4.
"Darling!! Come meet Mrs Fort" Benjamin drawled startling Isabella
Isabella looked at him with eyes wide and mouth opened.
"What??" She asked in surprise making Mrs Fort frown
"Why does your fiance look as if she is informed about your engagement only now??" Mrs Fort asked
"Fiance??" Isabella whispered in disbelief
Benjamin cursed himself for being so impulsive. He turned towards Isabella ,pleading her with his eyes.
"Darling ,I know we decided to keep it a secret until Mom and Dad comes back from the trip. But Mrs Fort ,here wanted to meet you" Benjamin said
Isabella didn't understand anything ,other than the look of desperation in her boss' eyes. So she simply nodded at him and shot a nervous smile at the older woman in the cabin
"So how did you two actually meet??" Mrs Fort asked
"It's an arranged marriage" Benjamin said
"Its a love marriage" Isabella said at the same time
Benjamin closed his eyes in dread
"Love or Arranged??" Mrs Fort asked
Isabella chuckled nervously
"Benjamin. Why are you so shy? Its okay to
tell everyone that we are having a love marriage" Isabella said
"Where did you meet??" Mrs Fort asked finding something fishy
"Its long story Ma'am." Isabella said
"Tell me the simplified version" Mrs Fort said
Isabella looked at Benjamin in panic. Benjamin mirrored her expression
"Actually we met during a train journey" Isabella said
"A train?"
"Yes. Benjamin was heartbroken after his ex girlfriend's marriage. He boarded a random train. And I happened to be on that train. Destiny! Right Benjamin?" Isabella asked looking at Benjamin
"Yeah yeah" Benjamin mumbled
"How did the heartbroken Benjamin fall in love with you??" Mrs Fort asked
"Oh he was so depressed. And I kept on talking ,trying to cheer him up. But he got
annoyed with me. Then at one station ,I got down to buy a bottle of water. He had also gotten down at that station. I didn't realise that the train would only stop for two minutes there. I missed the train. Then some rogues started following me and I ran to Benjamin for help. The next train was only after 12 hours. So we had to stay somewhere. During that time ,we got to know each other and became friends. Slowly we fell in love" Isabella narrated her supposed love story
Benjamin closed his eyes in disbelief. He hoped to hell that Mrs Fort have not watched the Bollywood movie Jab we met. He remember watching it with Eleanor long back.
"Okay. Your parents are happy with the marriage??" Mrs Fort asked
"Yes yes" Benjamin was the one two answer not wanting Isabella to launch into another filmy story.
Mrs Fort looked at baby Sapphire playing with Isabella's chain.
"Well ,in that case. I'm relieved. I will proceed with the legalities. I will keep in touch with Mr Gabriel. And yes ,if something goes wrong from your side Mr Lockwood ,I will be forced to change my decision" Mrs Fort said
Benjamin and Isabella ,along with baby Sapphire walked towards the cabin door with a polite smile ,escorting Mrs Fort out
"It was nice meeting you Isabella. Hope you guys will get married soon" Mrs Fort said and walker away ,leaving the employees on the floor look at them in surprise
****
"What have you done Ben??" Gabriel asked as soon as they were back in the cabin
"Gabriel! You wanted me to pretend that I'm engaged"
"Yes. But I didn't ask you to introduce her as your fiance"
"What was I supposed to do? She wanted to meet my fiance. Where was I to go and find one. Isabella walked in with Sapphire at that time and I didn't think further"
"And that impulsive decision has complicated things"
"We could say we broke up" Benjamin said
"She already looked suspiscious at that filmy story Isabella narrated. The only
solution is for you to get married now" Gabriel said
Isabella gasped
"What is going on here? Who was that woman?? Why was I introduced as your fiance?"
"I think you should explain it to her in detail Ben. I will see you later" with that Gabriel walked out of the office
"Down down" Sapphire demanded as soon as the strangers went out
Isabella set the little girl down carefully ,who then waddled on her chubby little legs, towards the barbie doll she abandoned earlier
Isabella smiled watching her. The baby is so adorable
"Sit Bella. This will take time" Benjamin mumbled
Isabella sat on the couch ,with Sapphire close by
Benjamin took a seat next to her and told her about his sister and the jerk who married her for money. How his family is
now plotting to get Sapphire's custody to get the properties in her name
"They don't really want her. But they want Sapphire's inheritance" Benjamin said
Sapphire who heard her name looked up at them
"Sapphy??" She asked pointing at herself
"Yes Sapphy." Benjamin smiled at her and she went back to playing with the doll.
Benjamin walked towards his desk ,opened a drawer and came back
with a small photo frame.
"This is Eleanor "
Isabella looked at the photo of a younger Benjamin with girl ,who look so similar to Sapphire
Sapphire who heard her momma's name held onto Isabella's knees and stood up
She saw the photo and squealed
"Mommaa" she squealed patting on the photo
Isabella picked the little girl into her lap
"Sapphy momma" Sapphire again said touching the photo
Benjamin took in a shaky breath.
Isabella hugged the little girl closer feeling anguished for the little one's loss
"Momma where??" Sapphire asked and her chin trembled slightly
"Sapphy want momma" the trembling turned into sobs.
Benjamin picked Sapphire in his arms and hugged her closer to his heart
He gently walked to and fro in his cabin with a sobbing Sapphire ,singing softly for her.
An exhausted Sapphire fell asleep in his arms and Benjamin laid her in her baby basket.
"Poor baby" Isabella mumbled
"They wouldn't love her Bella. Not like I do. I can't let her go Bella" Benjamin said
Isabella looked at him helplessly
Benjamin took her hand in his
"I know I'm asking too much of you. Nobody likes to take on someone else's kid. But I'm desperate Isabella"
"Benjamin"
"Will you marry me Isabella??"
Isabella gasped
"Benjamin. What are you saying?? Marriage is not a child's play. And I cannot make a decision alone like that. I belong to a conservative Italian family Benjamin"
"I will talk to your parents Isabella" Benjamin said desparately
"But we don't know each other Benjamin."
"Isabella. Are you in love with anyone??" Benjamin asked
"Ofcourse no. My mommy will kill me" Isabella said scandalised
"So it would have been an arranged marriage for you anyway. You will be getting into a relationship not knowing anything about him. Why can't that be me??" Benjamin asked
"I don't know. I don't know what to say Benjamin" Isabella said feeling confused
"What is it that you want in life Isabella. You must have some concepts about your future husband right??"
"I never thought about that. I only wanted my husband to be someone who will support me in achieveing my dreams" Isabella said
"What are your dreams Isabella??"
"I wanted to open my own bakery" Isabella said and explained the reason why she joined the job.
"I will open a bakery for you Isabella. I will invest in your dream" Benjamin said enthusiastically
Isabella smiled sadly
"If I let you do that ,how will I be different from John?" Isabella asked
"Don't compare yourself with him Isabella. He married Eleanor only for her money. You won't do that right. If we get married ,will you be able to love me and Sapphire ,Isabella??" Benjamin asked
"I ..I don't know. I will try" Isabella mumbled
"That's all that matters. Not all marriages start with love Isabella. We have a lifetime together. We will get to know each other. We will go on dates. We will support each other. And eventually we will fall in love" Benjamin said and Isabella looked on doubtfully
"Okay??" She said ,which came out more
like a question
"My only request is that you treat Sapphire like your own"
"I will never mistreat a child Benjamin" Isabella said
"Thank-you so much Isabella" Benjamin said
"Benjamin. Please don't rush about it. I can't marry you if my parents does not agree" Isabella said
"I will make them agree Isabella. I will talk
to them" Benjamin said holding Isabella's both hands in his
The door of his cabin opened with a bang and they book looked up to see Alessandro rushing inside. He stood shocked seeing Benjamin holding Isabella's hands
Isabella quickly extricated her hands from Benjamin's hold and stood up gulping
"What the hell?" Alessandro asked in outrage
5The door of Benjamin's cabin opened with a bang and they book looked up to see Alessandro rushing inside. He stood shocked seeing Benjamin holding Isabella's hands Isabella quickly extricated her hands from Benjamin's hold and stood up gulping "What the hell?" Alessandro asked in outrage Alessandro Carter, an Italian, works in the hardware department of the company and before Benjamin had taken on the CEO position ,he had worked in the same department for six months. He had always found Alessandro easy going and friendly. But now the man appears furious for some reason "Alessandro?? Everything alright??" Benjamin asked only to get a glare in return Benjamin frowned at the confusing behavior of the man. The glare then turned from him and ended upon Isabella ,who moved to hide behind him "What??" Benjamin asked seeing Isabella cowering behind him clutching on to his shirt tightly "Izzy" Alessandro called furiously and Benjamin frowned "I didn't do anything fratellone. I sw
6.The next morning Benjamin was a little nervous as he reached the office with little Sapphire . Sapphire was wide awake as they walked into the office. She waved to the fishes in the big aquarium as they walked past it. "Ishh Benji ,Ishh" Sapphire squealed pointing at the fishes and waving to them "Uncle, Say uncle" Benjamin said for the umpteenth time to which Sapphire grinned back and again called him Benji. Benjamin rolled his eyes playfully at the little girl in his arms. Claire, his personal assistant smiled when they passed her desk in front of his cabin "Clay bye bye" Sapphire waved at Claire, who she had started referring to as Clay. Sapphire seems to enjoy calling everyone by their name. The only person whom Benjamin had heard her not calling by name, is her deceased mother. "You are one naughty girl with no manners huh" Benjamin said in mock anger and brushed his nose with hers Sapphire giggled loudly when he did that "More more" she demanded and Benjamin ha
7"Elizabeth, are the gifts ready?" William asked as he looked at his watch.William Lockwood wasted no time in getting expensive gifts, jewels, fruits chocolates and whatever else took his fance, to be taken to the Carter House to ask for their daughter's hand in marriage.From what little he heard from Alessandro Carter, he understood they are not out for Lockwood fortune unlike Eleanor's in laws. That makes their daughter a good bride for his precious son. "Yes. But aren't we going a little overboard William. We are going just to ask for their daughter's hand in marraige. Not to fix the wedding. What if they rejected the proposal?" Elizabeth asked, not sure about taking the gifts along. William is over doing it."Reject? Why would they reject the Lockwood heir? Would they get a better son in law than our son, Elizabeth. He is handsome. He is responsible. He is well settled. And he is humble and compassionate, unlike some spoiled brats in our social circle. Above all that, he is no
8."Momma. Can I go to Zia Francessa's house. Chiara has come home for weekend" Isabella asked her mother extra sweetly, wanting to go meet her childhood friend Chiara, who had recently gotten married and shifted to a different place."There is no need for that. Shut up and sit there. God knows what new problems you would create" Rosetta said ,as she made snacks for the evening tea.Isabella stared at her mother furiously, who in turn ignored her Isabella stomped her foot and stared at her mother, who still ignored her. "You are over reacting momma. You refused to let me go to the office. I accepted that. But how can you keep me locked inside the house. That's hardly fair. This is twenty first century for God's sake. I have every right to live my life as I wish" Isabella protested at her mother's high handed behaviour. "Over reacting? You won't understand our worries now Izzy. You will understand this only when you become a mother. Because of your impulsive act, you ruined your re
9."I can't believe they said no" William said, sighing, for the umpteenth time Benjamin rolled his eyes again "A good wake up call, wasn't it dad?" Benjamin asked sarcastically "Cut the sarcasm Ben" "It was expected" Elizabeth said "I actually liked them" William said and Benjamin raised an eyebrow at that William Lockwood is a man pretty hard to please. To know that he liked the family after a half an hour visit is quite surprising. "What? Don't look at me like that. I'm actually a pretty good judge of character. And they all seem very humble and honest people." "Well. It was not meant to be" Elizabeth said "The girl is really very pretty. She would have looked perfect with Ben" William said wistfully Benjamin closed his eyes and leaned back on the couch with a sigh The picture his father just painted is actually quiet beautiful. He knows he is a good looking man. He had been told that many times. And Isabella is a very beautiful girl. He was too busy with the court
"We are married now. And she is my wife. Now she is not Isabella Carter. She is Isabella Benjamin Lockwood. Benjamin Singh Lockwood's wife. Lockwood family's only daughter in law. And I will not hear a single word against my wife." Benjamin said coldly"Just because you married her doesn't change the fact that she is a girl with loose morals. And she took advantage of you when you were at your lowest point, being heartbroken and all. I heard the whole story okay. About how you two missed your train and spent a night together. Don't think you can pull wool over everyones eyes" Sofia said and Benjamin saw a teenager frowning in confusion listening to the storyBenjamin smirked "Mrs Rossi, you should have atleast changed the plot a little. Then maybe it would have looked legit" Benjamin said making Sofia frown Benjamin turned to look at the teenage girl nearby "You heard the story the woman just said right? Have you heard of that anywhere before?" Benjamin asked The girl nodded "
"What next?" Rosetta asked the question that was on everyone's tongue. "What else? We are taking Izzy home and we will forget this ever happened" Alessandro said with a shrug "Alessandro . They got married. In a church, in front of Lord Christ and St Raphael. You can't take it lightly. Izzy is Benjamin's wife now. They had taken the sacred vows in a sacred place." Rosetta said "So what are you saying? We leave Izzy here with him? The most impulsive man in the world" Alessandro asked and Benjamin frowned feeling offended "You are judging me by my one single action?" Benjamin asked "You introduced Izzy as your fiance impulsively. You married her today impulsively." Alessandro pointed out Benjamin took in a deep breath and looked at Isabella 's family "I know what I did was impulsive. You all have every right to be angry with me. But I promise you, I will keep Isabella happy." Benjamin said earnestly Rosetta and Zakariah nodded as they have no choice but to believe in his wor
"Ben, you sly dog. You have been hiding her from us?" Came a voice from behind them Benjamin looked up to see Julian and Elena coming towards them "Isabella . This is my best friend Julian and his wife Elena. And guys, this is Isabella ." Benjamin made the introductions "And who is Isabella ?" Elena asked with a teasing smirk "Isabella Benjamin Lockwood. My wife" Benjamin said as he placed an arm around Isabella's shoulder Isabella's eyes widened at the gesture and she looked up at him with the same expression.Benjamin grinned seeing the look on Isabella's face. Her face is so expressive. Especially her eyes. Her beautiful hazel coloured eyes. Benjamin stared into those eyes, a feeling of drowning suddenly enveloping him Julian coughed and Benjamin snapped out of his dream land. "Uh well" "So tell us about your story Isabella. He kept you a secret from us. We never knew Ben was in a relationship" Elena said "Oh no. We were not in a relationship. Its a long story. Tell