INT. BED ROOM - NIGHT
Charlotte feels her heart pounding, and her hand began to feel clammy against her bouncing knee. She began to pace back and forth, stomping her feet impatiently at each end of the room. She looks at the clock on the wall. "9PM"
CHARLOTTE
So I guess I'm a married woman now huh? 22 and married....great. This is not exactly in my plan but all thanks to my parents, ugh, why do I have to suffer the consequences for what they have done? I've told them to quit gambling but yeah they gotta make things worse by borrowing money from their "so-called" wise mentor. Guess he's not that wise or else he would've declined their request! The sum of their debt is far too large an amount for them. So the "wise mentor" came up with a deal of which I'll have to get married with his son and the debt will be considered clear. I stood firm and said no at the beginning but I couldn't stand watching my mom crying her lungs out and my dad, being dramatic, threatening to end his life and all. After a couple weeks of thinking, I came up with the decision that I will say yes to the deal but only under one condition, and that is if I ever wanted a divorce in the future, the debt will still be considered cleared. Soon after I've clarified my request, the "wise mentor" or should I say my father in law, set up a meeting for me and my "fiance". Our first meeting was.... awful. When I first met him, I was vaguely attracted to him. But the feeling is not mutual. I am 102% sure about this because of the things he said right after he sat down in front of me.
"You must be Charlotte Anderson? Benedict. Benedict Cumberbatch. I'd like to apologize for being late, had a busy morning. I have to be back to work soon so let's make things clear"
He said while staring at me with his blue eyes... oh wait, or are they green? I was mesmerized by his eyes so I just nodded and kept quiet.
"I have no idea why would my dad offer your family a deal like this but I'm certain that you do not want to be involved in this as much as me. So let's just play pretend. Always keep in mind that you are free to leave this relationship or marriage once I make my dad realizes that this will never work out for both me and you."
I can feel his anger in his deep... and cold voice. He looked relieved when I nodded as a sign of agreeing to what he said, but before I can say anything else,
"I'll have to get back to work now. See you at the courthouse"
"Court...house?"
"For the documents and applications."
And with that, he left. Without saying good bye... I can't tell if I'm annoyed by his behavior... I mean, it's the first meeting! Aren't you suppose to show your good side? At least pretend to be nice? I've never thought in my entire life, of 22 years, ever, that I'll have to get married with someone I barely knew. Plus, he's not being very nice for the next few meetings where we sort out the applications and documents too. This marriage is nothing like what I've always imagined it to be. It's my first day of moving in officially as the missus but I already can't wait to be out of this marriage. Not to mention about this super simple ring??? But wait, am I even married considering we've not had a wedding ceremony yet?
THE DOOR OPENED
Benedict came in and shut the door close behind of him. He then slowly approaches Charlotte. Charlotte looks nervous but remained standing by the window.
BENEDICT
So.. the bed or the couch?
CHARLOTTE
(confused)
I'm sorry?
BENEDICT
Considering we're just pretending to be a couple, I suppose it will only be appropriate if we sleep in separate bedrooms. But as you see, there's only one bed and this is the only bedroom as I turned the guest room into a study long ago, was not expecting this by the way, so do you want to sleep on the bed or the couch?
CHARLOTTE
What an arrogant man. So cocky!
The couch I guess? This is your house after all. Doesn't seem suitable to have you sleep on the couch.
BENEDICT
Thought so too. Well, lights out at 10PM. I got to wake up early tomorrow for work.
CHARLOTTE
Okay. I have class tomorrow in the morning too.
BENEDICT
(surprised)
Didn't know you work in the University too. Professor? or Assistant Professor?
CHARLOTTE
You worked in a University!? I am a postgraduate student. Well tomorrow's my first day. I major in English Literature
BENEDICT
(startled when she mentioned that she's a student)
Which University do you go to?
Please don't let it be Nottingham... please
CHARLOTTE
why does he want to know about me all of a sudden?
University of Nottingham. Which University do you work in?
BENEDICT
(shocked and raises his voice slightly)
Well, I'll be damned.... I am the Head of School of English... in University of Nottingham.
CHARLOTTE
(Jaw drops)
No fucking way.... I mean what are the chances??? Me?? The Professor's wife???
BENEDICT
(turned away and paced the room back and forth)
I have to stay calm and accept the fact that I'm married to one of my students. Not that it's against the law as she's in legal age of marriage, I wouldn't be fired because of this but still it wouldn't be appropriate. Did she just said the F word??
Do not, (clears throat) do not tell anyone about this. About us. Just don't tell anyone that you're married. We have to act like as though we've not met each other before. We are pretending anyway.
Before Charlotte can react or say anything,
BENEDICT
(stares at Charlotte in her eyes)
Here are the rules, do not call me by my name on campus, address me the way that you should be addressing, we can't be seen leaving or coming home together so please arrange your own transportation, we will not and never discuss about academic matters at home as it is not proper to do so... taking into consideration that our relationship might be a little sensitive, please note that you'll not be allowed to bring any friends home as I will not bring you out to gatherings with my colleagues too. Have I made these clear? Are we clear?
CHARLOTTE
What are the chances... what are the chances.. he sounds really demanding right now and I don't like it... but as much as I do not like the way he "discusses" the matter, what he said were true. We have to be careful... just imagine what a mess it would be if people find out about our relationship. Although it's pretend.. but they don't know that!
Yes, understood.
Benedict then turned his back on Charlotte and walks towards the wardrobe to get her an extra pillow and a blanket. He passes them to her, switches the lights off and lie down on his King size bed.
CHARLOTTE
It's only the first day... and it's already dreadful. Can it get any worse? No, no, please, married with the Professor from the same University is already the WORST thing that could happen to anyone. Oh.. I'm married.... can't seem to get used to the thought that I AM married..... to a guy who thinks it's appropriate to have his wife sleep on the couch??? Just what did I got myself into....
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This is the first chapter of the story! Hope you guys like it! I look forward to your responses and replies and I'm a 102% open for criticism and suggestions! If you guys like this story, I will try to update everyday and don't worry, I will not quit until I complete my first story! You have my word! xo C
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The Professor's Wife - a Benedict Cumberbatch fanfiction
RomanceEveryone knows that Professor Cumberbatch is a married man. "Wait, when was his wedding again?" "Can't believe we've been colleague for years and I never knew he had a girlfriend?? And the fact that we're not invited to his wedding? Unbelievable!" "...
