Fate || BENNIFER

The Ghosts Of Our Past

Jennifer's P.O.V

As the Escalade came to a halt, my eyes flickered to the tinted window, catching a glimpse of my reflection. I adjusted my sunglasses, the oversized frames shielding me from the prying eyes of the paparazzi that awaited my arrival.

Someone opened the door for me, and I stepped out onto the pavement as the breeze gently tousled my hair. Benny emerged from the opposite side of the car. The paparazzi kept their distance this time, and I began my short walk towards the building, my stride purposeful and confident as they snapped pictures.

"Let's start." I said as we walked into the studio.

"We're waiting for someone." The producer said.

My brow furrowed in confusion. I had not been informed of any additional guests or collaborators. I had heard the producer mention a potential collaboration with another artist in the previous weeks, but I assumed it was just a passing conversation and no longer a possibility. Now, my curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but wonder who this unexpected visitor could be.

My heart skipped a beat when the door finally swung open, revealing a figure I knew all too well. It was Diddy, my longtime ex-boyfriend and source of one of the most toxic relationships I had ever endured. Memories flooded my mind, as I locked eyes with him for the first time since that day on the carpet with Ben.

It was heart-stopping, as I had not expected to see him here. The emotions came crashing down upon me like a tidal wave, threatening to drown me in a sea of unresolved feelings.

Fear intertwined with anger, a volatile combination that had plagued our relationship from the start. I remembered the nights we had spent arguing, the tears shed in frustration, and the constant battle to maintain my sense of self amidst the chaos. It had taken every ounce of strength to break free from his grasp, to find my own voice again.

Diddy approached me, and as if on instinct, my body reacted, flinching back ever so slightly. Residual muscle memory taking over, invaded by the ghosts of our past.

"Hey, sexy." Diddy said.

"Hi." My voice was calm, betraying none of the turmoil that raged within me.

I quickly turned my attention to Benny, and with a forced smile, I gestured towards the door.

"Benny, let's talk, outside." I said, my voice masking the underlying tension.

Without a second thought, I walked briskly towards door. Benny followed closely behind. As we stepped out of the room, the door closing behind us, I took a moment to compose myself.

"What was that about?" I finally managed to ask, my voice laced with confusion and frustration.

"Jennifer, I had no idea." He sighed heavily. "The only thing I knew was that the producer had in mind a collaboration bound to make some noise."

"I can see why." My voice barely above a whisper.

Feeling overwhelmed, I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes.

"You don't have to do this." Benny said softly.

My eyes opened, my gaze meeting Benny's.

"And what should I do? Walk in there and tell him to leave?" My voice cracked with desperation.

"I can tell him." He offered.

"Are those my only options?" I asked, longing for a different way.

"We can have the meeting." He suggested. "And when it's over, you can politely say that you're not interested in whatever they're offering you."

As I sat in the conference room, my heart raced with apprehension. The air in the room was charged with tension, and I just couldn't help but steal glances at the man seated across the table. The mere thought of being in the same room as him brought a sense of unease.

Benny had taken it upon himself to ensure that I didn't have to sit next to Diddy during the meeting. And I appreciated the gesture, knowing all too well that Benny wanted nothing more than to confront Diddy, and maybe even kick his ass. After all, Benny had been my manager during the chaotic time when Diddy and I had dated over a decade before. He had witnessed firsthand the pain and heartache that Diddy had caused me.

But now, here we were. The producer had some grand plans and expected numbers that seemed almost too good to be true. I couldn't deny the temptation that lingered in the air, the prospect of success was hard to resist. Yet, deep down, I knew I couldn't let myself be swayed by the allure of the project. Spending time with Diddy wasn't in my plans, and I had been more than generous in keeping our past relationship a secret from the media, shielding the truth and the pain.

I didn't feel like being involved in any project or personal matter with him anymore. The wounds had healed, but the memories still haunted me. And I wasn't willing to let Diddy back into my life, even if it meant missing out on an incredible opportunity.

"Jennifer, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this project." The producer said.

The room fell into a hushed silence, the air heavy with anticipation. I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, their gazes fixated, waiting for my decision. All of them seemed to implore me to choose wisely.