❝ Aren't you the sweetest thing on this side of hell? Did I ever tell you that I'm not doing well?❞
a continuation story after they got married. Connecting this story to the rise of red.
#1 at mal and ben on 07/16/24
#1 at descendantstheriseofred on...
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The next day, Ben woke up to an empty bed. He reached out, his hand finding only the cool, unoccupied sheets where Mal should have been. Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and glanced around the room, but there was no sign of her.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling him from his thoughts. Picking it up, he saw a notification: Mal had posted on social media that she was out with Evie on a shopping spree. A mix of relief and concern washed over him. At least she wasn't alone, but he had hoped they'd have the chance to talk more about their argument.
Ben got dressed quickly and headed downstairs. As he made his way to the kitchen for breakfast, he couldn't help but think about the previous night's conversation. He knew they needed to address the underlying issues, but he also understood that Mal needed some space to clear her head.
In the kitchen, Belle and Adam were already having breakfast. Belle looked up as he entered, noticing the worried expression on his face.
"Good morning, Ben," she said gently. "Is everything alright?"
Ben forced a smile and nodded. "Morning, Mom. Mal's out with Evie. They're on a shopping spree."
Belle exchanged a knowing look with Adam. "Shopping can be therapeutic," she said with a soft smile. "Give her some time. I'm sure she just needs a break."
Ben nodded, but his thoughts remained with Mal. He grabbed a piece of toast and some coffee, then decided to send her a quick text.
Hey, hope you're having fun with Evie. Let's talk when you get back. Love you.
He hit send and took a deep breath, hoping she'd be receptive when she returned. As he sat down at the table, Adam reached over and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Things will work out, Ben. Just be patient."
Ben nodded, appreciating the support from his parents. He spent the morning trying to distract himself with his duties, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Mal. He knew they had to face whatever was bothering her, but he also knew that forcing the issue wouldn't help.
Several hours later, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Mal.
Having a good time with Evie. We'll be back in the afternoon. Let's talk then. Love you too.
Ben let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. It wasn't much, but it was a step in the right direction.
By 10 a.m., Mal still hadn't returned. Ben, feeling relaxed and assured of Mal's whereabouts, decided to visit their son, Little Ben, who was with his nanny.
As he walked through the castle halls, he felt a sense of calm, focusing on the joy of seeing his son. When he reached the nursery, he found the nanny sitting in a rocking chair, gently singing to Little Ben, who was cooing happily in her arms.
