Fate || BENNIFER

Fame

Jennifer's P.O.V

Our love had triumphed over time, distance, and the complexities of our separate lives. We had built a beautiful family together, and our recent engagement had filled our hearts with so much happiness. It seemed like something no one could take away. Little did we know that our bliss would stir up a storm of envy within someone determined to sabotage our newfound joy.

Ben had battled with personal demons in the past. His struggle with alcohol had been well-documented, but he had managed to overcome it, embracing sobriety with unwavering determination. The world had witnessed his transformation, and his journey had become an inspiration to many. However, our newfound happiness became an opportunity for someone to strike, to resurface an old scandal that threatened to tarnish his reputation.

That evening, as I sat in my home office, I received a call from Benny.

"Jen, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems that a tabloid has just published an article about Ben's past struggles with drinking." He explained.

"What?" I almost jumped out of my chair.

"It's all over the news, and they're painting it in a negative light. I thought he might be interested in addressing it immediately." His tone was serious.

My heart sank as I listened to the words. I knew how hard Ben had worked, and the progress he had made was nothing short of remarkable.

I reached for my tablet and began searching for the articles my manager had mentioned. Whispers had started to circulate, insinuating that Ben had fallen back into his old ways. Rumors swirled, claiming that an anonymous source had witnessed him indulging in his vices. The press feasted on this new controversy, hungry for scandal and sensationalism.

As if on cue, Ben walked into the room. I couldn't bear to keep this news from him, not even for a second. With a heavy heart, I turned the tablet towards him, showing him the articles that painted a distorted image of our reality. His eyes scanned the screen, his face a mixture of disbelief and frustration, and it tore at my heart.

"Ben, I know these accusations are false. You don't have to say anything. We're going to fix it." I tried to conceal the concern in my voice.

"I need some fresh air." His voice heavy.

"I'll come with you." I said gently.

Our public relations teams were already working tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned, determined to find out who had betrayed him.

Together we walked out into the backyard, with the intention to withdraw our minds from the distressing news. The scent of freshly cut grass provided a much-needed respite from the suffocating atmosphere inside. We strolled hand in hand, and even shared soft laughter. But our peace was shattered when a sudden rustling noise broke the silence. Our heads snapped in the direction of the disturbance, our eyes narrowing in confusion. Stepping out from behind a cluster of trees, a paparazzo emerged, camera in hand.

"What the hell?" Ben muttered.

My grip on Ben's hand tightened, my face contorted with a mix of anger and fear.

"How did he get in here?" My voice laced with disbelief.

"Get out of here! This is our home!" His voice filled with raw intensity.

"Just doing my job, mate." He replied, seemingly unfazed.

"Your job? This is private property. Delete those photos." His voice trembling with rage.

Ben's fists clenched involuntarily, a surge of anger cursing through his veins. I silently urged him to stay calm. I knew that reacting violently was exactly what that man wanted, and I refused to give him that satisfaction.

"Ben." My voice steady and resolute. "Don't let him get to you. That's exactly what he wants."

His gaze softened, his anger dissipating as he realized that the presence of that man was a desperate attempt to provoke a reaction that would continue to fuel the tabloids.

I reached into my pocket and retrieved my phone, my fingers swiftly dialing the number for emergency services. I spoke calmly to the operator on the other end of the line. I reported a trespasser, providing the necessary details to ensure a swift response.

Within minutes, the sound of sirens filled the air, growing louder and louder until they were deafening. Grace's cries echoed from inside the house, a stark reminder of what was at stake. The paparazzo, sensing the impending consequences of having crossed the line, made a hasty retreat.

He may have fled, but the sense of vulnerability remained. The realization that our children had been inside the house throughout the ordeal struck us with raw intensity. It was only in this moment of vulnerability that we realized the importance of taking proactive measures to protect our family. We had dismissed the idea of security personnel when we moved, wanting to lead a normal life, but now the need for their presence was undeniable. With a shared understanding, Ben and I made a decision. We would reach out to our trusted security team, reinstating the protection we had once rejected. The safety of our children was paramount, and we would not allow our privacy to be violated so easily again.

The dimly lit bedroom provided solace for our weary minds, a refuge from the prying eyes and constant demands of fame. Cross-legged on our bed, we sat facing one another, the weight of the day etched on our faces. Being a celebrity couple was a double-edged sword, while our lives were filled with glamour and adoration, it came at the cost of our privacy.

As we gazed into each other's eyes, our hands met, fingers intertwining.

"Today... today was a lot." My voice quivered.

"It was a storm we didn't see coming." He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

The world believed they knew everything about us, our lives laid bare for public consumption. Every move, every word, scrutinized and analyzed by strangers who felt entitled to invade our every moment.

"We'll be alright." He whispered. Our foreheads met softly.