Bruno, noticing Beauty's flushed face and the whole situation, finally decided to do something about it.He awkwardly cleared his throat and excused himself."I'll, uh....go put on my clothes," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he hurried out of the kitchen.Beauty, still standing by the counter, took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart.How am I supposed to be normal after all that? She thought, fanning herself with her hand.The image of Bruno in the kitchen apron was burned into her mind, and the lower part of his body... she couldn't stop the blush from creeping up her neck.She shook her head, then something hit her."My clothes!"A few minutes later, Bruno returned, but this time in his regular clothes-thankfully more covered now in a simple T-shirt and jeans.He found Beauty hugging her body as if she were naked."You... you changed my clothes?" she asked slowly."I... apologize for that. I had to take them off because of your temperature. I didn't mean any
Beauty stood up from the bed and sat in the chair slowly, staring at the plate, trying to dispel the awkwardness from their earlier encounter.Deep down,she couldn't deny how sweet it was that Bruno had taken care of her. Her mind, however, was elsewhere, wondering how nice and full his... weapon would feel in her palms if she could get hold of it.Where did that come from?! Thank goodness no one can read minds, Beauty thought."Thanks," she mumbled, nervously picking up her fork.Bruno leaned against the bed stand, watching her with a hint of worry in his eyes."You really scared me last night. I'm glad you're feeling better."His voice was quiet, sincere, but the way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine.Even when he wasn't trying, his aura and presence were overwhelming to Beauty."I'm sorry I made you worry," Beauty replied, unsure if that was the response he wanted.Bruno chuckled, folding his arms. "You don't have to apologize."Beauty nodded and continued chewing the
Beauty's breath hitched, and she felt her whole body heat up under his touch.Bruno went back to his position, and silence fell between them again.Beauty picked at her food. She could feel Bruno's eyes on her, again!She struggled to keep her hands steady as she lifted a forkful of pancakes to her mouth.As she tried to focus on finishing her food, Bruno suddenly spoke up, his voice soft but sincere."You know... I never realized how much I cared about you until last night. I've always had a soft spot for you, but..."Beauty froze, her fork hanging mid-air. Her breath hitched at his words, her heart flipping in her chest."W-What?"Bruno continued."Seeing you sick, being here... It made me realize I don't want to see you like that ever again. It was scary. Please, be more careful."Beauty's cheeks flushed. She didn't know what to say.Was this an indirect confession? Was Mr. Bruno actually saying he cared about her, or was she overthinking and being delusional?The thought made her
She wanted him to be more than just the kind Mr. Bruno. She wanted him to show her off, kiss her, make love to her 24 hours a day, and have his children."Okay, I went far with that one," she thought, her cheeks suddenly feeling warm as she was too shy to meet his gaze.Besides, one of her exes had shown her off just because he saw her as desperate for such love language, not because he really wanted to. He did it to gain her trust and turn her into a sex toy. At the end of the day, he had his hands wrapped around the tiny waist of a beautiful woman. The standard.---After the meal, Beauty felt full and thankful."Thanks, I enjoyed..."She raised her face to look at him, only to find him dozing off.He was sitting on the floor beside her bed, resting his back against it. His posture was relaxed, his head slightly tilted to the side, his breathing slow and steady.He looked so angelic.The sight of him like that made her heart skip a beat."The caring giant must be stressed out. I be
Bruno opened his eyes slowly."You're done eating?""Yes, thanks a lot. It was delicious."Beauty smiled at him."I'm sure it's awful, but I am glad you enjoyed it. Now, you have to take your medicine," he said, standing up.Beauty's heart raced at the mention of medicine. She couldn't let him know she hated taking them!"Emm... Sir Bruno, I can take care of myself now. You need to rest.""Just Bruno," he replied, reaching into his pocket.He pulled out a small bottle of medicine."You need to take this, don't worry about me" he said softly, handing her the medicine with a glass of water, his eyes filled with concern."I will... not now," Beauty replied, avoiding eye contact, but he was quick to figure it out."You don't like pills?"Beauty's heart skipped a beat as she brushed an annoying strand of hair back behind her ear."No... of course not! I mean, I'm an adult. I'm not a child afraid of taking pills," she scoffed awkwardly."Then take it right now, in front of me," Bruno instru
"I guess... I should get going," he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. "You need to rest, and I don't want to intrude any more than I already have."Beauty blinked, surprised by his sudden decision."Wait, Sir Bruno!... Sorry, Bruno," she said, embarrassed. "I didn't mean it like that."He gave her a small, sad smile. "It's fine, Beauty. I'm glad you're feeling better. Just... make sure you finish the medicine and take care of yourself, okay?"His voice was gentle, but there was a hint of sadness behind it.Beauty watched as he moved toward the door. The room suddenly felt emptier without his presence."The reunion! Beauty, tell him about the reunion!" a voice yelled in her head.Before walking out of the house, Bruno glanced back at her one more time."If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." He paused, as if hoping she would say something, but when she didn't, he nodded to himself."Take care, Beauty."Good job, Beauty. You had him one-on-one and even made a move to
"What! Tell me you are joking".Jessie snapped."Well, I am not! You are not supposed to be here in the first place. I told you everything's fine and that I will visit tonight".Beauty snapped back."Oh really? You expect me to ignore everything and go to work because you said it's fine, what if you were kidnapped and forced to say that? I had a thousand ideas in my head, I had to make sure you are okay!""Well, I am not kidnapped...".Beauty paused abruptly," wait, I sent you the message too?" she asked in surprise."Yes, you did!"Jessie showed Beauty, her message inbox then slowly raised an eyebrow."Too? Who else did you message?"Beauty sighed as she sat down on the couch, Jessie flopping down beside her with a look of eager anticipation. She could feel Jessie's eyes on her, waiting impatiently for an explanation.She ran her fingers through her hair, still feeling flustered from everything that had just happened."Okay, fine," Beauty started, knowing she couldn't avoid it any l
Beauty hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "He said something. Something that really caught me off guard. He told me that last night made him realize how much he cares about me, and that he doesn't want to see me sick again. He said it was scary for him."Jessie's eyes widened. "Hold up. Bruno said that? Mr.... Serious-and-Unemotional-Bruno actually admitted he cares about you?""Bruno is not unemotional and not overly serious".Beauty defended."Yeah yeah, I am sure he always shows his soft side to you that's why you can say it like that".Jessie replied."Bruno is sweet to everyone, what are you saying? He is kind and not bossy at all"."Yeah, he is quiet, kind and not bossy, but can be serious with business and unemotional, always having an expressionless look on his face. Let's get back to the main thing, so what happened next?"Beauty continued."It got even more intense when he knelt beside me, and he touched my cheek." Beauty's voice lowered as she replaye
Mr. and Mrs. Hills were cooking together in the kitchen, talking about their daughter, Beauty, and her boyfriend, Bruno. But their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell ringing.Mr. Hills stood up quickly and volunteered to get the door.The door rang again."Hold on!"He shouted and walked to the door. He thought it was Beauty or maybe her friend Jessie, who had come to check on her, just like Eric.But when Mr. Hills opened the door, he froze on the spot.Standing there was a young woman who looked exactly like his daughter, Beauty. She had the same pale skin, the same eyes, and the same long, shiny hair.She looked just like Beauty, except she was thinner. Where Beauty was soft, rounded in places with a natural, effortless beauty, this young lady was slimmer, her features sharper but still very identical.It was like looking at a mirror image of Beauty.She also seemed more into fashion and glamorous accessories and could pass for a supermodel, Mr. Hills thought.He blinked,
"Baby."Beauty's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Bruno's voice, pulling her from the whirlwind of thoughts that had consumed her. She blinked and found him standing outside the car, his strong hand extended toward her. For a moment, she just stared at him, her cheeks warming. How long had she been sitting there, lost in her head? She hadn't even noticed him get out of the car.Her lips parted, and a small awkward smile spread across her face. She placed her hand in his, and he gently helped her out of the car."Thank you," Beauty whispered, her voice trembling slightly.As she stepped down, her eyes went to the towering Hathaway mansion in front of her, a breathtaking display of luxury and grandeur. Bruno held her hand as they walked into the house. Beauty's heart was racing with anticipation and nerves. She was going to meet the Hathaway family, and she would be introduced as Bruno's girlfriend!"Something's not right..." Bruno murmured to himself.Just then, the butler approa
Beauty stood in her room, her heart racing with excitement as she applied a light coat of lip gloss. She reached for the body spray, misting it over her shoulders and collarbone before slipping into her wine-colored lingerie. The silk fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her figure. She pulled a satin robe over it, the soft material brushing against her skin as she tied it loosely at her waist.Taking a deep breath, she moved toward the door, her footsteps light and quiet. But as she reached for the doorknob, pulled the door open only to see her mother in front of her door... about to knock.Her stomach dropped."Mo... Mom!" she gasped, her voice trembling.Mrs. Hills stood in the dimly lit hallway, her eyes puffy with sleep yet sharp with curiosity."What... are you doing here, you scared me!"Mrs. Hills crossed her arms, her gaze traveling from Beauty's flushed face to her barely tied robe."Where are you going? It's 1 a.m.""To... to the guest room. I was going to... check on Bru
Just then, Mr. Hills walked into the kitchen, looking bewildered."Son, what in the world... What happened."Eric, standing off to the side, tried to hide a grin, but the corners of his mouth were twitching."Well, this is... awkward.""Stay out of this," Mr. Hills told Eric with a coldness that surprised even Beauty."I'll be in the living room," Eric said awkwardly and walked away from the kitchen.As Beauty and Mr. Hills stood there, assessing the damage with their eyes. Bruno stood awkwardly, still holding the blackened tray with the burnt wings. He looked as if he might collapse from the embarrassment.But to his surprise, Mr. Hills, with a soft chuckle, clapped him on the back, making Bruno's heart jump slightly."Okay, so it's not a total disaster," he said, his voice light with a touch of humor, trying to ease the tension. "You've got some good ones left here."He grabbed a few of the less-burnt wings off the tray."These will do just fine. Don't worry about it, son. You trie
Bruno turned to her with a helpless expression on his face."I've got this. I just... need to decide what to make," he stuttered.Beauty bit her lip to keep from laughing."You don't have to do this, you know...""I've made up my mind. I will impress your dad with my skills."Beauty rolled her eyes."There are two Rolls Royces outside, Babe... They're already impressed. You're setting the bar too high. What would I do to impress your parents?"Bruno said nothing, focused on the food.Seeing his determination, Beauty sighed and walked over to the fridge, pulling out a pack of chicken wings and some basic seasonings."Here, start with these. Wings are a safe bet. I'll set everything out for you."Bruno nodded."Thanks," he muttered.Beauty laid the ingredients on the counter, tied a kitchen apron around him, and smiled proudly."How do I look?"Bruno asked posing."A chef's kiss," she said, demonstrating with a gesture then she took a picture of him.They both laughed."Here." Beauty h
Bruno scoffed, shaking his head."I don't like him. And I'm not gay."Beauty blinked."Is he gay?""Who knows?"Bruno shrugged. Beauty rolled her eyes."What does being gay have to do with this? You don't have to like him like that. I mean, get along with him as a normal person.Maybe even be friends."Bruno frowned."I don't want friends, Beauty. You know that. I'm not the type to...hang out with random people. I'm an introvert, remember?""I know, my love. But you need a friend. And Eric... you can't just glare at him the whole time. My parents are watching. Please, just try. Not as close friends, but... try to be friendly and get along with him."Bruno exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. He met her gaze and saw the pleading in her eyes. Finally, he relented with a grumble. "Fine. I'll try. But if flirts with you, jokeor not ..then I will..""He won't dare".Beauty assured him with a smile.Bruno rolled his tongue and nodded, then pulled her for a kiss."Come on, let's
OutsideAs soon as they were out of earshot, Bruno grabbed Eric roughly by the arm, pulling him a few steps away from the door. His jaw was set, and his eyes burned with barely contained anger."What's your deal, huh? What the hell are you doing here? Did you get paid to ruin my day with Beauty? Or is this just some pathetic attempt to get her attention? I warned you before ...she is mine...what games are you playing?"Eric raised his hands in surrender."Relax, man. I'm not here to steal your girl. I just wanted to welcome her. Thought it'd be a nice gesture."Bruno's eyes narrowed in irritation."A nice gesture? Showing up uninvited, with flowers, to my girlfriend's parents' house while I'm here? That's not a gesture,you are intentionally trying to get on my nerves,today is supposed to be an important day for us...you have no place here".Eric smirked, crossing his arms." Look, I didn't know you'd be here. I came for Beauty, not you. What's your problem? Feeling a little overprotec
Mrs. Hills glanced at the living room. Beauty's expression said it all."I'm sorry... but I don't think Beauty will want to...""Pardon me, Mrs. Hills, but I'm well aware of her relationship with Bruno Hathaway. We're just friends."Mrs. Hills' eyes widened in surprise."Oh, I see. Well, come on in, dear."Eric stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Beauty."Beauty! It's good to see you," he said, then glanced at Bruno.Seeing the jealous expression on Bruno's face, Eric smirked to himself.Beauty stared at him, dumbfounded, her mouth slightly open."Eric? What... why are you here?" she muttered."Who is this?" Mr. Hills asked, but before Beauty could reply, Eric interjected."Hey, is that the new Barcelona jersey?" Eric said, referring to the polo Mr. Hills wore.Mr. Hills perked up, his smile widening."Sure is. I'm a big fan of the team."Eric grinned and gestured to himself."Same here! Been following them since I was a kid."Mr. Hills chuckled, clearly im
As Mr. and Mrs. Hills guided Beauty and Bruno to the dining table, Mrs. Hills beamed uncontrollably."I made this especially for you two. Please, take a seat," she said warmly.Once they were all seated, Mrs. Hills placed a hand delicately on the edge of the table, tilting her head as if piecing together a puzzle."Forgive me, dear," she began, her voice gentle but curious, "but you look so familiar. I feel like I've seen you before, but I can't quite place it."She addressed Bruno, who gave her a nervous smile. Beauty glanced from Bruno to her parents, thinking fast.Mr. Hills nodded, leaning forward slightly."Same here. Have we met before, son?"Bruno managed a polite smile, but before he could respond, Beauty cleared her throat, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush."Actually, Mom, Dad, you probably recognize him because...that must be because he brought me home with his car sometime ago, he's Bruno Hathaway. He's my boss's son."The room fell silent for a moment.Mrs. Hills' eye