As Mr. and Mrs. Hills guided Beauty and Bruno to the dining table, Mrs. Hills beamed uncontrollably.
"I made this especially for you two. Please, take a seat," she said warmly.
Once they were all seated, Mrs. Hills placed a hand delicately on the edge of the table, tilting her head as if piecing together a puzzle.
"Forgive me, dear," she began, her voice gentle but curious, "but you look so familiar. I feel like I've seen you before, but I can't quite place it."
She addressed Bruno, who gave her a nervous smile. Beauty glanced from Bruno to her parents, thinking fast.
Mr. Hills nodded, leaning forward slightly.
"Same here. Have we met before, son?"
Bruno managed a polite smile, but before he could respond, Beauty cleared her throat, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush.
"Actually, Mom, Dad, you probably recognize him because...that must be because he brought me home with his car sometime ago, he's Bruno Hathaway. He's my boss's son."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Mrs. Hills' eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Hathaway? As in... the billionaire Hathaway?"
Mr. Hills' brows shot up, and he let out a low whistle.
"Well, that explains it. I've seen your face in the news a few times. Didn't you just spearhead some massive international fashion project for the company?"
Bruno chuckled softly.
"That was more my father's project than mine, but yes, I've been involved in a few things recently."
Mrs. Hills' voice softened, a mix of amazement and concern in her tone.
"My goodness, Beauty. You didn't tell us you were bringing someone so... I mean... we're thrilled..."
She trailed off, her gaze flickering briefly to the elegantly set table and modest dining room, as if suddenly conscious of their simple surroundings.
Bruno cut in this time, before Beauty could speak.
"Please, don't treat me as some important person. I may come from a well-known family, but I'm just a man. And tonight, I'm just here to get to know Beauty's incredible parents and share a meal with you. I truly appreciate the warm welcome."
Mr. Hills leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Well, son, I admire your humility. But I warn you—Beauty is my baby girl. If you're not ready for love, honesty, respect, and good food above all else, you won't last long. My daughter loves good food..."
"Dad!" Beauty snapped, interrupting him, a bit embarrassed.
Bruno grinned.
"Then I think we'll get along just fine. Love, respect, and honesty I can offer and more, but as for good food... I'm in awe already. The kitchen smells like heaven."
Mrs. Hills blushed slightly.
"Well, then. Let's not keep you waiting. I hope you like roast chicken, dear. It's one of my specialties."
"It looks delicious. I'm sure it will taste great. Thank you, Mrs. Hills."
"He is so sweet," she squealed, teasing her husband.
"Reminds me of your younger self. Your father spoiled me with his delicious meals on our first date," she informed Beauty and Bruno.
"Honey, I don't think they want to hear that," Mr. Hills said, dying of embarrassment.
"I think it's quite interesting to hear," Bruno replied kindly.
Mrs. Hills' eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Oh, I love him already. So I will start from the first day I met him."
"This is going to be a looong story," Beauty murmured under her breath.
As the conversation eased into laughter and shared stories.
"What of my own version of the story?" Mr. Hills objected.
"We can hear yours too, sir," Bruno replied.
"Luckily, Bruno is a good listener."
Beauty groaned.
Mr. Hills caught his wife's eye, and they exchanged a silent, comforting thought: Our daughter's in good hands.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted them. Everyone paused, glancing toward the hallway.
"Are you expecting anyone else?" Mr. Hills asked.
Beauty gave Bruno a look.
"No... I have no idea," Bruno said, surrendering.
"I'll get it," Mrs. Hills said, rising quickly from her chair and walking briskly to the door.
When she opened it, she was greeted by Eric, standing there with a broad smile and holding a bouquet of bright flowers in hand.
Mrs. Hills' own smile quickly turned awkward as her eyes widened in recognition.
Is Beauty caught in a love triangle? Why now? What is he doing here at this moment?
Mrs. Hills hesitated, unsure if it was right to welcome him in.
"Oh, you're... you're the young man who brought flowers for Beauty before, aren't you?" Mrs. Hills stammered.
Eric nodded, his grin broadening.
"That's me. Thought I'd come by to welcome her back from the tour. I must say, you look very gorgeous, Mrs. Hills."
Mrs. Hills was flattered; she giggled nervously.
"Oh, please, don't flatter me."
When the rest of the family heard the exchange, Beauty froze mid-bite, her fork hovering over her plate.
"Eric?"
She muttered and exchanged a look with Bruno.
Bruno's jaw clenched so tightly.
What the hell is that fool doing here with a bouquet of flowers?