Fate || BENNIFER

I Don't Like This

Ben's P.O.V

I groggily opened my eyes, my senses slowly awakening to the new day. As I shifted in bed, I noticed Jen's absence beside me, the sheets still slightly rumpled where she had slept. Her scent lingered on the pillow beside me, and a smile tugged at my lips.

With a yawn, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet landing on the cool wooden floor. I lazily stretched my arms above my head, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles from yesterday's workout. The morning routine was my responsibility today, as Jen was at the studio, working on new music.

I shuffled towards the bathroom, my steps sill heavy with sleep. As I walked in, I swiftly stripped off my boxers and t-shirt, leaving them in a pile on the floor. The steam from the hot shower enveloped me, awakening my senses and clearing the remnants of drowsiness from my mind.

Refreshed and more awake now, I padded across the hallway towards the children's rooms, their doors slightly ajar. With gentle nudges and soft whispers, I rose the older kids from their slumber. They yawned and stretched, their sleepy faces gradually brightening as they realized it was a new day.

As they groggily made their way downstairs, I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for them. After breakfast, I helped them pack their backpacks, making sure they had everything they needed for the day ahead. Then I patiently tied shoelaces and buttoned shirts.

I had planned to surprise Jennifer and have lunch with her, hoping to steal some of her time in the middle of her busy schedule, so after dropping off the older children at school, I headed to the studio. Once I got there, I maneuvered the stroller out of the car and transferred Grace, mindful not to wake her up. With Sam in my arms, I made my way towards the entrance.

I knocked on the door and opened slowly. When Jennifer saw me, and the surprise I had brought, a radiant smile spread across her lips.

"Ben." She exclaimed.

"Hey, beautiful." I said. "Do you want to have lunch?"

Her face lit up even more.

"Oh yes!" She replied.

Her enthusiasm told me I was giving her a much-needed break.

"Hi there, cutie." She greeted Sam, her fingers tickling his tummy. "Give me a minute." She added. "I'll grab my things, and we can go."

As I waited for Jennifer to gather her things, I put Sam down, and I sat at the conference table, where Benny had left his agenda open. I didn't intend to invade anyone's privacy, but my eyes were drawn to Diddy's name. Curiosity getting the better of me, I continued reading, stumbling upon a note about a recent meeting with him. The date indicated that it had taken place just a few days before.

"Jennifer, what is this?" I spoke up to make sure she heard me from the back of the studio.

"What is what, baby?" She emerged from the back of the room.

"You met with Diddy?" I pointed to the open agenda, my voice filled with concern.

Jennifer's face answered my question before she even spoke a word. A mix of guilt and apprehension danced across her features.

"Please tell me you weren't alone with him." I pleaded, my worry evident.

"I wasn't." She stepped forward. "Benny would've never let that happen."

"Why didn't you tell me?" My disconcerted expression deepened as I questioned.

"I didn't want you to worry." She confessed.

"I'm worried now. He's a bad person." I voiced my unease.

"It was a very professional meeting. Nothing personal happened." She replied, trying to reassure me.

"Are you collaborating? Is this happening again?" My worry persisted.

Jennifer hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"I'm not sure... probably not." She answered.

My worry escalated, and I couldn't hide the concern in my voice.

"Probably not? I don't want you to be in the same room as him." I said.

Sensing my distress, she walked over and sat on my lap. Cupping my face with her hands, she looked into my eyes.

"I appreciate your concern, really, but I'll be okay." She reassured me, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

I tried to maintain a serious demeanor, despite the urge to smile at the feeling of her on my lap.

"I don't like this." I admitted, and she nodded.

"I know. You can be here if that makes you feel better." She offered, her voice gentle.

"I will be here." I asserted.

"Okay." She said softly, leaning in to plant a short kiss on my lips. "Shall we go? I'm starving."

"Let's go." I playfully squeezed her face with my hand to get another kiss before standing up.