Just then Bruno's phone buzzed on his desk, breaking the silence.He glanced at it, then looked back at Beauty."Excuse me for a moment," he murmured softly, stepping aside to take the call, tissue still on his nose.Beauty, still feeling the lingering warmth of their closeness, tried to refocus herself. Then, she couldn't help but notice the way Bruno's voice softened as he answered the phone."Hey," he greeted, his tone gentle and affectionate in a way Beauty had never heard from him before.The tenderness in his voice made her heart drop with jealousy."Yeah, I've been working late... but I'm almost done. Don't worry, I'll be home soon. Love you too"*Did he just say love you too? Who was he talking to? He sounded so sweet, so caring, like he was speaking to someone special. He had someone in his life! Could it be his girlfriend? All my hopes are lost!*Beauty was dead curious to know the caller's identity. She can't help but wonder who had Bruno talking so tenderly, and why it hu
However, Beauty didn't respond, she was sad and mad at him for no good reason. Nothing like mood swings at all, for some reason, she is still jealous because of the unknown caller. Besides, her parents traveled again, so he should keep his gifts.Bruno was quite observative, and noticed that she was not in the mood for that conversation. He simply stepped down and went into the mall. After few minutes he came with shopping bags, and he stuffed them into the back seat.The journey continued silently again and was even more awkward than before.Beauty felt stiff and uncomfortable. She didn't want to show her emotions, but it was impossible to keep the bitterness from rushing into her thoughts. And she is also acting rude towards Bruno unintentionally.She noticed the occasional glances Bruno shot her way, sensing something was off.He wasn't good with emotions or reading people...she knew that much...but it seemed even he could tell something was wrong.*You literally ignored his ques
*Well, I guess I am not on the list, that's why he feels more comfortable talking to me than all the pretty girls at the company. Kathy was right. Here I am thinking I was special because I was able to engage in a conversation with him*Beauty cried inwardly.Her throat tightened, but she forced a smile at Bruno, nodding as if she understood, but inside, her heart was sinking, hurting, breaking!She had hoped for more, maybe even some hidden affection from him, but instead, he friend-zoned her."Thanks," she said quietly, staring out the window to avoid looking at him. She couldn't let him see how much his words had crushed her. *He is not sexually attracted to me.Nothing new Beauty, nothing new. At Least he is being honest*Bruno frowned slightly, sensing her mood didn't change at all in fact she seemed more upset now, he wasn't sure how to address it. He knew so little about these kinds of situations, especially when it came to women. He didn't intend to make her uncomfortable,
"Beauty, you are impossible, what am I going to do? Apologize? How?"She paced the room, biting her lip, replaying the conversation over and over. But then, something came to mind.Bruno's hoodie and sweatpants!She had completely forgotten to return them. She will use it as an opportunity to apologize and thank him for the other day.Beauty drew a deep breath and looked through the door hole. She could see Bruno still there, staring at the door."I am so disappointed in myself. How can he be this gentleman? I expected him to drive away angrily. Look at him looking like a cute puppy abandoned by his owner. Does he even know that he is Bruno!"She muttered to herself.Without wasting any more time Beauty ran to her room and grabbed the hoodie and rushed outside, her heart pounding even faster now. Bruno was staring off into the distance, lost in thought. She walked up to the car window, tapping on the glass, trying to calm the storm inside her.Bruno rolled down the window, his expres
The next day, Bruno walked into the company, he was the most punctual as always, but this time he had something on his mind. He glanced towards Beauty's desk.*I guess she will be at work today. I asked her to take a day off after all*He sighed."Good morning, Mr. Handsome!" Someone cuts into his thoughts.Bruno looked up, and his gaze followed the voice.He found Jessie dressed to kill as always.He knew her as a close friend of Beauty, actually her only friend. Also for her similarities with his sister Abigail.*Should I ask her about Beauty? Not a good idea*He nodded at her and she winked back.As wild as always."Good morning, Mr. Bruno!"Another greeting smiling like a fish.That's Miss Charlotte. The main custom designer's assistant, she is always fangirling over Bruno. So he knows better to ignore her and avoid any drama.Bruno simply smiled back and walked into his office.Trying to focus, he went through the typed works yesterday and found some errors from Beauty's works.
She was at her desk discussing with Jessie when she heard Maya's soft, melodic voice calling Bruno's name."Well look at that, Bruno is openly getting a love confession, such a brave little spoiled girl. I heard she is from a famous family. Now it's like a tradition of heartbreaks... No one warned her that Bruno hates public display".Jessie whispered to Beauty trying to make a joke of the situation, but Beauty was too disturbed to take it lightly.Her heart was pounding harder and harder.*Look at that tiny waist and hips, Maya is a god's work of art!*"Mr. Bruno," Maya said, her tone sweet yet confident, "I know this might be unexpected, but I can't keep these feelings to myself any longer."She took a deep breath, her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush. "I admire you so much. You're kind, intelligent, and everything I've been looking for. I just... I wanted you to know how I feel. I think .... I know I have fallen for you. I want you to give me a chance."Bruno was a bit embarras
Beauty watched Bruno leave the place, and slammed his office door after him.*He must be pissed by all of that*"Your love is angry, won't you do something?"Jessie whispered, cutting into Beauty's thoughts, and hit her on the arm playfully."Ouch!"Beauty cried out sharply flexing her arm."Oh my gosh did it hurt so much, I am sorry".Jessie gasped, looking worried.Before Beauty could respond, they were interrupted by a high-pitched voice."Fatty, cancel my schedule for next week? I am traveling to Paris with my boyfriend".Kathy was standing right in front of Beauty's desk with her pet cat in her arms.Jessie was flabbergasted.First, Beauty is not even her assistant to cancel her next week's appointments and also why telling her the details and purpose of all that, Vacation with her boyfriend."Kathy, my name is Bea...".Beauty paused, unable to complete it, because of her insecurities, especially when dealing with one of them, her bullies."Bea ... what? Oh! You are smart, I was
"They said, Kathy dumped him, he is not too good in bed and also not her type that's why".Jessie continued."Please don't tell me about their relationship".Beauty pleaded with Jessie as the two ex lover birds continued arguing."It's either you choose to work here or your vacation, whatever".Fred's voice thundered."You're not even the boss of this company, Bruno is, yet you don't see him boss people around, Jerk".Kathy snapped back in annoyance."Maybe the Manager sounds like a joke to you, I dare you to leave this company without a permit".Fred threatened, and that triggered her.They continued arguing.His assistant cuts in"Sir""What!"Fred snapped back like a wounded lion.Kathy flipped her hair, elegantly, petting her cat unbothered."The meeting time".She replied respectfully.Fred walked out of the department angrily, followed by his assistant."Well, that was a good fight".Jessie whispered, climbing down her hair with her fingers.Just then an announcement over the in
"How did this even happen?" Jessie asked curiously."It's a long story, Jess," Beauty replied, shivering-not so much from the cold but from the aftershock of what had just happened."You're still shaking," Jessie commented."I'm okay, Jess," Beauty murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Thanks to Bruno... I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been there.""I'm glad. He followed you without a second thought."Beauty pressed her lips together"The way he shouted my name, his voice... it was the reason I kept pushing to survive, even when I was sinking into the water. I've never been so scared in my life," she sobbed.Jessie hugged her again. "It's okay, honey. It's okay," she whispered.Just then, Ferdinand's voice interrupted them. "You two want to go back swimming? It's time to leave the woods!""This is probably a sign to leave the woods you know," someone on the team whispered.Jessie pulled back and used her palms to dry her friend's tears. "Come on, let's get you
Her voice was a whisper, her gaze downcast, her cheeks flushed but still wet with tears. She suddenly shifted, her foot slipping as she tried to balance herself, pressing her knee against his crotch, directly into arousal he'd been fighting to hide."It's... hard... rock," she murmured to herself, her cheeks flushing as realization dawned on her.Bruno froze, knowing she'd found him out, feeling the blush of embarrassment creep up his neck.How could he get an erection at a time like this? What a creep he is!Awkwardly, he stepped back, gently letting her go, his hands falling to his sides.Beauty stood there at the shore, her body soaked, watching him leave.Just then, Jessie and the others appeared, rushing toward them.Mrs. Lola Cruz covered her mouth emotionally, seeing they were both safe."Lo siento, this is all my fault. I shouldn't have asked you to look for Bobby.""Please don't apologize. It's not your fault," Bruno replied calmly.One of the staff threw him a towel.Jessie
"Hold on, I'm coming for you!" Bruno yelled out.The river's current was strong, making it difficult even for him, but his strokes were powerful, so he pushed through, his eyes never leaving her.He could feel his heart pounding harder and harder with fear. He had never felt so much fear, never had someone so dear to him that he panicked at the thought of losing them-let alone watching them die right in front of him.Beauty started coughing and sank into the river."Beauty!" Bruno yelled so loudly that his veins created a visible network across his forehead and neck, his eyes red with shock and despair.The river's flow had dragged Beauty under, only for her to resurface, coughing and choking, her eyes red from the struggle. Her breaths came in frantic gasps, her arms flailing.She burst into tears.Bruno, who had frozen after she went under, snapped out of it and pushed himself to swim faster this time.His heart skipped a beat when he saw her disappear beneath the surface again, w
A collective sigh of relief swept through the group. Beauty felt a strange mix of embarrassment and awkwardness. She wanted to laugh but had to hold it in.They had all been so caught up in the drama, so ready to offer help, only to find out it was just... a chicken?"Oh, sorry," they all murmured in unison, their faces flushing with embarrassment.Jessie was fighting every urge not to laugh at the poor lady. In fact, she had to avoid eye contact with Beauty, because that would definitely cause her laughter to explode."We'll help you find your baby, Mrs. Lola," Bruno said gently, reassuring her."Muchas gracias."Beauty stared at Bruno as he consoled the elderly woman, hoping they could make eye contact, longing to be consoled by him too. But he was very serious about keeping his distance this time... forever.Kathy wasn't happy with the idea of looking for a chicken. She had been glad to finish her shoots so they could leave this dreadful place, only to be asked to find a missing ch
However before any of them could actually say anything, Mrs. Lola approached them.Beauty nervously wondered what could be her reason for coming to speak with her."Ms. Beauty, I am impressed by your designs, really. I would love to work with you again... after this tour. What do you say?""Thank you so much," Beauty managed, feeling a mix of pride and nerves. "I appreciate the offer and will do my best.""I'm sure you will," Lola said with a smile, then she nodded at Jessie inform of acknowledgement, Jessie smiled back awkwardly.As the two watched her walk away, Beauty drew a deep breath."She does like you... a lot of pressure, huh?" Jessie whispered, starting a conversation.Beauty's breath caught in her throat as she looked at her friend and nodded slowly.Jessie chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up."Good job. Looks like you've got a fan in Mrs. Cruz. You shouldn't be distracted at this time, okay? We all make mistakes...you have to be strong and focused more this time. Don't let t
Mrs. Lola Cruz stepped forward with a broad smile."First, I want to thank the F&F team for this collaboration. I am yet to see Mr. Bruno, but I am sure he has something important that may be the reason he can't be here with us. About this collection. It is meant to embrace our culture with a combination of nature. I must confess, Mr. Ferdinard, your company has some real talent; I can testify to that. It was nice working with them.. especially Beauty Hills.I can't believe we were able to round up the designs within hours after she joined us... please give her an applause, please."She said and gestured at Beauty.The models and stylists, the whole crew, clapped loudly, cheering for Beauty.Well,Kathy was an exception,other designers had a tough t"Thank you... for the opportunity, Mrs. Lola." Beauty managed to reply and tried to force a smile but her thoughts kept drifting back to her break-up.She stole a glance at her phone lying beside her Sketchpad, half-hoping for a message fr
Jessi frowned at his stubbornness. She didn't blame him, but the fact that he was in denial seemed childish to her.He still loves her, he can't even look her in the eyes and say those words!He longs for Beauty..he just need to push a little bit. He must be feeling like a fool but just another chance."I know you're frustrated, Bruno. But she's been through so much. Her past... it's made her afraid to trust anyone, even herself. Can't you give her one more chance? She's terrified you're going to leave, just like everyone else. And here you are, making it come to pass. Don't pretend this doesn't matter to you. You can't just shut your feelings for her off like that; you know you love her."Bruno shook his head, an exasperated chuckle escaping his lips."You don't get it, Jessi," he muttered. "Beauty's... she's too complicated. She's hurt me in ways I didn't even know were possible. Do my feelings not matter because I am a man?"Jessi crossed her arms as she took another step toward hi
Jessi stood just outside the door, hesitating. She had already knocked twice; no reply from Bruno. She wasn't sure if he even wanted to see her. Not after what happened last night. She knew it would be tough for him this time.However, Beauty's sadness had broken her heart. She knew she had to do something-anything-to bring them back together.She told Beauty she can take care of him.Ofcourse,she would have given it a chance, but not when she knew for sure that Beauty loved Bruno, and he also loved her. They had to make it work; they should!Arching her brow at the thought, she summoned a deep breath and gave one more quick knock.Without waiting for an answer anymore, she turned the knob and stepped into the room.Bruno was standing by the window, his gaze out over the garden. He didn't turn when she entered or even act like he noticed her presence.Jessi sighed."Bruno," she called softly, as she closed the door behind her. He didn't answer, and she didn't expect him to."I know y
The next morning, Beauty was the first to wake, her heart heavy as she sat up on her bed, staring at Bruno. He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling with the rhythm of his breath.Everything that happened last night kept flooding into her head.From the truth-and-dare game, the harassment from Ferdinard, to Bruno's drunk act and cuddling her to sleep.She wasn't sure how he would have reacted, so she had to wake up with him close to her, but she had to pull away. Her gaze went back to Bruno.She didn't know what to expect from him or the next step she should take. Jessie isn't here to give her a piece of advice. Her words last night were clear; she had to choose.As if on cue, the duvet she had carefully draped over Bruno's body after sneaking out of his arms the night before shifted and fell off, leaving him exposed.Beauty's breath hitched, her hands trembling slightly as she stood up and moved toward his bed to cover him again.She reached for the blanket, but before she