Bring Me To Life

The beginning of the truth...?

After Ben's return to the bustling streets of LA, Jennifer remained in the vibrant heart of New York City, fully immersed in the directorial duties of a captivating short film alongside her talented collaborator, Leah. Despite wrapping up the filming process, Jennifer chose to keep the completion a secret from Ben. Their farewells unfolded at the airport, an emotional chapter marked by the bittersweet dance of parting.

The atmosphere hung heavy with a palpable sense of longing and melancholy. For Ben, it was a drawn-out and poignant farewell, etched with the weight of separation. Jennifer, on the other hand, concealed her knowledge of the concluded shoot behind a composed facade. With a graceful smile, she observed Ben's tearful goodbye, a silent spectator to the emotional tableau that unfolded.

As Ben retreated to a private lounge, awaiting the impending departure on the Jet, Jennifer seized the opportunity to discreetly slip away. Sliding into the comfort of her car, she embarked on the journey homeward, leaving behind the echoes of their poignant farewell at the airport.Ben's Perspective

A heavy sigh escaped me as I immersed myself in the memories captured in the photos of Jennifer and me. It wasn't a permanent farewell, I reassured myself, but those last few days with her held immense significance. The images of Jenn, each one taken with care, evoked a flutter of butterflies reminiscent of our initial encounter. There was an undeniable uniqueness about her that resonated deeply within me—she was destined to be my wife.

Emotions welled up, and tears threatened as I envisioned our next meeting. The ache of missing her, my girl, lingered. The passing minutes only intensified my longing.45 minutes later...

"Mr. Affleck, your jet is ready," the poised flight attendant informed me, her smile a contrast to the turmoil of emotions I concealed behind my sunglasses. Following her through the lounge to the gate, I engaged in small talk, sharing the joys of my New York sojourn.

As we prepared to board, I insisted on the flight attendant going ahead, courtesy playing its role. Once settled in, I attempted to calm the storm within before surrendering to sleep during the six-hour flight. The pilot's wake-up call signaled my return to reality, and I disembarked, grateful for the waiting car.

Or so I thought.

Thirty minutes into the drive, a missed freeway exit aroused confusion. "Uh... Mike, where are we going?" I asked, met with cryptic silence from my driver. Natasha's directive to keep mum left me in suspense. The landscape changed, and we arrived in Malibu, specifically at Nobu.

Stepping into the restaurant, I announced my reservation, and the hostess led me to a secluded area. A surreal encounter awaited as I approached a woman with her back to me—Jennifer. Astonished, I embraced her, struggling to fathom how she had arrived so swiftly. Her laughter, infectious and delightful, resonated as she divulged her clever plan to delay my plane.

Seated across from each other, we navigated a sea of emotions, savoring the surprise reunion. Jennifer's early wrap-up of filming was the key to her timely arrival, and she proposed a move-in discussion after dinner.

As we perused the menu, I couldn't help but express my vulnerability, revealing the emotional turbulence during my farewell at the lounge. Jennifer's reassurance and tender kisses reaffirmed the strength of our connection.

The conversation shifted to her current challenges—extricating herself from business ties with her ex. I assured her of my unwavering support, pledging to stand by her side as she confronted a complex situation.

Our intimate dinner unfolded with ease, punctuated by genuine connection and shared laughter. The prospect of a new chapter, both personally and professionally, lingered in the air as Jennifer's unwanted call interrupted, leaving us on the edge of a new twist in our unfolding story.

To be continued...