Fate || BENNIFER

Company

Ben's P.O.V

I was spending the day at the office, and Jennifer had decided to keep me company, which didn't happen very often due to our hectic schedules. I had been working on a screenplay for what felt like an eternity, and the words just wouldn't flow. But with Jen around, as if by magic, the words began to flow from my mind to my fingertips. Her presence seemed to unlock something within me, and it was simply the perfect work environment.

But when she casually mentioned that she had invited someone over, I assumed it would be a friend dropping by for a visit. However, when I stepped out of the office to grab a coffee, I was met with a sight that made my blood boil.

Standing in the lobby of the building was Diddy. Every time I laid eyes on him, I wanted to punch him in the face. As I turned to face him, a smug smile on his face, I couldn't help but clench my fists.

"You, again." I muttered, my voice laced with disdain.

"I'm here to sort out that drama Jenny's got with your ex-wife." He replied.

"And how exactly is your image going to help hers?" I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "Please, enlighten me. I'm actually curious."

"Hey man, chill." He held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I ain't tryna pull anything with your fiancée. No shady stuff goin' on. Don't feel threatened, my friend."

"I don't feel threatened." I scoffed, my patience wearing thin. "And I'm definitely not your friend."

"Okay man." He shrugged casually. "See you later."

"I hope not." I couldn't resist a parting shot.

"You crack me up, man." He turned to leave, his laughter echoing in the lobby.

Well, of course I needed an explanation. I just figured it would be better to wait until he was gone, so I wouldn't feel tempted to vent my anger on him. After all, that's not what Jennifer would've wanted me to do.

The drive back home started off silent, as expected. The tension in the air was palpable, as neither of us knew how to bring up the conversation we both wanted to have.

"I feel like I know what's on your mind." Jennifer broke the silence.

"He's only going to tarnish your reputation." I blurted out, my tone harsher than I intended.

"You're right." She admitted, not trying to argue or defend herself. "He doesn't exactly improve my public image."

"You're gonna have to help me here." I stole a quick glance at her.

"That's why I made him come, to tell him in person that our collaboration was no longer happening." She explained, and I fell silent.

"I'm sorry. I should've asked." My voice laced with regret.

"I should've told you." Her tone gentle.

In an effort to lighten the atmosphere, I tried to inject a bit of humor into the conversation.

"I haven't been able to write a single word since our encounter in the lobby." I confessed with a wry smile.

To my surprise, Jen let out a chuckle.

Jennifer's P.O.V

The kids had stayed at home with my mom, who had gladly accepted to spend the day with them. When we arrived, she let us know that the children were already asleep in their respective rooms. Then she bid us goodbye and left, leaving us to enjoy a quiet evening by ourselves.

Even though I didn't always put the kids to sleep myself, I liked to take a moment to check on them once they were in bed. As I made my way to Max's room, I expected to find him sound asleep in his bed. However, to my surprise and shock, he was not there.

My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the room, my mind already racing with worry. Could he have wandered off somewhere in the house? Or worse, could he have snuck outside? I quickly checked the nearest bathroom, but he wasn't there either.

"Ben, Max isn't in his bed." I called out.

Ben was downstairs, and when he heard me, he immediately made his way upstairs.

"Did you check the bathroom?" He asked as he reached the top of the stairs.

"It was my first thought, and the only one." I replied.

"He can't be too far." Ben reassured me, though a flicker of concern crossed his face.

"Unless..." I began.

"He's in Emme's room." He finished my sentence.

And without another word, we both rushed to Emme's room. As we pushed the door open, our fear was immediately assuaged. There, in Emme's bed, lay Max next to his sister.

They had been requesting separate rooms for a while, and they seemed ready to have their own space and independence. But there's something about the bond between twins, a connection that brought them comfort and security in each other's presence.