The front door opened, and Beauty's parents stood side by side, hand in hand.
Mrs. Hills wore a soft smile, her apron slightly crooked from rushing, while Mr. Hills looked calm but curious.
He noticed the car and concluded that Bruno was not an average person.
"Mom! Dad!"
Beauty exclaimed happily, stepping forward to hug them both.
Mrs. Hills smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"Oh, sweetheart, you're home! Look at you. You're glowing!"
"Welcome back home, honey," Mr. Hills added. Then he raised an eyebrow, glancing at Bruno, who was standing nervously behind Beauty.
"And who's the handsome young man?"
Beauty stepped aside, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Mom, Dad, this is Bruno. My boyfriend."
She giggled, leaning against Bruno's shoulder. He held her, smiling awkwardly.
"Boyfriend?" Mr. Hills repeated, giving them a teasing look.
Beauty nodded.
Her father was delighted to see her leaning on Bruno and noticed Bruno's protective hand holding her closely.
Bruno extended his hand to Mr. Hills.
"Sir, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice steady but low, a bit nervous.
Mr. Hills took his hand with a firm grip, his eyes scanning him with quiet scrutiny.
"The pleasure's ours, son. Welcome."
Mrs. Hills stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her apron.
"We've heard so much about you. It's lovely to finally meet the man who's made our daughter so happy."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hills. I truly love your daughter, and I'll do everything I can to make her happy."
Beauty's cheeks glowed even more pink.
Mr. Hills tilted his head, then broke into a grin.
"Well, you've got guts. I'll give you that."
Mrs. Hills swatted her husband lightly on the arm.
"Oh, stop it! You'll scare him off!" She turned to Bruno with a sweet smile, her eyes twinkling.
"Please, do come in, come in! Dinner's ready, and I've been cooking all day."
"Thanks, ma'am," Bruno replied, his smile genuine, though a slight sheen of sweat was beginning to form on his brow.
He looked back, expecting those two drivers to arrive.
Beauty noticed his unease and gently took his arm.
"Come on inside," she said, her voice light, trying to ease the tension.
Bruno smiled and followed her.
As they stepped into the living room, the aroma of roasted chicken, fresh herbs, and baked bread filled the air. The living room was spotless, with every detail meticulously arranged.
"Your home is lovely," Bruno complimented, glancing around.
"Thank you," Mrs. Hills said warmly.
"We wanted everything to be perfect for tonight. You're important to Beauty, so you're important to us. Like a son."
"I appreciate that," he replied softly.
Beauty smiled softly, leaning slightly into Bruno's side.
He glanced down at her and smiled, his heart swelling at how much effort her parents had put into welcoming him.
Just as everyone began to settle, the faint hum of car engines outside broke the moment, drawing their attention.
Bruno's nerves skyrocketed. He had to act cool and composed, but his heart was racing.
Mrs. Hills furrowed her brow.
"Are we expecting anyone else?"
Bruno's heart raced even more. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing nervously at Beauty.
"No, Mom," Beauty replied, just as the sound of car doors opening echoed from the driveway.
Mr. Hills stepped toward the window and peered outside. His expression shifted from curiosity to confusion.
"There are... two cars pulling up. Rolls-Royces."
"Rolls-Royces?" Mrs. Hills echoed, her voice a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
Bruno swallowed hard when Beauty gave him a confused look.
"Baby," she said quietly, "what's going on?"
"Give me a minute," he whispered and walked to the door.
Beauty's parents watched him silently.
He talked to the drivers, then returned to the living room.
"Who are they? Why did they leave without the cars?" Mrs. Hills asked.
Bruno rubbed the back of his neck, visibly nervous.
"Uh... hired drivers. And the cars... well... the cars are gifts."
"Gifts?" Mrs. Hills echoed, her voice trembling.
"For you and Mr. Hills," Bruno clarified, his voice barely above a whisper.
He pulled two sets of keys from his pocket, holding them out awkwardly.
The room went silent.
Beauty stood up, looking speechless.
"Wait, son," Mr. Hills said, walking over slowly. "Are you telling me... those cars out there are for us?"
Bruno nodded, his throat tight.
"Yes, sir. I... I wanted to show my appreciation for everything you've done for Beauty. She told me how hard you've both worked and how much you've sacrificed for her. It's a small gesture compared to that. A small way to say thank you for raising the amazing woman I love."
Beauty had no idea how she was feeling at the moment.
Mrs. Hills gasped, her hand flying to her chest.
"Oh, Bruno... I... I don't even know what to say. This is so generous of you... I can't believe it!"
Mr. Hills took a deep breath.
"This is... extravagant. We can't possibly accept something like this."
"Oh, come on, honey! You can't possibly reject a gift. A gift is a gift," his wife persuaded.
Beauty's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with a mix of shock and embarrassment.
"Babe," she whispered harshly, pulling him aside. "You did this? Without telling me?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise," he whispered back, his voice earnest. "I just wanted to make them happy."
"But Babe, a Rolls-Royce is too much," Beauty replied.
"They seem to love it," Bruno said, smiling.
Beauty glanced through the window and found her parents outside, examining the cars in astonishment.
The brightly colored one was quickly claimed by Mrs. Hills.
Mr. Hills shook his head, laughing heartily in disbelief.
"I can't believe this. I never thought I'd see the day... let alone own one. A Rolls-Royce!"
Beauty sighed as she saw the joy on her parents' faces. She turned to Bruno.
"Thank you."
He smiled, relief washing over him. "Anything for you, Baby."
Mrs. Hills returned to the living room, hurried to Bruno, and wrapped him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Bruno. I don't know what we did to deserve this kindness, but thank you."
Mr. Hills joined her, his voice gruff with emotion.
"I am speechless, son. I appreciate the gift. However, I appreciate that you care for my daughter above all. Thank you."
He opened his arms for a hug.
Bruno smiled nervously and embraced him.
"Beauty, quick, take a picture of me in my Rolls-Royce!" her mother exclaimed.
"Mom!" Beauty groaned.