Fate || BENNIFER

This Is So Wrong

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Recommendation: Listen to Gravity by Sara Bereilles before reading. Jennifer's live version is on YouTube if you prefer it.
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January 2013

Jennifer's P.O.V

Shiny curls parted to the side exposing my neck, diamond earrings hanging in cascade matched the silvery makeup, and topped the body-baring cream lace gown. A sparkly screen covered my skin and bathed my hair in gleamy little crystals. A few drops of perfume on my neck gave me the final touch.

The door opened in front of the long and well-known red carpet. I got ready for the camera flashes as Benny surrounded the car to help me out, holding my hand to finally step out.

I gracefully began my walk on the red carpet as I focused hardly not to trip over my dress, tightening the grip on my purse to relieve some of the pressure I felt in front of the flashing, the voices chanting my name, and the hundreds of eyes I had on me.

Beyond the blinding lights, those who had walked the carpet gathered to catch up. Actors, singers, dancers, directors. We never knew who we'd find flaunting their best looks.

I was looking around, distracted by the noisy front full of photographers when a whisper in my ear got all my attention. I turned around looking for the sneaky person who had managed to approach me as discreetly as to go unnoticed. My breathing came to a sudden halt when the person I saw turned out to be Ben Affleck. My eyes rapidly returned to the front of the carpet, ignoring what had happened and showing my best smile. I hadn't even heard what he had said after all.

Benny and the rest of the team came to my rescue, making me walk away from the crowded spot where I was starting to feel beyond overwhelmed. The event wasn't close to start yet, and we didn't necessarily have to take our seat the moment we arrived.

"Let's take the elevator." Benny pressed the button.

"I'll go in alone. I need a second." I almost begged with my face.

"Are you alright?" He asked with a tone of concern in his voice, as I handed him my purse.

"Yes... I'm perfectly... okay." My voice quavered slightly but I did my best to dissimulate it.

"See you upstairs then." He said while signaling the rest of the group to take another way.

I smiled until he had completely turned around, then I restlessly waited for the elevator to reach the level. It felt like an eternity. The doors finally opened and I walked inside, straight to the button panel to press the one where the awards were taking place. Feeling relieved to be alone at last I let my body lean gently on the wall, patiently waiting for the doors to close and have a moment to breathe.

Fate had always done its part. Things happen for a reason, whether you like them or not. I didn't use to believe that until I got pregnant with Emme and Max. Marc was never meant for me, but we were always meant to find each other so our babies could exist. Now they were almost five, and he barely stuck around. We had been divorced for a year and a half, and he had already moved on. His family had never been his priority, so after splitting up, he had the perfect excuse to barely show up. But fate always had a reason to play the cards that way, it was just too soon to realize.

The doors of the elevator were almost completely closed when an arm got in the way and stopped them from closing. The dark tuxedo was the first thing I noticed when it popped between the doors. As they opened, I recognized him. The height, hair and posture were undeniably his. Ben Affleck was a sexy man. He had always been.