Chapter 2 Open secret

Benedict Pov I was apprehensive following his departure. I never fathomed he could be privy to all my clandestine thoughts. As I was ensnared in my contemplations, my father called out from behind, "Benedict has he absconded.""Yes, father,"I responded.My father remained silent thereafter, showing no curiosity about my sentiments towards him. What would be my destiny now, I pondered.The subsequent day... I was awakened by the ringing of my phone, pondering on the identity of the caller as I reached to answer. To my surprise, it was my landlord and co-purchaser on the line. "Hello,"I greeted. "Hi Benedict, I've been attempting to reach you, but to no avail. I was inquiring about utilizing the apartment. Upon contacting Charlie, I was informed of your absence as you were visiting your father in England. Consequently, I have redirected the rental payment you submitted to your partner, as you had previously informed me to liaise with Charlie in your absence." "You shouldn't have done that,"I retorted. Well, that was the directive you previously provided, and he promptly ended the call. Lost in contemplation of my destiny, the blare of a car horn outside jolted me. I summoned my nanny, our esteemed housekeeper, Mrs. Cooker. "Yes, my mistress,"she acknowledged. "Who was it?"I inquired. "It was my lord,"she responded. Moments later, my mother returned from her business trip, exuding her usual aura of solemnity. "How are you, my darling?"she greeted me warmly. "I have brought you a parcel,"she announced. Upon inspection, I discovered a pink wedding gown tailored to my exact measurements. Just then, my father descended the stairs, engaging in courteous exchanges with my mother. "I conversed with Mr. Rogers this morning and learned that Benedict and Jack are both enrolled in the same prestigious institution in London. We mutually agreed that following the nuptials, they should cohabit in a London residence until the completion of their academic pursuits. However, Mr. Rogers found himself lacking a suitable abode in London, prompting me to offer ours,"my father disclosed. "Very well,"my mother acquiesced. "Benedict, after the wedding in three days' time, you and Jack will be relocating to our London apartment,"he announced. I was left in solitude, utterly stunned by the entirety of the situation that unfolded before me. The night seemed endless as sleep evaded my weary mind, leaving me restless and consumed by thoughts. The next morning, I took it upon myself to make a phone call to inquire about the pending rent payment, hoping to alleviate some of the mounting stress. The phone's incessant ringing was finally met with a female voice on the other end, filled with playful accusations and jests about my early morning call. Curiosity piqued, I probed for her identity, only to be met with an enigmatic silence that left me puzzled. Descending the stairs, I found solace in the familiar sight of my parents seated at the breakfast table, their presence a comforting reassurance amidst the chaos of my thoughts. Joining them, I indulged in a simple meal of fried eggs and bread, savoring the warmth and familiarity of the moment. However, the tranquility was short-lived as my father broached the topic of a conversation with Jack, triggering a sudden wave of unease that gripped my stomach. Meanwhile, across the bustling streets of London, Charlie expressed his discontent to Percilva regarding the mysterious lady who had answered his call, mistakenly attributing it to Benedict. The lady, concerned about her voice being recognized, anxiously awaited Charlie's decision to call her back, her mind fraught with uncertainty and apprehension. Back in the confines of England, Benedict found herself still in the confines of the restroom when her father's voice echoed through the house, signaling an incoming phone call. Hastily checking the caller ID, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Charlie's name, prompting a moment of hesitation before ultimately dismissing it as an inconsequential matter when prodded by her father, the weight of the unspoken conversation lingering heavily in the air. The long-awaited day had finally arrived. I was adorned like royalty, my appearance transformed by the skilled hands of the makeup artist. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, memories of the challenges and crises that loomed heavy on my mind flashed before me. Outwardly, I appeared content, yet inwardly, a storm of pain, sadness, and contemplation of potential solutions raged within me. Lost in my thoughts, I was interrupted by my nanny's gentle voice, informing me that my presence was requested downstairs by my esteemed hosts. Without a word, I picked up a bouquet of vibrant, multi-colored flowers and followed her lead. Upon arriving at the court, the absence of Jack's family did not go unnoticed.