On Monday morning, Beauty woke up early, dressed for work, and checked her notifications as she grabbed her phone.
"This week is our trip! To Puerto Rico!" flashed across the company's group chat.
Panic set in as she scrolled further, realizing she'd missed yesterday's online meeting.
Ferd is going to kill me.
Quickly grabbing her bag, she hurried outside to catch a cab. A speeding one finally slowed down, and the driver rolled down his window.
Leaning forward, she requested, "Hathaway F&F Company, please."
"You know the price," he replied with a smirk, opening the door.
"Sure, thanks," she said, hopping in as he sped off.
At the company entrance, she arrived just in time to see Bruno stepping out of his car. She immediately pretended not to notice him, casting her gaze anywhere but in his direction. She watched as his assistant took his suitcase, and his bodyguard followed him toward the entrance, a perfect picture of confidence.
Ugh, why does he have to look so good?
Beauty sighed, paid the cab driver, and waited a few minutes before entering.
Almost immediately, she heard a familiar voice.
"Beauty!"
Turning around, she saw Jessi storming towards her, frowning like an angry wife.
"You owe me an explanation, and girl, you are in trouble, a huge one." Jessi grabbed her hand and pulled her into the company.
"What's up with you? Yesterday, I was asking you a question, and you just hung up. Then I tried calling you back, and you blocked my line!"
Beauty chuckled awkwardly, trying to brush it off.
"Are we still going today?"
"Answer my question first!" Jessi snapped.
"I promise it's nothing. If there's anything else, I'll let you know... trust me," she replied, trying to look convincing.
"I was trying to inform you about the online meeting, Beauty. I know you must've thought it had to do with Bruno." Jessi sighed, shaking her head.
Suddenly, Bruno appeared, walking directly toward them. Beauty's heart raced.
Is he coming over here to talk to me?
She felt her palms grow sweaty. Do I say something to him, maybe about the gift and note that said Not Eric? No.... It will make me look desperate to have him back. I should focus on myself that's his reason for breaking up with me anyway, why should I focus on him?
Jessi noticed her tensed up.
"What?"
Beauty looked down as Bruno stood behind Jessi, who was totally clueless.
"Jessi."
His deep voice called.
Slowly, Jessi turned to face him.
"Yes... Mr. Bruno?" Jessi snapped, with a frown.
"Can you help me out with some stuff, please?" he asked, giving Jessi a slight tilt of his head and a charming smile.
Beauty felt a pang of jealousy.
Did he really just smile at her like that?
Jessi nearly melted on the spot.
"Oh my gosh, how can I say no to that face... of yours?" she squealed, creating a scene and then shaking Beauty in excitement.
"He is so handsome, Beauty!"
Beauty forced a smile, watching Jessi practically swoon.
Inside, she felt so disappointed in Jessi. How can she let him win her over with just a face?
Once Jessi finally calmed down, she replied, "Of course, Bruno, anything you want."
"Thanks," he replied, sparing Beauty not a single glance as he walked away.
She scoffed internally.
Not like I care! Not like I'm going to let him make me feel bad. If he thinks he can get me jealous, he's wasting his time.
Jessi's voice broke into her thoughts. "That's odd... he never asks anyone for help except maybe you. I think I'll take my chances! He's so hot-even his requests sound romantic. I wonder if he'll ask me to do something... naughty."
She winked at Beauty, teasing her to get a reaction.
"Good luck," Beauty replied with a scoff.
"He's not really my type. What's so special about him anyway? Why is everyone crazy for him? I'm over him. He's just a pretty face."
"And a great height," Jessi added dreamily.
"A great height," Beauty echoed, rolling her eyes.
"A perfect body?" Jessi added.
"A perfect body," Beauty repeated, though a bit reluctantly.
"And he's a green flag," Jessi concluded.
Beauty scoffed. "I don't see any green." She scratched her ear nervously.
"Really?" Jessi looked at her, surprised. "Oh, I get it," she chuckled knowingly.
"What?" Beauty snapped.
"Nothing, babe, nothing," Jessi replied with a smirk, glancing at her and then heading toward Bruno's office.
Beauty sighed deeply as she sat down, burying her face in her hands.
Why am I jealous that he asked Jessi for help? And that wild cat is using it to tease me. I hate you, Jessi!
Just then, the assistant to the manager, May, called out to everyone, "Everyone packed, right? Let's go!" Heads of each department echoed her cheer, and a few lucky newbies joined.
They took the company bus while Bruno took his private car to the airport.
Beauty was pouting all through because of Jessi's attitude.
She is supposed to have my back and burn Bruno up! Instead, she turned to ice and melted in front of him.
After their arrival, they boarded the company's jet. Beauty noticed Bruno taking pictures with the staff and fan girls working at the airport.
Stay focused, Beauty, you're not here to look at him. You need to focus on yourself.
But her eyes couldn't help going back to him.
Yet he never glanced in her direction, which made her heart twist with frustration and anger.
He moved on so easily. Then why did he send the gift and flowers? It clearly stated not Eric.
Why is he even going to be in the same jet as the employee. He should take his private jet.
---
Finally done with the pictures and fan service, Bruno managed to break away from the crowd of excited fans and sighed in relief.
Those girls had been all over him, but honestly, it was Beauty who stayed on his mind.
"Beauty..." he breathed hotly.
He had been trying hard to let go, just a short break from her, but she wasn't making it easy. Every day, she looked better than the last.
He remembered her interview day when he'd convinced his father to hire her, though no one else seemed to notice her potential, both intellectually and physically.
And after what happened at the Eden Garden with her ex.
He thought he'd give it a break, but somehow, he only wanted her more.
As he climbed onto the jet, he saw that the only free seat was next to Beauty's. His pulse quickened, but he played it cool, searching for an excuse to sit beside her.
"Ms. Jones, can you switch seats with me?" he asked Kathy, knowing she'd refuse.
"Hell no!".
Kathy snapped back.
He smiled to himself and moved to sit, only for Beauty to suddenly drop her handbag onto the seat beside her.
He raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Sorry, but my friend will sit here," Beauty said with a slight frown and pouty lips. "I reserved this seat especially for her."
He stared at her, trying to hide his grin.
She looked so cute with that stubborn frown and pout.
"Jessi!" she called out loud.
From across the cabin, Jessi called back, "Yeah, baby, I already got a seat-the pilot is dreamy, so I'm sitting near him!"
Bruno's smirk widened. Jessi never disappoints. He looked down at Beauty, whose cheeks turned pink as she realized her plan had backfired.
She looked utterly adorable.
"Ma'am, can I have my seat now?" he asked gently, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Don't call me that."