You know, I used to feel that way. I'd look at him and think, 'Why me? Why would someone like him want someone like me?' But then I realized something important: we all deserve love, respect, and support, no matter what we look like. Bruno makes me feel like I'm not just enough—I'm everything he's ever wanted. And that's how love should feel. So, I think he's the lucky one—and I feel the same about him too. He's my everything.
The audience erupted into cheers.
"That's so sweet!" Helen said, fanning her face dramatically.
When the cheers died down, Helen continued, "Now, Beauty, you're such an inspiration to so many women. What would you say to young girls—or anyone, really—who feels insecure about their bodies?"
Beauty paused, looking serious now.
"I'd like to say: I feel you, honey. I understand you. I was you. Please, be kind to yourself. The world is tough enough without you being your own worst critic. Celebrate the things that make you unique—your smile, your style, your sense of humor. Your curves are perfect the way they are. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Confidence doesn't come from being a certain size or shape; it comes from embracing who you are and knowing your worth. You will find someone who sees your uniqueness, and trust me, that's the best kind of love you could ever ask for. You can achieve your dreams and your career goals if you fight and stay confident in yourself. Lastly, you are beautiful."
She smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Powerful words. I'm sure you're a great inspiration to many young girls around the globe. But do you know who else just listened to that speech of yours?"
Beauty shook her head, gazing at the audience.
"Who? Is it a surprise?"
"Yes... Let's meet young Beauty Hills, ladies and gentlemen!" Helen announced, turning to the big screen.
"What?" Beauty gasped, confused. She looked up and found an old footage of herself in middle school.
"Introduce yourself," the interviewer in the footage said.
"I am Beauty Hills," young Beauty replied shyly.
"Whale!" a group of boys passing by mocked.
Young Beauty's face changed immediately.
"Don't be sad. Tell us, what would you like to be in the future, Beauty?"
"I want to be a fashion designer... and... I don't want my parents to be sad about me anymore..."
She paused, sobbing.
"Why would they be sad?"
"I tried to hurt myself. I hate me... I don't think people will buy my designs in the future. I have no friends," she cried.
"Aww!" the audience roared.
"It's okay. You can be a fashion designer and very popular too. Just look at the screen and pretend that's your older self looking at you," the interviewer said.
Beauty's eyes were soaked now. She covered her mouth, watching the clip.
"What do you have to say?" the interviewer asked young Beauty.
She sniffed, looking at the camera.
"Thank you. You are so strong."
"And you are so beautiful," adult Beauty replied softly into the microphone, tears streaming this time.
"Thank you!" young Beauty shouted after the interviewer prompted her.
Her chubby face smiled as she waved at the camera.
The clip ended.
"Aww, come here," Helen said, giving Beauty a small hug.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a warm welcome to the interviewer who provided this clip!" Helen announced with excitement.
Beauty's eyes widened in shock as she turned to see an elderly woman wearing glasses stepping onto the stage. Her hands flew to her mouth, overcome with emotion.
The woman smiled warmly, opening her arms. Beauty stood up and rushed to hug her.
"I am so proud of you, angel. Look at you," the woman said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Beauty pulled back slightly, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't even know what to say," she whispered, her voice shaky.
The audience erupted into loud applause and cheers, clearly moved by the heartfelt reunion.
In the front row, Shelley was dabbing her eyes with a tissue, unable to hold back her tears. Jessie, noticing this, chuckled softly. "Shelley, you're such a crybaby," she teased, though her own voice cracked with emotion as tears ran down her cheeks.
"Shut up, Jessie," Shelley replied with a watery laugh. "You're crying too!"
______
Beauty wiped her tears and turned to the host.
"Helen, I can't believe you brought her here. This means so much to me."
Helen grinned.
"Anything for my favorite guest of the year! Now, before we wrap up, I have one final question for you, Beauty. What's next? What can we expect from you and F&F?"
Beauty smiled, her composure returning.
"Well, the journey doesn't stop here. F&F is expanding globally, and we're working on opening flagship stores in Paris and Tokyo by next year."
"That's amazing!"
Helen replied.