Chapter 4-

Misperception

"You will be pleased to know that I have finally made a decision," Kathleen's smooth voice called from behind the cream coloured curtain; where Alice and Laura were helping her into her wedding dress.

Thankfully her voice was enough to break me out of my hazy state.

"What have you decided on?" I called back, distracting myself by focusing on my client. Even if I had no idea what she was talking about.

"The cake," she called back gleefully. "We have decided to keep it traditional."

"Of course they have," A bitter voice spoke from my left. Hayley was Kathleen's older sister and maid of honour. She was tall with red hair and a terrible attitude, always undermining Kathleen's choices and decisions. In other words she was jealous. She reminded me of Lauren. I don't really need to say anything else.

I slyly bit the inside of my lip, rolled my eyes at Tia and ignored the bitter cow sitting a few feet from me.

"That's great. You really are going all out with the traditions." That was an understatement. I rubbed my hands over my face trying to relieve some of the stress.

"I know. I gave up a lot to move here so, this is a way of staying in touch with my heritage."

Kathleen was born and raised in Ireland. Her fiancé Michael was from New York. They both worked for the same company and met on a business trip. Three years ago they got engaged and Kathleen moved to New York leaving behind her home and family. This wedding was her way of staying in contact with her roots and Michael was more than happy to let her do it. So far everything I had organised for them was traditional customs of an Irish wedding.

"So what does this cake consist of?" Hayley asked just as Alice pulled back the curtain, allowing Kathleen to walk out and for us to see the dress. Upon seeing her baby sister, Hayley turned slightly pale, her eyes were wide and her mouth was even hanging open. I could totally understand her reaction but it was still amusing to see.

The dress Kathleen had on was ice blue, with a deep V-neck, full skirt and sequinned belt. The dress hugged her chest and was covered with embroidery and sequins. Alice had out done herself again.

We all watched in awe as Kathleen glided forward, stopping directly in front of the three way mirror. We all remained silent as she turned from side to side, analysing what she was wearing. After only a few moments, even from where I was sitting, we saw the tears pool in her eyes.

"Oh Alice," she choked out, the tears falling from her eyes, taking her mascara with them. Even though she was crying, the beaming smile that dominated her face was enough to inform us that she was more than happy.

Finally gaining control of my speech, I made my way over to Alice. Who was standing to the side of the mirror, a look of pride on her face.

"You look...amazing." I wasn't lying. "Honestly, you look radiant." She looked incredible. The dress was perfect for her. I felt a little bit of envy grow within me looking at Kathleen in her wedding dress. I wonder what my dress will look like. I pushed away the feelings of envy and focused on my surroundings. My time would come. Anyway, there was no way I would look as good as she does in ice blue.

"It's amazing." Hayley finally broke the silence. Kathleen looked stunning in the dress and none of us could disagree. Not even the jealous sister could deny it.

"It's incredible. More than I ever dreamed." The tears were falling at full force now. Thankfully, Tianna jumped up to offer her a tissue.

"It better be. I spent four months on that dress." Alice whispered in my ear.

"It really is beautiful, Ali. I've never seen anything like it." I complimented Alice. It was dresses like this that made her so popular.

"Time for some champagne I think." Laura announced, appearing out of nowhere with a tray full of glasses and champagne.

We were all in an elated mood as Laura handed out glasses. But of course, nothing stays euphoric for long.

"Not to spoil the moment or anything, but it's blue." Everyone turned to look at Hayley. Her voice was even more harsh and icy than before. She was seriously resentful.

"Yes Hayley. Thank you for pointing out that my dress is blue." The duh was evident in Kathleen's voice. "How do you not know that?"

"Aren't you supposed to get married in white?" This girl is clueless. Alice just shook her head while her assistant Laura and I just rolled our eyes.

"It's traditional for an Irish bride to have a blue wedding dress." Tianna informed Hayley, professional as always.

"Really?" Hayley snorted as if to say 'you made that up'. I eyed her confusion, she grew up in Ireland herself, and surely she should know that.

"Really." Alice mimicked, drawing that conversation to a close. "I think I need to make a few alterations."

"Oh? I think it's perfect." Kathleen said as Alice began fiddling with fabric.

"Is the cleavage line okay?" Alice asked as Kathleen blushed. It was incredibly low cut but in a good way.

"It is really low cut." Hayley added in a spiteful tone. "What would people say?"

"I don't care what people say. I like it and I'm the one wearing it." Kathleen bit back at Hayley, who finally had the sense to stop talking. Instead she tipped back her drink before glaring at her sister.

"I think it needs hemming at the bottom." I said drawing the attention away from the situation before they started fighting.

"I agree with Bella. I think we can bring it up a little. We don't want you falling over." Alice bent down and started pinning the bottom of the dress.

I sat on one of the cream sofa's watching Alice and Laura go to work. To be perfectly honest I wasn't in the mood today. My mind kept jumping to Edward. It was normal for me to day dream about him but today all I could think about was the argument. I mean it's normal for couples to argue but Edward and I only started arguing badly about two months ago. Then there was yesterday's argument. We never argued that badly before. Mind you we had never been so stretched before.

This morning was awkward as hell. I had cried myself to sleep last night in my fiancé parent's spare room; I was shocked when I had woken in my own bed. What was more concerning was that it was four in the morning and I was alone. I located Edward in his office, fast asleep, his face pressed into the key board of his laptop. I had been scared to wake him, worried that we would erupt into another fight. Therefore I locked myself in my own office, busying myself with catering contracts.

At seven o'clock I made my way to the kitchen, naturally he was already there. Drinking a coffee and looking like hell. Neither of us spoke. Neither of us wanting to be the first to speak. Instead we ate in silence, avoiding each other gazes. After an hour of the tensest meal ever, I distracted myself with the washing up. I heard Edward get up from the table and walk into the hall, getting ready to leave for work. I felt my heart drop, had he left and really not said anything?

However, before he left, I felt his hands slid around my waist, pulling me tightly into his chest. His soft lips pressed onto my forehead before he whispered into my ear.

"I love you, Bella."

Then he was gone, the front door closing with a bang. If I had my way I would have stayed home, wrapped up in my duvet, trying to work out what the hell had happened the night before. However, I had a job to do. I had dragged myself through my routine reminding myself that I had to be professional and focus on the needs of my client.

"Are you alright over there, Bella?" Alice asked, bringing me back from my day dream. Alice had finished pinning Kathleen's dress because she had it thrown over one arm. Plus we were the only two currently in the room. Where did everyone else go?

"Yeah, I'm okay." But I so wasn't and she knew it. She gave me a stern look before she turned away from me, putting Kathleen's dress onto a hanger, then into a dress bag. "How is the show going?"

She knew I was looking to change the subject. After giving me the 'this isn't over' look, she accepted the bait.

"It's going okay. Everything is slowly falling into place. I'm nervous as hell but seriously excited! This is our first catwalk!" Alice's voice was now hitting octaves I didn't know were accessible in the human world. I rubbed my ears gently trying to sooth the ringing.

"It will be amazing Alice. It has to be, we've put too much time and effort into Opal for it not to be." Alice smiled in appreciation just as Kathleen, Hayley and Laura reappeared. As soon as they were close enough, Kathleen pulled Alice into her arms.

"Thank you so much Alice." Kathleen said after hugging the life out of Alice. "I still can't believe how amazing the dress is."

Alice hugged Kathleen back tightly. "You're more than welcome Kathleen. Thank you for making my dress look so good."

Laura called from the reception desk, writing in the white appointment book. "We'll see you in exactly a month for you final fitting. So we'll see you on the tenth of September."

"Is one o'clock okay?" Alice asked Kathleen, who nodded eagerly.

"Yes that's perfect." Kathleen said before pulling out her phone to enter the appointment. I turned to Tianna to ask her to write it in.

"I got it." Tianna said before I could say anything, closing her diary.

"Okay then, let's go." I announced before picking up my bag.

"Goodbye everyone." I called to Alice and Laura.

"Okay well I'll see you in a week Kathleen." Alice called back before turning towards me. "Bella, don't think about going anywhere."

I gulped slightly, dreading what was coming.

I exited the shop, behind Hayley and Kathleen, walking towards the car park.

"You didn't tell me your decision." I said as we came to a stop in front of her car.

"I'm sorry?" Kathleen asked, I internally rolled my eyes.

"Your wedding cake?" I jogged her memory.

"Oh yes, sorry I got distracted by the dress. We wanted a traditional cake. So a fruitcake, loads of cherries, almonds, raisins and soaked in Irish whisky. With plain white icing."

"Okay, I'll book you an appointment when I get back to my office and I'll be in touch." I said as Kathleen pulled me into a hug. This girl was emotional. I hugged her back gently before detaching myself from her grip.

"I'll speak to you tomorrow." I called as she and Hayley climbed into their car and drove off.

Resigning myself to my fate, I turned to Tianna.

"You go back to the office, I'll meet you there."

"Sure," she said, before taking the files from my arms and walking off to her car. Once Tianna's car had driven off, I took a deep breath before turning and walking back into Opal.

As predicted, Alice was sitting on one the cream sofa, sipping a cup of coffee. I sighed again making my way over to her and throwing myself into the seat next to her. I closed my eyes, resting my head on the back of the seat, there was no way I was starting this conversation. Naturally, Alice was not someone to beat around the bush.

"So are you going to talk about it or just sit here and pretend it didn't happen?"

"I like the second one to be honest." I groaned, refusing to lift my head from its resting place.

"Isabella!"

Now I was in trouble. I grumbled, sitting up in my seat like a child who had been told off.

"What is happening with you and my brother? It seems that whenever you two are near each other it ends in a fight."

"That's unfair. We are not that bad. All couple argue it's natural." I was unsure if I was trying to convince her or myself.

"Yeah of course they do. Trust me when Jasper and I start fighting, the whole street can hear." Even though we were talking about fighting, I could still hear the admiration in her voice.

"We are both stressed at the moment. Work is really taking it out of both of us, especially him. He comes home late and exhausted all the time. I'm probably not helping the situation. I try to be understanding, I know it's not all him."

Alice was looking at me with pity and I really didn't like it.

"Yesterday was just a build-up. He thinks I work too much, I think he is working too hard. Plus he made us late for your party even though I reminded him at breakfast and during the day. I was just frustrated and it all came spilling out at once." I didn't mention that Ellie was a recurring theme in our arguments, not to mention Tanya. "It's nothing for you to worry about. Edward and I will be fine."

"You better be." She said seriously before her stance relaxed. "You know you can come and talk to me whenever you want right? I'm only on the other end of the phone."

"I know, Alice." I smiled gently at the woman I had come to see as my sister. She had always been supportive, just like Rose. I really don't know what I would do without them. However, I was a little hesitant because I viewed them as my sisters when in fact they were Edward's, not mine. "Anyway, I should go."

"Yes, I guess I should get back to work too."

We hugged tightly before I made a hasty escape from Opal.

XOXOXOXOXO

My mood had swiftly dampened by the time we had arrived at work. I climbed out of the car and walk directly into the building. Apparently my face expressed my mood because everyone gave me a wide birth. As I walked to my office the phone on Tianna's desk started ringing.

"That is perfect timing." She mumbled behind me before jogging the short distance to her desk and throwing down the folder in her hands.

"Isabella Swan's office..." I heard the start of her conversation but didn't hang around for the rest. I walked into my office and practically fell into my chair. It's not fair! Edward and I will be having some serious words soon. I know I said we can wait but I at least wanted to start planning. The whole purpose of not taking on any major accounts was so I could start planning my own wedding, but it wasn't happening. The phone on my desk brought me out of my depressing mood.

"Yes, Tianna?" I said after snatching up the phone.

"Bella, I have Charlotte Hayes on the phone." Her voice was a little hesitant and I immediately felt bad. It was not her fault my fiancé was being a pain in the arse.

"Who?" I could feel my headache growing.

"The woman who has been ringing and sending you emails constantly for the last three weeks."

"Who is this woman? What does she want?" I asked remembering the sheer amount of emails in my inbox but no way to contact this woman.

"I don't know. She won't tell me but she does say it's very important."

I sighed deeply. After all this, after all she had gone through to get to me, it had better be important. "Alright," I sighed again. "Put her through."

"Right away." Tianna said, before the line went dead. I put the receiver down waiting for my connecting call. Seconds later it rang again, and I breathed deeply before picking it up.

"Is this Isabella Swan?" A polite but firm voice sounded on the other end of the phone.

"Yes it is. How may I help you?" I replied as professional as I could, given the firmness of her voice.

"Ah finally." She sighed out loudly. "I've been trying to get in contact with you for weeks. My name is Charlotte Hayes."

"Oh yes Miss Hayes. I had received messages from you but you didn't leave any contact information." Which would have been so much easier, Come to think of it, why wouldn't she leave a number?

"Yes, I do apologise. Due to security reasons I was unable to leave a number." Security reasons? Who was this? What was she talking about?

"Oh okay." I probably sounded as dumb and I felt in that moment. "Well you're in contact with me now. So what can I do for you?"

"Yes sorry. Miss Swan everything I am about to say to you is highly confidential. You must not repeat this conversation to anyone. Everything said between us must be of the utmost importance and will be recorded. Do you understand?"

Confidential? If she was trying to sell me something I was going to lose it. "Yes. I understand." I said hesitantly; let's just get this over with.

"Good." Her voice changed from serious to joyous. "Miss Swan, I am the personal assistant to Olivia Summers."

After that sentence I froze, a million different thoughts running through my head. This was a joke! This was complete and utter crap. I can't believe I was getting prank calls at work and with the mood I was in now, this wasn't going to end well.

"Is this a joke? It's not very funny and I don't mean to be rude but I am very busy and I don't have time for this." The tone of my voice shocked me; never had I spoken to someone like this before. Not even to Lauren.

"I can assure you Miss Swan, this is not a joke." She sounded serious but a little amused. "I wouldn't have spent the last two weeks trying to contact you for no real reason. I am also a very busy person." She had a good point. It would have been a very pointless prank. So this means, I was actually talking to the assistant of Olivia Summers. The main question being why was she calling me?

"What can I do for you?" I asked my voice automatically returning polite and professional.

"Miss Summers would like to meet with you." My mind was practically blank except one question, what? "Obviously she cannot just walk into your office. So she would like you to attend a meeting with her."

A meeting with Olivia Summers? That's something you don't turn down. "When would this meeting take place?"

"Tomorrow would be best. She is currently in New York."

Tomorrow was an important day at Divine. Tomorrow was Ruby Wright's meeting. I had no intentions to pitch an idea for her wedding, but as the general manager I did want to be there.

"Tomorrow isn't the best day. I have plans at work." I tried to reason with Charlotte, even though I already knew it would be a lost cause.

"I'm afraid I must insist tomorrow. Miss Summers leaves tomorrow evening to fly back to England."

This was just weird. I mean I have never received a call like this before so maybe it was real. Why not go? I mean Jayde and Angela could hold the fort tomorrow as I don't want that account. What did I have to lose?

"Okay. Tomorrow will be fine." I sighed into the phone, giving up.

"Perfect." She chirped, not at all deterred by my sudden lack of professionalism. "I will meet you at your office tomorrow at one o'clock. I can't tell you where she is staying, so you will be escorted. I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore at the moment."

"Yes of course. I understand." I mumbled, brushing my hand over the side of my face.

"Okay, thank you for your time. I will see you tomorrow."

"Yes. Thank you Miss Hayes. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Miss Swan. Remember, you can't tell anyone about this phone call. Nobody can know this conversation happened."

"Of course." I said before hanging up the phone and rubbing my temples. My headache had grown into a full blown migraine.

What just happened? What am I going to do? Had I really just been asked to meet with Olivia Summers? Furthermore, what did she want with me? Plus I wasn't allowed to talk to anyone about it. Not even my partner? I confided in Edward, he supported me when I needed it and now I wasn't allowed to do that?

I just rested my head on my desk and tried to get to grips with my thoughts. My head swam with images of last night's events and my upcoming plan for tomorrow. Before I knew it I was fast asleep.

XOXOXOXOXO

I woke several hours later to Leah gently shaking my shoulder. Had I really fallen asleep? That was embarrassing. I yanked my head off the desk, sitting back in my chair.

"Bella, are you okay?" Leah's eyes bore into me. I could see her concern. She was just as shocked at my little nap as I was. I stood from my desk, flinching as blood rushed around my legs again.

"Yea I am fine." I tried to smile but it probably came out more as a grimace. "Why wouldn't I be?"

I brushed my blazer down before pushing my arms in the sleeves of my coat. All the while avoiding the penetrating gaze of my longest friend.

Of course being Leah meant that she didn't buy it. She could automatically see through me. She has always been able to. It's very weird.

"Okay, you don't have to tell me what is going on, but you know you can't lie to me, B."

Guilt rose in me again. Leah and I had been through so much, we were almost a couple. I could tell her anything and she would have a solution, normally followed by some sarcastic or bitchy comment. Either way she was one of the most trustworthy people in my life. Yet I couldn't bring myself to tell her what was going on. I was making such a big deal over nothing. Whatever was happening with Edward would pass eventually. There was nothing to tell, really.

"Honestly, I am fine, Leah." I was fine. I was just mentally exhausted. Just tired but I would be okay. We would be okay. I was just over reacting. Wanting to get away from this conversation, I picked up my bag and attempted to make a getaway.

Naturally, Leah was faster than me and was blocking my only exit from the room. The look on her face told me I wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon.

"Isabella, put your arse on that sofa and talk to me."

XOXOXOXOXO

I had zoned out massively after my talk with Leah.

Seriously, this was by far the most stressful day of my life, and I had been the epicentre of hundreds of weddings.

Between Olivia and her offer, and the unresolved issues within my relationship, I was finding it hard to think straight. I was on auto pilot. I somehow managed to finish my working day, hold a management meeting and drive myself home. Now I was sitting in my car parked outside my house.

It was only when I finally got the energy to climb out of the car and face my fiancé that I noticed the pristine white Audi parked next to Edward's Volvo.

My mind automatically jumped to a place I really didn't want to deal with. I felt all the blood rush from me, suddenly feeling dizzy, I grabbed hold of my car for support.

I mentally slapped myself. Surely there was a reasonable explanation for the car. Edward would never cheat on me; it was wrong of me to even think he would.

I slammed the car door in anger at myself, before walking towards the house and through the door. As soon as I placed my bag down, I could hear humorous mumbling. Curious, I followed the sound of the voices to the dining room.

Edward was sitting at the table, which was cover with files and bits of paper. His hair was messy probably because of running his fingers through it constantly but he was smiling and laughing at the stunning woman in the seat next to him. She was facing away from, but I would recognise that blonde hair anywhere. They were wrapped in their own little bubble, clearly enjoying whatever they were talking about so animatedly.

For some reason I felt anger rush to the surface of my emotions. I just couldn't' deal with this right now. I had enough on my mind.

As if sensing the shift in the air, Edwards head snapped in my direction, his eyes widening as he looked at me. He was entirely focused on me, ignoring the women in front of him, which in turn made her look round.

"Bella? You're home early." Thank you for pointing out the obvious and I do live here too; I am allowed to be early if I want. "Are you okay?"

I nodded stiffly, throwing my keys into my bag and walking into the dining room. I felt like I had violated their little gathering. He stood when I was closer to him, pulling me into a tight hug. I didn't return it, I just stood there. When he did pull away, he looked at me cautiously. Like I was a bomb ready to go off at any minute.

"You remember Ellie, right?" he sounded nervous. That was unsettling. Why was he nervous?

"How could I forget?" I said with a bitter, sarcastic smile.

"It's lovely to see you again," She replied graciously, but I could see the anxiety in her eyes.

"I wish I could say the same." My bitter tone not going unnoticed by Edward and Elle. "Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"It's okay, I was just leaving," Ellie said, neatly folding the paper in front of her into a pristine white folder. As she focused on her task I turned my attention to Edward.

He was looking at me with a mixture of worry and frustration. I spared him a look of annoyance before pushing away from his arms, going in search of a glass of wine.

I breathed deeply as the chardonnay slipped down my throat, my eyes fixed on the couple standing in my dining room.

"I will send through the Evan's notes as soon as I have typed them." Elle said before pushing her arm through her white coat. Naturally Edward helped. Of course he did, those gentleman instincts didn't just apply to me. That was just how he was brought up.

"There is no rush Ellie. The notes can wait, just go home and relax." Edward replied as Ellie picked up her pristine white Prada bag.

"I like to get things done." She smiled brightly, the action making her face become even more radiant. I felt sick.

"You work too much." Just like you Edward. You're practically a match made in heaven.

I watched her shrug as if what he was saying was irrelevant. "I enjoy working late nights and long hours. Feel free to use me as you wish."

My glass froze on my lips. Was she seriously trying to hit on my fiancé right in front of me?

"Excuse me," I called in disbelief and anger from the other side of the room, placing my wine glass down on the table. Before I had a chance to move round the island, Edward grabbed Ellie's arm and started pulling her towards the door.

"Let me show you out," he rushed.

She was beyond lucky. Why was he defending her? Did he not hear the double meaning to her words? I mean come on!

He was back within a few minutes. He leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed. His face showed slight disappointment, but mostly wariness.

"What the hell was that?" I asked in scepticism. My anger was really starting to boil over.

"I was going to ask you the same question." His eyebrow rose, the look of disappointment embedding itself deeper into his face.

I literally had no idea. I was all kinds of messed up lately.

"What has gotten into you lately?"

As quick as the anger came, it disappeared and was replaced with sobbing and tears running down my face. What was happening to me?

Within seconds of seeing my tears, I was in Edwards arms. He was holding my close and I cried into his shirt.

"I'm sorry." I sniffed, holding him tighter. "I am just really stressed out from work."

"Hey," he lifted my face to look at him, before gently wiping away my tears with his finger. "You know you can always talk to me, baby. What's wrong?"

What was wrong with me? Was there something wrong with me? How could I answer a question I didn't have an answer for?

"It's nothing." I sighed, pushing my face back into his shirt. "Just a difficult client."

He pulled me into a tighter hug before lifting me off my feet and carrying me upstairs.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters or locations from the series.

So there was no saving my laptop or the content on it. Therefore, I am having to re write everything from memory.

I have an amazing beta working with me so the spelling and grammar will be better than the previous story.

I hope to be able to complete the story as soon as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck by the story and waited patiently.

Next chapter will be up soon.

xx Red as a Rose xx