Bruno answered the call.
"Hey."
"Bruno!" Abigail's tone was sharp. "What's this I'm seeing everywhere? You're all over the internet, kissing some girl at a party. And now people are saying she's your girlfriend. Is this true?"
Bruno leaned back, his head resting on the headboard.
"Yeah, it's true, I'm dating Beauty Hills, a beautiful fashion designer at the company. Congratulations, you finally found out," he said and winked at Beauty.
She smiled back nervously.
The tone in Abigail's voice didn't seem like she was excited, but disappointed. Bruno looked like it wasn't a big deal anyway. How can he be so relaxed?!
There was a short silence before Abigail spoke again in disbelief. "Her? Bruno, are you serious? She's so-"
"Stop," he cut in.
"No, I won't," Abigail snapped. "You need to hear this. She's so... average. And Bruno, let's not pretend she's not overweight. You can do so much better than this. What will my friends say? I am disappointed!"
Bruno's jaw clenched. He took a slow breath, keeping his voice calm.
"Abigail, I'm not having this conversation. You have no right to call her average, are you sick?! And your friends... who cares what they think? She's more beautiful than them all."
"You can't be serious, Bruno. This isn't just about you, Bruno. Your choices reflect on the family. People are talking about this! Mother and Father were so pissed..."
"I don't care," he cut her off coldly. "I'm hanging up now. Don't call me if all you want to do is insult the person I love and care about. She is my girlfriend and you have to respect her..."
Without waiting for a response, he ended the call and set the phone down. He exhaled and looked at Beauty, who quickly forced a smile.
"She doesn't seem to like me," she said softly, looking down.
"That's not an issue," he said plainly. "And it's not a problem to fix. She is Abigail... she thought I'd go for someone like her... she's that crazy, but she'll come around."
Beauty gave a small, tight smile.
"She's not wrong, though. I'm not exactly what people expect to see with you."
"Don't talk like that, she's wrong. For the people that's their problem, not ours," Bruno said simply. "I'm not with you for anyone else's approval."
He said tightly with a frown.
Beauty nodded but didn't say anything. She tried not to cry anymore; she had expected this and had to deal with the trolling from around the globe.
Breaking down won't help, she need to accept the fact that she is beautiful and enough.
She doesn't need self conscious or insecurities now. She need to be that bold Beauty who kissed him in-front of everyone.
She drew a deep breath.
As if Bruno read her mind, he spoke softly.
"You don't have to be strong all the time because of what people say," he said gently. "That's why I'm here."
He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers.
"But if you ever feel like it's too much, you can tell me. I'll always listen. Always take action. I won't tolerate any bullying... I promise you that."
Beauty's lips trembled, but a soft smile broke through.
"Don't worry, they won't break me not anymore. And you my love. You're too good to me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Not possible...it's the bare minimum" he said with a small grin, his own eyes glinting with unshed emotion.
"Oh Bruno".
Beauty kissed him
"I've arranged for a different private jet to take us home. Just you and me," he told her huskily after the kiss.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"You didn't have to do that, baby"
"I wanted to," he said simply, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I want you to feel safe. And I want us to have some time to ourselves."
She swallowed, touched by his thoughtfulness, but then he added something that made her heart race.
"Also," he said, his tone soft but certain, "I want to meet your parents. As soon as possible."
Her lips parted, her breath catching.