#benedict fic

“You do not have a big enough fortune.” Unable to contain yourself, you started spewing out your discontent. “Not pretty enough. Too thoughtful. Not obedient enough. Not quiet enough. Too quiet. Not this or that!” Hand gestures flapping around with your aggravation. “Bowing and smiling. ‘Yes, my lord’. ‘I’ll be sure to keep you warm, my lord!” Annoyance clear on your face. Scoffing loudly as you crossed your arms. 

Eyes traveling to the door where they widened. Someone had been eavesdropping. He seemed to be shocked as well. “I…I…I…I am sorry…I was just…I…” Uttering out like a fool. Marching over to him, you shoved him back. “I don’t want to dance, find someone else!” Speaking firmly that you were anything but in the mood. “Believe me, me neither.” The gentleman answered, moving his hands up. 

His answer made you quirk up your eyebrow. Clearing his throat, he straightened his vest. “I didn’t mean to pry. I was just drawn to your opinion of the season.” He went on, making you scoff with a laugh. “Do enlighten me, my lord.” Gesturing dramatically with your hand, for his opinion. He cleared his throat once more, glancing over his shoulder. Making you blink surprised when he closed the door behind him. Locking you in with him. 

You took a step back when he motioned your way. “I couldn’t agree more with your words.” Surprising you once again. Whatever you had thought he would do, faded away with the sincerity in his words. “All the fuss, ladies dropping at your feet in an attempt to woo you.” His gaze fell on you, catching your stare.

“Apologies.” He immediately added. Not wanting to have disgraced you. “Pleased to meet a fellow eye-opener, but please do…” You gestured at the door, wanting him to take his leave. He had said his agreements. He shouldn’t linger any longer. “Right…” He spoke stumbly, glancing back and forth to the door. 

Clearing his throat again, he stepped up to you. “What if we put up a ruse?” He suggested. Furrowing your brows down, you wondered why he was still here. “What are you saying, my lord?” Confused about his matter. “A ruse, you and me. It will keep the ton off our backs.” His suggestion became clear.

“A benefit for you? Believe it or not, I do wish to find a husband out of this.” Turning away from him, for being so selfish. He uttered out a stutter, stunned for a moment. “I…It will make you, the more desirable.” Coming your way, standing near you. Parting your lips partly, you wanted him to elaborate more on it. 

“Men are simple. They would dive in just to join the race.” He spoke, turning you more to him by your elbow. “Is that a horse racing reference? Are you comparing me to a horse?” You answered, crossing your arms so that his touch was gone. “No! No!” Blurting out immediately, waving his hands across.

“I’m just saying this could benefit us both. I would have those eager ladies and their mama’s off my back.” Gesturing at himself. Then his hands went to you. “You’ll be the most desired woman in no time. Instead of hoping a lord would pick you, you’ll have them for the picking.” 

His offer seemed tempting. It would be nice to have your own picking instead of begging for the right attention. “What do you say…partner?” Extending his hand to you. You swallowed softly, debating whether or not you should accept. Thinking back about your embarrassment from before, you accepted his hand. “Excellent!” He exclaimed. Suddenly remembering something.

“I haven’t properly introduced myself. Forgive me.” He moved to bow as you made him stop half-way. “I know who you are, Mister Bridgerton.” He rose with a quirky smile. “My elegant partner knows me, but I do not know her.” He added taking your hand to kiss the back of it. You pulled your hand away before his lips could touch. “Miss Y/n Y/l/n.” 

Drifting away from him, you ventured towards the door. Benedict came after you. Pressing his hand against the door before you could fully open it. Shutting it with a loud sound. You sighed softly at his gesture. “Does this mean I have to engage with you?” Speaking for you already knew the answer. “Is that so bad?” He answered with a silly smile.

“We’ll see about that.” You responded, shoving the door open. Making him nearly stumble out of the room from how much he had leaned against the door. Benedict straightened his jacket before hurrying after you. In the hallway, before you could reach the doors to the ball, he pulled you back by your wrist. “What…what are you doing?” Curious when his hand neared your head. 

Plucking out a pin as a lock of hair fell loose. He plucked out another pin, another lock of hair joining yours. “Will you stop!” Slapping his hand down furiously. “Much better.” Benedict muttered at you. Your hair now half up and loose. “You wanted to be desirable.” He spoke to justify his actions. Turning you around, he pushed you on your lower back forwards.

“Ready to act, miss Y/n.” Whispering by your ear. Shoving you out for the ton to see. Your breath shocked as you hadn't imagined you’d have to perform this quickly. You had hoped you could have some planning. No this was a clear dive in, think later situation. 

Benedict took your hand, placing it on his arm. “Walk miss Y/n.” He spoke with a nudge for you weren’t moving. Startled, you didn’t know how your feet did it, but they walked. Moving forwards through the ton. Several eyes falling on you as you passed them. Benedict made sure he paraded around eager ladies and their mama’s.

Putting on a silly smile to mock them without them knowing. His smile dropped upon locking eyes with his brothers. Quickly looking away for they stared confused at him. Seeing Anthony and his mama make their way over, Benedict let go of your hand. Setting his hands on your lower back again. Pushing you forwards in an abrupt panic. 

Luring you towards the dancers. avoiding their bumps as they were half through the dance. “You can dance right, partner?” He whispered over your shoulder. You nodded frozenly. “Good.” He spun you around, catching you as you nearly crashed against his chest. Benedict looked at the other dancers, needing a few moments to catch where the dance was.

Taking your hand, he started to hop away with you. Just as his mother and brother were almost close. “Benedict!” Anthony called out at him, trying to keep the tone in his voice low. Benedict pulled his shoulders up, dancing away with you. Making sure he could hide in the middle of the dancers so they couldn’t snatch him away by his collar. 

You noticed his family on the side-line. His brother going around to keep close to him. Benedict spun you around, catching you to him again. “Gentleman on your right is looking your way.” He whispered, moving his head closer to you. You sneakily glanced to the right, seeing indeed a gentleman was eying you.

“Jealous ladies on your right.” You whispered back to him. He chuckled out a laugh. Taking your hand to follow the other dancers in a circle. Quickening up the pace. Coming to a stop, you turned to go the other round. Joining hands once more, you twirled underneath him. Spinning and spinning till you came to a stop. 

Panting breathlessly his way. The dancers clapped as Benedict and you joined. Seeing how his brother was making his way over, he grabbed your hand tight. Pulling you away. “Is your brother that terrifying?” You asked, hurrying after him. “No, just not in the mood for his meddling.” Benedict answered. Leading you to the gardens, he grabbed the balcony tight.

Laughing loud. Glancing down at you, you caught his laughter too. Behind him, you caught your mother looking for you. “I…I believe I must go.” You said, curtsying at him. “Till our next ball then.” Benedict spoke, taking a bow. You took your leave to join your mama. Benedict chuckling to himself. Moment interrupted when his brother grabbed a hold of him. 

“Who was she? Since when did she catch your eye? Tell me her family name. Does she like the arts like you?” Anthony kept throwing question after question to him. Benedict tore Anthony’s hands off. “Not now, Anthony.” He grumbled, taking his leave from his brother.

Anthony came after him. “Introduce us to her family!” He called out. “No!” Benedict forced out, a quick glance over his shoulder. “We want to know her!” Huffing out in his last few attempts to get his brother to speak. 

So for the next ball Benedict and you kept the act up. Pretending to be courting each other whilst it was underneath all a ruse. The eager ladies backed off…eventually. You gained more and more attention from suitors. All eager to snatch a lady away from a Bridgerton.

If a Bridgerton was interested in someone, she must be a great deal. The ruse paying off for you had them for the picking. Numerous gentlemen lined up by your house in the hopes to share a few moments with you. Benedict wasn’t bothered anymore.

Their mama’s barely looking his way. Not finding him worth the effort. Benedict was finally carefree. A weight lifted from his shoulders to be constantly on his guard. Then a gentleman came, bringing you an offer. An offer you couldn’t refuse. 

With eagerness you ran up to Benedict. Opening his arms, he wrapped them around you. Lifting you up from the ground with the tightness of his hug. Feet finding solid ground once more, you brushed a strand of lost hair aside. Benedict offered you his arm as you accepted it.

Strolling down Mayfair. Benedict had grown quite fond of your presence. You lifted your hand up, letting it brush over some flowers hanging low on their branch. “I have news.” You began, placing your free hand on his arm as well. “Oh.” Benedict responded with a smile. “I’ve had an offer from a gentleman.” You expressed. Benedict paused your walking. 

“It’s a very good offer. I think I’ll accept it.” You spoke more, standing before him. Benedict’s arm dropped as your hand slipped off. “I see…” He began. Looking torn away. You blinked confused. “Wasn’t that the plan? Wasn’t that why we formed a ruse?” Reminding him again of how it all began.

What purpose it had. “Yes…” He muttered out. “I…I just didn’t think…” Rubbing his finger over his chin. You formed a soft smile, touching him by his cheek. His eyes immediately went to you. “This does not mean our friendship should come to an end. We could still meet up.” It didn’t need to be the end. 

“You think your new husband would agree with that?” Benedict responded in a harsh tone. It made you pull your hand away. “It wouldn’t change anything.” You reassured him. “No, it will change everything!” Benedict’s answer bitter. “You really think another man would allow his wife to be close to another gentleman? I didn’t think you’d be that naive Y/n.”

His words took you by surprise. Gasping at how harsh they were. “Stop it!” You called out, wanting his mockery to stop. “I see the plan has worked out greatly for you!” Another sneer of mockering coming your way. “Wasn’t that why we created the plan? So I could find a match and you’d be left alone!” Was your response, getting worked up. 

“Well it’s a stupid plan!” Benedict called out. “It was YOUR plan!” Slapping the back of your hands against his chest. “Yes, my plan. My stupid, stupid plan!” Starting to direct his rage to himself. “It was simple. Create a ruse so it would benefit both of us. All I had to do was not…fall for you…” The tone in his voice lowered to a sigh.

“Which is where my plan comes to failing.” Scratching the back of his head shyly. Your eyes widened with his confession. Looking away thoughtfully and slightly confused. “I am sorry, Y/n…” He spoke, feeling a bit guilty he was saddling this on you.

Whatever he felt, didn’t mean the same for you. Your eyes stared with pity back at him before hardening. Hand clenched, you punched him firm in the shoulder. "Auw! What was that for?” He called out, rubbing his shoulder. 

“You complete idiot!” You shouted. “Were you really going to let me get married to someone else? Bury the hopes of a possible us for good?” You wanted to punch him again as Benedict grabbed your wrist before it could hit him. “Clearly not.” He muttered out with a sneer at himself. Pulling you close, leaving a tender kiss on your cheek.

“I believe I have the best to offer.” Saying to you, kissing your cheek once more. You laughed loud, throwing your arms around him. Taking your hand, he continued the stroll. “Now who is this man whose offer I will have to decline in your name.” He spoke, making you laugh loud.

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A Targaryen Heart Set A Blaze (Harwin/OC)

Fire, Blood, and A Strong Seed (Harwin/Lyanna Stark, main)

Help Me Leave Behind Some Reasons to be Missed (Rhaewin)

A Thousand Years (Finan/Aisling, OC)

The Dove of York (Finan/Tate, OC)

The Tales of The Complete Non-Legend of Yesterday (Finan/Carwyn, OC)

A Thousand AUs (various AUs of Finan/Aisling)

banner made by the brilliant @emilyhufflepufftlk

Two Sides of the Same Coin (Finflaed, Finan/Aethelflaed)

A Teachable Moment (Benedict/OC)

Invoking Madness (Benedict/Eloise)

It's A Long, Long Road From Which There is No Return (Benedict/Eloise)

Why Not Share? (Benedict/Eloise, Eloise/Theo)

Oceans Apart: His Offer, Her Choice, His Honour, Her Heart

Crossover: House of the Dragon and Bridgerton (Harwin/OC, Benedict/OC)

What Could've Been, Would've Been, What Should've Been You

Crossover: House of the Dragon and The Last Kingdom. (Finan/OC, Harwin/OC, Harwin/Rhaenyra)

Much love and thanks to @itbmojojoejo for my glorious dividers and banner. kisses to you always....

And of course, this is no way ALL of my fics. I have a ton of one-shots that I do want to organize into series or collections or something so that it is easier for everyone to find.

So, this list will probably be ever-changing and evolving.

If I am honest, these are probably the stories I am most proud of...

(don't tell anyone that)

Three Months Later

You stood in front of the full-length mirror in your shared bedroom with Benedict. Today marked a year since you got married, a year since you became Mrs. Cumberbatch, a year since this new chapter of your life began.

Neither you nor Ben had known anything about Claudette since she left. From the moment she accepted she lost in her own game of lies, you had felt an immense peace within your soul, a peace you shared with your husband.

"You look beautiful, (y/n)."

Said Amanda as she brushed your hair softly. A smile painted your lips as you look at your reflection. You really felt beautiful wearing a white dress for your husband.

Ben and you decided to renew your wedding vows today, on your anniversary day. This was a new beginning for both of you and it was more than correct to start this new and pure journey together with promises coming from the heart.

"Thank you, Amanda. And thank you so much for helping me with the ceremony's preparation."

She smiled, looking at you through the mirror as you still continued to admire yourself. A year ago, when you got married, the dress you used wasn't yours, it was Claudette's. You had to admit it was beautiful and probably expensive too but it was just not your style.

The gown you now wore was simpler, in a creamy white in silky fabric. It didn't reach the floor but it covered your knees. It had the perfect amount of volume and you felt beautiful in it.

"Are you ready, (y/n)?"

Amanda's voice brought you out of your admiration for the dress as you turned around and faced her, a smile on your lips.

"I've never felt so sure in my life."

She chuckled slightly.

"I'll wait for you at the garden's doors. Don't take too long, okay?"

You nodded at her, a smile on your lips as she made her way across the bedroom and out of it, descending the staircase afterwards. You were left in the room alone, looking at yourself in the mirror one more time, you smiled.

I'm ready.

And with that thought, you walked towards the door and into the hallway, down the stairs and met with Amanda at a set of glass doors that led to the garden.

She was wearing a lilac dress, a bouquet of white roses in her hands as she opened the double doors and entered first, walking down the aisle as the attention of the guests turned to her.

Taking a deep breath, your feet carried you outside of the mansion, walking down the path with white rose petals as your gaze immediately found Ben's.

The ceremony was quite intimate with just family and the closest of friends. Their eyes turned to you, soft gazes and friendly smiles from the people you and Ben held close to your hearts.

The moment Benedict saw you, wearing such a beautiful white dress for him, a smile on your red lips and pure love in your eyes as you walked towards him in what was going to be the beginning of your journey as his wife, just as it should have started, was enough for him to get butterflies in his stomach.

You looked beautiful in all the extent of the word. He remembered this day exactly a year ago, it flashed in front of his eyes in a mere second: your dress with way too much fabric, the empty look in your eyes and blank face you held was a total contrast to the present.

The smile that adorned your lips was enough to make a whole galaxy shine. It made his world shine. And as you reached him at the end of the aisle, his bigger hands took your smaller ones, admiring how they fitted perfectly in his hold. Your nails were painted in an elegant French style that made your hands look delicate and feminine.

When Ben looked at you as you stood this close to him, he saw his entire life reflected in your (e/c) orbs.

And just like that, with his hands holding yours and eyes boring into your soul, he said.

"Thank you all very mush for coming,"

He broke the eye contact with you as he looked at his friends and family who sat proudly in the white chairs in his garden.

"this is a new beginning for me and (y/n) and we are both grateful that you can share this precious moment with us. That being said..."

He turned to look at you again with pure love in his eyes and continued.

"(y/n)... I want to renew my vows to you. Declare a promise to the skies that I'll never break. My dearest, we found love in between our darkness, we found trust within the lies of this world. We became one with the other and I can't imagine a day without you by my side.

You keep me sane, you keep my thoughts at bay and peace settles in my heart whenever I'm with you. You made me fall in love, you took care of my well-being and took importance in my opinion. You are the strongest woman I know and I am the luckiest man on Earth to have you, cherish you and please you as my wife.

So now, here in front of our family and friends I promise you, (y/n) that I will love you and protect you, I will share your happiness and your tears, I'll stay with you forever until death do us apart, my love. My (y/n)."

When Ben stopped speaking, you had to blink away the tears that had gathered in your eyes. His words were beautiful but you also knew they were sincere. They came from the bottom of his heart and that was what really mattered.

You saw out of the corner of your eye how his mother wiped some tears as well as Amanda and other people were sniffling softly. Then, you put on a smile and cleared your throat before saying.

"Benedict... I want to renew my vows to you. I want for this promises to keep us together for eternity to come. So, Ben, my love... you are the best husband a woman would ever ask for, you make me smile and you wipe my tears. I feel so safe in your embrace, so loved in your presence and appreciated with your actions and words.

Our love bloomed during a storm yet it was strong enough to fight through it. You are the very reason why I am standing here today and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so proud of calling you my husband as you are the bravest and strongest man alive. You fought for me, for our love and for our future.

And now, I promise to love and care for you, to be by your side during good and bad times. To support you and encourage you to accomplish your dreams. I will love you until my last breath and no other man will ever own my heart nor my thoughts as you do. I love you so much, Ben and I will love you until death do us apart."

Your eyes locked with his only to fine his divine orbs filled with tears. One of his hands let go of yours as his thumb wiped a tear that had escaped your eye without you knowing it. A smile was on his face, a gesture you mirrored. Neither of you could take your eyes off the other.

"Kiss the bride!"

Martin yelled from his seat, making the guests laugh, however, in that moment, to you only existed Ben. He was smiling widely at you as he leaned in slowly.

"I love you, (y/n)."

"I love you too, Ben."

Those were whispered words, a declaration of love only meant for your ears as well as his. It was between you both and just as you finished saying his name, his lips touched yours in a passionate but still gentle kiss.

The small crowd erupted in cheers and claps, white petals were thrown in the air as you stayed connected with the man you grew to love wholeheartedly. You were going to fulfil your promise and so was he, but now, as the two of you kissed it felt as if the world had disappeared around you and in it there was only your husband and you.

His hands stayed on your waist as he had pulled you towards him to reach you lips as your own hands rested around his neck, playing with the curls at the back of his head.

It was magical, surreal. You felt as if you were dreaming and everything was in slow motion; your lips moved in sync with his as the guests clapped and cheered for the declared love between you and Ben, for the vows of love you as well as him had said.

His left hand held your right one, eyes gazing into each others as you other hand rested on his shoulder and he circled your waist. There was soft music playing in the background, the eyes of the guests were on you both.

Ben guided you softly through the dance floor, his movements secure and precise. A sigh of content left your mouth as a warmth engulfed your heart, squeezing it tight in between glowing petals of love.

"You look beautiful."

Your husband said in a deep voice, his words were only meant for your ears. The smile on your face widened a bit at his compliment.

"You look so handsome too, Ben."

He smiled, that smile that lighted your whole world. The hand on your waist pulled you softly towards him, your chests nearly touching as his lips graced the crown of your head, planting a loving kiss on your forehead.

"I love you."

Those words were said in a rushed way, as if you had the urgency to say them, for him to hear them and for your heart to declare it out loud.

"As I love you, (y/n). Very much."

The moment itself was magical, Martin was filming the entire dance with his phone while Ben's parents smiled fondly at you two. Suddenly, Benedict let go of your waist as he twirled you, the dress flying around you in an ethereal way only for you to then be back in his arms, where you belonged.

As he held your smaller frame, Ben felt how his heart swelled with pride and love. He had the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman that could've ever stepped on Earth as his wife. He had made a promise to the heavens to protect you and care for you until his last moments and he was going to fulfil that promise, that vow of love towards you.

For a second, Benedict thought that perhaps this was all just a dream. He was about to lose you a couple of months ago and the thought of you being by his side still felt too perfect for it to be real yet here you were, dancing with him and a smile directed to him and only him.

Your eyes sparkled as they met his and he could see all the love you held for him in your heart.

The garden's lights were on, dusk had settled an hour ago and now, the party was held under the yellow lights of the place. The flowers were the most beautiful he had ever seen, the music was just perfect. Life was perfect when he had you, the love of his life, in his arms.

And so, as he looked down at you, drowning you in his gaze of love, Ben knew this was his fate. His path was settled but now, you were walking alongside him and that made his heart skip a beat with that mere thought.

As the music stopped softly, everyone around you both clapped with smiles on their faces. The hand that held yours went to your cheek, his thumb running over your soft skin and with that, Benedict leaned down, pressing his lips on yours in a delicate kiss. His hand on your waist pressed you against his chest as your lips danced with his.

This was it. This was the beginning of your love story. Your path with the man you grew to love, and now, with every right in the world and in your heart, you were able to call him your husband and you were going to be next to him until death will separate you, but for now, you and him will stick to the vow of love you swore to the other, getting sealed with a kiss of true love. Sealed for eternity.

June/28/2022

General Taglist @demented-potions-master @the-uncoordinated-house-cat @starryeddie @iobserve221b @sleutherclaw

Five years later...

You sat on the couch, sipping a steaming cup of tea. It was late in the evening, nearly six o'clock and you were waiting for your husband to come back home and have dinner together.

Life had been difficult. beautiful but difficult. You hadn't heard of Claudette since she left and you hoped you would never hear her name again.

At first, you couldn't really believe you were actually married with Ben. You thought it was Claudette's name that was written in the marriage certificate. It was a mistake. An error that garanteed your happiness.

You were grateful. For being married with Benedict and sharing a beautiful life with him. Marriage was something unique. A fantatic experience that you wouldn't trade for anything in this world. You wouldn't trade your Ben at all, he was yours just as you were his.

He was your happiness and stability, your pilar of strength and your whole support. He held your heart, your world in his palm and there was no-one else who could ever mean so much to you. He was your love.

"Ma'am, dinner is ready. Would you like me to serve it now or you'll wait for Mr. Cumberbatch to come back?"

You looked back at the clock that hung on the wall before returning your gaze to Mrs. Carter. You smiled and answered.

"I'll wait a bit, thank you."

She nodded at you before turning around and walking out of the living room. You took another sip from your tea, cherishing the warmness it provided.

You waited for about fifteen minutes, your cup already empty when you heard the sound of the front door opening and the unmistakable steps of your husband walking down the hallway.

He smiled as he saw you, that smile that lightened your entire existance as Ben made his way towards your sitting form. he bent down, making his lips met yours in a loving kiss.

"I missed you."

A whisper that came past your lips was what he heard once you both parted. He grinned at you, his mesmirizing now green eyes looking at every detail of your face.

"I missed you too, (y/n)."

You smiled at him before he sat down next to you, his arm around your shoulders as he kept you close to his chest.

"How was your day?"

Ben looked down at you, a softness in his features as he gazed down at you.

"It was fine, got some scenes finished. I caught up with a couple of friends. I'd say it was a very productive day."

You smiled, leaning on his as you spoke.

"I'm glad. I didn't do much today like you but I finished reading my book."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss on your forehead.

"Darling, at this rate I'll have to build you another library."

You laughed at his comment, snuggling into his chest and inhaling his calming scent. Life was perfect. In that instant it was perfect. That second in time, that minute reflected pure happiness and love.

"You must be hungry, let's have dinner, Ben."

You said, he hummed at you and stood up. He looked down at you and extended his hands for you to take.

"Yes, I'm rather hungry. And I'm sure Little One must be starving too."

Your hands clasped his as you rolled your eyes playfully at his remark before he helped you stand up with your large baby bump of eight months.

"Little One is not 'starving'. I did eat lunch and Mrs. Carter prepared me some sandwiches around half past four."

He smiled, holding one of your hands in his as the both of you made your way toward the dining hall. Ben pulled out a chair for you and helped you sit down in it.

"Mr. Cumberbatch, would you like me to serve you and miss (y/n) dinner?"

Asked Lizzie as she stood at the end of the table.

"Yes, please."

Replied your husband, taking his usual seat at the grand table, next to you. The young maid rushed out of the room to bring the food while you and Ben were left alone in the dining hall.

"I can't believe we are going to become parents, Ben."

You breathed out, nervousness and happiness present in your voice. His hand covered yours, his thumb drew circles on the back of your hand as he said.

"Yeah, me too. It exites me and scares me at the same time. But I know you are going to be a great mother, (y/n)."

A smile adorned your lips, eyes locked in your intertwined hands.

"And you are going to be the best dad ever."

Then, Lizzie came back carrying two plates of delicious food. She put them in front of you and your husband and retrieved to the kitchen just as the both of you began eating dinner.

You closed the shower's door behind you as you put on your bathrobe and a towel wrapped your wet hair. You quickly did your skin-care routine before putting on your long night gown and brushed your hair.

When your opened the bathroom's door, you were met with the sight of Ben already lying on your shared bed, scrolling down his phone. When he saw you, he put the device aside and stood up, helping you in getting comfortable in the soft mattress only for then to go to his side and cuddle next to you.

"Do you think Little One will be a boy or a girl?"

He asked, his large hand caressing your baby bump.

"I really don't know. But I feel Little One will be a boy. Call it a mother's instict."

He scoffed playfully at you.

"Well, my father's instict tells me Little One will be a girl."

You laughed at his comment, pressing yourself as much as you could to him.

"I love you, Ben."

He looked down at you only to be met by your adoring gaze already looking at him. Benedict pressed his lips on yours in a quick peck.

"And I love you too, my (y/n). So much."

You both remained there, next to each other and hearing how soft rain hit the windows. It was calm. Peaceful. Your entire life was now full of love and you wouldn't like it any other way. As for Ben, he was the happiest man alive. He got to have you. The love of his life. And now you were carrying his child.

He knew that when the baby was born, you and him would face another challenge as a married couple. But he was sure you both could get through it as long as you stayed together.

And perhaps, he would get to give you more children in the future.

Ben laughed at his own thought as he held you, close to his chest. the closest you could physically be to his heart. That place in which only you lived, that place in which your name was engraved.

Perhaps your marriage was forced, a deal. A contract marriage. While he didn't love you at the begining of your married life, you were sure he loved you now, just as you did. Wholeheartedly.

Perhaps you once were his contract wife but now, you were the empress of heart, his thoughts. His name was craved in your soul. And he resided in your mind.

A deal brought you and Ben together. A contract. Nothing more than a sheet of paper. But thanks to that arrangement, the both of you found the other in a universe of confusion, you learned to love him and he learned to love you.

Something bloomed from the burned ashed of hate. The petals of love shook in his core when he knew you had fallen asleep in his embrace and he smiled, kissing the crown of your head as he thought in the late hours of the night, where the darkness surrounded you both and you two just existed.

"Sweet dreams, dearest (y/n)."

Benedict said, his voice a low murmur as he laid there, with you sleeping in his arms while carrying his baby.

A contract brought you both together but love intertwined your souls and heart forever.

August/26/2022

General Taglist @demented-potions-master @the-uncoordinated-house-cat @starryeddie @iobserve221b @sleutherclaw

The sun entered through the opened curtains of your shared bedroom, making you open your eyes slowly. You cherished the calmness that was in the room at that moment as a sigh left your lips.

Then you turned around, spotting your still sleeping husband, he was facing you, his curls falling on his forehead and eyes as he slept peacefully. One of your hands came to brush some of his soft hair out of his face as an unknown tear left your eye slowly.

There was a heaviness in your chest, so much emotions that you wanted to let out, so many things you wanted to say to him, to explain.

It was already Friday, the day of the change with Claudette and it also was your last day next to the love of your life. You knew after you crossed the gates of the mansion, you would never see him again, would never have his enchanting orbs looking at you so lovingly nor were you going to be able to listen to his deep voice declaring his love for you.

It hurt. Immensely. But you were the one who accepted the deal, and a part of you feared that if you dared to open you mouth and speak, Claudette would do something to harm you or your grandmother as she said she could take legal actions against you.

With a heavy heart, you sat up on the bed and put your slippers on before walking towards the bathroom to take a long and hot shower. You needed to clear your mind before facing your husband, you had to hide your true pain, masked with a smile so that every thing would go as planned.

Benedict opened his eyes, searching for your side only to find it empty. He frowned when he didn't find you by his side and sat up. The bedroom lacked your presence and he thought that perhaps you had woken up early and were downstairs. So, with a soft smile on his lips, he stood up from the bed and walked towards the bathroom to shower and join you for breakfast.

---

He descended the stairs and made his way to the dining hall, expecting to see you there, drinking some tea and reading a book but to Ben's surprise, you weren't there. The house was silent, as if the staff wasn't working there, or maybe he just tuned the sound out as he wanted to find you, be with you and have you in his embrace.

His feet carried him towards the kitchen, where the smell of coffee invaded his senses; moments later he stepped into the room. Then, he saw you. Ben saw you standing with your back facing him while you cooked something. From his point of view, he wasn't able to tell what you were cooking but he couldn't wait another second to be with you and approached you with long strides.

You were so lost in your own thoughts that you didn't hear when your husband entered the kitchen. You were aware of his presence when he snaked his arms around your waist, pressing his chest on your back, his warmth embracing your body.

A sigh left your lips as you felt him behind you, his scent invaded your mind and a lump began forming in your throat.

"I missed you when I woke up."

He said, his voice a deep rumble that travelled down your spine. You forced yourself to swallow your tears and answered, still not looking at him.

"I'm sorry. I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep."

Ben smiled, inhaling the sweet scent of your shampoo in your hair as it was still a bit wet due to the shower you took earlier.

He chuckled, breathing out a laugh. Relishing in the cute moment that both of you were sharing yet that sound, the sound of his laughter, a sound once made you smile too now made tears pool in your eyes.

You had to blink them back, masking your hurt soul with a smile as he turned you around in his embrace, his gaze met yours, the soft smile that was plastered on your face didn't reach your eyes.

"What are you cooking?"

He asked, slightly tilting his head to the right. You had to take a deep breath to steady your voice before you answered him.

"Pancakes. I thought you'd like the little surprise."

Ben smiled at you, his eyes warm with love as one of his long fingers popped your nose playfully while a chuckle escaped his chest.

"I always like your surprises, love."

And there it was, the knife in your heart twisted with his words. Not because they hurt you but because you knew you could hurt him instead. Benedict was so in love with you his eyes were blinded by that love.

Blinded to the point were he didn't notice your small details, the way you seemed to be nervous or melancholic lately. At first, it was so obvious due to the loss of your unborn baby but as time passed, you had managed to hide your pain from him as best as you could.

He was only aware of your smiles, even if they weren't genuine. He was aware of your laugher when in reality it held a heaviness not even you could describe. He watched as your eyes twinkled when there was so much sadness behind those orbs he could stare hours at.

"Sit down. Let me serve you your breakfast."

You voice was soft yet it didn't carry any emotion whatsoever. Ben kissed your forehead lovingly, his lips stayed on your skin longer than needed and you closed your eyes at the feeling of his touch.

He sat down on one of the stools in the kitchen, his hands holding his chin as he watched you flip the pancake before you took a mug from the cupboard and filled it with the just-made coffee. His fingers brushed with yours when you passed it to him, the contact sent electricity through your body and with a soft smile for your husband, you turned around and concentrated on finishing the pancakes.

You could feel his eyes on you, every move you made was watched by him but not in a bad way, he was mesmerized by you. He felt as the luckiest man on Earth for having a woman like you by his side and with that thought in mind, Ben never stopped smiling as he gazed at you lovingly.

You sat next to Benedict while the both of you enjoyed the breakfast you prepared. There was a comfortable silence between you both or at least is was comfortable for Ben as he enjoyed the sweet morning he got to share with you.

However, you on the other hand felt how your anxiety increased with each passing second, making it harder and harder to hide.

"Darling, would you like to do something this evening?"

You turned to look at your husband when that question left his lips.

"Like what, Ben?"

He chuckled slightly and said.

"I don't know, you choose. I have to learn a couple of lines of the script as we are filming them on Monday and I haven't even read it."

That made you smile, how could he have forgotten to read the whole script for the next part they were filming of Sherlock, you had no answer for that, but the mere thought of it brought a smile to your face, a genuine smile before he continued.

"So I need to memorize those scenes, I think it will take me till lunch time, perhaps a bit more but then I'll be free and we can do whatever you want."

The moment he finished saying that, your mind began pulling out so many things to do with him, things you wanted and wished you had the time to do.

Ben breathed out a laugh at your concentrated state and stood up from his seat, taking his plate and yours in his hands before kissing your forehead and walking around the counter to put the dishes in the sink.

"I'll let you think about it, I'll be in my study if you need anything, okay?"

You nodded, eyes lingering in his form, silently praying that he would stay with you all day and didn't have to memorize those lines.

"Thanks for the pancakes, (y/n), they were great."

"You're welcome."

He showed you a last smile before leaving the kitchen, you heard as his footsteps went away in the house, making your heart go heavy with his absence.

Your feet carried you through the different hallways of the enormous mansion you could call home. A sigh left your lips as you entered the library, a place you had spent so much time, with your own thoughts or with Ben. Regardless of with whom you had been there, it was a special place for you.

Your fingers touched the spines of the books as you walked through the library, the light that entered through the windows being the only source of light in the room giving a cosy feeling to it.

A tear left your eye before you could notice it, it was just so painful to even think about leaving the life you have lived for nearly a year was going to disappear in a matter of hours and as much as you wanted for the world to stop and for time to freeze, you knew it was inevitable.

More tears rolled down your cheeks and your hand dropped from touching the books as it came to your mouth, stopping the sobs that wrecked your body. You sank to your knees, crying in your hands and preparing yourself mentally to face this last day with Ben and enjoy it as much as you could.

---

You stood in the balcony of your shared bedroom, the chilly wind made your hair fly slightly as you took a deep breath.

After crying your heart out in the library, you quickly went to the bedroom to put on some makeup so your puffy and red eyes wouldn't be noticed by your husband once he would finish learning his lines.

You turned around, admiring the room you shared with Ben and all the memories you had created with him there, memories that you would never forget.

"So that's why my shirts have been missing."

Benedict's voice brought you back to reality as you were so immerse in your own little world that you didn't hear him enter the bedroom. Your eyes met and you smiled at him as he walked towards you and stepped out in the balcony with you, wrapping his arms around you.

"Since when have you been stealing my shirts, love?"

Ben asked in a playful manner as you looked up at him, your hands on his shoulders.

"For some time now, if you want me to be honest. I just miss you when you go and film."

He kissed the top of your head, a warmth enveloping his heart at your words.

"I miss you too, (y/n). I wish I could stay with you every second of every day."

You made him look at you and said in a sweet tone.

"It's okay. I know you have to work and all but I also know you will always come back to me."

Ben planted a soft kiss on your lips, taking you by surprise but kissing him nonetheless. Wanting to cherish and remember the feeling of his lips on your own.

Then he parted from the loving kiss, looking down at you with pure love in his now blue eyes that you nearly melted in his embrace.

"Did you learn your lines?"

You asked to distract your mind, not wanting to get sentimental and cry in front of him as you wouldn't be able to explain your tears.

Ben smiled and with one of his arms around your waist, he began walking you back towards the bedroom.

"Yes, I did. Wanna hear a part of it?"

You nodded as now the both of you stood in the hallways, walking slowly towards the stairs.

"Not just that – ten individual e-cigarettes. Now, if you just wanted to smoke indoors, you would have invested in one of those irritating electronic pipe things, but you’re convinced you can give up, so you don’t want to buy a pipe because that means you’re not serious about quitting, so instead you buy individual cigarettes, always sure that each will be your last. Anything to add, John? "

When he was done, the both of you stood at the end of the stairs, as you looked up at him in awe.

"Surprised?"

He said in a teasing tone which made you blush a bit as the both of you walked towards the dining hall where Elizabeth was setting the cutlery and Butler Lee served the drinks for you and Ben as it was already two o'clock in the evening.

There was a comfortable silence while you and Ben had lunch, you just cherished the last moments you were granted to spend with him.

"Darling, did you decide on what to do this evening?"

His question made you look at him, swallowing the last bite of the delicious meal, you answered.

"I was thinking of just watching a movie? I mean, if you don't want to, then it's fine we can do something else."

Ben smiled at you as he shook his head.

"I'd love to watch a movie with you."

His words made a smile grow on your face but at the same time your heart constricted in your chest.

---

The both of you were curled up in the couch while a romance movie was playing on the large screen. Ben had his attention on it while one of his arms held you close to him but you, on the other hand were enjoying such an innocent and cute time with your husband.

"I love you, Ben."

Your words carried all the love you held for him, and you wanted him to know that you truly loved him, with all your heart, soul and mind. You treasured his heart as it was way to precious to let go.

"I love you too, (y/n)."

He replied, eyes still glued to the screen. You were going to miss those words, his confession of love. You were going to miss this house, Mrs. Carter, Lizzy and Butler Lee, you were going to miss your life as Benedict's wife, a beautiful life that was just a dream but now you were about to wake up from it.

A couple of tears left your eyes but when Ben noticed, you blamed it on the movie you both were watching, making him chuckle a bit as well as pull you closer to his chest.

"My sweet, sentimental wife."

You smiled through your tears when he looked down at you, his hand cupped your cheek while his thumb wiped your tears.

"I love you, Ben. So much."

He smiled, not really not knowing how painful it was for you to say that last 'I love you'.

"Me too, (y/n). To the moon and back and all the way around."

You smiled, letting his words reach your ears and get engraved in your heart for eternity to come.

---

The lights were off, your shared bedroom was in complete darkness, not even the moonlight shone through the windows as the curtains were closed.

This was it. Your last moments in this house, in this room, in the arms of your husband.

Ben was deeply asleep, he had his arms around your waist as he held you close to his body so, slowly you untangled yourself from his embrace, picking up your phone only to notice it was two in the morning.

It's time.

And as that thought crossed your mind, you stood up and took a set of old clothes you had put under your pillow while Ben was brushing his teeth. With quick movements, you changed from your nightgown to a pair of jean and a loose blouse, picking your shoes from the floor, you held them as you weren't going to wear them just now so as to not wake Ben or anyone else in the mansion.

With slow steps, you made your way towards Benedict's side of the bed and planted a last kiss on his lips, tears clouded your vision, salty tears that you refused to just let go.

"I love you."

Whispered words that escaped your lips, words that he didn't hear, not now, not ever. At least no longer from you.

And before the emotions took control of your body, you stepped out of the bedroom with soft steps and a heavy heart. You looked inside the room one more time before closing the door and making your way through the corridor and down the stairs wearing only a pair of sock and with your shoes in one hand and your phone in the other.

You entered the kitchen and went to the service door that led to the gardens. Putting your shoes on, you turned on the flashlight on your phone and began walking through the gardens with the destination of another service door in mind. It was a hidden entrance only the staff knew, but that you discovered by accident in one of your many walks in the garden.

The moment you opened the door that led to the pavement and took you out of the mansion where you had met the love of your life, you found Claudette.

She stood there, waiting for you with an emotionless face.

"Are you sure no-one saw you?"

You shook your head at her question. She smirked, walking closer towards you and extended her hand for you to give her the phone. You put the device in her hand and she handed you an envelope with cash.

"Here. You completed your part of the deal, the rest of the money will be transferred to you tomorrow morning."

You nodded and said.

"Alright, I left everything in the bedroom so you can change to the clothes I wore before going to bed."

Claudette nodded at you, a satisfying smile danced across her lips as she began walking towards the door where you came from.

"Claudette."

The sound of her name being called made her stop in her tracks, looking at you from over her shoulder as you said with tears in your eyes and a quivering voice.

"Please take care of Ben. He... he really loves... the image of his wife, so please, don't hurt him."

She smiled at you yet due to the darkness of the night, you were unable to see that the smile se offered was more like a mocking gesture than anything else.

"I'll do my best."

And with that, she closed the service door and left you there, standing alone in the pavement, with tears in your eyes as you stared at the sleeping mansion.

Now you were regretting not telling Ben, but what was the point on thinking about the 'what if'? The deal got completed, Claudette took her place as Benedict's wife and you were going to disappear from his life, only keeping the sweet memories of him, the love he gave and the bracelet you never took off, that pink bracelet that was a symbol of his love for you.

May/27/2022

General Taglist @demented-potions-master @the-uncoordinated-house-cat @starryeddie @iobserve221b @sleutherclaw

Today marked a month, exactly thirty days since you had lost a very important part of your very soul. It was the one-month anniversary of your unborn baby's death.

It was painful, difficult to wake up every morning and knowing the child you once hoped would come running to your shared bedroom at dawn was no longer with you.

Ben was suffering too, he also lost his child and the little fantasies the idea of becoming a parent left his mind too. Yet he was there for you just as you were there for him.

You only had each other to overcome such painful event that marked the beautiful marriage that bounded you both.

The next thing you knew was the moment the door that led to the library opened and in came your husband, he was holding two mugs with tea in his hands a soft smile was painted on his lips. He approached you and peck your forehead in a loving way before handing you the mug.

Taking it in your cold hands, you let it warm them as you looked up at the man you grew to love with your whole heart.

"Thank you, love."

A smile came to your face after you said those words and you took a sip from the hot liquid, letting it heat your body. Benedict watched you closely as he also took a sip from his own tea. He noticed how your eyes didn't hold that same, burning flame they once had. He noticed how your smile didn't reach your eyes as it used to.

But could he blame you? No. Of course not. You were still healing. The both of you were. That's why he took a break from filming so that he could be with you and, together, heal as a couple.

"How are you feeling?"

He asked, his mesmerising orbs roaming over your emotionless yet still beautiful features. You sighed, not really knowing how to answer his question.

"As best as I can."

Ben nodded, taking in your words carefully as he took another sip from his mug.

"And you?"

"As happier as I can be in a moment like this."

His answer made you look up at him, meeting his gaze which was filled with so many emotions you couldn't quite grasp on time as he continued.

"Would you like to go to the garden? You'd been spending so much time in here lately."

Looking around the library, you let another sigh escape your lips. You knew he was right, you had been in this same room more than usual, with Ben next to you most of the time, but still he felt as if you needed some fresh air to clear your thoughts. For some reason, you found so much peace from your horrible thoughts there and you wanted to stay relaxed -as much as possible- after the miscarriage

"Alright, but only if you come with me."

He smiled, a small yet genuine smile that warmed your heart and he was able to see how the fire in your eyes increased a bit when you saw him grin at you.

Ben took your other hand in his larger one, pulling you with him out of the room filled with books. The two of you descended the large staircase, hand-in-hand then, he took you to the living room where the large, glass door was that led to the gardens.

He opened the door for you and let you step outside before he did the same and closed it behind him. The cool air hit your face softly, making your hair fly with the wind as the both of you walked through the path that eventually led to cute kiosk.

No words were exchanged between you two, you just enjoyed being in the presence of your husband. On the other hand, he felt the same, he enjoyed your company the most and he was glad he could spend some time with you, to grow as a couple and love you more, if that was even possible as he already loved you more than anything in the entire world.

Soon your found yourself in the kiosk and you sat down on one of the chairs, taking a sip from your still hot tea as Ben mirrored your actions, sitting in front of you. The place was so calm that you, for a moment, forgot about all your problems.

"When did you say you had to go back to filming?"

Your question made him look at you, his eyes were piercing yet still gentle.

"Next week."

Ben's answer wasn't what you were expecting. It was Wednesday and he had to go back on Monday and even though he had spent an entire month by your side, you knew he would have to go back to work at some point.

He noticed how your expression gloomed a bit, so he extended his hand from across the table to hold yours, loving how your hand fitted perfectly in his.

"I'm gonna miss you, Ben."

You said, not looking at him as your gaze was focused on your tangled hands. He smiled slightly before saying.

"I know. I'll miss you too but I promise I'll come home as fast as I can."

Looking up at his words, a small smile also decorated your face. You both stayed like that for some time, just looking at each other and losing yourselves in the orbs of your loved one.

However, that trance was broken when Ben's phone suddenly vibrated. He let go of your hand, to grab it and you instantly felt the coldness on your hand as your retrieved it so that it rested on your lap while he answer the call.

"Hello?... Yes, I have it... Really?... Okay, let me check it and I'll send you a picture."

Then he looked at you, his eyes apologetic as he stood up from his seat.

"Sorry, love. Martin is asking me something about the script. I'll go and check it really quick. I won't be long."

You smiled up at him as he walked around the table and kissed your forehead before going back inside, still on the call with his friend. You followed him with your eyes until he entered the mansion and he was out of your sight.

A sigh went past your lips as you grabbed your mug with the intention of taking another sip from your tea only to find out it was already cold so you put it back down.

The wind blew softly, as you also stood up from the chair, walking around the kiosk as your eyes wandered around the garden, appreciating the beautiful flowers and the sound a small fountain that was nearby provided to the peaceful moment.

But not everything is as pure as a rose, as crystal as water itself as your world turned grey again when your phone vibrated in your dress' pocket. Your heart clenched again, just as it had done every time it chimed or vibrated. Feeling extremely nervous when a call or even a notification popped up in your phone.

You answered the call, not even glancing at the screen to see if you knew the person on the other side of the line.

"Hello?"

"Hello, (y/n)."

That voice, it was the voice you heard every night in your nightmares, the voice you feared to hear the most.

"It seemed like I caught you off-guard."

Said Claudette as she chuckled at the end at the end of her sentence due to your lack of words.

"What do you want now?"

You asked with a shaky voice, your chest feeling heavy with the mere sound of her voice as she brought back so many painful memories you were fighting hard to bury deep down in your mind.

She ignored your question and spoke in a calming tone.

"Listen, I'm going back to London today. In fact I'm already on the plane. How's the pregnancy going? You should be, what? Three months now?"

Her question made your heart shatter, her mere words were enough to already make you sad now this. The fact that she mentioned your pregnancy triggered something inside you that your mind didn't processed your next words.

"No. I lost the baby. I am no longer pregnant so you can forget about keeping my child because... because the baby's gone."

Tears puddled in your eyes as those words left your mouth, it was difficult to remember it but even more painful to declare it like that. Silence was heard from Claudette's side for a couple of seconds, perhaps it was a whole minute until she spoke again.

"I see... I'm sorry about it. Well then, I think we don't have to wait more time now, do we? My treatment is complete now and I'm landing soon so listen carefully... we will change places this Friday."

The world froze, the phone nearly slipped from your hand as your knees felt weak. Did you hear right? This Friday?

"W-what do you m-mean?"

You asked stuttering. Wishing, praying that what you heard was wrong. Her sorry wasn't genuine at all and her words felt as if someone had stabbed you on the heart and then twisted the knife painfully slow. The lump in your throat grew and you had to cover your mouth to prevent the sobs from escaping your lips as tears ran down your face.

"You heard me. The deal's over. I'll give you your money and you will leave London. I'll take my place as Benedict's wife and you will forget that all of this ever happened."

You sniffled, trying to wipe your tear-stained cheeks. As you said while you shook your head.

"No, you cannot do this to me. Not now, please. I beg you!"

The desperation in your voice was clear yet Claudette didn't seem to bother on the slightest.

"Why? Did you fall in love with him?"

The tears continued flowing and you didn't answer her question. Giving her the response with your silence and she scoffed before expressing in a rude tone

"You did, right? That was the only rule this game had, (y/n). You weren't supposed to fall for him. You knew this was going to happen, that you were just his contract wife while I recovered yet you stupidly fell in love with MY husband."

You closed your eyes, hearing her words-like daggers as tears escaped your eyes as infinite waterfalls. A burning sensation erupted in your chest when you heard another call Ben her husband, yet you knew she was right. Benedict didn't marry (y/n) (y/l), he married Claudette and there was no point in arguing with her.

"I'll text you further instructions for the day we do the change. Follow them precisely and everything will go smoothly however, if you dare to open your mouth, I can send you and your grandmother to jail as you signed a contract with me and that was one of the conditions. Don't try to be smart and follow your part of the deal."

Deep within your heart, you knew there was no other way rather than this. You had to fulfil her wishes or she would hurt you and your grandmother, she had the power to do whatever she wanted with a single command while you were just a normal girl with no power whatsoever.

You sniffled again, putting a strand of hair behind your ear before saying.

"Alright... I'll do as you say but please, take care of Ben for me. He loves me so you have to care for him too. Please. And about this Friday... just know that you will be standing in my place for Saturday morning and please Claudette, don't let Ben found out about our deal."

"Of course."

The line went dead and you took your phone from your ear with a shaky hand. Your emotions were all over the place as realization hit you like lightning, you only had two days to spend with the love of your life before you would have to give him your silent goodbyes, and never see him again.

April/13/2022

General Taglist @demented-potions-master @the-uncoordinated-house-cat @starryeddie @iobserve221b @sleutherclaw

Benedict shifted his gaze to the window momentarily as a thunder was heard at the distance and you weren't coming back from your little and spontaneous shopping. He knew you were prudent enough to come back before it started to rain yet that didn't stopped him from sending you a quick text.

'Dear, please come home. I don't want you to get sick in the rain.'

The text reached you and he put his phone back in his pocket with a sigh as the sky turned darker and darker with every minute. Ben was almost finished with the baby's room and there was nothing he wanted more than to take a nice shower and cuddle with you, listening to the rain together and enjoying a warm cup of tea.

With that thought in mind, Ben picked up a hammer and continued putting the last pieces of decoration in the cute room

---

The call with Claudette ended short after she said you had to leave your child behind. You didn't even know what other things she said to you, nor did you care at the moment as you felt how your heart broke into tiny, little pieces with the horrible news.

Your feet carried you back to the mansion slowly, your mind repeating the conversation in your head over and over again, making a lump form in your throat. The bags you had in your arms felt heavy, so much heavier than before but perhaps it was the weight of your conscience you were carrying over your shoulders.

The sound of thunder couldn't be heard by your ears, only Claudette's voice resonated in your mind. Her cruel words, the tone of her voice. Everything was too much, and you felt like collapsing after she told you she would be the mother of your child.

A hand went to touch your non-existent bump, feeling the life inside you yet the single thought of having to leave your sweet baby behind was enough to make tears to puddle in your eyes.

It couldn't be true. It just couldn't. How could she ask you to do something like that? A mother should never leave her child, ever. Even after you took her place in the arranged marriage with Benedict, even when you lied to the public about your relationship with your husband, even when you fulfilled his desire of love, she asked you to abandon the baby, to forget about them and pretend they didn't exit.

That's when you realised how big your mistake was. You should have said no to the deal she proposed to you, you shouldn't have accepted the money as now you were aware of the beautiful things you were about to let go only to get money back. You were so desperate to get your grandmother her treatment that you didn't think about the consequences of the choice you made.

The wind blew, making your dress dance in the air along with your hair as you reminiscenced about the error that was going to mark your life forever. A shiver ran down your spine and you felt your phone vibrating in the hidden pocket of your elegant gown but you didn't have the energy to pull it out and read it, you just couldn't do anything else as your mind drowned itself in the possible scenarios of your life after you had to change places with the woman who caused you such misery.

You didn't even know when you arrived at the mansion, but you soon found yourself walking along the path that led to the main entrance. Something inside you felt wrong, but it was different from the emotional pain you were suffering at the moment as you had never felt it before. It was a cold sensation of loneliness, as if something were to happen at any moment.

Rain began to fall from the grey sky, quickly soaking your form entirely but you didn't bother about the rain. A part of you wished wished you could teleport back to your shared bedroom and cuddle under the soft sheets of the bed, you wanted to be alone and let yourself wonder into the vast universe that was your mind.

Furthermore, you didn't want Benedict to see you like this, so broken and lost by something you caused a couple of months ago and was now irreversible.

Lightning illuminated the sky as you climbed the stairs at the entrance of the house, you tried to swallow the lump in your throat but it seemed the whole world was pushing you down a dark hole and you couldn't get out, no matter how much you pleaded or screamed, no-one was aware of your pain.

The door closed behind your back, your heels getting in a pool of water that fell to the floor from your drenched figure. You took a couple of steps forward, wanting nothing but to close your eyes and let the world disappear from your sight and stay in the peaceful darkness.

"Miss (y/n), you are back."

Lizzie said from the kitchen as her footsteps neared the hallway with Mrs. Carter next to her, ready to take whatever things you had bought for the baby.

"Oh, dear! You are totally soaked! I'll get you a towel and a warm cup of tea."

Exclaimed the elderly lady before she went upstairs at a quick pace, meanwhile, the younger woman approached your form and took the bags from your limp arms, you didn't glance at her as she grabbed them and put them on a nearby table.

Your feet began dragging you to the stairs, you only wanted to get to the bedroom and sleep, but suddenly, your purse left your hand, landing on the marble floor with a soft 'thud' and then, you felt as some liquid travelled down your leg quickly.

You looked down, only to be met by the most horrifying sight you could haver ever seen in your entire life as a pool of blood was forming at your feet.

That's when you lost it, the tears that had threatened to escape your eyes, rolled down your cheeks. This was it, the breaking point of everything, your stress, your preoccupations, your lies. Everything in life has a limit and you had gotten to yours now.

A sob escaped your mouth as you fell on your knees making Elizabeth turn around and look at your form before approaching you with a worried expression. The pool of blood was increasing rapidly, painting the white floor in crimson red as the kind maid gasped when she spotted the blood leaking out of you.

Your hands shook violently as you tried to grab the red liquid in front of you in a desperate attempt of stopping it from leaving your body, sobs rocked your being as continuous tears left your eyes.

"Mrs. Carter! Mr. Cumberbatch! Please, somebody help!"

---

Benedict just finished putting the baby mobile when he was about to leave the now finished nursery. He was excited for you to see the final result and later have a peaceful evening with his lovely wife.

As he was closing the door, the actor noticed how Evangeline came to the first floor at a quick pace. The rain was already able to be heard as thunder rumbled at the distance.

"Is everything alright, Mrs. Carter?"

He asked the older woman as she was taking some towels from one of the many bathrooms the mansion had.

"Oh, yes, sir. It's just that the rain seemed to have caught your wife on the way here. I'll bring this to her so she can dry off."

Benedict rolled his eyes at the mention of you getting all wet due to the rain yet he couldn't fight the smirk that grew on his face at the sight of you all drenched and with shopping bags in your arms.

However, the cute image that he was picturing in his mind was quickly wiped away when he heard a desperate plead coming from the ground floor.

"Mrs. Carter! Mr. Cumberbatch! Please, somebody help!"

His heart accelerated as adrenaline began pumping in his veins when the voice of Elizabeth was heard in the mansion in such an urgent way. He didn't waste a single second, turning around and running down the hallway and towards the stairs with Mrs. Carter trying o keep up with his pace.

Ben ran down the stairs, his heart beating fast in his ribcage only for then to stop at the end of the staircase abruptly, nearly tripping over himself as he saw you. He saw the blood, your tears, and your quivering hands trying to grab the crimson blood that painted the floor in a nasty way.

His heart broke at the sight of you, the sobs that escaped your mouth were like a dagger to his heart with the salt of your tears to get into his wound. He heard the gasp of Mrs. Carter behind him yet he didn't turn around, his eyes were only for you as his feet carried him towards you slowly.

You wanted to die at that moment, wanted for all of this to end for once and for all, it was too much, too much for your heart and soul to keep with the façade any longer. You wanted your baby with you, there was pain in your lower abdomen, physical pain but you could only ignore it as the pain your heart was feeling couldn't be compared to your physical suffering.

Benedict knelt next to you, his own heart shattered with your sobs and tears as his larger hands slowly took your bloodied ones, stopping them from trying to grab the blood.

The once beautiful dress you wore that morning was now ruined, you continued to cry letting out all the bottled up emotions you'd had since the beginning of your marriage.

Then, you felt yourself being embraced by someone, the scent was oh so familiar that it made you realise the person hugging you was none other than your husband. More tears flowed down your cheeks like endless rivers, bitter tears full of pain and caged emotions.

The pain in your lower stomach was increasing relatively fast and due to the blood you were losing, you began to feel dizzy. Ben had one of his hands in the back of your head as the tears never stopped flowing down your face. Your sobs began to quiet down as your weakened form leaned on him.

"(y/n)?"

Ben called out, looking at you who were weakly leaning on his chest. He panicked, feeling how you grew limp in his embrace.

"Love, talk to me."

But you didn't respond, you couldn't. Everything felt so numb and you just wanted to sleep for a bit.

"My baby.... save my baby... please."

Those were the last words that escaped your mouth in a mere whisper Benedict couldn't be sure if he heard them or not as you surrendered to the tiredness and fainted in his arms. He looked around the large room, spotting Evangeline who was frozen in place and held a sorrowful expression.

"Give me the car keys."

He said, a lump forming in his throat by your last words as realization hit him that you could lose the baby. However, Lizzie was quicker and grabbed the keys that were on the table near the main entrance where the bags with the items you had bought that evening rested. She knew of which car the set of keys belonged to and swallowing her fear, she said in the calmest voice she could muster at the moment.

"Mr. Cumberbatch, I'll drive you both to the hospital. It'll be faster."

Ben looked at her, his own eyes glistening with tears as he nodded at the younger woman and the courage she had to handle such situation was admirable. He supported your limp body with one hand on your back while the other slid behind your knees before he rose to his feet. The housekeeper snapped out of her shocked state and grabbed an umbrella, passing it to Lizzie as she opened the front door, letting Ben walk out of the mansion carrying you in his arms.

Elizabeth was quick enough to held the umbrella over Benedict's head, trying to cover you both from the rain as much as she could. They arrived at one of the cars and she opened the door, Ben put you on the backseat of the vehicle before he went to the other side and sat next to you, putting your head on his lap.

Lizzie sat on the driver's seat and started the engine, driving off quickly out of the mansion and towards the hospital. She watched, through the rear view mirror as Ben kissed your head, his own tears already escaping his eyes as he held your unconscious form in his embrace.

"You are going to be fine, love. Just hold on a little longer."

Benedict paced back and forth in one of the hospital's hallways, his parents, Tim and Wanda, were sitting in a pair of chairs that rested against the wall while Elizabeth stayed a couple of feet from them, wanting to give them some privacy.

The British actor could feel how his nerves were killing him from the inside. With the fact that you were unconscious in a hospital was more than enough to get him all worried and anxious but now, his nerves increased ten times more as not only your life was in danger but the baby's too.

He didn't know what had gone wrong, you were perfectly fine that morning, as much as he could tell and he clearly didn't see any signs of you having a miscarriage.

However, what really got him was the sight of you, sitting in a pool of blood with tears streaming down your face and heart-wrenching cries leaving your mouth. He would never forget that, it was an image, a fragment of time that would never be forgotten, it couldn't.

Suddenly, the door of the room you were admitted in opened and from it came a doctor and two nurses. The man in white approached Ben, and he could tell by the sight of him that there were some bad news he had to hear.

"Mr. Cumberbatch, your wife is stable now, we were able to control the bleeding and she is conscious at the moment. However, the baby couldn't make it. I'm terribly sorry."

When those words left the doctor's lips, Ben was able to hear his parents' gasps of shock yet the only thing he could feel was how his heart cracked with the terrible news. Salty tears rolled down his cheeks silently.

"Some women can experience a partial or total miscarriage in their first pregnancy. It was an involuntarily abortion that couldn't have been foreseen nor stopped but that doesn't mean Mrs. Cumberbatch would never be able to get pregnant again, her body refused the foetus but she still can have children in the future."

The words the doctor spoke didn't ease Ben's pain in the slightest. He was glad that you'd be able to later on have his babies but right now, the loss of your unborn child was weighting on him like a thousand pounds over his shoulders.

"Can I... can I see her?"

He asked in a shaking voice, reflecting how broken Benedict was. The doctor nodded and stepped aside, letting Ben approach the door that led to your room. And he was now the only one who could bring you some comfort, as much as he could as a father who lost his baby to you, a mother who lost her baby in such an unexpected and awful way and now, the both of you , as a married couple, would have to accept the fact that the baby was gone. Forever.

April/29/2022

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