His mother rushed to Mr. Hathaway's side, trying to hold him back.
"Honey, please. Everyone's watching. He is an adult. Today is his birthday... for crying out loud."
Bruno's grandmother, looking sharply at Mr. Hathaway, said, "Henry! In my presence? You slapped a man for being a man and standing up for whom he loved."
Mr. Hathaway turned toward Beauty, his gaze cold and furious, ignoring his mother.
"What are you waiting for? Get the hell out of this house! I'll finish this up at the company."
Beauty stood up quickly, but Bruno did the same and pulled her by the hand, leading her out of the room and toward his bedroom.
Beauty was quiet and followed him, unsure what he had in mind, fighting back tears.
When they got to the room, Bruno shut the door behind them with a loud click.
"He said I should go. What are you doing?"
Beauty asked, her voice cracking as she tried to control her tears.
Bruno was pacing around the room like an angry lion, not even turning to face her.
"Let me go, Bruno, please. I will cause you more pain. Look at your cheek—those finger marks are horrible. You have to consider your family's choice. I don't want you hurting because of me."
This time, she broke down crying.
This time, Bruno turned and caught her face in his huge hands; he kissed her unexpectedly.
She had to push him away.
"We have no time for this, Bruno. You're hurting."
"You want me to stop hurting, then stop crying!" he yelled at her.
She noticed his eyes were now wet. She didn't want him to hurt. She tried to control her sobs.
She sat weakly on the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I... I'm sorry... If only I were slim and a perfect woman your family had in mind, you wouldn't have to be attacked for your choice... I... I'm also sorry for Nathan...I am sorry...It must be hard for you out there."
Bruno sighed in frustration and knelt in front of her, taking her hand.
"No one out there is perfect... if there's a scale to measure you are closer to perfection than them."
Beauty's eyes met his.
Bruno took her hand and placed her hand on his chest.
"The cheek isn't hurting. I am hurting right in here, Beauty. My father's a difficult one. Even being a child of a billionaire isn't a guarantee for happiness. I was brought up like that. I hardly make friends because I was trained to be the perfect public figure he wanted. He once fixed me up with an Asian billionaire's daughter, but it didn't work out, so he got mad about us being together. But that doesn't hurt. You know what hurts? You're trying to make me deny my feelings for you."
She shook her head and was sobbing loudly now, her hand still on his chest.
Bruno continued.
"Then don't tell me to consider my family's choice. I don't care what my father's next move is, but I am never letting you go. There's nothing wrong with my choice. And he must respect that... All I need is for you to stay right beside me and let me handle this."
He grabbed her hand, pressing it to his chest.
She could feel his troubled heartbeat, pounding relentlessly.
She didn't say anything.
He pulled her to him with quick force and hugged her tightly.
"I love you, Beauty," he whispered.
A knock came at the door.
"Bruno..."
It was his Granny's voice.
Bruno got up and went to open the door for her.
Beauty quickly stood and wiped her face.
Grandma came in and walked straight toward her.
"Can I talk with you alone, my darling?"
Granny said with a friendly voice, looking at her.
Beauty's heart raced, she couldn't believe Granny was referring to her as darling.
Bruno smiled at her and tilted his head, gesturing for her to give it a try.
She nodded and smiled back at Granny.
Granny handed her a tissue, and she blew her nose, thanking her.
"Bruno, go settle with your father. I've talked to him. He's one stubborn brat. Took after your grandfather," Granny said to Bruno.
Bruno thanked his granny and left the room.
"Don't cry, my dear. Scolding is something you should expect. They were in the room and heard everything, probably saw everything. It's a weird and uncomfortable situation."
Beauty nodded in agreement.
"We didn't know."
She muttered.
"That's why it's a surprise, it was all planned and they had no idea you would be with Bruno... no one is to be blamed."
She sighed deeply before continuing.
"These days, morals and sexual purity aren't taken seriously anymore. You all want the Santa package before Christmas, right? Do you ever think about the afterlife? You're a Christian, right? Is it a Christian thing to do that before marriage?"
Beauty shook her head like a repentant sinner.
Granny smiled and continued.
"You're lucky. Bruno is a totally different person. Tricia was strong to deal with. My son Henry is, in fact, a bigger issue. Nevertheless, I find it promising. Bruno does love you to take that step, and you..."
She paused, and Beauty looked up to meet her gaze.
"Tell me, Beauty. Are you sure about your feelings for him? He's a good-looking lad, a billionaire, but above all, do you really care about him?"
"I swear, Granny, I do care. I care about him more than anything," Beauty said readily, without hesitation.
Granny hugged her.
"Then I'm expecting an invitation soon."
Beauty was stunned by her warm hug, but the mention of the invitation snapped her out of it.
"An... an invitation?" she asked.
Granny pulled Beauty out of the hug and held her shoulders, smiling.
"Yes, darling, since if you two are ready for bed services, you should be ready for wedding services," she whispered, pecking Beauty's cheek, then stood up, ready to go.
"Let's get back to the dining together," Granny said, offering her hand.
Beauty hesitated, then took Granny's hand, and they both walked toward the door.
Suddenly, Beauty stopped at the door. Her legs felt cold, and her nerves were shaking.
"Let's get back to the dining," Granny had said? After everything that happened back there, Beauty didn't think she could do it.
"What is it, dear?" Granny asked, staring at her curiously, a confused look on her face. Beauty hesitated, then replied.
"I can't face them. I'm sorry, Granny. Can I just stay here? I'll be fine here, please," Beauty said, not even looking up at her face.
Granny chuckled softly and let go of her hand.
After giving Beauty a soft, friendly smile—one so warm and welcoming that Beauty felt comfortable with her—she spoke again.
"I will call him to come get you instead. If you hide from them, it'll be like they got into your head. Just forget what happened and be happy, okay?"
Beauty nodded slowly.
Granny walked to the door, then turned to Beauty.
"Don't forget to put on a smile," she said, demonstrating with her hands.
Beauty forced a smile back.
Granny nodded, opened the door, and went back to the dining. Beauty drew a deep breath and closed the door behind her.
She slowly walked to the bed and sat down, waiting impatiently for Bruno.
She really wished he wouldn't come back for her.
The door opened slightly.
Beauty looked up, relieved, but it wasn't Bruno.
It was his senior sister, Abigail, who had walked into the room.