"How am I supposed to know? I didn't go with them," Monica replied defensively."You must know something! What did their body language say?" Kathy snapped, unwilling to let the topic drop."I am sorry. I don't know what you are talking about".Monica stood her ground."Well, you are his assistant,you must have seen something notice something,come on Monica. You don't want me to be your enemy".She persuaded.After a short silent."Well... they both looked... devastated when they got back," Monica admitted hesitantly.Kathy leaned in closer with interest. "What do you mean 'devastated'? Like a couple having a misunderstanding?"Monica shrugged."I don't know, okay? I mean, we all rate Beauty so low, but what if she's in a secret relationship with Sir Bruno? He's so soft with her. He was the reason she got the job in a big company as F&F without being the company's standard. It's something..I mean, you can get anything through to him if you go through her.I even asked her to help m
Abigail and her friend, Lana, sat on the plush sofa in the living room, laughing as they chatted."Girl, it's funny, but fan pages are annoying," Lana complained as she continued scrolling through her phone."I don't know. I like some of my fan pages," Abigail shrugged."Oh, not until someone gets scammed by one of those fake profiles claiming to be Abigail Hathaway," Lana pointed out."Well, I can live with that. The real issue is the blogs and their bullshit. I found one talking about my ass expecting a baby with a secret lover-who is a married man."Lana burst into loud laughter."Sorry, so sorry, but why a married man, though?"Abigail shook her head."I mean, I may fantasize about older men, but come on!"Lana laughed again."Well, that's an annoying one. I saw this on the Channel official page last week. Have you checked it out?""It's nice, but my father will kill me if I don't stick to F&F unless it's business," Abigail rolled her eyes."You have a tough old man," Lana replied
Lana, a stunning and popular model with a flawless complexion and long, dark hair, was dressed in a sexy, figure-hugging jumpsuit that highlighted her curves in all the right places.His brows furrowed as he realized what Abigail was trying to do, even though she knew he had someone-well, not anymore, but still... she wasn't aware of that.Lana took the chance and stood up gracefully, offering him a warm smile as she approached."Hi, Bruno," she said, her voice silky smooth. "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Lana Queens."She stretched out her hand for a handshake.Abigail prayed silently that he wouldn't ignore her.But Bruno wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. His frustration was written all over his face, and before he could stop himself, he snapped, his voice harsh and cold."I don't have time for this," he growled, barely looking at her as he brushed past and headed toward the stairs.Lana froze, shocked by the sharpness of his words. She had never heard him sound so harsh. Fo
Jessie was sitting on the couch, focused on her novel app,when Beauty walked into the house, her eyes swollen from crying.She definitely cried all the way home, Jessie thought.Then she sighed. "I told you going to work wouldn't help. What happened?" Jessie asked gently, rising from the couch and walking over. "You look... devastated. Talk to me. Did you get to talk with Bruno?"Beauty shook her head, her lips trembling as she tried to hold back the flood of tears. She couldn't even form the words. Jessie took her hand and led her to the couch.Beauty let her bag slip from her hand."Beauty talk to me please... what happened?" Jessie asked again.But instead of answering, Beauty broke down. Tears spilled from her eyes, and her body shook with sobs she could no longer contain. She buried her face in her hands.Jessie quickly sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her. "Shh, it's okay, honey, it's okay," she whispered, rubbing her friend's back in comfort.It took a few minutes for
Beauty wiped her eyes again, though the tears continued to fall. "You don't understand, Jessie... I didn't give him the chance to explain. And when he did... I said terrible things. I... I'm afraid he's done for good." Her voice cracked.Jessie sighed deeply, then knelt in front of Beauty, taking both her hands. "Listen to me, honey. People do make mistakes, and when i say people I meant everyone, literally. If you really want to make things right with Bruno, you have to try. Don't let this one mistake stop you from fixing what you both had. You're human; you have a past. It's understandable why you doubted him. He should understand if he truly cares. I'll talk to him, too."The doorbell rang, interrupting them. Jessie and Beauty exchanged a glance.Beauty quickly wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks, trying to compose herself before the unknown visitor get to see her in such a state."Beauty! I'm home!" her mother called from the doorway."Mom?" Beauty gasped, rushing upstairs
Beauty sat on the edge of her bed, her phone trembling in her hands. Jessie sat beside her, watching her friend."I don't think he would want to hear my voice, Jessie. Maybe I'll do it later.""When it's too late?" Jessie asked gently. "You have to tell him, Beauty. You can't just cry. At least try. If he ignores you, then... you know you tried, at least."Beauty took a deep breath, her chest tight with a mix of fear and anxiety."Just take a deep breath, in and out. You're good to go," Jessie said.Beauty nodded and did as she said. Afterward, with trembling fingers, she unlocked her phone and pulled up Bruno's contact.She stared at his name for what felt like an eternity, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the lump in her throat, her anxiety rising.However, she knew she couldn't wait any longer. Like Jessie said, if she let more time pass, she might lose him forever.Finally, she tapped the call button.One ring. Two rings. Three rings."Come on, Bruno, pick up," she
"I know I said some awful things to you. I doubted you, and I pushed you away when you were only trying to be there for me. And I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."She swallowed hard, her throat tightening as tears rolled down her cheeks."I judged you wrongly, Bruno. I let my insecurities and fears get in the way, and I didn't give you a chance to explain. I should've trusted you. I should've listened. You were the only one who never treated me like trash, yet I doubted you. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."She covered her mouth, trying to keep going, but her voice was drowned in emotion.Bruno said nothing. She knew he could hear her. She had to say everything anyway; she couldn't stop now."I was so scared, Bruno. I've been hurt before, and I thought you were like them. I thought you were just another guy who would hurt me. But I was wrong. And now I've ruined everything. I love you, Bruno... I do... I know you can hear me. I love you so, so much... I love you."She sobbed, waiting, hoping fo
"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
"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