1 Year Engagement

12

A month passed and Miranda could honestly say that she was genuinely happy. She felt as if everything in her life finally was in a good place.

She still noticed that Ben had some reserves about them that she could only help but wonder what it was. He was off this whole week, not himself...If only she really had time to figure it out. Richard put her in charge of the charity ball last minute and was 3 weeks away. So, she was working with decorators, caterers and so much more to get this pulled off.

Miranda came home early today. She needed to take a nap before having a meeting with the event coordinator. She knew Ben was working from home today, so she was just going to go upstairs and rest, so he could work in his office in peace.

She saw Curt's car outside so she knew they were probably going over their family business.

Miranda walked to the kitchen but stopped when she heard Ben's voice. "It's not your fault Curt it's William's."

"No, it is my fault. I was wreckless." Curt stressed. "And now you're being blackmailed by him."

"I just finished talking to Jeff and he is confident that he is close to finding all of the photos and we can destroy this evidence...I sent out bad reports against Bailey's family jewels and William called me yesterday so upset." Ben told Curt.

Miranda gasped, he was the reason people all of a sudden thought her family's jewelry was fake stones.

"And you know what he said...he told me that Miranda would never forgive me for that."

"Well, what did you say to that?"

"I told him that he was assuming that I actually cared about what Miranda thinks...Might I remind you I was forced into this engagement? I never willingly chose her as my fiancée. You blackmailed me into it." Ben explained.

Miranda's heart was pounding at his words. She knew she should stop listening but she had to hear it all the way through. But his words.

I never willing chose her.
I was forced into this engagement.
You blackmailed me into it.
Those words echoed in her head.
"William was so angry he tried to taunt me by saying that I wish I could find the pictures so I could end the engagement and get rid of Miranda. I just laughed. "

It all made sense. Blackmail was why he agreed to this engagement. She knew he didn't need money or connections and this was why he was so cold to her in the beginning. He never really planned on getting married either. He was looking for the photos to destroy so they could break the engagement off. Which is why he was so guilty during Christmas.

*Christmas morning.*

Miranda got up before the sun rose and she looked over for Ben but he was out of bed. She slid on her slippers and tied her robe up before checking the bathroom and balcony.

She walked downstairs and looked around for Ben but she didn't see him. Her parents were sleeping in like they normally did. She walked passed her father's office and saw the light on.

Miranda opened the door and watched Ben jump in shock. "What are you doing up so early honey?"

Ben looked relieved as he exited things off of the computer. "Good morning baby I was just checking and responding to emails but I'm finished now." He lied as he powered the computer off and hit end on the phone call with Jeff.

"Working on Christmas morning. You should leave work back in Seattle. We are across the country." Miranda responded skeptical, she knew he was up to something but decided to just ignore it.

"I know, I'm done for this weekend." He replied sliding his hand in hers as they walked out of the office cutting the light off.

Ben pushed her up against the wall and kissed her lips. "Merry Christmas."