"I saw you on the cover of the Hourglass edition," her mother said proudly, "and I couldn't resist buying it. You look stunning, as always, my I.T. girl."She winked.Shelly blushed."Mom! Stop it already.""What? I am telling the truth... I'm proud of you, honey. I wish your father was alive to see how much you've grown. You know, your biological dad is still alive...""Mom, you are still my mother, and Dad is still my father. You don't need to explain it any other way. I know I always desired going back to visit my biological parents but that doesn't mean we are not family anymore mom,"Shelly replied.Her mother smiled in tears and pecked her head, then glanced at her phone screen briefly."I see... a handsome-looking man, huh?"Shelly's eyes lit up."Our company is doing a collaboration with F&F. And guess what? The young CEO himself will be meeting with us soon."Her mother raised an eyebrow, intrigued."Oh? And who is this CEO?""He is Bruno Hathaway! He is a popular figure and,
Bruno and Beauty arrived at the exclusive, lavish beauty salon and spa."This place is quite expensive," Beauty informed him, her eyes wandering around the environment."It's fine," he replied with a smile and got out of the car."He just says it's fine?" Beauty asked herself.Bruno opened the door for her, cutting into her thoughts. "Ready?"Beauty smiled nervously and stepped out of the car, while Bruno followed closely behind.His hands tucked into his pockets. A habit.The moment they entered, beauticians greeted them with bright smiles. They seemed to recognize Bruno and started giggling, whispering to each other in high pitched voices.Oh my goodness! What if they put us online and the F&F staff find out? What will happen? Why did he come to this place? He's a public figure-it's risky!Beauty yelled inside.The spa's soft music and warm lighting created a relaxing atmosphere, but the butterflies in Beauty's stomach persisted."Welcome, Mr. Bruno!" the younger staff members shou
"Oh, um... it's not what it looks like-"Beauty stammered."Sure, sure" one of the women grinned, cutting her off."We know how it is. He's a keeper,honey. Not many men would go all out to make sure their girl looks this stunning. He seems like a possessive type too, his eyes are always on you... I'm jealous".Lisa whispered.Meanwhile, through the glass, Bruno watched nervously, his heart racing as he saw Beauty chatting and laughing with the stylists. He felt a mix of nervousness and admiration that they thought she was his girl."Is this your first time having this kind of treatment? You look really nervous."Lisa asked as she applied a shampoo on Beauty's scalp.Beauty nodded, embarrassed."Why, darling? I had my first experience at 12!""Well, I had my insecurities at a young age and didn't bother," Beauty replied slowly."You are absolutely beautiful, honey. We'll make you see it. Just relax, and we'll make you feel good."Beauty bit her lip. "But what if I look silly?""Silly?
"I need to say hello to a friend; I'll be back," he informed the supervisor and walked out of the men's section.He had secretly admired her from the moment they started working together. To him she seems very easy to be with, though he had never found the right moment to make his move. Today seemed like the perfect opportunity.When he walked into the room, the beautician giving Beauty a pedicure was the first to notice and whispered to her colleague about the incoming handsome man."Why is he in the women's section, though?" her colleague asked in a whisper."I think he's here for her,"Vanessa whispered back, pointing at Beauty, who had her eyes closed, enjoying the treatment, with her face covered in a facemask."Well, well, if it isn't the most beautiful woman in the salon today."Eric announced.Beauty opened her eyes, startled by the voice. She was surprised to see Eric but felt a bit flustered at his humor and teasing."Eric?" Beauty exclaimed. She didn't expect him here at al
He could see through the glass wall. Eric was standing too close to Beauty, his fingers playing with her hair.Bruno's grip tightened on the bag of snacks he was carrying, his entire body stiff with anger.How did he know she was here? he thought to himself, hating the rising fury inside him.The moment Eric saw him, his heart skipped a beat, and his face turned pale.Bruno's intense gaze was fixed on him, making him feel uncomfortable. Eric's hand immediately fell away from Beauty's hair as if it had burned him.Bruno, the young boss-what is he doing here? It's an exclusive place, and he has a private one. I have to compose myself. Besides, I'm a man, and I can take anyone on a date. Even though being on a date with the company's 'Whale,' who no man wants, makes me feel lame, it's still useful to use her as an escape route. He'll pity her and let it go, Eric thought."The boss is here. I'll distract him," he whispered to Beauty."What?" Beauty gasped and froze instantly.Her fear was
Unfortunately that seemed to upset Bruno even more.For a moment, there was silence in the reception area.Eric and Bruno held eye contact as if they were rivals from a past life.Even the receptionist and a few attendants in the room had stopped pretending not to be eavesdropping, their eyes darting back and forth between the two men, clearly enjoying the drama and waiting for the next move.Bruno glanced around, noticing the curious eyes on them. He clenched his jaw and rolled his tongue against his teeth, clearly trying to rein in his frustration."Let's talk outside."Without waiting for a response, he walked over to the receptionist.The other workers in the room pretended to mind their own business, while Eric stood there, still triggered but unsure how to express his anger to his boss."Can you take these to Beauty?" Bruno asked the receptionist, his tone softer now.The receptionist, Monica, blinked, clearly startled."Of... of course," she stammered, glancing nervously betwee
When Bruno came back into the salon where Beauty was, her transformation made his breath catch in his chest. It was only a few minutes he spent outside with Eric but it felt like a whole day because of the transformation.He stared, poleaxed.Beauty was asked to open her eyes after the final touch-ups. She looked in the mirror and gasped at her reflection. Then she noticed Bruno staring at her through the mirror. Their eyes met and locked.He smiled at her, and she gave him a nervous smile in return, though it was the broadest smile she had ever given him.Bruno swallowed hard.He couldn't fool around anymore-he had to seduce her, just like Jessie said. He had to step out of his character and do something."So, what do you think?"Lisa asked. The other two beauticians were smiling at Beauty, anticipating her reply."I don't know what to say... It's really pretty."Beauty replied slowly."No, you are pretty. We told you we'd help you see it. Now do you believe us?"Vanessa added.Beau
Beauty held her breath in, pressing her lips together to avoid screaming. He was watching her, gauging her reaction."They're amazing... and your palm is as soft as the rest of you,"he breathed against her skin. Beauty jerked at that.The rest of me? What are you talking about, Bruno? He's giving these women the wrong impression without realizing it. Or is he intentionally flirting with me?Beauty thought, swallowing hard.She felt herself tense even more, her insides tightening.The women giggled loudly at the gesture.Beauty closed her eyes, dying from shyness, nervousness, and anxiousness."Yeah, I knew you'd like it, look at that kiss,so romantic. I make the best nails".Vanessa bragged."A ring on it would make it even better,"Lisa added.Beauty's eyes immediately fluttered open, meeting Bruno's gaze. They both looked nervous, reacting to that statement."Lisa, stop teasing them,"Vanessa laughed.Bruno straightened up, and Beauty could still feel the tension in her body-the ki
"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