His hands reached out towards her, and cupped the back of her neck.His heart raced, and for the first time, he allowed himself to breathe.Meanwhile, Beauty's breath caught in her throat, and she closed her eyes tightly. Not sure why she had to do so. Her breathing hardened at this point, she doesn't care if she would be the same as the others.She wanted to feel loved by a man she loved dearly. Even if he is faking it.She is desperate at this point, and she felt sorry for herself.A tear dropped on her cheeks.Bruno noticed it, his heart sank, but he realized she hadn't pulled away even with that tear on her cheek.Maybe...just maybe...she was waiting for him to make the move. To make her feel loved.She looks so vulnerable, and he doesn't want to make a mistake.What if he disappointed her by not going for it? His resolve crumbled.His free hand moved almost instinctively, from her neck reaching up to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin to wipe off the tears as though testing
"No way...he is so handsome! My little baby got herself a hot shot. Wait, have I seen him somewhere?(Paused and decided to wave of off) Look at that height difference...she looks so tiny next to him, he is definitely Beauty's type".She giggled and went to get her husband.Who was seated nearby, reading, going through his phone."Hill? Hill? Come have a look at this!" she whispered excitedly, pulling him to the window. "Come on."Mr. Hill groaned as his energetic wife pulled him up to his feet.Hill arose by himself and smiled at her little effort. Then he walked with her to the window.They both peered through the rain-soaked glass. They could see a young man standing in front of Beauty, who was staring down shyly, wrapped in a tight hoodie yet oversized sleeves.Those are clearly not hers."Who's that?" Hill asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is that her boyfriend?""I don't know," His wife replied, her voice brimming with curiosity. "I think I have seen him before, like on a blog or TV s
But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw moving shadows from the window, upstairs.He looked back to Beauty, she had her eyes closed, pouting. He smiled at her, embarrassed on her behalf."Look at that, Honey, they are about to kiss!"Mrs. Hill whispered in excitement."Let's give them some privacy".Mr. Hill replied."What? You can't bear seeing your daughter kissing a man?"Bruno noticed Beauty's parents were standing by the window, watching them intently.His heart skipped a beat and his body stiffened. He quickly stepped back, breaking the moment. His face flushed with embarrassment as he cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. He couldn't let himself get carried away, not with her parents watching. As much as he wanted her, he had to be respectful.It could turn way worse if Beauty reacted in some way that shows that they are not a couple yet."Be careful please".He said to Beauty...Beauty, opened her eyes, flustered and confused by the sudden shift, glanced ov
As soon as Beauty stepped into the house, she met the eager faces of her parents waiting by the door. Her mother was already buzzing with excitement, her eyes gleaming, while Her father, though quieter, stood with his arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.Beauty knew where this was leading to.She greeted them softly and turned to walk to her room."Beauty! Who was that young man?"Mrs. Hill asked, practically bouncing on her toes. "He looked so handsome! And those clothes...are they his? Those ain't your clothes!"Beauty's face flushed with embarrassment instantly, and she pulled the hood tighter around her head, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Mom..., Dad.... Calm down".She mumbled, kicking off her wet shoes. ."It's not what you guys think. He's Sir Bruno...my boss. He gave me a ride because of the rain. That's all.""Your boss? Well, he is quite young and good-looking too".Her mother replied."*Just your boss?" Her father chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "And he
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
"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.