Chapter 20: Chapter 20

**BRUNO'S POV**

The next morning, Grandma was the first to come into my room,she drew the window curtains,I sluggishly turned to the other side as the light rays travelled directly into my eyes.

"How are you doing this morning my love?*

Grandma asked.

She walked over to my side and sat on the bed beside me. I drew my blanket up to cover my wet face.

She sighed and touched my hand.

"Still mourning over your heartbreak?"

I said nothing, I completely ignored her,my eyes were hurting from crying since yesterday and my heart won't stop aching,how can this happen,how on Earth did this happen,Beauty and father?

Father ofcourse is a known flirt and womanizer but Beauty?how could she do this to me.

"The visitors will soon arrive you don't want them to see you,all sad and teary,man up and be strong"Grandma continued.

"Can I be alone for now please?find somewhere else and stay maybe go to Abigail,she is your grandchild too or find some of your old people,let me be please"I mumbled ,for the first time Granny's words annoyed me ,her presence even irritates me,I was taking me anger out on her that same minute,I regretted it.

"Life is not always sweet, flowers and sunshine,there are storm days too,dark days and hurt days,all you have to do is be strong and don't lose yourself to the situation,I know how much you loved her...

"You don't know anything about us!,all y'all wanted was to seperate us and now that it's settled ,can you now let me be!"I snapped angrily.

She sighed and patted my hand.

"I prepared something for you, Grandma special recipe,your favourite.. hope you will love it".

She pecked my forehead and left the room. As soon the door shut closed,I slowly closed my eyes and cried silently. All that was in my mind was our last moment,and how she cried and denied knowing anything about the video.

I told Beauty I believed her but deep down,I was so scared ,scared to hurt her feelings,but mostly scared to hurt myself,Beauty why did you have to do it.

That is what father wanted and he got it, crying like a baby won't help either,i have to forget about all this and move on.

Even the sound of that statement in my head made me gasp in tears,I grabbed on my chest,how could I forget when it hurts this much,when all I could think of is how she was enjoying the whole thing and my father using her as his sex toy,how could I ever get the image of this horrific scene off my head.

I squeezed my fist under the blanket,my veins bulged and fist tightened.

I don't think I can ever move on with this pain,it hurts so much ,so much ...

The door cracked open interrupting my thoughts,it was Abigail.

"Are you still crying?cry baby?"

"What are you doing here Abigail"I sneered with an obvious hate tone in my voice,I despised her so much at this moment.

"Well I don't know what you said to Grandma,but she's crying because of you..silly!, you shouldn't make her feel bad because she cared so much about you,she was so worried about you yesternight,refused to go to sleep and waited for your return ,she took care of your drunkass and this morning your sick attitude made her sad,you should be ashamed of yourself Bruno".

"Get out of my room or I will make you Abigail"I snapped hiding the fast that what she said about Grandma touched me.

"I don't even want to stay in the first place,also your CEO party should be today right?,hope you are ready,also am sure that bitch won't be attending the his,if eventually she actually did attend the party ,you have to face her and end things with her infront of everyone,I will gladly tell her colleagues what she did".

"Are you done?"I snarled at her.

"Yes".

She walked to the door and paused.

"To be frank,I know it's not easy and also I know the pain you are passing through but I warned you didn't I? I knew it at first that she is badnews,a stinking golddigger and a shameless nyphomanic but no.....you didn't listen because you are so blinded by whatever attracted you to that horrible looking fat lady,it's done already ,the mistake can never be revised. I hope you learn from it so you have to take it easy on yourself,Grandma is hurt because of you,and if you don't want to stop, for her sake stop this madness already".

She opened the door and slammed it shut after her.

I picked up my phone, Beauty's calls notifications were uncountable,I wanted to call her but held back.

What am I calling her for, because I missed her? I dropped my phone on the floor,not thinking straight. I sat up and laughed crazily,my palm over my face.

Am such a fool,after everything she did ,you still got the heart to miss her,you are really pathetic Bruno.

I pulled the blanket off my body and walked like a zombie into the bathroom to freshen up,for the party but first I got to make it up to my grandma.

As a young boy she would always pick a gentle man outfit with sleeked shiny hairstyle for me,so I decided to dress up like she would love me to for the big party.

After dressing up ,I went to the sitting room,and found her waiting for me at th dining ,the food she prepared was there right infront of her,her palm supporting her jaw.

I regretted making her worry,and shutting her out,as soon as she saw me the outfit ,her lips twitched and then slightly drew wide open in a smile,I was happy atleast i was able to make her happy with my little trick.

"Well look at you CEO sir!'she teased aand got up from where she was seating,she walked to me ,and loosened my tie.

Embarrassed I looked away as she knoted it in the correct way.

"Grandma,am really...."

"Don't worry about me my sweet baby,am so happy you are able to get up on your feet again,looking handsome and....

She used her fingers to pull my cheeks.

"Can you put on a little smile,it's a big day for you honey".

She requested.

I forced my teeth open.

"Come on here..(pulled me along) I made your favourite".

She took me by the hands and walked to the dining,She made me sit on a chair beside hers and dished a full plate of food for me.

I don't have an appetite but rejecting it will make her feel bad.

"Thanks grandma"

I replied and smiled at her.

"Come on eat up,soon your guests will be allover you".

"You eem to love that Beauty of a girl regardless".

She said after some minutes.

"Maybe you should talk things out with her, and find her reasons,I do like that girl too and I am as devastated as you my dear".

"I don't want to talk about her"I replied slowly.

**JESSI'S POV**

For days now,app I do was drink and drink lots of heavy wines,I wanted to end my life but I owe Beauty an apology and a confession.

Dying now won't solve anything,I got up from my tears soaked bed and walked straight to the bathroom to wash my face and my head too,my body hurts so much,and my head got this hammering sensation in there that makes me feel like I might go crazy anytime soon.

I took a deep breathe and looked up at my reflection,I looked so sick that a stranger I met once would be able tell that I am going through lots of shit.

I picked up my toothbrush from the paste holder on the sink,and started brushing,all that was filled in my mind was the thought of how to get Bruno and Beauty back together and prevent them from ever finding out about Mr Hathaway's plan,but how possible can that be and how strong am I to do that.

My phone vibrated ,I was startled by the sound awakening me from my deep thoughts then a notification popped up on the screen.

It was a reminder for the CEO party,which I should be attending in few minutes later.Talking with Beauty this morning,she may have pretended to be alright but I noticed something off about her voice,she must have cried all night long.

I took a deep breathe and went back to my room to undress,I have promised myself Ii will never step my foot at Me Hathaway's after what happened to me but if I am going to make things right then I have to tell Bruno about his father's plan,I have to attend theparty that's what I will be doing.

After dressing up,I got a call from our college, Kareem.

"Hello Jessi are you there yet?"

""Not yet Kareem what's wrong?"

"I wouldn't be able to make it to the party,got a good reason though,my mom's surgery was rescheduled today,I have to stay beside her".

I rubbed my palm over my face.

"I pray for her successful surgery dear but why are you ..

"Why am telling you?,..

"The boss is very cold these days ,he scares me,I can't possibly explain myself to ¢him,please help me talk to him,you two seem pretty close".

"What ...no..we are not close"I snapped nervously.

"Don't lie,we all were there when he asked after Beauty,he seem pretty cool with you,so please help me girl".

"Kareem seriously I don't know how,I am also as scared as you ,but I will try and explain to him on your behalf".

."Thanks so much,I owe you!!".

She replied happily and hung up.

I can't possibly face Bruno with my guilt feeling and nervousness,I don't think I can possibly do that, I sighed deeply.

AUTHOURESS'S POV

"The guests are here..(she paused). why are you not all dressed up already?"

"He is"Grandma replied instead.

"Wait are you going to wear that?"

"He is wearing it"Grandma replied her again.

Abiagil tried not to laugh checking him out

"What's up with that face,he looks good in them though".Grandma snapped back at her.

"You are the one behind this Grandma am not surprised"Abigail laughed hard.

She walked to where Bruno was.

"Well hello cutie,why don't you smile a little,smii.......le ,she pulled on Bruno's chheek

"You are getting him mad"grandma scolded her.

Abigail laughed out

"Well he should be with that outfit on".

"You can say all you want to my baby but trust me ,he won't care about all that at all ,as long as he makes his grandma happy he is okay"Grandma boasted

"Pass me the chicken bowl,I want the some wings"she requested,taking a seat.

"I made those specially for him don't interfere"Garndma bites back.

**BRUNO'S POV**

I walked down the reception room and found everyone there waiting already,a loud applauded accompanied my presence.

"CEO!!"

Their voices were loud and joyful,I wonder if they all prayed for Ferd to resign judging from how happy they look while celebrating my new promotion,I tried to smile,searching secretly for Beauty.

I knew she won't attend the party of course still deep down,I wish she is here with me,I wanted to see her again,maybe we can sort things out somehow .

"Hy nice to meet you Sir Bruno,you look....old school"John , our Fashion magazine's chief editor complimented me bluntly.

"I appreciate"I replied,trying to be as lovely as possible,my sister was at a corner ,giving the smile sign as a reminder,I rolled my eyes annoyed then i saw Jessi ,she was also looking towards my direction,there was something different about her, Jessi was a girl that her presence could easily be noticed.

I should say in times like this,she would tease me and make me totally uncomfortable with her extroverted aura,but today she was unusually cold.Jessi is a friend of Beauty right? ,so maybe she told her about us ,maybe that's why Jessi is like that.

"Who are you looking at Bruno?"

The voice was new bit sort of familiar,I turned to know who the person was,to my sorry...it was ..

"Hy am Cherry".

Interrupting my thoughts,she said that with a soft smile settled on her big lips, extending her hand.

I reluctantly accepted the handshake.

"Why are you looking at me like that, you've forgotten me so soon"she teased and hit me playfully on the shoulder.

"Oh my Gosh!,cheery is that you?"Abigail exclaimed as she made her way through the crowd towards us.

"Yeah ,you are looking pretty Any!"

"Stop already?"Abigail said blushing sheepishly. "But..look.at you,you look so unreal,you look like goddess babe!"Abigail exclaimed.

"You are exaggerating like always"Cherry said ,witha soft hands pat on her hair.

"So what are you doing here?"I asked.

"Wow that was harsh..am your friend or....are you still shy because of what happened that day?"Cherry replied with a question.

I swallowed hard.

"Can we not talk about that now".

"What was that about?"Abigail asked Cherry gazing from one person to another.

"Well on my sweet sixteen birthday,Bruno and I shared our first kiss,he confessed he was a virgin,but as soon as I wanted us to get in to it,he ran away like a girl leaving me unsatisfied".

Abigail cracked up . "Are you serious!"

"He was such an innocent and boring boy back then,but now I wonder who the first person was,he must have had lots and lots of women after that,I am also happy you are successful and also very popular as a fashion icon,most sexiest man 2019 till date,you are literally everything any lady could ask for in a man".Cheery siad witha wink.

"Oh trust me ,he is still boring as always"Abigail said ,they laughed.

I was really angry about Cherry sharing our little secret to Abiagil, whatever i am not sixteen anymore and I don't care what they think of me.

"If you will excuse me.."I turned to leave the two.

"Bruno she is an old friend, don't ignore her childishly,get over it already!"Abigail scolded,I frowned annoyingly at her.

"Get over what?"Cherry asked curious.

"Well you see ,he had this bitch of a girlfriend...

I left them and walked towards the balcony,some of the company's new employees approached me.

"Sir Bruno!!"

I had to stop and listen to what they had to say.

***JESSI'S POV***

I keep trying Beauty's line ,but it wasn't going,I thought maybe I can convince her to come over afterall.

I wonder if they still fighting because of Bruno's company crisis whatever,but Bruno was able to keep our company on top and everything's back to normal ,why is she ignoring the party invitation that is if at all Bruno sent her an invitation card.

""A drink ma'am?"

A male water in a tuxedo and bow tie said to me with a little now.

"Oooh emmm thanks"I replied slowly.

I took a glass from the tray and forced a smile at him,I have no appetite for this or anything else,I wanted to set things right between them ,I have to tell Bruno about his father's plan before it will be too late.

But how ,how will I say such a thing to him and how is he going to react, will he even believe any word I say,but I guess I should go on anyway,if mr Hathaway's plan becomes successful,I am scared for the future Beauty and Bruno.

I took a deep breathe and tried a sip from the champagne glass,good wine quality though then i stared back at Bruno,he was done talking with the new employees,This is a change for me to get close to him,I started walking close towards the balcony where he was alone looking out of the window,he seem troubled,maybe because he expected Beauty I guess,why won't she pick up.

Suddenly a lady in a princess gown,her blonde full her was straight and shiny styled up In a huge bun with baby hairs at the edges.

Her widely open back cleavage,displayed her nicely tattoo of a serpect and apple,tangled with a green robe-like forest tree branches in the middle of her back down her waist her round d butt was very visible in a ball gown.,her skin was fair and milky and her waist was tiny,the most intimidating part was her height and her attractively sexiness even from the back view.

I wondered who she is,I have not seen anyone like that in our company before and also she is definitely not a new employee,none of our new set of employees could match her beauty,Kathy would be jealous of her too if she get to see her.

She went to Bruno ,I observed and stared more curious now,she put her hand round his neck and kissed him,that wasn't a friendly or getting kiss,there was

Wait what ,Bruno did not react as I expected,who is this lady and why is she so close to Bruno,maybe he is his cousin, I guess I shouldn't bother Beauty with every single lady Bruno flirts with.

He is Bruno afterall ,women always throw themselves at him,just that he is not the playboy type he is a very a reserved personality maybe am thinking too far, I should probably give them time and observe more ,instead of .....

Then all of a sudden,i felt my breathe cut off of my throat,my eyes wet and bulgy,and my body shivered,one of Mr Hathaway's men who raped me walked pass ,right in my front.

Only his presence kicked off all the thoughts in my mind and rendered me blank,my fists crushed tight ,I tried to control myself.Am sorry Beauty but I can't do this anymore,I went out of the place as soon as I could in tears and waved at a cab.

**BRUNO'S POV**

"What is your problem Cherry?,you can't just come over and kiss me like that"I said, pushing her gently .

"Hold on,a kiss is a greeting too you know,am sorry about that..bitch..your sister told me , everything,she is a bitch,a poor wretched bitch, sleeping with your father that's so messed up..

"Am sorry ,but I have to leave now"I turned to leave she caught my hand and held it right.

"Wait on Bruno".

I paused,resisting the urge to push her aside and walk away.

"Am sorry ,if I upset you with my words,I really wanted you to be happy again, being all moody and sad,is not the Bruno ,I fall Inlove with years old".

"Well people do change,what's wrong with a change? and why are you here all of a sudden,did my mom invite you to this party?"I asked my left brow raised.

"No ofcourse!..is it bad to pay a visit to an old friend,I will be leaving soon too"she said letting go of my hand, looking a bit offended by my question.

"Good,that will be nice"I replied and walked away from there.

My sister approached me as soon as I stepped into the reception.

"What did you say to her,you can't continue like this,that bitch is not worth having control over your mind,get over her and move on".

"Tell me ,why is she here,you guys planned to fix me with Cherry, isn't it?"

"And so what? Isn't she good enough for you Mr perfect or you want to tell me that your bitch of an ex is more beautiful than her"Abigail snarled.

"Whatever you guys are thinking isn't going to work,so you better explain that to her,I told her already,the faster she stopped playing around,the better for each and everyone of you".

I stated ignoring the frown of fury resting on her face.

I walked up the stairs and went into my room.