Elena's face twisted in shock, her mouth opening as she stepped back.
Kathy and the F&F team members in the room glanced at each other like they shared a secret message.
"Is that not Beauty?" Lola Cruz's team member, asked.
"Designer Beauty kissing Sir Bruno?" an F&F model added.
"Well, I knew this would happen," Kathy murmured, rolling her eyes and taking a sip of her drink.
The room fell silent for a moment before shocked gasps and murmurs rippled through the air.
"Who is she?"
"Where are the security guards? This is a crazy fan."
"She is too big; she's going to swallow him up."
Beauty heard the last comment, snapping her back to reality. She pulled back and looked around.
The cameras were flashing. None of the faces looked excited or impressed—they were filled with disgust.
She looked at Bruno, he had his hand over his mouth, eyes down, like he would puke.
He hated her that much?
Why did she think this was a great idea? She slapped him back when he kissed her without a proper apology, and now she was trying to make up with a kiss.
She was definitely worse than Bruno.
She took a shaky step back, her face flushed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm... I'm so sorry, Bruno. I didn't mean—"
Bruno didn't say anything or move from his spot. The whole room was listening; even the artist performing had paused his song.
Elena walked to Bruno's side, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Sorry? Do you think a simple 'sorry' covers this? You just threw yourself at him—you actually assaulted him! I know a lot of fans want him, but this behavior is gross... you literally kissed him... this is unacceptable."
Her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of every single soul in the room.
They agreed with Elena, pouring out their anger and accusing her of ruining Bruno's day.
Beauty's eyes slowly clouded; the angry fans were cursing at her with every body-shaming word that could tear someone down.
"Saying she's his ex won't be accepted—well, who would even believe that?"
She felt her cheeks grow hotter as the judgmental stares and snide looks attacked her self-esteem.
"Who does she think she is?"
Someone said.
"She just grabbed him like that?"
"She doesn't exactly... fit in with his type,"
Another said.
Every cruel comment felt like a dagger to her heart, and she could feel her confidence crumbling, shrinking under their scrutinizing gazes.
She wanted to run, to hide from the humiliation, but her feet felt frozen in place.
Elena stood there in front of Bruno, making faces at her with her hands on her well-sculpted waist, like the leader of the angry fans.
Jessie, who was watching from a distance, had no idea if she should interfere or not.
"Bruno, say something, please," she prayed inwardly.
Beauty swallowed tightly.
"I... am really... sorry... I lost control... and..."
Before she could finish speaking, a couple of security guards started moving in her direction, ready to escort her out.
"You guys are late! This is why I paid you... what if it was an acid attack or something, huh? Look at him—he is still in shock from that gross kiss."
Elena snapped at the security.
The heat of embarrassment flooded Beauty's face once again and she took a shaky breath, ready to accept their guidance and leave this nightmare.
"Come with us, Miss," one of the security men told her.
Beauty nodded obediently.
But just as the guards reached out, Bruno stepped forward, his hand grasping her arm gently but firmly.
"Wait."
His voice was calm but authoritative, and the guards immediately halted, looking at him in confusion.
"Honey, I know you don't want your fan to be, you know... locked up, but don't worry, we have to set an example. People need to respect others' boundaries," Elena said to him.
Others agreed.
The security guard's hands continued to pull her away, but Bruno's arm still on Beauty's, stopped them.
Beauty's tears were rolling now.
The panic, the trolling chants from his fans...
It's live! Everyone must be watching, everyone who hated her. She hadn't thought this through before taking that step! Bruno is a public figure; the internet will roast her.
Beauty stared at Bruno impatiently, waiting for his reply.
What would he say? He couldn't possibly decide to look uncool by saying he was associated with her. Would he say, "I'm used to fans, just let the stranger go," or, "Make sure you teach her a lesson" to get back at her for slapping him in the car that day?
Elena chuckled awkwardly, wondering what was taking him so long.
"Bruno?"
"She's..."
He paused, his voice barely above a murmur as he ran his hand over his mouth, his cheeks flushed not from embarrassment at all—there was a smile right there.
Why is he blushing? Did he enjoy it? Elena thought.
"She's my girlfriend," Bruno announced loudly this time.
"BOOM!" Jessie snapped loudly, turning every head in the room toward her direction.