Fate || BENNIFER

Breaking News

Jennifer's P.O.V

It was an unusual sight to witness Leah and I grabbing coffee at Starbucks, as public spaces weren't our favorite places to catch up. But the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air was something we ended up missing after a while, even if we just ordered to go.

"I know you talked to him." Leah said. "You've been acting all weird since the event."

"I just... got to tell him in person what I had already texted him." My gaze drifted to the counter where our order was being prepared. "But when he showed up with his wife... like a picture-perfect couple."

"Ouch." She said sympathetically. "Though we both know they are far from being a perfect couple."

Our conversation was interrupted when we were handed our coffees. We made our way towards the exit, but our steps slowed down, and we exchanged a knowing glance.

"Oh boy." Leah muttered.

As we pushed the door open, we were met with the sound of camera shutters clicking in rapid succession. The front of the building was blocked by an unexpected cloud of paparazzi that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Hungry for a scoop, they wasted no time in bombarding me with private questions. And we were trapped, caught in the eye of a media storm.

"Jennifer, is it true that you've been having an affair with Ben Affleck?" One of the paparazzi shouted. "What do you have to say about the rumors?"

I tried to maintain my composure, the question hitting me like a punch, catching me off guard. I exchanged a quick glance with Leah, as we pushed forward.

"Jennifer, how does it feel to be the other woman?" One photographer yelled. "Do you feel responsible for Ben's failed marriage?" His voice laced with accusation.

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, the weight of their questions pressing down on me, each one more invasive than the last. My fists clenched, my nails digging into my palms.

"Do you regret the affair?" A persistent voice called out, its tone tinged with judgement.

They shouted over one another, desperate for a quote, for a scandalous headline to sell their tabloids.

"Jennifer, now that Ben is divorcing, is there a chance that your two may rekindle your relationship?"

I gritted my teeth, my jaw clenched tight. I refused to let them break me. Despite the mounting stress, we weaved through the swarm of paparazzi.

"Are you still in love with him?" The question hung in the air as we climbed inside the car.

The sudden silence inside the car was a welcome relief, the tinted windows shielding us from the chaos outside. I had barely closed the door before my breathless question tumbled out.

"Did someone say Ben is divorcing?" My voice tinged with a mixture of anxiety and disbelief.

Leah glanced at me, and without hesitation, she reached for her phone. She opened the search engine, and typed "Ben Affleck". A flurry of articles and images filled the screen, capturing the essence of the scandal. My heart sank as we stumbled upon the cover of a magazine, a huge headline dominating the page. "Ben Affleck Files for Divorce Amid Rumors of Cheating with Ex-Girlfriend Jennifer Lopez."

My eyes widened, my gaze locked onto the magazine cover as Leah began to read aloud the damning details. The headline had been meticulously crafted to ignite curiosity and sensationalize the situation, making me look like the villain of a story I had no intention of being a part of. Being linked to Ben due to our previous relationship only added fuel to the fire of rumors and speculation.

"Beneath the headline, there's a picture from the Golden Globes." Leah reported. "It's the moment of the whisper. Your face is caught in a surprised expression."

Leaning back against the seat, I closed my eyes. I felt a knot forming in my stomach, a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration twisting within me.

"Text him, now." She said firmly.

"And what should I say?" I asked. "Am I the reason you're getting a divorce? Or perhaps, I could ask him if he sold the story to that magazine."

"You two have to talk." She said. "And I really mean talk, with your clothes on." She added, a touch of humor breaking through the seriousness of the situation.

My face twisted in a mixture of anxiety and nausea.

"I think I'm going to be sick." I muttered, my voice barely audible.

"Give me that." She playfully demanded, reaching out to snatch my phone from my hands.

"No, don't." I implored.

I knew all too well that Leah's impulsive nature often led to unpredictable outcomes. Unfazed by my plea, she unlocked my phone and opened the messaging app.

Returning her phone to me, a smile played on her face.

"You can thank me later." She teased.

I couldn't help but rush to open the chat, the message carrying a playful twist referencing the media situation.

"Breaking news, we have to talk." I read out loud. "Really?" A hint of amusement in my voice as a burst of laughter escaped her lips. "You are so unserious."