She had never paid attention to something as subtle as her brother's cologne, and the fact that Raymond had been so aware of it made her realize how deeply Raymond's feelings for Bruno ran.
"Wait," she said, processing his words.
"You're saying Bruno had a feminine fragrance on him?"
Raymond rolled his eyes in frustration.
He didn't want to go into details, he felt jealous of that strange woman out there.
"Yeah. And it wasn't faint, either. It was all over him. His clothes, his skin...everything."
He glanced down, fidgeting slightly.
"Whoever she is, he must've been really all over her. I also suspect that the hoodie is not his. Bruno never wears anything apart from gray color and black colored"
"This is unbelievable".
Bruno was known for being reserved and keeping to himself, never one to flaunt any relationships or even hint at having a romantic life.
If what Raymond was saying was true, it meant Bruno had a secret female lover and Abigail had no idea.
"Are you sure?" she asked impatiently.
"Bruno never talks about women, let alone brings one around. You really think he's seeing someone?"
Raymond gave a short, almost cynical laugh.
"I know what I smelled, Abigail. And that wasn't his usual cologne. Trust me."
He left sadly afterward.
Abigail stood there, stunned by all the revelation. All this time, she had believed Bruno was focused solely on work, detached from romance.
*He is a man, after all.
I underestimated him!*
She grinned evilly.
******
Bruno stepped into his room, feeling an odd sense of giddiness, like a teenager experiencing his first crush.
He glanced at the mirror, a small smile spreading across his face as he touched the hoodie he was wearing.
He bit his lower lip and ran a hand through his hair as if he suddenly realized how handsome and hot he is.
He blushed at his reflection as flashbacks of their car ride came to mind.
How flustered Beauty was.
He never really takes pride in women's admiration but seeing her like that with him made him feel hella sexy.
The faint scent of her perfume lingered in the air, making him feel something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long time.
He knew he had to return the hoodie, but for now, he wasn't ready to let go of it.
He sheepishly smiled at his reflection, imagining what it would be like if Beauty knew how much he enjoyed their time together.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, sharp knock on the door.
"Bruno!"
Abigail's voice was insistent from the other side.
"Open up! I need to talk to you."
*The pest sister again!*
Bruno rolled his eyes, immediately hurried in a motion, he shoved Beauty's hoodie under his bed.
He wanted Abigail to leave, to go back to whatever corner of the mansion she came from, but she knocked again, louder this time.
"Bruno, I know you're in there!" she persisted.
"Why do you hate me? You've always loved your little sister when we were young, but now you hardly listen to me! It's sad...it's heartbreaking...it's so hard for me...please open the door, don't lock me out... I will die".
She faked crying.
Sighing in frustration, he reluctantly walked to the door and opened it, trying to keep his expression neutral.
"You should leave modeling, go into the movie industry and show off your talent".
Bruno told her.
Abigail immediately stopped her acting and dried off her tears.
Without warning, she leaned in and sniffed the air like a bloodhound, her nose twitching.
"Did you just... sniff me?"
Bruno asked, incredulous.
Abigail ignored his question, raising an eyebrow.
"You smell different."
Bruno frowned, stepping back instinctively.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, don't play dumb, Bruno
She gave him a knowing look, her curiosity piqued.
"You smell like a woman. It's all over you...all these while I thought you were innocent'"
He rolled his eyes and wanted to close the door, but Abigail wasn't finished.
She put a leg into the room like a gymnast.
"So," she continued, undeterred. "Is it a lover? A one-night stand? Maybe someone you picked up on the way home?"
Bruno said nothing, his jaw tightening as he tried to remain calm.
He didn't owe her an explanation, and the last thing he wanted was to talk about Beauty, especially with his nosy sister.
She would disrespect her.
He turned his back on her, hoping she would take the hint and leave.
But Abigail wasn't so easily discouraged, she walked into the room and went to where she sat on the bed.
"Come on, Bruno, you can't hide this from me forever. Whoever she is, I'll find out soon enough. You think I can't tell when something's up with you? I'm your little, cute sister. Remember. Your Abby... Aby Aby".
She kept singing into his ear like a mosquito.
Bruno kept his silence.
As an introvert, Abigail knew he could give her that silent treatment until forever if he wishes.
"Fine," Abigail finally huffed, giving up for the moment. "But don't think this is over. I'm going to find out who she is, Bruno. Mark my words."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Bruno alone in the room once again.
He sighed with relief as he heard her footsteps fade down the hallway.
His gaze shifted back to the bed where Beauty's hoodie was hidden, a faint smile tugging at his lips once more.
"I have two young women who matter the most to me...different personalities. One a pest and the other a shy butterfly".
He fell on the bed, wondering what Tomorrow will be like in the office.
Should he call Jessie just to confirm something?
He got close to Jessie to get some information about Beauty.
Like the mall he visited after being bored at home.
He was careful not to make it clear that he wanted to see Beauty.
He was lucky that she came to the mall that same day.