"Beauty, darling," her mother said, clasping her hands together in delight. "This young man asked to see you."Beauty's heart raced faster; she could feel her pulse in her ears. She had asked back then, and he had confirmed the gifts were from him.Maybe it was just a coincidence, she convinced herself as her stomach knotted uncomfortably.Eric, still smiling warmly, stepped forward, holding the flowers out toward Beauty."Hey," he said softly, his eyes locking with hers."Hey," Beauty replied dryly."I thought it was about time I stopped hiding behind the gifts. I've been wanting to tell you for a while, but... I wasn't sure how. I didn't want to make things awkward at work, you know? But I just couldn't keep it a secret any longer."Beauty's eyes darted between the bouquet and Eric's face. Her mind flashed back to what she had heard from the beauticians concerning the confrontation between him and Bruno.Suddenly, anger welled up inside her.Beauty wasn't happy to see Eric at all. T
Eric gulped hard."I... I called Bruno before coming here, just to check, you know? To make sure it was okay for me to... to make a move."Beauty stared at him, dumbfounded. She felt a deep pang in her heart at that statement."Bruno wouldn't dare..." Jessie thought sadly."When?" Beauty finally found her voice."Earlier this evening," Eric answered, his voice now a little shaky under her intense glare.Beauty swallowed hard, feeling tight with shame, sadness, and disbelief. She blinked back her tears.How could Bruno move on so easily? Was she really that forgettable to him?Regaining her composure, she asked sharply, "And what, you thought it was okay to try your luck on the same day I broke up with Bruno?"Eric was fumbling now, realizing how ridiculous it sounded."I didn't know you two broke up today," he said defensively, holding his hands up as if surrendering. "I swear I didn't know. I've been sending you those gifts for months, Beauty. I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just t
"How'd it go?" Bruno asked.Eric sighed."Honestly, it didn't go well at all," he replied. "Beauty was devastated when I told her you gave me a pass to ask her out. I've never seen her look that hurt before." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "I don't understand why you made me do this anyway. Why put her through all that?"Bruno was silent for a while before replying slowly."I didn't want her to feel like no one wanted her. I thought... maybe it could help her, make her realize she has other options if I'm gone."Eric leaned back in his seat, shaking his head."I don't know, man. This... it feels wrong. I don't think it'll make her feel any better," he replied. "Yeah, I do like her, I guess, but... not like that. Not enough to defend her like you did at the salon. Besides..."He hesitated, unsure how Bruno would take his advice."If you really care, why not talk things out? I don't know why you broke up with her in the first place, but in this situation, I think she needs suppor
Eric heard the click as Bruno hung up on him."Wow, he hung up on me. Did I make him mad?" Eric muttered as he stared at the phone screen.---As the call ended, Bruno placed his phone down. He gulped hard, eyes closed. Leaning back in his chair, he rubbed a hand across his face.He hated the feeling of guilt after Eric's words.Eric was right; Bruno might be a genius at work, but he knew little about women. And the fact that he couldn't bear to see another man around her yet still pushed Eric to approach her was pathetic.A small voice in his head asked, "What are you going to do now?"Bruno opened his eyes slowly."I wanted her to heal from what happened. I thought she would feel better knowing she had another admirer, that it would help her."Anger rushed through him."How could I be so careless?"The thought of her moving on-someone else holding her, making her laugh, kissing her in certain places-tore him apart. He wouldn't survive that for sure.Moreover, letting Eric, of all pe
The next day, Beauty woke up early, though it felt like she hadn't slept at all. She had tossed and turned through the night, her mind a swirl of thoughts and frustrations.Bruno had moved on so easily, and that thought alone left her feeling heartbroken.To make things worse, her mother kept bringing up Eric, talking about how handsome he was and how they would make a nice couple.Could Eric really be the one who has been sending those gifts and supportive notes? Beauty wondered.She had tried asking Bruno once, and he had said the gifts were from him. But now, thinking back on it, maybe he said it just to take credit for something sweet.Bruno isn't that type of person, she thought.Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. It was Jessie calling.She sighed and answered on the second ring."Hello...""How are you feeling?" Jessie asked softly."Better. Thanks for yesterday. I'll be on my way to the company soon," Beauty replied."All right. I'll see you soon. Take care," Jessie sai
She found Bruno and Kathy in an awkward, close position that looked somehow intimate.Kathy's hands rested on Bruno's shoulder, her lips near his ear while his hand lightly clasped her wrist. Beauty was unsure if he was putting them on her or about to put them away from her.For Bruno to let Kathy get that close to him, something must be going on between them. Kathy may be a desperate type, but still, Bruno had kept his distance until now.Is he trying to move on with Kathy? Why Kathy?Kathy's eyes met Beauty's wet ones, and she smirked."Well," Kathy drawled, "how may we help you?"Beauty swallowed, fighting to keep her composure. She turned to Bruno, ignoring Kathy completely."Sir Bruno, may I speak with you privately? Could she excuse us?"The fact that she referred to him as Sir Bruno triggered him. But he had to swallow it anyway; he was the one who said they were over with the relationship between them.However, it seemed like she was moving ahead very fast. Too fast for him to
Kathy turned to her, a bit surprised by the tone in her voice. She found Beauty smiling."Oh, I see, trying to seduce Mr. Bruno has given you some boldness.""You are just mad; I am better at it than you. You have been trying to seduce Mr. Bruno... well, you should stop forcing it. He just doesn't like you... he doesn't like skinny," Beauty replied boldly, giving her a look.Kathy scoffed, a bit triggered."I am not doubting it. You should walk the runway better too; I am sure people would love to see a hippopotamus on the runway."Beauty smirked."They can handle it; a walking skeleton is a lot scarier and weird."That triggered her even more."I am sure you are not referring to me as a skeleton, darling. You better not want to be my enemy.""I would never be your friend. I will take being your enemy as a compliment, and before you threaten me, you should eat more; I did crush you with my weight.""Oh, I see you've been taking therapy sessions. Someone must have told you that you are
A few of them coughed to cover their chuckles, while others glanced at each other, sharing silent gossip with raised eyebrows but tightly pressed lips to keep from laughing out loud.Kathy stormed toward Bruno's office to report, her broken heel causing her to limp slightly."It wasn't even a fair fight. She knew she was going to win with that stinking weight," she muttered to herself."She will pay for the damages. I'll make sure she pays for every damn scratch on my skin!"Without a second thought, she flung open Bruno's office door, limping inside and slamming it behind her.Bruno looked up, startled. He stared at her, from her disheveled hair to her missing shoe, with her toe pressing on the ground and the sole barely hanging on."Halloween costume?""Haha, funny!" she snapped back, tears glistening in her eyes."What... what happened to you? I am absolutely speechless," Bruno said, trying hard to keep from laughing."That monster you call an employee! That fat whale, Beauty, atta
Just then, a knock sounded on thedoor."Mmmm...Bruno... someone's knocking..Beauty moaned.Bruno responded by mumbling something inaudible while feasting on her breasts."Bruno... Bruno!" Beauty called, louder this time.Bruno's eyes snapped open, his breathing still heavy, his hands clutching the pillow as if it were her.He was lying on the bed, fully dressed, he looked over the beds; he was alone.He was lying on his bed, fully dressed.Turning towards the door, he saw Beauty and her friend talking, then both paused and gazed at him.Beauty looked like she had a lot of questions; she was also dressed in pajamas."Was it a dream?" he wondered, closing his eyes slowly as he realized and cursed."Yeah... I took my bath before her last night. I should've known...Damn... I almost lost my virginity to Beauty in the dream."He cursed.Suddenly he felt a tightness in his groin and rushed to the bathroom."What's with him?" Jessie askedBeauty, surprised at Bruno's actions.Beauty glanc
Trying to keep up, he over-swung a tad, and his right foot slipped on the sudsy shower floor, slamming his knee into the tile wall.He let out a pained hiss.Beauty gagged loudly as his entire twelve inches pressed deeper into her throat.She backed off for a moment, and Bruno saw his cock reemerge from her mouth.Beauty coughed to clear her throat and wrapped her lips around him again.She took half of it in, filling her mouth, and put a hand on each of his buttocks, squeezing as hard as she could."She's very experienced," Bruno thought.He had a flashback of the video with Stephen, his brows arching as he tried to wave it away from his mind.Then she sucked him with a force like she was trying to siphon gasoline from a gas tank three blocks away.Bruno almost fell over again, but within three or four hearty jolts, he felt his release nearing."I can't... I can't hold it anymore," he groaned loudly, moving faster.Beauty held onto him as tightly as possible, enduring until he finish
Beauty stood outside the bathroom door, drying with a towel tied around her bosom, her body still wet. Bruno had persisted in taking a shower.An idea came to her as revenge.She bit her lower lip and tiptoed slowly to the bathroom.There was mist in the air and a loud pounding of the shower.Fortunately, it was a large shower stall, and Bruno was facing sideways with his head directly under the showerhead.Beauty opened the smoked glass door and stepped into the shower."What the fu--," Bruno exclaimed as he turned to face her, startled, clearly not expecting her to come inside the bathroom.Not after she was embarrassed by him seeing her naked a few minutes ago.Was she just playing with him?"Need any help?" Beauty asked, grinning.Then she lost the towel around her bosom. It dropped down, and so did Bruno's eyes and jaw.Beauty smiled softly at him.She grabbed a bar of soap off the ledge and began lathering up her palms."Need some help?" she repeated.Bruno face flushed and he r
After the meal, Beauty didn't return to her room like the others; she stayed outside until night fell.Jessie joined her, and they chatted about everything that had happened. They talked, laughed, and vented, though only for a short time before Jessie finally retired to bed, leaving Beauty alone with her thoughts.Beauty checked the time on her phone. By now, Bruno must be fast asleep, she thought, a grin sneaking across her face as she walked quietly down the hallway.Slowly, she opened the door of the room, tiptoed inside, and closed the door quietly behind her.She found Bruno sleeping on the bed. Then she felt very uncomfortable in her skin, so she knew she had to take a bath as fast as possible.She wanted to take her clothes off, then paused and stole a glance back at Bruno on the bed. Her cheeks flushed hotly.He has seen her naked many times, right? He accepted her; what is she afraid of?On second thought, Beauty waved the motivation away."He must have noticed I'm in the roo
Kathy's gaze narrowed as she watched Beauty and Bruno's interaction across the table. She had been watching and enduring their interaction, but not anymore.She decided to do something to grab everyone's attention. With a smirk, she leaned forward."Wow, Beauty... slow down with the eating... it's embarrassing... you are a lady," she whispered just loud enough to grab everyone's attention.Every head turned towards her.Beauty's fork hung in the air as she chewed slowly."Excuse me?" Beauty replied with a frown."Oh, I didn't mean anything by it, it's just a joke," Kathy replied and smiled at her."Well, thank goodness she has an appetite," Bruno cut in. "Maybe you should eat more, Ms. Jones, add some weight so you won't have to come to my office crying about getting beaten up by your fellow lady."Bruno shrugged.The rest of them looked at him as if he'd just learned how to speak. He was never this blunt; he was usually soft-spoken and gentle.Jessie made sure her laughter was loud.
As Beauty sat, still lost in thought after her call with Nia, she heard a sudden burst of voices and laughter approaching the living room.Lola Cruz walked into the room with her team, their arms laden with platters of Puerto Rican delicacies that filled the air with mouth-watering aromas."Alright, everyone! Come on, gather up! We've got a feast waiting for you!" she called out.Her energy was infectious.Ferdinand and his assistant, May, stood beside her."Can you help, May?" Ferdinand said.Although a bit hesitant, May gave him a nod and walked toward the rooms' passageway, knocking on each door.As soon as they opened, she forced the words out."Ms. Cruz has invited everyone for dinner in the banquet hall. She's waiting in the main room; please head down promptly.""Finally, food," Jessie stretched and walked back into the room.Kathy was brushing her hair, getting ready for the meal and trying not to appear less attractive. She followed the hairbrush with blush, lip gloss, and ma
"Finally, I get to hear your voice. How have you been?" Nia asked softly over the phone."Hey, Nia! I am great, and you?" Beauty answered with a smile."Oh, I am good. I'm happy to hear you're doing great. And Jessie?""She's fine.""Great... mind if I ask, how are you coping... you know... the reunion... Beyoncé and...?"Beauty sighed deeply."It's... well... It's ...it's a bit complicated," Beauty admitted, glancing towards their room, her mind swirling with memories of their earlier interaction."Complicated? You mean because of him? Don't tell me you're thinking about ignoring the fact that he disrespected you and was sleeping with that bitch...""He was innocent, Nia."Nia was quiet for a minute, as if she misheard those words, and had to ask."Innocent?"Beauty sighed, rubbing her temples as if trying to erase the memory of how she messed everything up."Bruno was blackmailed by Beyoncé, Nia. He had to give in to save me from traumatizing shame.""What shame... how... what black
Beauty coughed and cleared her throat."Can you just... stay over there, on your side of the room? And put on a shirt, please..."She paused abruptly, noticing his clothes scattered across the floor. She picked them up before continuing."And look, I don't want all this mess here. We both have to share this room for the next few days on this tour, so don't..."She turned, and her gaze landed at his chest level, so you couldn't blame her for spacing out for a moment, staring at him."You were saying?"His voice brought her back.Beauty looked up, blinking."Please put on a shirt, for crying out loud!" she snapped, starting to gather up his things from the floor.What is this mess for?Is he a toddler?Bruno lifted a thick brow in a questioning arch."Why should I put on a shirt?" he replied dryly.She rolled her eyes."It's called decency, Mister Sir. You wouldn't like it if I walked around butt naked."At this point, she had no idea what she was saying.Her speech was translated to he
Beauty stood there, frozen in the hallway, feeling a mix of nerves and frustration as she watched Jessi-her supposed "best friend"-smirk, wink, and slip into her room, leaving her stranded in front of the door to the room she'd be sharing with Bruno.Jessie is going to pay for this!Beauty yelled inside. Then she glanced nervously at the door, taking a deep breath to prepare herself for the unknown."Okay, Beauty. You got this. Just... pretend he's not there. Self-respect, dignity. No stupid decisions; remember, show him you are not that Beauty anymore... it won't be easy, but good luck," she whispered to herself.After one more deep breath, she opened the door and walked in.The room was much bigger than she feared it would be, with two king-sized beds and wardrobes on each side.Thankfully, it was a relief for her.Maybe this would be easier than she thought."Please, please let there be separate bathrooms," she muttered, her eyes scanning the room.Only one bathroom in sight.Does