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
Eric, a tall, handsome and well-built man with smooth brown skin that glowed under the soft office lighting. His curly hair and honey brown eyes complimented his skin color.His chiseled jawline, perfectly trimmed beard and that perfect dentition was easily noticed by the female staff in the room. They giggled softly, their voices low, but their eyes never left the handsome newbie.He is an attractive one for sure.Eric had approached Beauty's desk with a soft smile, clutching a few files in his hand. He was still getting used to the company's workflow, and Beauty to him appeared to be the kindest and easy going although today, she seemed unusually moody and not the approachable person he had expected. Despite this, Eric gathered his courage and stepped forward. The pretty privilege can come to his aid this time.Beauty was reading an email to her inbox about the School Reunion."Beyoncé Robin? She is the main sponsor?"She cursed as remembered the particular incident where the sc
Eric smiled back."Thanks, Beauty. I sincerely appreciate your help," Eric said, his smile widening as he caught her gaze. "I've been struggling to get the hang of things around here, and you've made it so much easier... You're as beautiful as your heart. Thank you".Beauty chuckled softly, waving off the compliment, her cheeks flushed."No problem, Eric. I'm happy to help."As she spoke, she unconsciously brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, and Eric's eyes flickered to the movement, admiring the small, graceful gesture. Bruno saw it too, and something in him snapped. The way Eric was looking at her...like she was more than just a helpful co-worker...made Bruno feel like he was going to explode. She hadn't even looked at Bruno today, but here she was, smiling and laughing with Eric like nothing was wrong.He had to turn the monitor off totally, and rushed to get a chill glass of water from the water dispenser."Maybe I should respect her choices, she doesn't belong to me, why can
Beauty stared at the floor, her eyes welling up with tears she had tried so hard to hold back. She bit her lip nervously, trying to suppress her emotions.Unfortunately, her emotions are now like a tangled mess, and she felt like she was about to break."Talk to me," Jessie said, her tone softer now. "What's going on? What did I do?"Beauty took a shaky breath, and finally, unable to contain it any longer, the dam broke. "I... I am sorry Jessie, it's just ... . I am shamelessly jealous of you. That he liked you back, I am sorry. I shouldn't feel that way. He is never mine...not like it could ever be possible. You are beautiful and all that, and I am not a competition" she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.Jessie was speechless, her expression softened instantly. She had been expecting drama, of course but didn't expect her to be this hurt.Beauty wiped her eyes, sniffling as she continued. "When you called last night and excitedly told me that Bruno called you and you guy
Beauty let out a long breath, feeling like a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders in playful anger. "You're such a brat, Jessie! I was going crazy thinking I lost my chance!".Jessie grinned sheepishly. "I know, I know. I didn't mean to push you that far. Forgive me?"Beauty laughed, wiping her face again. "I'll think about it," she teased, though her smile showed that all was forgiven."Good because I'd hate for us to fight over some guy,you know. Not like we are certain about his sexuality. I have a lot of trust issues these days" Jessie said, putting her arm around Beauty's shoulders."He is not gay...stop it, Jessie".Beauty frowned. "Alright, alright. I hope so, too. If he is into women, it's obvious Bruno's more into you. I mean, come on, girl, have you seen the way he looks at you? He interacts with you more. He saved you the other day from getting bullied," Jessie pointed out.Beauty sighed. "You think? It maybe a pity attraction, nothing else".Jessie rolled her eye
Her palms were sweaty, and her heart raced as Bruno's eyes stayed locked on her, as if waiting for her to approach.She swallowed hard, feeling the eyes of every coworker on her. Jessie nudged her forward, whispering, "Go on. He's waiting for you.""What if he fires me?" Beauty whispered back, her voice trembling.Jessie shrugged but gave a reassuring smile."I doubt that. He's sitting at your desk, remember? I think he's here for something else. If it's to fire you. He would have invited you to his office".Jessie whispered back.Beauty's feet felt heavy as she tried to lift them off the ground. Jessie's Apple Watch beeped."Oops, time for my schedule".She told Beauty. "Meet you at lunch break, good luck, tell me all about it".Beauty nodded slowly, but her heart still raced at the intensity of Bruno's gaze."Hey! Mr. Bruno, nice haircut. You look damn hot with that expression on your face! Who got you mad with our reserved young boss?"Jessie announced, swinging her hip like she
Without saying a word, he reached up and, with his large, muscular hands, loosened his tie, pulling it off in one smooth, deliberate motion.He went to the water dispenser and took a glass of chilled water before returning to her.Unexpectedly, he snatched her neck, not too hard, and kissed her hard like he would cut the life out of her."Sir Bruno".Beauty gasped.Without saying anything, he went on and pulled her by the waist then lifted her onto his desk, pinning her down with his body. She could feel the heat radiating from him, their faces inches apart, her heart thundering in her chest.He leaned in, his lips brushing hers, soft at first, teasing her, before capturing her in a deep, passionate kiss that made her head spin. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer, as if he couldn't bear the distance between them.When he finally broke the kiss, they were both breathless, her hands tangled in his shirt, his lips ghosting over her skin.Then, in the haze of passion, he whi
She looked down and bit her lip, her chest tightening. Bruno saw her nervous fingers fiddling the hem of her blouse.*This is not right! I have no right whatsoever to demand her attention. What am I doing? Asking such questions. Dragging her like that In Front of everyone? I didn't consider how she feels too.*"I apologize". His voice came softly.Beauty looked up at him confused."You may go back to work".He said settling down on his chair.Beauty had questions, but she is better off without the answers.*********During lunch break, Beauty made her way to the expensive café where she and Jessie usually met.Her mind was still buzzing from her earlier thoughts about Bruno. What was that question he asked? If he did something wrong?*I can't believe I made him feel bad, why should someone like Bruno care about what I think of him anyway?*She stepped inside, scanning the room until she spotted Jessie sitting at their usual table by the window, already halfway through her dri
"So this is my contact..." Nia said, typing her number into Beauty's phone.Just then, someone clicked a wine glass with a fork to grab everyone's attention. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the podium.Beyoncé stood on the podium, smiling forcefully like a beauty pageant contestant."Good evening, everyone! It's truly wonderful to see so many familiar faces here tonight. Welcome to Prestige High School Reunion, Class of 2014!"The crowd erupted in applause, cheers echoing throughout the room."Well, the Bee is about buzz," Nia commented, rolling her eyes.Beauty felt her heart racing at that instant.Beyoncé would surely get back at her, and she would do it in a very unexpected way.Nia smiled brightly, her enthusiasm contagious."Thanks a lot. Oh my goodness, I was so nervous you would say no. If I were you, I would say no, but thanks a lot! We should definitely hang out sometime. I'd love to
Bruno, sensing Beauty's shyness, stood up and turned to the man, mistaking both for her classmates."You better speak to her nicely, or else...""Bruno!" Beauty snapped in shock.Nia and her husband exchanged glances, their faces darkening at Bruno's threat."I... I understand, but please, I am not here to make her feel uncomfortable. I came to ask her for forgiveness. I am Nia, and he is my husband, not a classmate," she introduced awkwardly.Bruno's eyes lowered a bit, embarrassed. He sat down slowly."I apologize; please have a seat with us," he replied, his tone suddenly friendly."Thank you," Nia replied with a smile, and she whispered to her husband, probably to calm him down after Bruno's threat.Beauty felt her cheeks warm as she looked up at Nia, who was radiating confidence and happiness."Hey, Nia," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.Nia smiled happily and took her hands, maki
After the photoshoot, Bruno and Beauty walked into the party room, which was buzzing with laughter and chatter. The vibrant decorations created a festive atmosphere, with colorful balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling. The sound of clinking glasses and lively music filled the air."Wow!" Beauty gasped."Are you okay?" Bruno whispered, taking her hand.Beauty nodded and smiled at him. "Just happy to see everyone again.""Even though they were rude and mean to you?" Bruno asked.Beauty smiled back at him. "They were high schoolers; it's a teenage attitude.""You know that's not how it works. A bully is a bully, no matter their age," Bruno replied, then scanned the room until he found an empty table in the corner, away from the crowd, and settled down."Great, a quiet corner," Bruno said beneath his breath."Come on, I found a table," he said softly, leading her to the spot.His presence didn't go unnoticed; eyes
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