Fate || BENNIFER

Whatever We Had

Jennifer's P.O.V

It wasn't in my plans to walk another carpet so soon, but the purpose was to support a good cause, and the occasion called for it.

The white Zuhair Murad dress I wore was a masterpiece, a delicate combination of elegance and sensuality. The hand-sewn crystals sparkled like stars on a transparent netting base, creating a mesmerizing effect as I moved. The fabric hugged my curves flawlessly, accentuating my figure with grace and sophistication.

The cameras flashed incessantly, capturing my every angle. I knew how to work the red carpet, effortlessly posing, turning slightly to catch my name being called out, and then repeating the process. It was a routine I had perfected over the years.

But tonight, the universe had a different plan for me. As I stood there, basking in the spotlight, a sudden change in the atmosphere caught me off guard. The chant of my own name, started to blend with the name "Ben". My heart skipped a beat, and I turned my head to see the source of the commotion.

There they were, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, stepping onto the red carpet together. The sight struck me with a force I hadn't anticipated. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me as I locked eyes with them. I hadn't seen them together in so long, not since Ben and I had embarked on our affair.

My eyes locked with Ben's, and for a moment, time stood still. I could see the conflict in his gaze too. Yet, there he was, with his wife by his side. My heart sank.

It was clear that their marriage was on shaky ground, their relationship strained. But seeing them together, in the flesh, after what we had secretly lived, brought a wave of mixed emotions crashing over me.

Just days before, I had texted Ben, putting an end to our game. And now, I not only had to face him again but witness him with his wife. I had made my choice to move on, but no one said it would be easy.

As the cameras continued to flash, capturing the unfolding scene, I forced a smile.

I stood in front of the mirror, my hands trembling as they gripped the cool porcelain sink. I stared at my reflection, desperately trying to collect myself, to regain some semblance of composure. I couldn't let Ben and his wife's presence together disturb me, not now, not in front of so many people. But how could I possibly do that? How could I pretend like everything was okay when my heart felt like it was being torn apart.

I couldn't use water to soothe my troubled thoughts, not when it would ruin my carefully applied makeup. Frustrated, I turned on the faucet, letting the water flow freely as I washed my hands. It was just a pointless attempt to waste a few more precious moments before facing the inevitable.

Leaving would've been the better choice. But how could I have known? How could I have anticipated that?

As I dried my hands, the sound of the door locking echoed through the restroom. My heart skipped a beat as I looked up, expecting to see one of the female attendees entering. But it was Ben.

"You can't be here." I stumbled over my words. "This is the women's restroom."

But he ignored my protest, closing the distance between us with a step.

"What was that text?" His eyes bore into mine, demanding answers, his expression serious but hard to read.

I took a step back, feeling the weight of his presence pressing against me.

"It had to end." My words barely audible.

"Why?" He took another step towards me, his gaze unwavering.

"I couldn't risk going any longer." My voice quivered as I spoke. "I couldn't bear the thought of getting hurt again."

My heart ached with the weight of my decision, but I knew it was the right thing to do. The coldness between us was palpable, a tangible distance that went beyond the physical. I could feel it, a void.

"You should leave before someone sees you walking out of the women's restroom." I pleaded with him to go. "I don't want anyone to see me walking out after you either. I would like to avoid the whispers and the judgement."

But he remained rooted in place, unmoving, unyielding. I circled him, unlocking the door with trembling fingers, my gaze back to him.

"This, whatever we had, is over." I declared. "Your wife must be looking for you."

And then, without another word, I turned and left. As I closed the door behind me, with my mind still reeling, I ran into Ben's wife. The two of us locked eyes, but instead of engaging in a confrontation, I chose to walk past her, my eyes fixed straight ahead. I was determined to put an end to the drama that had plagued our lives for so long.