C5 5

"Benjamin!! Mr Gabriel is here," Claire informed as she came into his cabin.

"Send him in," Benjamin ordered.

Gabriel Clarke walked in looking all tensed and worried, which managed to worry Ben too.

"Gabriel? Everything okay?" Benjamin couldn’t hide the worry that laced his voice.

"Nothing is okay, Ben. John's family had gone to the court with the appeal for custody. Things are getting out of hand." Gabriel said with an exasperated sigh.

"What are the chances of them winning the case Gabriel?" Benjamin asked tiredly. Eleanor had managed to get herself tangled in such a family and now her daughter is suffering for that one wrong decision she made in her life.

Things would have been much much better if Eleanor hadn’t met John. She might still be alive, happy with someone deserving of her.

"Usually in cases of sudden death of the parents, the custody goes to the grandparents. Paternal side will be given priority." Gabriel said helplessly.

"Why? Why the parental side?" Ben asked with a frown, not liking what Gabriel just said.

"That's the law Benjamin. And since John's brother is already married with a family of his own, he will be getting priority over you." Gabriel added, much to Ben’s annoyance.

"That's total rubbish. All they need is money. They wouldn’t love or care for Sapphire like I do." Benjamin gritted out in fury.

"We don't have proof of that, Benjamin. And moreover you do not have any blood ties with the child. Eleanor is your step sister, not even your half sister. That's another point in their advantage." Gabriel said helplessly.

"But Eleanor was my sister. She was my own." Ben said helplessly.

"In the eyes of law, she was your step sister, Ben. No blood relation. Our only relief is Eleanor's will. But court would consider the future of the baby, which would always be

better with a mother in her life." Gabriel said.

"What am I supposed to do now? Is there no other solution?" Ben asked, pressing his temple with his fingers, feelings the onset of a migraine.

"That social worker you met the day you got Sapphire. She called me half an hour ago informing me that she is on the way here. John's mother informed her about you never once visiting Sapphire after she was born. I came here in a hurry to get to you before she does. It would be better if you are prepared." Gabriel said and it only worried Ben more.

"What am I supposed to do now? I am not going to give up on Sapphire. Not ever." Ben declared determinedly.

"Our side of the case could have gotten stronger if you were married, Ben." Gabriel said softly.

Ben grit his teeth in annoyance.

Claire poked her head in from behind the door after a soft knock.

"Benjamin, one Mrs Fort is here to see you." Claire said.

Benjamin panicked at that.

"She is here," Ben mumbled in worry.

"Just tell her you are engaged, Ben. We will find a solution soon." Gabriel said in a hurry.

"What rubbish? How am I to find a bride out of nowhere?" Ben asked in disbelief.

His legal advisor is giving him stupid advice.

"I talked to William. It's time for you to get married anyway. We will find a suitable bride for you. Meanwhile, keep up the ruse that you are engaged, Ben." Gabriel said.

His father is also in on this stupid plan?

"Why should I lie? This is rubbish." Ben asked in dislike. He didn’t like the idea that Gabriel came up with.

"Ben, be practical. That woman is very strict. In a second she can take Sapphire from you and hand her over to John's family. Do you want that to happen, Ben? We have to play carefully until the final court decision. Until then Mrs Fort holds the reins regarding Sapphire." Gabriel said, much to Ben’s annoyance.

"Fine, fine. Claire, let her in." Ben said, after taking deep breaths.

Mrs Carla Fort, a woman in mid fifties, walked in.

Pleasantries were exchanged and Mrs Fort dived into the matter of concern, without beating around the bush.

"Is it true that your family had disowned Eleanor after her marriage, Mr Lockwood?" Mrs Fort asked, pushing her thick framed glasses up her nose.

"Yeah," Ben said truthfully. There is no point in lying when she already knows the truth.

"And you haven't visited her once since Sapphire was born?" Mrs Fort asked again.

Ben took deep breaths and answered her calmly.

"No. My family was really hurt by her decision, Mrs Fort." As much truth he can say, the better.

"I heard that your parents are not at home. You are alone managing the baby. Is that right, Mr Lockwood?" Mrs Fort asked.

"My mother is a little depressed with Eleanor's sudden demise. I thought it would be better if she stayed away for a while." Ben said honestly.

"You are caring for Sapphire single handedly? Or did you already hand her over to workers at home? A nanny perhaps?" Mrs Fort asked, raising her eyebrows in attitude.

"Oh no!! No nanny. My fiance has been a great help in the last week." Benjamin said and Mrs Fort looked at him in surprise.

"You are engaged?" Mrs Fort asked. This wasn’t what she had heard of him.

"Oh yeah," Ben said with a bright smile.

"I didn't knew," Mrs Fort mumbled.

"Oh. It was a private event. We just got engaged a few days before we lost Eleanor. And we couldn't get around to making an official announcement with Eleanor’s sudden demise." Benjamin said with a nervous chuckle.

"And where is your fiancee? I would like to meet her. Preferably today." Mrs Fort said.

"Today?" Ben asked in horror.

"Yes. I would like to be sure about the facts, Mr Lockwood." Mrs Fort said firmly.

At that moment, Isabella pushed open the door with a giggling Sapphire in her arms and Benjamin's smile brightened at that sight.

"Darling!! Come meet, Mrs Fort." Benjamin drawled, startling Isabella and Gabriel at the same time.