"Ma'am!"
Beauty responded timidly, relief flickering briefly across her face.
Bruno looked at his sister, secretly praying that at least she would support and not talk rudely to Beauty anymore.
He paid attention more than Beauty that Abigail called.
"Don't call me ma'am, please. I'm Abigail. Join us at the dining table," Abigail replied to Beauty with an awkward chuckle.
Beauty glanced at Bruno, seeking reassurance.
He smiled and nodded, encouraging her to go. She clenched her fists and walked off, her demeanor so meek it was as though she was a servant in their house.
Bruno's mother didn't follow the group. She stayed behind, her stern eyes fixed on her son. However, his father remained silent and was the last to leave the room.
When they were alone, his mother shut the door loudly and turned to Bruno, who sat on the bed, his hands on his face, regretting everything, knowing it wouldn't be easy for Beauty.
"So that's who you've chosen? Tell me, is she just a fling, or is there something real going on between you two, Bruno?"
Bruno inhaled deeply, calming himself.
"I'm not sorry about my choice, Mom. I love Beauty, and it's real. If this is about the role play, she was only helping me, sharing what she knows. What's the big deal? I had fun, we are in a relationship."
His mother's face twisted in disgust.
"What happened to all the beautiful, eligible women in this world dying for your attention? Bruno, her? What will she offer? Yes, probably good in bed. Good to be used for sex only. Have you ever pictured her beside you on magazine covers?"
Bruno's brow arched tightly.
"Enough with the harsh words. I won't stand for it! For the magazines. She would slay the covers... I made my choice, and I am not sorry about it. I love her," he replied, his voice rising.
His mother's eyes narrowed.
"Love? Is that what you call it? What about all the women throwing themselves at you? Beautiful, accomplished women who could give you the world. And you choose her? What can she offer you, Bruno?"
"She offers me kindness, compassion, and love. She brought out a side I never knew I had. She made me realize I can love women romantically," Bruno shot back, his voice growing louder.
"She's not just beautiful-she's smart, she's sweet, and she's real. She loves to eat too... she's crazily funny and adorable too. She's so cute when she sleeps... she's like oxygen. My heart can't take it when she's not around me. How much time do you have, Mother? I can tell you all about her endlessly. I am in love with her; can't you understand?"
Mrs. Hathaway shook her head in disappointment.
"You can do better. I am your mother. Listen to me, Bruno. Have you thought about how ridiculous this will look? How ridiculous you will look? What will your fans think? The company's image... encouraging overweight women."
"Overweight? Mother, Beauty is not overweight; she has a body size that is perfect for her. Would you rather I starve the models than let them be their healthy selves?"
"No one wants to see a hippopotamus on the runway. That's what models are-healthy, slim, and fit," Mrs. Hathaway replied.
"Women have different body sizes-it's nature and genes. Why so much hate for a woman because of her body? Do you know what? I will have my own company, and a lot of things are going to change. And for Beauty-I chose her, and if you can't accept that, I don't know what to tell you."
"Did you see the way Nathan looked at her? She must be an intimate partner. Is that the kind of woman you want? A woman who had every man inside her... I don't want her in this family!" she shot back, her voice dripping with frustration.
Bruno didn't respond. Instead, he walked into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the water drown out her ranting.
"Bruno! You have to send her away right now! You have to think of the family, not just yourself. She is not fit to be a Hathaway. You can do so much better... you know that!"
She shouted before finally leaving the room.
As the door closed, Bruno exhaled deeply. For now, he was free from her complaints. But unfortunately, he couldn't stay inside his room forever.
Beauty was waiting for him out there.
He leaned against the wall, closing his eyes as the water ran. His chest felt heavy, his thoughts were on Beauty.
She's at the dining table, surrounded by curious and judgmental stares from his family. She didn't deserve this-not any of it.
He sighed again.