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 needs 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 him.
"Of course your feelings do matter, Bruno. You're right! I know she's complicated, but you knew that from the start, didn't you? She's been through hell and back, and it's left scars. She's never tried to hide that."
Bruno's eyes clouded with a mixture of anger and pain.
"Scars or not, Jessi, there's only so much someone can take. She keeps pushing me away, even when I try to be there for her. How much more am I supposed to put up with? Kissing him in front of me—how would she feel if that was me kissing another woman in front of her?"
Jessi bit her lip.
"I'm not saying she's innocent or perfect, Bruno. I know she's made mistakes. But can't you see? This isn't just her pushing you away for no reason. It's her trauma, Bruno. That girl's heart has been shattered so many times she doesn't even know how to trust anymore."
Bruno's face softened, though he quickly masked it with a frown.
"You think I don't know that?" he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I am not going to keep fighting for someone who treats me like I'm just... just disposable."
"Bruno, listen to me. Beauty doesn't see you as disposable. She's terrified—terrified of being hurt again, of being abandoned. Every time she feels herself caring about you, she's terrified it's going to end like it did before. Beauty thinks she doesn't deserve you, and that scares her because you are... you are Bruno... you're someone who steals the hearts of women... she thinks you're too good to be true. She even has nightmares about you letting go... she told me she can't survive it. She's suicidal, Bruno. She's my best friend... I know she can be annoying sometimes, but Beauty is damaged because of society's standards... she's been through so much," her voice softened, almost pleading. "But she cares for you, Bruno."
Jessi let out a sigh and continued.
This would be the longest conversation she had ever had with Bruno Hathaway.
"I know it's hard, Bruno. I know you're tired of fighting this uphill battle. But she's trying. Last night, she was practically falling apart. She's beating herself up, wishing she could turn back time and fix everything. I am sure she's sorry."
Bruno clenched his fists and turned back to the window.
"Jessi, it's too late. She needs someone who can handle her ups and downs, but that person isn't me. Not anymore."
"So you're just... giving up?" Jessi snapped.
"Giving up?" he repeated, his tone sharp. "Do you know how many nights I spent lying awake, wondering if I was good enough for her? If I could ever be enough to make her stay? I've given everything I could, Jessi. I hope she finds someone better."
She looked away, biting her lip to hold back her own frustration.
"But she loves you, Bruno. You can't do this to her. Don't be like them."
Bruno shook his head and scoffed.
"Love? That's not love, Jessi. Love is putting your heart on the line, risking everything for someone. (Paused abruptly) But Beauty... she... just doesn't love me as much as I love her."
Jessi watched him closely, he was trying to be strong and bold.
"I understand. I do. But by walking away now, is that really the best thing to do? Can't you at least give her one last chance?"
"I'm sorry, I can't. Maybe it's not meant to be. We can't keep having these misunderstandings every time."
"That's what relationships are all about, Bruno. You fight... you fix it. You two are adults, for crying out loud. You are the man you should act like one... If you really value her, get her back."
"Well, you're never in a relationship; what do you know?" Bruno replied sarcastically.
Jessi felt a painful lump in her throat at those words.
Noticing that his words might have gotten to her, Bruno let out a quiet, resigned sigh and turned to her.
"I'm sorry, Jessi but I'm done... I want the best for her. So I am letting her go. It's not easy for me too... but we will survive this."
Jessi stood there for a moment, helpless and heartbroken. She wanted to argue, to make him see how much Beauty was struggling. But as she watched the cold resolve in his eyes, she knew it was pointless.
Without another word, she left the room, closing the door slowly behind her.