They arrived back at the company. Bruno drew a deep breath, fighting all his inner demons to resist the urge to steal a glance at her.
His mind raced, wondering if she had looked his way. But why does it matter? He is trying to call everything off, anyway.
He unbuckled his seatbelt, but before he could step out, Beauty opened the car door herself and walked straight into the building, never once looking back.
Bruno's eyes followed her as she disappeared into the company, his eyes blinded to anything else around him, even missing his assistant, Monica, who stood at the entrance, waving at them.
"Oh, you're back, Beauty," Monica said with a smile, but Beauty ignored her, walking briskly inside without a word.
"Well, that's rude," Monica muttered, rolling her eyes. She brushed it off before turning her attention back to Bruno.
Once Beauty had disappeared completely inside the building, Bruno blinked, swallowed hard, and noticed that his hands were shaking slightly. He threw his head back and exhaled heavily, trying to regain his composure.
Monica approached his car and knocked gently on the window.
"Sir... Sir... Sir Bruno... Your father-" she began, but Bruno raised a hand to stop her from continuing.
"Not now," he murmured, his voice strained.
He needed a moment.
Monica sighed in understanding and stepped back.
"Alright, sir," she said softly before heading back toward the company, though her curiosity kicked in.
"I wonder what happened between those two," she muttered to herself thoughtfully as she walked away.
Once Bruno was sure his assistant was gone, Bruno ran his fingers through his hair and cursed softly under his breath.
He forced his eyes open, but every time he closed them, he could see it-their kisses, her eyes, the way she stood there in that outfit.
He could picture every blush, every soft smile she had given him.
"No one ever said it's hard to move on, but damn, falling in love again was way too easy," he scoffed, shaking his head.
Finally, he engaged the gear and muttered to himself, "I'm out of here."
_______
Meanwhile, Monica returned to the company's parking lot, only to find that Bruno's car was no longer there. She slapped her forehead in frustration.
"Great! Honorable Hathaway is going to kill me," she groaned before heading inside the company. She took the elevator straight to the modeling department.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, she was startled to see Kathy standing there, waiting for her.
"Kathy! Can I help you?"
Without a word, Kathy grabbed Monica's hand and led her to the changing room.
"Come with me," she commanded.
Monica followed, confused.
As soon as they got to the changing room Kathy shut the door and turned to her impatiently.
"Tell me what's going on. Why did Bruno drive that fatty back to the company in his car? Something's suspicious, and you must know it. So, what's happening?"
She demanded, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"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 me get his glasses, and guess what? She put them on him herself,the models gossiped about it. And he wasn't mad. There are a lot of signs, Kathy."
Kathy blinked, waving her hands as if to dismiss the explanation entirely.
"Let me get this straight Monica-you're suggesting that He is into Beauty? Big, fat Beauty? The company's whale?" she asked, in disbelief.
Monica shrugged again.
"I mean, she's very beautiful. What's wrong with being chubby? Everyone has their preferences."
Kathy burst out laughing in disbelief, shaking her head.
"Oh, Monica, you're a real comedian."
"Well, then explain why you failed miserably to seduce him, since you have the so-called ideal body and everything," Monica shot back, irritated by Kathy's attitude.
"Shut up," Kathy snapped, clearly triggered by the jab.
"Yes, ma'am," Monica retorted, rolling her eyes.
Kathy paced the room, her mind racing.
"He can't possibly be interested in her. What's so interesting about her? She's so average and fat! She's insecure and doesn't belong here. Why would Bruno Hathaway be into... that?" she scoffed.
"I wonder too," Monica replied sarcastically. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important things to take care of."
She turned to leave.
"Wait!" Kathy suddenly snapped, causing Monica to stop and turn around in frustration.
"What now?" Monica asked, exasperated.
Kathy stopped pacing and looked like she had just come up with a brilliant idea.
"I need to be plus-size."
Monica stared at her, thrown off by the unexpected statement. She burst into laughter.
"You're crazy. You think you'd look good as a plus-size?"
Kathy raised a brow, offended.
"Is that an insult?"
"No, it's just... you're fine the way you are. You're Kathy Jones. You're going to throw away your image just for Sir Bruno? Look, I get it. He's perfect and all that, but you won't look as good as a plus-size."
Kathy smirked.
"Well, we'll see about that. But first, I just need to confirm if his preference is plus-size."
Monica sighed.
"And how exactly are you going to do that?"
Kathy's smirk deepened.
"We'll see".