I came to check on Beauty. Is she okay? I tried calling, but she won't pick up. At least hear me out," Bruno spoke with his eyes down and fists clenched by his side.
"Trying to play the victim? What do you expect, that she'll hug you in tears? I don't want her to know you're here. She's trying hard to get over it," Nia whispered back.
"I need to speak to her".
"She ignored your call. What makes you think she wants to see your cheating ass here?"
Bruno looked up at her this time, his expression a mixture of concern and regret that almost made Nia feel pity for him.
She had seen men who were manipulative, even using their emotions. Some gaslight, but he seemed truly sorry. Still, what does she know?
Beauty should know better, so if she gave him a chance for explanation, that means he is not to be trusted.
Nia crossed her arms, guarding her emotions.
"Beauty is trying hard to be strong, so you really shouldn't be here. You need to leave."
"Why? I just want to talk to her please," Bruno insisted, but his voice remained gentle.
Nia took a step closer, her eyes narrowed in annoyance.
"Talk to her about what? About how you hurt her? Do you really think she wants to see you right now? To remind her of the scenes where you were getting cozy with Beyoncé?"
"We didn't even do anything!"
"Oh really? I'm sure I believe you more than I believe Beauty."
Bruno sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I messed up, I know that. But I need to explain. I deserve to be heard out too."
Nia shook her head, her heart heavy with frustration.
"You've already done enough damage. Just let her heal without you around, trying to peel it off. It's not fair to her."
Bruno's voice rose, filled with desperation.
"I can't just walk away. I care about her. I love her, okay?"
Nia was stunned by the outburst.
Did he just say love her? After all that?
"I... I love her," he repeated, shaking his head and looking away.
Nia was uncomfortable, unsure if he was crying. For what exactly? He's a cheat. What a drama king!
"And that's exactly why you need to give her space," Nia replied slowly. "She needs time to figure things out without you complicating it further."
Bruno looked defeated, his shoulders slumping as he gazed at the ground.
"I never wanted to hurt her. I just... I didn't think..."
"Exactly," Nia snapped. "You didn't think. That's why you need to leave her alone for now. Let her focus on herself."
After a moment of silence, Bruno nodded slowly. He licked his lips and looked up to meet her eyes this time.
"Fine. But can you just tell her that I was here and that I care? That I need to be heard out too... she can't just discard my emotions... I have feelings too."
"Sorry, I won't."
Nia replied bluntly.
"Okay," he replied quietly. He took a step back, hands in his pockets, with a look of resignation on his face.
He gazed toward Beauty's door, then turned to his car.
As Nia watched him, she felt a pang of empathy but couldn't allow it to change her mind. She knew Beauty needed protection from more hurt, even if it meant keeping Bruno at bay.
He is a popular figure, he is just manipulative no way he feels really sad about cheating on a woman. He could replace her anytime. But what if there's more to this?
"Bruno..."
He paused and turned to face her, hope visible in his eyes.
"Yes...?"
Nia sighed, crossing her arms.
"Honestly? I think she's hurt, and I don't believe you deserve forgiveness right now. But if you have a good reason for what happened, she should know. Maybe not today, though. Try tomorrow; she insisted on going to work today."
"She'll be at the company?" Bruno thought, feeling a sudden excitement as he looked up at Nia.
"Thanks," he replied slowly. "I appreciate that."
Nia watched him get into his car and start the engine.
As Bruno drove off, Beauty heard the familiar sound of the engine and felt her heart leap in her chest.
"No way...he wouldn't. What is he doing here? After what he did?" she thought.
She rushed upstairs to get a window view, her hands pressed against the glass and her heart racing.
She saw Bruno's car driving away.
She couldn't help but stare until it was out of sight, her eyes suddenly wet.
Jessie, who had no idea why Beauty had run upstairs so suddenly, followed her, confused and worried.
She entered the room and found Beauty at the window.
"What's wrong? Why did you run like that?"
"Nothing. Let's go eat," Beauty replied quickly and walked away from the window.