, everything she'd felt earlier, the connection, the unspoken tension between them felt like a just cruel illusion. The moment they'd shared in the car, the way he'd held her, the way he looked at her... had it all been in her head? Was she living in a delusion, seeing something that wasn't really there?*I guess I was just being delusional. Bruno was just that kind of person. Someone who can't see so
As he held the hoodie, the faint scent of her perfume drifted to his nose. It was subtle, floral, and undeniably feminine, it's her favorite scent. He was familiar with it.He paused, breathing it in for a moment longer than he should have.It felt like having a part of her still there with him, even after dropping her off. The fabric was nearly dry now, but the warmth of her presence still lingered.A strange impulse took over him. Bruno brought the hoodie up to his nose again, closing his eyes as he took in her scent. It felt intimate in a way that made his heart race. He opened his eyes slowly with the fabric still under his nostrils, he couldn't help but wonder for a split second*Did she leave it for me?* But then he quickly shook his head. Of course, she hadn't. Beauty didn't seem like the type to pull something like that. She was too innocent, too genuine. She probably hadn't even realized it was missing yet.Before he knew it, he was slipping it over his own head, the fabr
*I am so dead*Raymond stood at the spot, feeling awkward and exposed, waiting for his fate.When he couldn't stand the cold stare and the tension was burning his feet, and it was very uncomfortable.He had to speak out first, apologize before Bruno takes action against this act of his.He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed."I...am a bit tipsy. I apologize for my rude behavior"."You are drunk? Is that what you are supposed to act like? You need more lessons on that, your acting skill sucks".Bruno replied sarcastically."He maybe the quiet type but he got one devil of a tongue*Raymond thought."I am so sorry Mr. Bruno, please don't hate me."Raymond replied.Bruno sighed deeply with a hand on his face."Fine, get back to work. I don't want this to repeat itself again.""Thank..thank sir".Raymond replied with his head still lowered.Bruno walked past him towards the elevator.Again, Raymond perceived the subtle scent of a feminine perfume all over him, making him realize what he h
She had never paid attention to something as subtle as her brother's cologne, and the fact that Raymond had been so aware of it made her realize how deeply Raymond's feelings for Bruno ran. "Wait," she said, processing his words. "You're saying Bruno had a feminine fragrance on him?"Raymond rolled his eyes in frustration. He didn't want to go into details, he felt jealous of that strange woman out there. "Yeah. And it wasn't faint, either. It was all over him. His clothes, his skin...everything." He glanced down, fidgeting slightly. "Whoever she is, he must've been really all over her. I also suspect that the hoodie is not his. Bruno never wears anything apart from gray color and black colored""This is unbelievable".Bruno was known for being reserved and keeping to himself, never one to flaunt any relationships or even hint at having a romantic life. If what Raymond was saying was true, it meant Bruno had a secret female lover and Abigail had no idea."Are you sure?" she ask
"Why do you hate me? You've always loved your little sister when we were young, but now you hardly listen to me! It's sad...it's heartbreaking...it's so hard for me...please open the door, don't lock me out... I will die".She faked crying.Sighing in frustration, he reluctantly walked to the door and opened it, trying to keep his expression neutral. "You should leave modeling, go into the movie industry and show off your talent".Bruno told her.Abigail immediately stopped her acting and dried off her tears. Without warning, she leaned in and sniffed the air like a bloodhound, her nose twitching."Did you just... sniff me?" Bruno asked, incredulous.Abigail ignored his question, raising an eyebrow. "You smell different."Bruno frowned, stepping back instinctively. "I don't know what you're talking about.""Oh, don't play dumb, Bruno She gave him a knowing look, her curiosity piqued. "You smell like a woman. It's all over you...all these while I thought you were innocent'"He r
Monday morning, Beauty arrived at the company with a heavy heart, her usual brightness was dulled by the storm of emotions swirling in her mind. She couldn't stop thinking about her conversation with Jessie last night. Jessie had sounded so excited when Beauty asked her to go ahead with Bruno, yet it wasn't from her deepest heart.Beauty knew she shouldn't feel this way because Bruno wasn't hers, after all. But the thought of Jessie getting closer to him, and even pursuing him, twisted her insides in ways she hadn't expected.As she stepped into the designer's office, her eyes darted around, instinctively searching for Bruno. She told herself to calm down and act like nothing happened."Don't be jealous! Beauty. It's just Jessie. She's your best friend. You can't be upset about this".She scolded herself internally.But no matter how much she tried to reason with herself, the pain was undeniable.The thought of someone else getting close to Bruno, let alone her best friend Jessie
Beauty wasn't her usual self.Normally, she'd greet him with a smile or a shy blush, her eyes lighting up whenever their gazes met. Even before they ever had a conversation. She was always smiling whenever they made eye contact."Perhaps the same with the rest of them".He thought as he noticed the female staff smiling and giggling at his new look.However, he attracted him in a different way. But today, she didn't even acknowledge his presence. She kept her head down, busying herself with whatever task was in front of her, avoiding any eye contact.Bruno's heart felt like his heart just got ripped out of its chamber.He tried to catch her eye, by intentionally walking In Front of her desk with the hope of sparking even a small greeting, but she barely glanced in his direction. She looked...determined to avoid him at all means, like she was deliberately putting up a wall between them.*What's going on? Did I do something wrong?*Bruno thought, feeling the sharp sting of anxiety prick
"I am still waiting for your reply," Jessie said, her voice strict."I-I choose to go," Beauty said slowly.Jessie sighed and gave her a hug."I know you can do it," she whispered softly."Thanks, Jessie," Beauty murmured. Just then, Jessie's phone rang. They parted from the hug, and she took her phone from where she had left it on Beauty's bed.She glanced at the screen and saw Bruno's name flashing."Bruno?" she muttered and looked up at Beauty, who immediately felt uncomfortable and opened her mouth to say something."Hold on a sec," Jessie said instead, holding up a finger as she answered the call."Hey, Mr. Bruno, what's up?"Bruno hesitated, as if thinking about what to say."Jessie, I don't know what's going on. Beauty called me about an hour ago and said I shouldn't worry about the reunion. Did I do something wrong? Is she mad at me?"Jessie's eyes widened, and she glanced at Beauty, who was now fid
The sun was hot in the afternoon when Jessie arrived at Beauty's home, her face brimming with excitement.It's the reunion day, and she seemed more eager than Beauty, herself.Jessie bounded up to the door, pressing the doorbell repeatedly and impatiently.Behind her, Kai, the male makeup artist, stepped out of the car.He wore a fitted pastel pink crop top that hugged his slender frame, paired with high-waisted black trousers that accentuated his long legs.His platinum blonde hair fell in soft waves, framing his delicate features, and his bold, glittery eyeliner made his blue eyes pop. A few playful piercings adorned his ears, perfectly matching his vibrant, flamboyant style.Jessie sighed as she jabbed the doorbell once more."Don't tell me she's developed cold feet. This is not the time to be nervous, Beauty," she muttered under her breath.She pressed the doorbell again, repeatedly.Her phone buzzed in
When the call connected, the screen flickered to reveal Beyoncé sitting at the head of a large conference table. Around her were several well-dressed individuals, clearly involved in some kind of meeting.Their eyes shifted toward the screen the moment Beauty's face appeared.Beauty nervously straightened up, took a deep breath, and leaned into the screen.She was able to recognize one or two faces in fact all of them!They were her high school classmates.Beyoncé was sitting at the center. She had the most glow up.Her blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, styled in soft waves that perfectly framed her barbie-like face.She had a flawless complexion, her rosy cheeks accentuating her wide, doll-like eyes. And that low cleavage outfit that proudly announces the fullness and heaviness of her massive bosom. Hiding nothing except the peach center."Beauty! Finally, it's great to see you again...it's been
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Bruno ran a hand through his tousled hair, his eyes drifting toward the window.Deep in thought.The anticipation for Beauty's school reunion event stirred a mixture of excitement and anxiety deep inside.Tomorrow is D-Day!The day he will finally confess his feelings.He may go to the Reunion as a fake Boyfriend, but he is going home as a real one.She would say yes... Jessie assured him.He laid back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.His thoughts were consumed by the memory of how Beauty had looked at him before they said goodbye that evening.He wanted to kiss her but...Bruno let out a slow breath.Tomorrow could change everything or nothing. And that uncertainty was what kept his heart pounding.****Beauty was going through her phone, the tweets about their reunion hashtags were all over the social media platforms.Re
Abigail rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Ugh, don't even get me started. I'm done with male assistants. Seems like every male assistant is gay and every gay guy available wants to work here for your sake. Very straightforward individuals. I'm tired of it.""Right. So you decided on... her?" He glanced at Chloe, who was still grinning like she was meeting a celebrity.Abigail shrugged. "Why not? She's competent, and unlike the others, she's not here to swoon over you."Bruno looked back at Trivia, smiling sheepishly at him and waving with her face flushed."Very convincing".Bruno replied.Trivia face flushed more red, and she quickly looked down at her tablet, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I.... I just admire your work, Mr. Bruno," she stammered, "but I promise I'm here to assist Ms. Abigail."Abigail gave Bruno a pointed look, grinning like the cat that got the cream. "See? She's here for me.""Right..." Bruno muttered, unconvinced. He turned and sta
Bruno pushed open the grand mahogany door of his family mansion, feeling exhausted all over. He dared to make a decision that may likely make his father roar like a wounded lion.But for Beauty...He took a deep breath and made his way across the marble-floored living room. It had been a long, intense day, and all he wanted was some peace and quiet. Unfortunately for him, his sister, Abigail, was seated on the plush, cream-colored sectional, her eyes fixed on her laptop. The soft glow of the screen reflected off the modern, glass coffee table in front of her. She looked up from her work as he walked by, immediately catching a familiar scent in the air."That... feminine perfume?" Abigail raised an eyebrow, closing her laptop slowly. "Bruno, who is she?"Bruno rolled his eyes subtly, too tired to entertain her questions. He simply ignored her and walked toward the hallway that led to his suite. The smell she mentioned was faint but noticeable, a subtle floral scent of Beauty's perf
"I... am sorry... I need to head out now. I've got some things to take care of before tomorrow," Bruno said softly, his eyes intensely fixed on Beauty, waiting for her reply.She nodded and met his gaze."Okay... thanks again. I appreciate it."Bruno nodded and stood there, staring down at her, his lips slightly parted. Beauty felt her throat tighten at the way he looked at her. It was like he had something more to say or... do with those lips.Jessie, of course, noticed the body language and stepped back with a smile, giving them just enough space but still watching closely.Beauty tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking down at her shoes for a moment before meeting Bruno's gaze again. Their eyes locked for a moment.Finally, Bruno spoke first."I... I will see you tomorrow."Jessie slapped her forehead. "Come on, Mr. Bruno! I think Beauty deserves a proper goodbye. Remember, the sedu-practice the chemistry for the reunion. A hug? A kiss on the cheek? Or something!""Not so e
As soon as Beauty was close enough, Jessie clasped both sides of Beauty's face, turning it left and right as if inspecting a masterpiece."You look like you just stepped out of a movie! What have you done?!"Jessie snapped.Beauty laughed, a little embarrassed, stepping back shyly."It's just a haircut, Jess. I also had a little makeover, that's all. Stop with the flattering"she blushed."I am serious here girl. You look amazing!" She turned to Bruno, who was standing behind Beauty, watching Beauty with a smile on his face."Bruno, did you see this? Did you actually see how gorgeous she is?!" Jessie teased."She's always been beautiful".he said, giving Beauty a look that made her cheeks warm. "Always been beautiful," Jessie said, imitating Bruno's calm tone."That's all?! I bet you were sitting there in the car, dying inside, trying to act all cool. Look at you.Mr. Cool Guy," Jessie said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.Bruno licked his lips, his smile widening as he tuck
Beauty's breath caught instantly. "I... mean ..I want you to see yourself as a beautiful, gorgeous woman that you are".Bruno added, clenching his fingers tightly inside his pockets."That's all? Please tell me that's not all," Beauty pleaded silently, her eyes focused on him. Her pulse thrummed in her ears, and she couldn't move her eyes away from his.She waited, but nothing more came from his mouth. She had to say something."Thanks...for...everything,Sir...Bruno...Bruno".She stammered."Also...the chocolates... I enjoyed them. Thanks... you're a really nice person," she smiled back at him."It's nothing. My pleasure".Bruno replied and cursed to himself as he held the car door open for her, his heart pounding in his chest. He had wanted to tell her not just how beautiful she looked but how much she meant to him. How much he wanted her. But, as always, the words stayed trapped in his head.What the hell is wrong with him?!"Thank you," Beauty said softly, stepping into the car.