As the polished black limousine glided to a halt in front of the mansion, a hush fell over the crowd gathered outside.
Heads turned, whispers floated through the air, and the excitement of the party dimmed momentarily as everyone's attention shifted to the luxurious car.
It was clear this was no ordinary arrival; the anticipation crackled like electricity.
With a smooth motion, the uniformed driver stepped out and opened the rear door.
"They're not joking. Who could that be?!" someone gushed in the crowd.
Bruno emerged first, his tall figure commanding attention. Dressed in an expensive suit—though not from F&F to avoid suspicion and attention—he stood out. The suit emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist.
"That is definitely the most handsome guy at the party," Aliyah whispered, and Beyoncé smirked.
"I found a one-night stand now... Who's the bitch? Happy breakup day," she smirked to herself.
The moment Bruno stepped down from the car, he was surprised by the giggles and high-pitched screams that erupted from the crowd of women, whose partners must have been wishing for his death.
"The makeup failed to make him unattractive, but at least he's unrecognizable," he thought.
He turned back to extend a hand to Beauty, who followed closely behind him.
As Beauty stepped out of the limo, her presence silenced the crowd.
Not a single voice was heard—it was completely unexpected to them.
"Wait, what?!" Beyoncé snapped, her eyes bulging.
Beauty smiled awkwardly.
"No way it's her," a voice whispered in the crowd.
"She looks so beautiful and curvy—that's a glow-up for sure," another said.
"The gown is worth a fortune, believe me. She doesn't even look like her... I've never seen her with makeup on!" another stated.
Beyoncé and her friend Aliyah exchanged shocked glances, their mouths slightly agape.
"That's Beyoncé, the proprietor's daughter," Beauty whispered to Bruno, glancing towards them. Bruno followed her gaze and found Beyoncé with her jaw dropped.
Beyoncé quickly picked her jaw up from the floor. Envy gnawed at her, her thoughts racing.
"How... how is this possible? Did she hire all of this just to feel better? That must be it! But hiring something worth millions? What is she playing at? And that hot guy—have I seen him before?" she thought to herself.
Jealousy bubbled beneath her polished exterior as she struggled to maintain her composure.
As Beauty and Bruno approached Beyoncé's desk for ticket entry, her eyes narrowed. The glint of envy was unmistakable in her gaze, but she kept her expression tightly controlled, her lips curving into a forced smile.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up. Fatty and her... I'm sorry, have we met?" she said to Bruno, biting her lower lip.
Bruno completely ignored her. That made her burn up inside, but she kept shining her teeth.
"How rude," she muttered, feigning a sad face as she turned to Beauty.
"A limo? Who'd you borrow that from, Beauty? And who's this? Did you hire yourself a boyfriend?"
"Aren't you a little overdressed for a reunion?" Aliyah added.
"Overdressed? Who made the rules? No, I wanted it, so I wore it," Beauty replied boldly, making Bruno smile.
"Oh, I see. A little confidence. Ha ha. Nice one, Beauty. I know what this is all about—a fake life to make yourself feel better. A fake dress, a fake limo, a fake boyfriend!" Beyoncé snapped loudly enough to draw attention.
A lump formed in Beauty's throat as she tried to summon a witty retort, but her mind blanked. She could feel her emotions welling up, the sting of Beyoncé's words threatening to overwhelm her.
She was right!
Bruno noticed.
"This is my chance. I had to do something".
He said to himself.
"Look me in the eyes and tell me you own all this, and that this man right here—handsome, by the way—is your man. Come on!"
Beyoncé laughed.
Beauty opened her mouth to say something, though she had no idea what would come out.
"I think I should show her," Bruno said instead, smiling at Beauty.
"Show her what?" Beauty thought.
Bruno turned to Beyoncé.
"Actually, the limo belongs to her."
He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a receipt, holding it up for Beyoncé to see.
"Proof, in case you need it. Feel free to wet it with your tears. We saved a copy."
Beyoncé's fake smile faltered, her eyes widening at the sight of the receipt.
For a moment, she was speechless. Aliyah, too, shifted uncomfortably, her earlier confidence draining away.
Bruno wasn't done. He turned to Beauty, whose eyes had widened at the receipt. Then she noticed his gaze softening as he looked at her.
Before she could react, he gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek, and leaned in.
Beauty's breath hitched, her heart racing.
What is he trying to do?
She clenched her fists tightly by her side as the world around them seemed to blur. In that moment, all of Beyoncé's taunts, the whispers from the crowd, and the flashing lights of the party melted away.
And then, he kissed her.
It wasn't just a kiss; it was an unexpected, electrifying gesture that took Beauty completely by surprise.
His lips were warm and tender, but there was something possessive and protective in the way he held her. It was as though he was claiming her in front of everyone.
Beauty's hands instinctively rose to his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his suit as she lost herself in the moment. Her pulse quickened, and for the briefest of seconds, she forgot where they were.
All she could feel was him—his steady heartbeat beneath her fingertips, his warmth, the softness of his lips.