Bruno turned to her with a helpless expression on his face.
"I've got this. I just... need to decide what to make," he stuttered.
Beauty bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"You don't have to do this, you know..."
"I've made up my mind. I will impress your dad with my skills."
Beauty rolled her eyes.
"There are two Rolls Royces outside, Babe... They're already impressed. You're setting the bar too high. What would I do to impress your parents?"
Bruno said nothing, focused on the food.
Seeing his determination, Beauty sighed and walked over to the fridge, pulling out a pack of chicken wings and some basic seasonings.
"Here, start with these. Wings are a safe bet. I'll set everything out for you."
Bruno nodded.
"Thanks," he muttered.
Beauty laid the ingredients on the counter, tied a kitchen apron around him, and smiled proudly.
"How do I look?"
Bruno asked posing.
"A chef's kiss," she said, demonstrating with a gesture then she took a picture of him.
They both laughed.
"Here."
Beauty handed him a mixing bowl, trying not to giggle as she watched him measure out ingredients.
"You're taking this really seriously," she teased, leaning closer.
He shot her a playful glare.
"Don't distract the chef."
"Sorry, Chef"
Beauty laughed softly, walking over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I'll be right back. Just don't burn the house down, okay?"
She assured him and left the kitchen.
In the living room, Eric and her father were still busy with the television, but she couldn't find her mom. Deciding to change into something lighter and cute before joining Bruno back in the kitchen, she headed to her room.
Opening the door, she found her mom there.
"Hey, Mom, I wasn't expecting you to be here," she said, slightly startled.
"You didn't tell us your boyfriend is a billionaire? A Rolls Royce?! Oh my goodness, Beauty, I believe this is a dream."
Beauty tried to suppress a grin.
"I thought so too, Mom. He is Bruno Hathaway... and I'm his girlfriend. I still can't believe it."
"Oh, sweetie," her mother's voice softened. She stood and pulled Beauty toward her, making her sit beside her on the bed.
"I'm just so happy for you, honey. I told you he'd come. Look, he's here with us. Oh, I can't wait to tell your aunts all about him-my future son-in-law. They're going to lose it when they hear about my Rolls Royce. I'll have to show it off when they visit-and don't forget church! Imagine your dad driving that around."
Beauty blushed, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Mom, please... I don't want it to be about his wealth, okay?"
Her mother chuckled.
"I know, honey. I'm just so proud of you. You've been through so much, and now look at you-your boyfriend is charming, successful, and thoughtful. He's perfect for you, darling. Your cousins will go crazy at the wedding."
Beauty felt a warm flutter in her chest at her mother's words, though her cheeks flushed deeper.
"He hasn't proposed yet."
"Oh, but he called us his parents-in-law!"
Beauty shook her head.
"You know what, Mom? Let's just keep it between us for now. Don't tell anyone yet,no Aunts or Uncles, okay?"
Her mother gave a dramatic sigh, clearly unsatisfied.
"Fine, fine. But when you're ready to share the real story, I'll be there to tell it details by details."
Beauty laughed softly, shaking her head.
"A great story teller, indeed".
Suddenly, she noticed her mother's serious expression.
"What's the matter, Mom?"
She asked concerned.
Her mother sighed.
"You need to work it out... I want grandkids as soon as possible. I want to be a grandma too."
Beauty stood up instantly like she was stunged by a scorpion.
"Okay, Mom, I think it's time for you to leave my room."
Beauty playfully pushed her to her feet.
"Listen to me, Beauty. He's rich enough to be responsible for a baby. I'm sure he wants one-he seems like a sweet guy. Why not discuss it with him and you guys can plan it out, huh?"
"I am not listening!"
Beauty snapped, pushing her, gently to the door.
Mrs. Hills opened the door but not before dropping one last bombshell.
"One more thing...."
She replied.
"What, now. mom?"
Beauty paused and listened.
"I think you're already pregnant."
Mrs Hills whispered.
The door slammed shut immediately. Beauty hid her face in her palms and jumped on the bed, screaming quietly.
"Mom is unbelievable," she groaned into the pillow.
Her mother's last words echoed in her mind: I think you're already pregnant.
"I can't be pregnant. It's only been only two days!" she consoled herself.
_________
Few minutes later,
Beauty was brushing her fingers through her hair and admiring her cute outfit, froze as the unpleasant smell reached her nose.
The scent of something burning filled the house.
"Do you smell that?" Mr. Hills asked, a worried frown spreading across his face.
Eric sniffed the air, his face scrunching up in confusion.
"Yeah, like something's burning."
"Bruno?"
Her heart raced as she rushed to the kitchen.
She suddenly froze in the doorway, her eyes wide in shock.
Bruno stood there, covered in flour, his hair tousled, and his apron a complete mess. He held a charred baking tray, the wings on it nearly blackened to a crisp. The kitchen was in utter chaos.
The oven door was wide open, smoke drifting from it. Flour and seasonings were scattered across the countertops like a war zone.
Bruno, looking completely flustered, was frantically waving a spatula in the air as though he could fan the smoke away.
Beauty tried not to laugh and put on a concerned expression.
"Ahhhh! What happened, baby?" she asked softly as she approached him.
Bruno looked up, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"I... I was just following the recipe! But then I got distracted with the oven temperature, and... well..." He gestured helplessly at the charred wings. "I think I made them... extra crispy?"
How adorable!
Beauty screamed inwardly, trying not to burst into laughter.