Fate || BENNIFER

Unwelcome

Jennifer's P.O.V

Ben gracefully stepped out of the car and circled around to my side. With a gentle smile, he opened the door. I was dressed in a Tom Ford creation, a low-cut green satin dress that hugged my curves in all the right places and shimmered under the glow of the streetlights.

As Ben opened the door, the scene before us unfolded exactly as we had anticipated. The piercing flashes of multiple cameras filled the air, the paparazzi eager to capture every moment of the star-studded affair. It was Leah's birthday, a well-known fact among the media, and since Leah and I were close friends, our arrival at Leah's house was bound to attract attention.

We, unfazed by the chaos that surrounded us, intertwined our fingers and stepped away from the car. We moved with an air of confidence and familiarity, accustomed to the constant scrutiny that came with our status. The paparazzi's cameras clicked relentlessly, capturing our every move, but neither Ben nor I flinched.

Hand in hand, we made our way towards the open front door of Leah's house. The entrance was adorned with strings of twinkling lights, casting a warm and inviting glow. The sound of laughter and music drifted out, mingling with the excited chatter of the guests inside.

Ben, ever the gentleman, held a beautifully wrapped gift in his free hand. The package was adorned with a delicate black bow. The other side of the threshold was decorated with vibrant balloons and shimmering confetti scattered across every surface. We were greeted by Leah herself, and we shared a warm embrace.

"Happy Birthday." Ben said cheerfully.

"Thank you. It's good to see you again, Ben." Leah said before turning her attention to me. "Jennifer, I need to talk to you for a second." Her voice was tinged with urgency.

"I'm going to grab something to eat." Ben decided to give us some space. "I'm starving."

With a smile, he walked towards the living room, leaving Leah and I alone.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Marc is here." She revealed. "I didn't know he was coming."

A surge of confusion washed over me, my mind struggling to comprehend the information.

"Marc? But... I thought he was already back in New York." I stammered.

"He's moved back to California." She explained.

How could I not have known? It was disconcerting.

"I didn't know." I murmured, struggling to process the news. "I need to find Ben before he runs into him."

As the music pulsed and laughter filled the air, my anxiety intensified. Every familiar face seemed to blur into a sea of strangers. I couldn't afford to waste a single second.

Finally, I spotted him standing near the food table. His tall frame and warm smile instantly put me at ease. He was talking to a group of friends, oblivious to Marc's presence. I hurried towards him, my steps quickening with each heartbeat.

"Ben." I called out.

He turned towards me, his eyes lighting up. But before he could say a word, I grabbed his arm, pulling him aside, away from the prying eyes and curious ears.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Marc is here." I whispered, my voice barely audible above the party's din.

I watched as Ben's expression shifted from confusion to understanding, his eyes narrowing with a mix of protectiveness and concern.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly, and I nodded.

"I just didn't want you to run into him without knowing he's here." I said.

Ben's grip on my hand tightened, his fingers intertwining with mine.

"It's okay." He said. "Do you wanna dance?"

My eyes widened in surprise, my eyebrows arching upwards.

"You do?" I replied.

"Only if it isn't too embarrassing for you." A small chuckle escaped his lips.

I couldn't help but giggle at his self-deprecating remark.

"Come on." He said taking my hand and leading me towards the center of the dance floor.

The music pulsed through our bodies, filling the space between us with a vibrant energy, and though Ben stumbled occasionally, he was determined not to let his lack of skill dampen the moment. As the upbeat song reached its crescendo, the tempo changed, and a soft, melodic ballad began to play. We instinctively moved closer to one another, our bodies swaying in perfect harmony. He held my hand a little tighter, and our eyes locked as we reveled in the beauty of the moment.

But just as I felt myself being swept away by the enchantment of the moment, a familiar voice cut through the air, shattering the delicate bubble that had formed around us. It was Marc, his presence an unwelcome intrusion.

"Can I steal her away for a dance?" He asked.

Ben, ever understanding and secure in our relationship, nodded his consent, trusting me to handle the situation with grace. Reluctantly, I switched dance partners, my heart heavy with the knowledge that a conversation with Marc was never simple. As we began to move across the floor, my mind raced with questions.

"Why are you still here?" I asked.

"I told you I want to spend time with our children." He said.

"You vanished after dropping them off at school that day, leaving me to believe you had returned to your life in New York." I replied.

"I had to settle and take care of some things." His voice laced with vague urgency.

"Did those things you had to take care of involve bringing your surprisingly young girlfriend with you?" My desire for answers overpowering my desire to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

"I'm not dating anyone." His response was swift, his voice filled with a mix of defensiveness and surprise. "At least not seriously."

There was a momentary pause, my eyes searching his face for the truth. I couldn't help but wonder if Marc was being honest. Despite having moved on and being in love again, the pain of our failed marriage still lingered, the wounds not yet fully healed. I longed for closure, for a clear understanding of Marc's intentions and motivations. But I also knew that some questions might never have satisfactory answers.

As the song came to an end, I returned to Ben's waiting arms, determined to ignore Marc's presence for the rest of the night. Maybe it was the way his gaze lingered on me, or maybe it was the realization of how much I had missed Ben during those minutes, but I felt an overwhelming urge to kiss my fiancé. Our lips met in a tender, passionate kiss, as I felt myself melting into his embrace.