Bruno knocked on the door, his heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation as he waited for Beauty to respond.
After their earlier interaction, he was determined to make things right once and for all. He needed her to understand him, too.
"I'm done; you can come in now," Beauty replied.
He stepped inside, ready to talk, but was greeted by a sight that made his breath catch in his throat. Beauty stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her short dress that hugged her curves. The neckline dipped low, revealing a generous amount of cleavage. He couldn't help but stare; it left him breathless.
Captivated by her beauty, a familiar arousal stirred within him as his gaze traveled down her body.
"Wow," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You look... really nice."
Beauty looked down and muttered, "Thanks."
"I apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to ask you to leave like that without considering your feelings... I'm sorry if I was being hard on you, and..."
She paused abruptly, noticing that his eyes had drifted to her outfit, admiring her form.
"Bruno, look up here," she said softly.
"The outfit is nice," he replied, feeling a mix of admiration and something darker—jealousy.
"Thanks... it's a new one. I got it for the trip," Beauty replied softly. She was glad he noticed.
Bruno rubbed his neck, unsure how to proceed. "Isn't it... you know... a bit... revealing? I mean, it's really... revealing." He tried to keep his tone respectful.
Beauty's smile faded, replaced by a slight frown. "Revealing? I don't see what's wrong with it," she replied, checking herself in the mirror.
"I just mean, it's kind of short," he said, struggling for the right words. "What if other guys see you in this? They can't help but stare."
"Then that's their problem, not mine," Beauty replied, frowning even tighter now.
Bruno pressed his forehead and sighed.
"Please, can you listen to me, baby? I know men well because I am one. That's why I want you to know this dress might attract them in the wrong way. So... (he paused abruptly) ...how do I explain this to you?"
Beauty's eyes widened in disbelief, and she nodded slowly.
"So, you're jealous and possessive, so want to dictate my life by telling me what I should or shouldn't wear?"
Bruno's eyes widened.
"No... you're taking it the wrong way. I care about you. It doesn't matter how you dress; I just don't want other men looking at you the way I do. This dress is really too exposing. Maybe you should ask Jessie what she thinks too... please."
His explanation didn't sit well, judging by Beauty's expression.
"So you're that type? You see me as your property?" Beauty replied.
"Not at all!" he snapped, feeling defensive. "I just don't want anyone to see you like that. I mean, why are you being difficult?"
"I'm being difficult?" Beauty repeated, scoffing.
That annoyed Bruno even more.
"I'm trying so hard to fix things, but maybe you're not even attracted to me—just to my influence. You accused me earlier, but do you know the psychological pain I went through? Now, I want us to be together, and you keep pushing me away. I'm the only one fighting to make this work. You're my woman... why can't I share my opinion on your dressing?"
Bruno's voice rose, frustration building.
"Well, coming from a man surrounded by models all the time, sure, tell me my body isn't appealing enough to wear sexy outfits. I should cover up, I will understand you better," Beauty snapped back.
"That's it! That's the problem. You keep bringing up your body every time. I respect you, Beauty. I love you. I'm not trying to shame you. I'm afraid of losing you to someone else if they see you the way I do. You're the sexiest woman to me... damn it. Why is it so hard for you to understand? Why are you being selfish?"
Her face softened, a hint of guilt surfacing, but she pushed it aside.
"I'm not going to live my life under a man's supervision. I've done that before, and I know the hurt I got in return—thinking I had no choices, doing everything just to please them."
"I'm not them. Stop comparing me to your exes, and stop reminding me of your past. Do you think it was easy for me to move on after seeing all that? Do you ever consider my feelings too?"
Beauty's eyes filled with tears.
"I never begged you to keep loving me. I gave you the space you needed, and you kept coming back, even when I kept my distance. I don't care anymore. I will survive this," she declared, her tears now spilling over.
Bruno noticed.
"Now you're the victim? Am I wrong for not being able to let you go so easily? For coming back to you, even when I was the one hurt? What do you think I am—a simp for loving you?"
Beauty's lips trembled as she wiped her tears and headed to the door.
"You know what? I think we need more than just a break. I'm leaving. I have an important project, and I don't have time for this. I'm tired of trying to get a man to accept me for who I am, afraid they'll leave me. I'm done with it."
Bruno scoffed in disbelief and frustration.
"Go on, wear that outside. No one wants to see all that fat, anyway."
Beauty froze at his words, flashes of the painful dream last night came back stirring in her mind.