As Beauty stepped out of the party and into the cool night air, hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She hurried towards the hotel to get a room, the laughter of her former classmates still ringing in her ears, and the video of her and Stephen replaying in her head.

"Beauty, wait!" Bruno called, his voice filled with concern.

Finally, Bruno caught up to Beauty just as she was about to enter the hotel. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path, his chest heaving from the sprint.

"Please, just listen to me for a second," Bruno said, his eyes pleading. Beauty shook her head, tears already brimming, her...