How Mr. Cullen Stole Christmas

Disclaimer: SM owns.

Betas: Special thanks to Amy from Red Pencil Fiction Betas and Wednesday from Emergency Beta Service

The contest winning banner by Mina Rivera

Today was the day, I planned on asking for a raise and a new position with more responsibilities. I put on my best business suit, feeling confident.

Entering the building of the architecture firm I worked at for the past four years, I took a deep breath. I worked hard and deserved it, I told myself as I walked toward the elevators. I didn't want to retire as an executive assistant to the CEO.

As I walked, I noticed a twelve foot Christmas tree in the lobby. They must have installed it late last night because it hadn't been there the day before, and it wasn't a good sign. I hated Christmas because of the lack sunlight, the pressure to be jolly, and not to mention, the insane frenzy of shoppers. Wishing, I had funds to escape to Asia like some of my fellow Grinch's did; I could avoid the whole Christmas holiday. It started way too early this year. It wasn't even Thanksgiving yet!

What surprises were awaiting me today? I huffed as I entered the lift and made my way to our floor. Once I got to my desk there was a big pile of correspondence and manila folders waiting for me. I sighed.

Mr. Stefan, my boss, was a Romanian immigrant, a well-known architect and a self-made man. He built the firm from the ground up and was proud of it. It was his baby, and his life work.

Grabbing some folders, I straightened my suit. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door of Mr. Stefan's office door.

The strong stale smell assaulted my nostrils as I entered my boss's office. It hadn't been renovated since eighties. Everything was beige and old with fake flowers everywhere. I sneezed.

"Gesundheit, Bella."

"Thank you, Mr. Stefan."

In spite of his fragile appearance, Mr. Stefan jumped and got me a chair. He looked ancient and frail. Nobody knew how old he was. Hundred? There were even inside jokes around the office that he slept in a coffin.

"Come closer, Bella. I don't bite," he started, laughing at his joke showing a row of crooked yellowish teeth.

I was sure that I could pickle herrings with Mr. Stefan's breath, and I tried to sit as far away from him as possible. I smiled but stayed put.

"I have wonderful, wonderful news. Wonderful, indeed." He bounced on the chair.

It was a good time to ask for a raise because somebody seemed to be in a good mood. Having practiced the picture multiple times in front of the mirror, I cleared my throat.

"Mr. Stefan, em…"

"Let's have a drink first," he interrupted and got out of the safe his most expensive cognac.

The stuff was hundred years old and worth over ten-thousand dollars. He acted funny, and I hoped it was not early signs of dementia. Maybe the rumors were true?

He did have happy hour on Friday evenings with his best friend and business partner Vladimir, but it was Tuesday morning.

"Thank you, Mr. Stefan. But it's not even ten o'clock in the morning, and it's Tuesday. And you know that I'm not drinking." One drunken night in college was enough, I hadn't touched alcohol ever again.

"You could have made an exception today, Bella."

"Mr. Stefan, it's your best cognac."

"The occasion deserves it. I'm starting a new life." My boss raised a glass of cognac. "Mmm… tastes like coffee." He closed his eyes taking another sip.

"Bella, you are going to have a new boss."

For a moment, I was speechless which didn't happen very often.

"A new boss?" I asked, clearing my throat.

Was he transferring me to a new department?

"Yes." He nodded. "You know that I'm not a spring chicken anymore." He chuckled again, tapping his fingers on the table.

I crossed my arms because I didn't like surprises.

"Our union didn't bless us with children, so I have no heirs. " He looked tenderly at the photo of his late wife on his desk. "I've been thinking about retiring for a while and decided to sell the company. I received an offer I couldn't pass up. Now, I'm set for the rest of my life. I've a retirement project planned and bought a castle in ruins, in Romania. I'm going to restore it."

I clutched the hem of my jacket, trying to process the information.

"The new owner is from New York – a strong leader and a successful businessman. You will be in good hands."

Did I need to start looking for a new job? I wouldn't be able to find anything quickly because of the Christmas holiday upon us. How would I pay the rent and my student loans? I snapped a pencil tip that I didn't even realize I grabbed from Mr. Stefan's desk.

"No reasons to worry, Bella. The new boss will leave things as is, for the time being."

For the time being …

"Bella, you have nothing to say?"

There was nothing for me to say, as much as I was annoyed with Mr. Stefan, I'd gotten used to him. I already knew what to expect from him as a boss. The new boss was a dark horse, and one I couldn't anticipate the outcome. I could kiss the promotion and a raise I wanted goodbye. Damn it!

"It's wonderful. We will miss you, Mr. Stefan." I tried to produce a sincere smile.

"I know what you all think about me. You think I'm an old crazy man. So, I'm taking my coffin and moving to Romania. He he." He leaned in, his faded blue eyes sparkled.

I blushed and mumbled, "Sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Bella. You've been putting up with me for so many years. I know you are capable of much more, and you deserve a promotion. I was too selfish to let you go."

That old fart!

"I was going to give you a promotion before my departure but the new owner insisted that no changes were made. Plus, you know all the ropes and in and outs, so you might be invaluable to him for the first couple months."

I gave him a look.

"Oh, my girl, don't look at me like that. I might have done you a huge favor. Your new boss is the most eligible bachelor on the East Coast according to the tabloids." He gestured to the stack of magazines on his desk and winked at me.

If only eyes could kill. I was not a violent person but at that moment …

"So, the new CEO will arrive tomorrow. I will introduce him to all the employees. Please, have the conference room ready by nine. Edward doesn't like people who are late."

"Edward?" I felt slightly nauseous. After so many years, I still had this reaction each time I heard the name. Luckily, it was not a very common name.

"Yes, Bella. I'm sure he will be impressed by your skills and work ethics. You can go now. Oh, and you can take these magazines to read about your new boss." He moved a stack of newspapers and magazines towards me.

I grabbed one on top. The headline read: The Most Eligible New York Bachelor Moves to Seattle. Below was a head shot with a too familiar lopsided grin. I felt dizzy and grabbed the edge of the table. It was the face I hoped I would never see again.

"Are you alright, Bella? You are extremely pale."

"I think... I need a drink." That was all I could say.