CEO PLUS SIZE CRUSH

130 NEED TO TALK

Beauty's palms were sweating, and her heart was racing. She knew what this meant: she had to walk into the modeling department and face Bruno after everything that had happened.

The thought made her stomach twist. She wasn't ready. Not now. Maybe not ever.

But there was no turning back. She had promised to help Rossie, Bruno's assistant.

As Beauty made her way down the hall, every step felt like she was walking toward a cliff's edge. Her thoughts were chaotic, full of memories of Bruno, of the moments she wished she could erase, and the ache she'd been trying so hard to ignore.

She pressed the elevator button for the modeling department.

As she walked into the elevator, her breath quickened, and her brain was piling up possible scenarios.

What would he think when he saw her? Would he act like nothing happened? Would he apologize? Or worse... would he pretend not to care?

He must think she wanted to interact with him again, that she was begging to be noticed by him.

The elevator stopped, and she stepped out into the modeling department. She clutched the eyeglass case tighter and drew a deep breath.

Many models were in the reception area. She tried to be invisible, but it was useless. They stared as if they had no manners or maybe they didn't really care what she thought of them.

She just prayed she didn't meet Kathy; otherwise, her life would be a living hell. Jessie wasn't here to be her mouthpiece.

She could hear whispering and then chuckles.

"I am just a chubby woman. What is the big deal? It's not a disability!"

She yelled inside.

She managed to walk to the practice hall. She paused at the entrance door and hesitated for a moment, her hand resting lightly on the door handle, her heart racing.

She wasn't supposed to be here.

This wasn't how she imagined facing Bruno again. Rossie had unknowingly pushed her into this awkward situation, leaving her with no other option. However, Bruno was still in the company. What did she expect?

That he would be at home grieving over their breakup? He must really feel good making out with Beyoncé with no regrets.

With a deep breath, she slowly pushed the door open. The creaking sound of the door drew immediate attention.

The room, filled with models and staff, suddenly went silent.

Beauty felt their intense gazes on her as she interrupted their practice.

"I am dead!"

Her cheeks heated up, but it was Bruno's piercing stare that made her stomach twist. He stood at the center, holding a file close to his face, squinting as if struggling without his glasses.

When their eyes met, his expression changed-just slightly, but enough for her to notice.

His heart probably skipped a beat, just as hers did, though his composure remained intact. Beauty, on the other hand, felt the full force of her embarrassment.

Her legs felt weak, but she forced herself to keep walking, even with everyone watching her.

Then, suddenly, as if time were unfreezing, the coaches and the models went back to their practice.

Beauty was thankful that the attention was no longer on her.

"I brought your glasses," she whispered, her voice shaky as she avoided looking directly at him.

"You have to be strong and professional. Don't show him your weakness, Beauty! No emotions. No memories. Please keep it professional."

Bruno's gaze never left her as she fumbled through her bag, pulling out his glasses.

What the hell is wrong with me? Oh no, I am nervous.

Without thinking, took them out of the case, cleaning them with a tissue from the case.

Then it hit her.

Why did I take them out?!

Bruno's heart raced when he saw her freeze realizing she did that and he didn't ask. He knew she must be nervous.

To lessen the embarrassment,he leaned forward without a word for her to put them on him.

Beauty thought of dropping the glasses and running out of the hall, but that would be foolish; she had to finish what she started.

Her fingers trembled as she tiptoed closer, raising her hands to place the glasses on his face, avoiding his eyes.

However, it was useless-not when those eyes were staring at her as if they were lost and needed her.

Their eyes met again through the lenses.

Beauty froze.

His eyes held hers with a kind of intensity that made her feel dizzy. She had tried so hard to distance herself from this moment, but here she was, face to face with him.

He stared down at her lips and then back to her eyes.

Then he mouthed a silent "thank you."

For a brief second, she let herself remember the love she once felt for him. Her chest tightened, and her hands shook slightly. She loved him so deeply, but she couldn't fall into that trap again.

Not after the betrayal; not after the heartbreak that still haunted her.

Memories of the reunion flashed in her mind, the pain and anger resurfacing.

She pulled her hands away quickly, trying to regain her composure.

The models had been stealing glances, curiously.

Bruno saw the tears welling up in Beauty's eyes before anyone else noticed. Her face showed a mixture of pain and fear, and before she could lose control in front of everyone, he reacted quickly.

Without thinking, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her gently toward the exit door.

Beauty didn't resist.

Her emotions were too overwhelming, and Bruno's touch only made her feel more pathetic. Tears clouded her eyes as she tried so hard to seal them in.

The models and coaches watched them leave the room, whispering among themselves, wondering why Bruno, always so calm and professional, had suddenly acted like that.

Bruno took the elevator that led to the company's main entrance.

None of them said anything to each other. Beauty snatched her hand from his and looked the other way.

After a long silence.

Bruno opened his mouth to say something, then the elevator stopped.

He knew he had no choice but to grab her wrist again.

"Let go of me!" Beauty snapped.

Bruno completely ignored her.

However, she had to pretend everything was okay; otherwise, many people would have something to gossip about. She knew someone must be watching.

Bruno pulling her out like that is enough drama.

When they reached his car, Bruno stopped and opened the door for her.

"Get in, please" he said softly. "We need to talk.... If you really do care about me-even if it's in the past-then hear me out."