Time skip : one week

One week had passed, Ben had persuaded Evie, Jay and Carlos to wait a week before they started searching for her. He respected her and as much as he wanted to, he knew he had to give her space if he wanted to win her back but after seven whole days, they had heard nothing from her. Rightfully so they were worried. The longer they wait, the further they worried that she would drift away from them.

Ben took his phone out of his pocket and checked to see if she had texted or called him. He did this regularly (every ten minutes). He got the same result each time Nothing. He put his head down and tried to focus but he just couldn't concentrate on his work right now and he could only keep going like this for so long before hhis council would throw a fit at him for 'jeopardising the kingdom'. Two days ago Audrey found out Ben and Mal broke up and she was using it to her own advantage.

Flashback

Ben woke up the morning after Mal left to a shock. He was still in dismay that the whole situation happened. It felt like a nightmare that he couldn't wake up from. He didn't want many people knowing about the break up, only his close friends knew as of now. The minute it gets out, he would have many girls trying to swoop in and take Mal's place. Except none of them could, Mal was one in a million and that was exactly how the young king liked his women. Unique and unlike anybody else he's ever met. Unfortunately for him one of his friends is no good at keeping secrets especially when they are friends with the former senior class editor of Auradon Weekly which was a gossip magazine spilling all the secrets of the students at Auradon Prep.Jane is a kind girl, she's quiet but once she starts talking it is hard to shut her up. She also cannot keep a secret for the life of her. One of her best friends is Audrey. AKA Miss Audrey still not over Ben who has been in a committed relationship for two years Rose." Something's bothering you " Audrey said while filing her nails sitting on the edge of their bedToday they were clearing out the remainder of their things, they were also cleaning the room as the new freshmen would be moving in around September. By cleaning, Jane is cleaning and Audrey is watching, she calls it being emotionally supportive. She states a princess should never have to do anything for herself, she has millions of servants to do whatever her heart desired. No wonder Ben moved on." Its nothing " Jane said while scrubbing the floor with an old sponge. Audrey's nail polish was spilled across the floor and it was a killer to get off." Now, I don't believe that " Audrey stood up and knelt down beside her 'friend'." Come on babe, you can trust me. You do trust me, right? " Audrey said" Of course " Jane exclaimed worried" Good because best friends trust each other and tell each other everything, right? "" Right"" So, tell me what's up " Audrey said getting impatient" Ben and Mal broke up " Jane blurted then covered her mouth with her hands when she realised what she had done." Oh my god " Jane yelled to nobody in particularAudrey smirked" Oh really. How sad? Poor Ben but I knew they wouldn't last "Audrey grabbed her handbag" I'll be back in an hour or so, I have a few errands to do. Bye, best friend " She teased before heading out the door to congratulate erm... comfort her former boyfriend about his loss.

Ben dismissed her and out of spite she leaked the news to the press in a hope that this would bring Ben back to her. It was delusional of her to think so as everyone knew his heart belonged to Mal. He was furious when he got bombarded by the press. It was in this moment he realized Audrey would never change.

Ben called her. Nothing. He tried again but she knocked him off to voicemail. He sighed.

" Hey it's Mal, leave a message after the beep " Hearing her voice even through the automated message brought him comfort. It was like she was sitting in the room next to him.

" Hi Mal, it's Ben. I'm guessing you are avoiding me but it's been a week and we've heard nothing. I miss you, Mal. It's not the same without you. I'd rather talk to you than leave a long message. Please call me back when you get this. I'm scared that you can leave without a trace. Please let me know your safe. I love you "

Ben ended the message

" Ben, there you are " Adam, his father said coming into his room

" I've been here all morning " Ben said

" Big Castle " he joked

" Haha " Ben forced a laugh that even someone who never met him would know it wasn't genuine. He lost his joyful spirit.

" I have a surprise for you " Adam said

" Really? What's the occasion? " Ben raised am eyebrow assuming it was a way for his dad to bring him out of his slump.

" No reason "

" It doesn't have anything to do with Mal being missing, Dad "

" No, can't I just be spontaneous? "

" I guess " Ben shrugged his shoulders not completely convinced

" Follow me. It's in the library " Adam playfully patted his son on the back.

Ben followed his father into the library, nervous and anxious about what his father had for him.

In front of him stood a beautiful, tall blonde haired girl whose hair was cut short. She wore a pink knee length dress with black shoes that complimented the dress perfectly. Ben stood across the room confused at what Adam was playing at. In fact, he knew what he was doing. He was taking advantage of this situation with Mal to make him move on with someone his father thought was suitable. He was disgusted. His father just disregarded his feelings and tried to set him up with some other woman that he's never even met before.

" Ben, this is Lynn Davis. I thought that you two could get to know each other " Adam said beaming before quickly excusing himself from their family room

" Your highness, it's a honour as your father said I'm Lynn " Lynn curtsied

" Pleasure is mine " Ben forced a smile. Unfortunately since he is king he has to be respectful to every resident despite how angry or upset he felt.

" Want to sit and chat? " she grinned

" Sure "

" What the hell? Lynn, that's completely out of line " Ben stood up away from Lynn angrily

Lynn made a move on him and tried to kiss him but Ben was on guard and pushed her away from him before she locked lips with him.

" Ben, I'm so sorry. I thought you needed it " She faked her apology

" No! I had a girlfriend that I loved. She left for a reason that I don't entirely understand but I need you to know and probably a lot of other girls that I am nowhere near ready for a new relationship " Ben sighed in frustration

Ben left a very confused Lynn alone in his family room whilst Ben was determined to find his father who was trying to play match maker and meddle once again in his love life.

" Hi, son " Adam greeted Ben " Finished so soon? " He acted innocent even though it was as clear as Cinderella's glass slipper that Ben was upset and angry or even both.

" What even was that? " Ben said angrily to his father

" Watch your tone, son " Adam scolded

" You know I love Mal " Ben frowned " Why would you do this only a week after she disappeared? "

" Mal's a good girl, Ben, I know that, but did you really think you would be together forever " Adam said calmly " She's not right for you and thank god it's now and not in ten years time. You're just not meant to be and I want to help. I'm sorry but this is reality"

" No you don't " Ben scoffed " Its never been about me. It's always about the kingdom with you. What's so different about me and Mal than with you and Mom? "

Ben was furious. He and his father had bickered often over the last few years about his relationship with Mal. He thought his father had accepted her but no, he really only accepted her on the short term. He much would rather Ben be unhappy with someone of high royal status than happy with Mal. He was mortified and never felt more disappointed in his father than he did right now. He was relieved in a way that Mal wasn't here to witness this, one of her biggest insecurities were Ben's parents true views on her. She had won Belle over fairly easily compared to Adam. Adam liked her as a person, once she wasn't becoming part of the family. It made Ben realise how prejudice the people of Auradon were, no matter how many times she saved Auradon., she would always be the villain in his father's eyes. It enraged him.

" You need someone suitable to the throne. The pressure was always going to get to Mal at some point especially with her...erm upbringing "

He didn't have to say it. They both knew what Adam was thinking. Surely the villain excuse card has expired back when she saved Auradon the first time.

" We've been over this, I don't want to marry a princess. I want Mal! Mom was a commoner but apparently to you that was a completely different story! "

" It was!! " Adam yelled back

" No, you're being hypocritical " Ben protested, he would defend his and Mal's relationship until his dying breath.

" Ben, stop this " his father exclaimed fed up

" NO " Ben's eyes were filled with rage " I was happy and now she's gone and not even a week has gone by and you already want to replace her! This is not right. Have you ever considered my feelings! I'm your son but it seems the kingdom's feelings will always come before me and it has for the last eighteen years "

" Do not turn this on me, Benjamin! " Adam raised his voice and went all 'Beast'on his son. Ben had never seen him so angry. Usually Ben would be frightened but considering the tension in the room at the minute, Ben gained the power to put his foot down and fight back. He was the king after all and to his father's own wishes, he was going to act like one.

Ben and his father argued a lot when he was growing up but nothing like this. Ben usually kept his cool unlike his dad bit today was not one of those days. Belle hated when they argued especially when Ben was younger. They both had the temper of beasts and their arguments were usually blown way out of proportion and there wasn't much Belle could do to fix it as they both refused to be the one to apologise especially Beast as he usually was the reasoning behind their arguments.

" I want what's best for you " Adam persuaded

" No you don't " Ben shook his head in disbelief " No, you never did!"

" How do you know she didn't leave because of you? Huh, maybe she made up all that crap to spare your feelings. Guess what, Ben? She probably won't ever come back. So get over it. You are the king, you will need a wife and a heir so you better get looking " Adam called out coldly before dismissing himself once again for some alone time with his wife.

Ben was taken back. His words hurt like a wound. He didn't think his father would ever imply that he was the problem in their relationship but now that he suggested its he couldn't get the thought out of his head. He always tried to be the best boyfriend for Mal but apparently he didn't do enough. He wished she was here right now. She was the only one he wanted to see. She always knew what to say when he felt down or stressed. Right now he just wanted to be able to say ' I love you ' one last time.

Ben took out his phone from his back pocket to make a call. He needed to see and talk to his friends now more than ever.

Meanwhile in South Riding...

Mal walked around the town of Redemption for hours and hours at this point. She had no luck at job hunting which meant her plan of giving her baby their best chance was already failing... terribly.

Mal found a small coffee shop where she decided to sit down and rest for an hour or so before continuing her hunt for work. She ordered a small cup of tea, usually coffee was her go to drink but she couldn't have it while pregnant and believe me Mal without her coffee isn't an pretty sight.

" Hey, I might be able to offer some help " a tall (shorter than Ben), handsome stranger said standing from behind

" Who said I need help? I'm not a damsel in distress " She replied coldly before taking another sip from her cup

The man chuckled. Usually Mal's cold tone would scare any man off besides Ben and whoever this unknown man was.

" Ryder " he stuck out his hand

" I'm not telling you my name " Mal huffed and reluctantly shaked the young Man's hand

" Mysterious. Just how I like my women " He teased

Mal wanted to get sick. He made her feel extremely nauseous and a tad bit uncomfortable.

" It's Bertha " She lied

" Aren't you the king's lady ? " He examined her. She could fool other people but Ryder had been paying very close attention to her for the last number of months.

" Um...no " she hesitated. The gig was up already before it even properly started

" Are you lying? " He laughed at her being all shy and embarrassed.

"Fine, I'm Mal but I don't want his majesty knowing where I am " Mal sighed

" My lips are sealed " Ryder pursed his lips " trouble in paradise? " Ryder took a seat sitting across from Mal.

She wanted him to leave. It aggravated her that he was being so intrusive about her relationship just like everyone else in this kingdom was. She could never catch a break, no matter how hard she tried. Something she realised is that even being separated from Ben didn't mean the paparazzi or the people in the kingdom would stop following her. Every relationship after Ben will be monitored closely and possibly for the rest of her life. Perks of having been a relationship with the king. Note the sarcasm.

" What makes you say that? " Mal acted clueless. Everything had been going fine until she got impregnated. Mal and Ben rarely fought and if they did they never went to bed angry. They had always found a way to work through their issues.

" No one of your status would runaway to Redemption of all places. You're meant to have standards " He mocked the royals. Mal pretended to be offended.

" What are you talking about? Redemption is lovely. I love it here so far " Mal gave a blank expression

" Yeah sure " Ryder nodded to himself " You're the first visitor to say that. Most would be running for the hills by now "

" Auradon's overrated, here is more my type of place " She lifted up her tea cup and took another sip. " It's more my type of place " she smiled smugly

" Back to the point, I may have overheard you on the phone, you're looking for a job? " He asked

" Overheard or Eavesdropping? " Mal brought her attention back to the young man sitting in front of her " You are correct though, I'm stuck and I need to earn some money to afford accommodation "

She groaned

" Well look no further, I come bearing gifts. I need some help at my business "

Mal rolled her eyes. His work ethic must be better than his flirting, right?

" Business? " Mal smiled impressed. He wasn't much older than her and he was already excelling at life. Mal felt like this was another slap in the face as she was still struggling with this whole life thing.

" Yup " he said popping the p " It used to be my dad's but I'm in control now ". He looked proud of himself. He clearly was an ambitious man just like how Ben was.

" Impressive " Mal smiled "Back to the point... what do you need help with? " she returned to the conversation

" I own a diner, I need waitresses. How's your balancing skills? " he joked

" Fair " she replied in a serious tone.

" Fine by me. In return I will give you a decent wage and you can have the spare room in my apartment. Free of charge. My treat since you need a place " he winked at her

" Oh you don't have to do that " Mal said. The offer was tempting but living with another man who's name doesn't start with B and end with en sounds wrong, regardless of their relationship status. They had just broken up.

" I insist, besides it's just gathering dust right now. It would be nice to have some company " Ryder smiled at her. She frowned in response trying to give him a hidden message which she didn't think he understood.

" Sounds great. When can I start? " Mal forced a smile eager to work.

' He'll start running the minute he learns that I'm pregnant ' Mal thought to herself which she took as her free get out of jail card. The sooner he's out of the picture, the better.

" Tomorrow " he exclaimed excitedly

" Great " she replied with just as much sarcasm as she had been using this entire conversation to try and deter him from his evident crush that he had on her.

" Give me your number and I'll forward you the details " Any excuse to get my phone number. Mal sighed.

Ryder handed Mal his mobile phone and she inserted her number into the contacts.

" Here you go " Mal handed him back his phone

" I'll see you later " He smiled gazing into her emerald coloured eyes.

He was definitely crushing on her

Mal skipped away from the cafe. At least the difficult part of this move was all over with.

A few hours passed and Mal had just finished gawking her insides out over the toilet.

Want to move your things over ? xoxo

Ryder texted

The address is 134 Rosefield Avenue, Redemption, USA

Mal sighed. She didn't feel too comfortable moving in with a complete stranger on the first day she met him. If she learned anything from her kingdom tour to Arendelle where she met Queen Anna it was that looks can be deceiving. Also, she didn't want to lead him on, she had no interest in a new relationship. She needed a proper place to stay. So she gathered her few things and made her way over. There's only so many things that can go wrong, right?

" Hi Ryder "

" You came! I wasn't expecting that " he smirked closing the door behind her

" Why? I accepted your offer, didn't I? "

Ryder took her bags away from her and brought them to her room.

" And this is your room " He handed her a key " In case you need privacy, and that one is for the front door in case I'm not home " He handed her a key chain with two keys on it, one for the bedroom and the other for the key to the apartment

Mal nodded

" Thank you for everything " Mal beamed

" of course, milady " he flirted

Mal laughed awkwardly wishing she could go back in time to when everything was okay.