Eric, a tall, handsome, and well-built man with smooth brown skin that glowed under the soft office lighting. His curly hair and honey brown eyes complemented his skin tone.
His chiseled jawline, perfectly trimmed beard, and that perfect dentition were easily noticed by the female staff in the room.
They giggled softly, their voices low, but their eyes never left the handsome newbie.
He is an attractive one for sure.
Eric had approached Beauty's desk with a soft smile, clutching a few files in his hand.
He was still getting used to the company's workflow, and Beauty to him appeared to be the kindest and most easygoing, although today, she seemed unusually moody and not the approachable person he had expected.
Despite this, Eric gathered his courage and stepped forward.
The pretty privilege can come to his aid this time.
Beauty was reading an email in her inbox about the School Reunion.
"Beyoncé Robin? She is the main sponsor?"
She cursed as she remembered the particular incident where the school proprietor's daughter bullied her.
"I am her target for sure."
Beauty groaned.
"Hey, Beauty," Eric called, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Beauty looked up at Eric with a momentary flash of surprise on her face.
"EMM sorry I didn't notice."
She apologized immediately.
Eric was shocked at her apology.
"No, please don't apologize, I... I, uh, was wondering if you could help me out with these files? I'm a bit lost with the system."
"Of course, Eric," she said, giving him a small smile. "What do you need help with?"
Watching them, Bruno felt the knot in his chest tighten. The idea that she might be pulling away from him made him feel like he was losing his mind.
Bruno watched her smile at Eric... really smiled... as she patiently explained whatever it was he needed help with.
His heart twisted in his chest, a storm of jealousy rising inside him.
Beauty had barely glanced in Bruno's direction all day, but here she was, talking to Eric with that admiration in her eyes. She was attentive, sweet, and helpful, leaning in slightly as she spoke. Eric had a few glances at her cleavage. While Beauty was clueless and innocently leaning forward.
Bruno scoffed.
*Why him? That Eric is an idiot. Can't he keep his eyes off her body? Why is she being so kind to him when she's been avoiding me all day?*
Bruno thought, anger bubbling under his skin.
He clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. It wasn't like Beauty was doing anything wrong, she was just helping a colleague. But the sight of her engaging with Eric so sweetly felt like a punch to the gut.
Bruno hated the way Eric seemed to draw her attention so effortlessly, while he was dying for some attention. Well, not like he doesn't get it from a lot more, like all the people in that company, but at least the person who matters to him!
*Maybe she likes Eric. Perhaps he's the reason she's been distant with me. Maybe I've been fooling myself this whole time*
Bruno thought darkly, his mind spiraling further.
He couldn't stand it. Every smile she gave Eric felt like a personal betrayal, even though he knew it shouldn't.
This is getting out of hand! The jealousy was too much to ignore.
Bruno forced himself to look away, his thoughts being a tangled mess of frustration and hurt.
He had no right to be angry. He knew that. But that didn't stop the jealousy from clawing at him.
"Anything else?"
Beauty asked Eric softly.
Eric was visibly grateful for her willingness to assist further.
He handed her the files, explaining the issues he was facing with a specific report. As he spoke, Beauty shifted into her usual work mode, her fingers quickly flipping through the papers, scanning them with ease.
Eric moved closer to her, as she showed him the corrections.
"Here's where you went wrong," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "You just need to adjust this section and then reformat this part here."
Her closeness didn't go unnoticed by Bruno, his blood kept boiling with jealousy.
It was like a new emotion, and he couldn't control it.
Beauty was smiling... really smiling at Eric.
Yeah, she can smile at anyone but why not him?
Eric nodded along with Beauty's explanation.
"And here! We are done!"
Beauty said finally.