CEO PLUS SIZE CRUSH

97 A BRAND NEW MAN

Bruno blinked, looking a little surprised by Beauty's outburst, but then a small smile appeared on his face.

"Oops, did someone say something?" Jessie said with a grin, breaking the awkward silence.

Kai gasped dramatically, putting a hand over his chest.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know."

Beauty's face turned bright red instantly, and she waved her hands in denial.

"No, no... it's not... actually-"

"Actually, you don't need to apologize, Kai," Bruno calmly cut her off, stepping forward and gently wrapping his arm around Beauty's waist.

Beauty held her breath the moment his hand rested there, almost as if claiming her.

Was he really playing the part of her fake boyfriend? Or did this mean something more? She looked at Bruno, searching his face for answers, but he kept his eyes on Kai.

"She's right," Bruno said, his voice steady. "I'm not single. Beauty and I... we're together."

Beauty's eyes went wide, her heart racing.

"Oh, you like women. You two do make a lovely couple," Kai said with a smile, though it didn't seem completely sincere, as if disappointed.

"Like women?... No."

The trio shot him a curious look.

"I knew it!"

Jessie snapped with a finger point out in excitement.

"So you...like men?"

Kai asked.

Beauty heart crushed painfully and twisted in different shapes.

Slowly she felt Bruno's hand on her waist tighten.

"I like her... only her," he replied and smiled down at Beauty.

The trio was speechless at his reply.

"Wow! That's sweet..still disappointing that you don't like men. I will never have a chance. Lucky you Beauty."

Kia replied.

"I am the lucky one".

Bruno replied.

Beauty closed her eyes tightly, her fists clenched by her sides, praying for an earthquake to bury her underground.

Why does he keep saying things like that when he doesn't mean it? Stop playing with my heart, Sir Bruno! she yelled inside.

Jessie, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, smirked.

"Well, isn't this just perfect?" she teased. "You two really confessing like love birds. The chemistry is natural."

Beauty shot Jessie an angry look, feeling even more flustered, but Jessie stuck out her tongue, teasing her further.

"Beauty," Bruno called, jolting her nerves, making her stand upright, her face still flushed.

He glanced down at her and spoke softly, "About the reunion... I'd love to be your date."

Beauty's breath caught in her throat. She quickly looked away, feeling nervous.

"Oh... um, okay," she mumbled, trying to sound casual but failing. Bruno smiled softly, their eyes meeting for just a second.

"Alright, Mr. Bruno," Kai interrupted, clapping his hands together. "Sorry, hate to interrupt, but it's makeover time! I can't wait to work my magic on you."

Bruno chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah... I'm ready. It's a disguise, so make me look as different as possible."

Kai grinned, pulling out a kit filled with makeup, grooming tools, and styling products.

"Trust me, darling, you'll look different-like you had cosmetic surgery."

Bruno sat down in the chair Kai had set up in the living room. He glanced at Beauty, who stood beside Jessie, her face still flushed. When their eyes met, as expected she didn't look away but smiled at him.

That did something to him!

"I would actually love to go all-natural. I don't need to hide my identity or disguise myself," Bruno said suddenly, surprising everyone.

Beauty's heart raced. Was he saying that for her?

Jessie sighed.

"I get you, Mr. Bruno. But it's about Beauty. If people recognize you, it'll cause trouble for her since you guys are not-you know." She shrugged.

Bruno sighed and nodded.

"Okay, do it your way."

That's going to change after the reunion anyway, he assured himself.

Beauty yawned tiredly.

Jessie shot Beauty a teasing smile.

"You look like you need some rest."

Beauty blinked, startled.

"What? No, I'm fine!" she said quickly, embarrassed.

"Yeah, right," Jessie said, rolling her eyes. "Come on, you need a nap. Did you even sleep last night after the whole Beyoncé issue?"

"I did!" Beauty replied, but her voice wasn't convincing.

Jessie grabbed her arm.

"Sure you did. Let's go."

She dragged Beauty toward the stairs.

---

A few hours later...

Beauty and Jessie walked downstairs after Beauty's short nap, just as Kai was putting the finishing touches on Bruno's face.

"Are you done? Beauty can't wait to see what he looks like before she gets dolled up herself," Jessie teased.

"Jessie!" Beauty snapped, glaring at her friend.

"Just a second," Kai said, stepping back with a flourish. "Are you ready to see the new Bruno?"

Jessie's face lit up with anticipation.

"Show us already!" she replied impatiently.

With a dramatic turn of the chair, Kai revealed Bruno's new look.

"Tada! Get ready to be blown away."

Beauty and Jessie's faces blacked out in despair. They both fell completely silent, speechless at the same time.

"Is it that bad?" Bruno asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Jessie leaned in closely to his face, disbelief written all over hers.

"How the hell do you look more beautiful than most women with makeup on?" she blurted, her voice cold with envy.

"What?" Bruno muttered, utterly confused.