HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND! I feel like I've had three Thanksgivings because of all the left overs! Sheehs!

So some of you wondered why it's taken me over a month to complete this next chapter... I'll give you three reasons. First of all I had the flu and I took me so long to recover and make up the clients I lost at work the following weeks, my hours were crazy! And finally, the holiday arrived and I had zero time or brain power left for creativity. So half of this chapter has been written for more than a month, and I just finished it TONIGHT at 2:19 AM... because I love you people!

So again I'm sorry... I do the best I can. I hope this chapter makes it worth the wait. Because we're nearing the end soon folks. I'm guessing two more chapters (possibly three) plus an epilogue. I'll let you know. Depends how many words I can squish into a chapter!

Cheers!

Chapter 18: The Mask

Bella rolled over, expecting to be stopped by warm body but instead fell off her narrow bed onto the cold hardwood floor.

"Ow..." she groaned as she rubbed her now aching hip while facing down. Then flopped on her back and rubbed her forehead.

"Bella!"

Bella heard Charlie shout as he rushed into her bedroom, finding his daughter sprawled on the floor.

"What the—Bella, are you okay? What happened?" Charlie admonished while helping his clumsy daughter off the floor and watched her lazily plop back on her mattress with a bounce.

"Sorry, dad. Rolled off the bed," she yawned still nursing her bruised hipbone and squinting from the bright light.

Charlie silently chuckled with his hands on his hips and shook his head knowingly. "Again? You haven't done that since you were a kid, Kiddo. You scared the crap out of your mother and me that one time you fell off, remember?" Charlie said pulling the rocking chair from the corner of the room, intending to spend some time with his daughter before work.

He wished he could have been there to watch her all night long, making sure she slept well like he used to do when she was a little girl. Only she wasn't his little girl anymore... and because of that he hardly slept a wink last night thinking how he couldn't always be there to protect her anymore.

Even if he could, he knew Bella would have preferred Edward's company and protection rather than his, which was the only reason he permitted Edward to stay and watch over her last night... as long as Edward agreed to abide by his house rules.

Yes, Edward Cullen was his boss, but this was his home, and they needed to respect his wishes under his roof.

Thankfully, when Charlie opened the door to check on the couple a quarter after five, he saw Edward still sitting in the rocking chair which was now conveniently situated next to his daughter's bed. He recalled stepping into the room just as Edward was putting his shoes back on.

"How is she? Did she sleep through the whole night?" Charlie whispered so not to wake Bella up.

"Like a rock. Listen, I need to get going, but I won't be needing a ride today since I'll be working from home. Are you going to stay with her?" Edward spoke as he stood up from the chair and quietly lifted it up to move it back into place in the corner of the room.

A memory flashed back into Charlie's mind of Bella sitting in her mother's lap reading another children's book, The Ugly Duckling.

"I'll check on her again before breakfast. I know she'll be famished since she didn't have dinner last night."

"Don't I know it? Bella as an appetite like a man!" Edward whispered loudly to which Charlie nodded and chuckled silently crossing his arms looking down at is girl. "She takes after her old man. But thankfully she got her mother's good looks."

Feeling a pang in his chest after remembering Renee, Charlie walked to the door. He turned around expecting Edward to follow him, but instead saw something else that made his heart stutter. Edward was crouching down on his haunches by the side of Bella's bed and brushed her bangs off her face, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Even though Edward's back was to Charlie, he could ear him whispering something into Bella's ear, only it was too soft for him to understand. Smiling to himself, he heard his daughter mumble something back still incoherent with sleep to Edward. He watched Edward's shoulders shake silently before brushing his lips against Bella's once and finally tucking her in, pulling the blankets higher up to cover her shoulder.

It was the most tender loving scene Charlie had ever witnessed, and it confirmed what he had already been dwelling on all night long. His little girl belonged to someone else now.

The thought made a thickness rise up in Charlie's throat, so he gentle coughed to clear it away and compose himself before he truly became a pansy and made a fool of himself in front of his daughter's boyfriend slash his employer.

Edward heard Charlie's cough and took that as his cue to leave. He stood up gracefully and looked at Charlie while putting coat over his shoulder,"Would you call me please, when she wakes up?" Edward followed Charlie out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"Sure, Sir—um Edward." Charlie corrected himself. He was so accustomed to formally addressing all the Cullens, it was a hard habit to break now that things had changed.

Edward smiled crookedly and chuckled at Charlie's embarrassment. It seems he blushed just like Bella... or was the other way around? Edward shook his head and walked to the front door then turned around once he smelled the fresh morning air.

"Thanks for letting me stay with her last night." Edward grinned holding out his hand to Charlie, who took his hand without hesitation.

"Thank you for wanting to. You're welcome anytime, Edward."

Edward replied with a smile and a single nod before quietly walking down the spiral staircase and walked the short distance from the garage to the kitchen door of the mansion.

"One thing is certain, that boy is in love." Sue said behind Charlie startling him from his train of thought.

"Yes...and with my daughter," Charlie grumbled almost sourly because it was the reaction a father should have towards the man stealing his little girl away. Only Sue, like always, saw right through him and kissed the side of his jaw, wrapping her warm arms around him.

"Come back to bed Papa bear."

Charlie was knocked out of his thoughts with Bella's musical laughter.

"It's hard to forget something like that. I had to get three staples in my head," Bella sighed looking up at her father from lounging in bed.

Charlie shuttered, then wanted to change the subject from that awful memory. "That you did. So... are you hungry?"

"Famished!" Bella said rubbing her talking stomach.

"I thought so. Sue is on her way back from the market with the food. I thought I should be the one to be here when you woke up," he harrumphed to himself, "Look what a good job I've done so far. I come in to find you fallen on the floor," Charlie berated himself shaking his head. He somehow felt responsible for not being there to catch her.

"It's not your fault, Dad. I'm just clumsy... even in my sleep!" Bella joked trying to make her father smile, which she did.

At that moment, Bella remembered something and looked around the room for Edward. She stop to listen hoping she could hear if he was in the bathroom or around the house, but heard nothing.

"If you're looking for Edward, he went back home early this morning. That kid always starts his day at the crack of dawn. He's probably finishing breakfast by now. He told me to let him know when you woke up," Charlie said scratching the back of his head. "Want me to give him a call?"

"No thanks, Dad. I can call him myself." Bella sat up eagerly reaching for her phone on the side table which Charlie took as his cue to leave. Before he made it out the door, he heard Bella call out to him, "Oh dad!" He stopped and looked back with his eyebrows raised, "Thank you... for letting Edward spend the night to watch over me," Bella smiled gratefully. There was an extra twinkle in her eye when she mentioned Edward's name and he realized it was the same twinkle he saw when Renee looked back at him so many years ago.

Unable to voice a reply, Charlie simply nodded once then went out of Bella's room to allow her some privacy.

One of the things Bella loved about her father was he never hovered.

Quickly the moment Charlie left, Bella pressed the speed dial on her iPhone and bit her fingernail listening to the line right only once before she heard the line pick up and a familiar sexy smug voice.

"You're up early," Edward's voiced teased her and instantly a smile spread across her entire face making warmth spread through her chest.

She knew Edward was aware she hated waking up before nine o'clock in the morning, and of course the fact he knew her so well, made her giggle foolishly.

"Good morning, Mr. Cullen," Bella quipped back hearing Edward's deep chuckle through the phone. "Need I remind you I did get over twelve hours of sleep last night, so I believe that amount of rest would result in me waking up before... holy shit, it's 7:15 AM? What is wrong with me?!" Bella whispered sounding beyond stunned as she looked at her bedside clock.

"Exactly what I thought. You must be starving."

Bella could hear the smile in his voice as she put the phone on speaker to stretch her arms over her head.

Bella nodded then realized Edward couldn't see her. She sighed and stood up to stretch her stiff body after her fall for the first time and yawned out like a roar, "I'm so hungry could eat a horse!"

She heard Edward breath a laugh through his nose into the receiver. She figured it was time to get up since she couldn't go back to sleep so she lifted her T-shirt over he head. Edward then muttered something over the speaker which Bella couldn't decipher.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. I didn't say anything," Edward said all to quickly while she took her bottoms off leaving her topless and royal purple lace underwear.

"Jesus... Christ."

That she understood.

"Edward is something wrong?" Bella asked quizzically, not entirely sure why Edward was muttering incoherent words to himself over the phone.

He cleared his throat abruptly and gruffly replied, "I was just wondering... knowing how much you can eat, where it all goes? You're so damn ho—I mean slim!"

Bella giggled like a giddy school girl hearing how flustered Edward sounded. She plopped herself back on the bed happily causing her chest to bounce slightly with the mattress and was surprised to hear Edward groan again, only this time it sounded like he was in pain.

"Edward what's going on? Are you still working out in the gym?"

"No, I'm just finishing up breakfast... and enjoying the scenery."

"Well, it sounds like you're still hungry."

"You have no idea, baby..." Edward's voice dropped seductively, suggesting he was hungry for something other than food at the present. Before Bella could comment, she heard a car pull up the driveway outside. Slowly Bella lifted her body behind the window sill to peaked outside and see who it was.

"Sue is back with a trunk full of groceries... Bella! What the Hell? Fuck!" Edward started but suddenly was shouting at her and it startled her causing her to lean back away from the window. Bella.

"What? What's wrong?" Just then Bella looked outside and saw Sue coming out of her car through the iron grating, and saw nothing wrong. Then she curiously looked up at the mansion and was shocked to see Edward standing at his office window looking straight down at her through the glass with a look of death.

"Get away from the window!" Edward roared but Bella only crossed her arms over her chest with her phone balanced on her shoulder looking equally incensed at Edward.

"Edward Anthony Mason, how long have you been standing there?" Bella admonished scrunching her face at him completely un-phased that she was propped up by the window mostly undressed.

"Umm..." Edward looked gingerly down at his hands through the window and spoke in a smaller voice, "The whole time?"

Bella stared back at him with a faux scowl at Edwards adorable hunched shoulders, then laughed and shook her head at him before moving away from the window, "Edward Cullen you are a nasty old pervert!"

"And and you are an exhibitionist, baby. Who knew?" he smiled back, leaning his forearm on the glass above his head looking more relaxed now that she was away from the window but still in sight.

Truthfully, Bella didn't care if Edward spied on her watching her undress. He'd seen everything anyway... but just then a shocking thought occurred to her and Bella's face changed from calm to horrified.

"Wait a minute!"

"What? What is it?" Edward sounded a little panicked over the phone, wishing he was in her bedroom rather than in his office.

"Is... is this the first time you've seen me undress through my bedroom window?" Bella asked in a low whisper while staring back at Edward looking for signs of guilt or shame in his posture.

"It's not the first time I've seen you through your window honey, but this is the first time I got a show with breakfast. I admit, it's torture watching you from all the way over here where I can't reach or touch you."

"Is that so..." Bella reached for her towel and wrapped it around her body and under her arms so she was no longer showing as much skin.

Edward's breathing became more regular and less heavy, and his mind seemed to be less foggy as he blurted out a realization.

"On the other hand, if I can see you I'm sure that means others can too, and that just won't do. You should keep your drapes closed while you're undressing from now," Edward said suddenly sounding a little jealous and possessive over the line, making shivers run up Bella's spine.

Feeling the need to torture him a little before taking her shower, Bella dropped her towel and panties right before closing the sheer drapes so that all Edward could see was her silhouette from his window.

"As you wish."

Instantly Edward made a long miserable sound through the phone for just missing her glorious body on display and heard Bella's musical maniacal laughter on the other line.

"Awwww! C'mon! You are a cruel, cruel woman Isabella Marie! You don't flash a man a body like that, then renege. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Edward whined adorably like a little boy who just got his favorite toy taken away.

"Just following your instructions, Mr. Cullen. Besides, you deserved it for not saying goodbye to me this morning."

"I did so say goodbye!" Edward called out in protest, still whinny from being denied his boob show even if it did sound a little hypocritical.

"Oh, sorry I don't remember that. I was probably half asleep," Bella acquiesced in a softer voice.

"Does that mean you'll make it up to me by flashing me again?" Edward asked in a devious hopeful voice.

"I'm sorry honey, you said there babies here were strictly for your viewing eyes only, and you're right. You never know who else might be watching."

"Damn straight. Only mine, baby," Edward growled. Just then Bella heard Edward's land-line on his desk ring through his cell. "I have to take that, honey. Look, I'll see you around lunch time and stay in bed today," he said in his no-nonsense voice.

"But—" Bella was about to protest but was cut off by Edward's snapping back.

"Don't fight me on this, Isabella. Doctor's orders are to rest. I want you feeling better and not passing out where no one can help you if you get sick again."

"I was only told not drive or operate heavy machinery until my headaches went away! Not stay—"

"Isabella, if I see you outside I will just drag you back to your bed and fall behind on an entire day of work babying you because you didn't take care of yourself. Just do us both a favor and—Argh, dammit! Hold on a sec— Hello?" Bella heard Edward shout bitterly into his other phone, which thankfully interrupted his scolding her like a errant child.

"What is it Ms. Denali? Yes. No. Fine. Just... gimme a minute, I'm on the other line— Bella?"

"I'm here."

"I'm sorry. I have to take this, I'll see you later."

"But I refuse to—!"

"Rest Bella, or else." Edward's finished with his no-non-sense voice before hanging up the phone. Bella was left open-mouthed and speechless before she had the chance to protest against on Edward's overreacting-control-freakish-bossy-nature! In aggravation she pushed the sheer drapes back to see Edward had gone from the window to take the other phone call. In extreme frustration, she whipped the drapes shut, picked up her pillow and swung it hard against the mattress repeatedly.

"ARGH! Darn. Stupid. Overprotective. Oaf!" Bella gave her pillow one finally whack before plopping down on her bed and scowling at the ceiling.

Why would no one believe she felt perfectly normal? Sure, she had a slight headache but nothing that was intolerable or debilitating.

I'm not made of glass!

Bella lay on her bed holding a pillow to her chest and thought the night before when Edward showed her how much he truly did care about her by his words and actions... suddenly her sour mood and anger towards him ebbed away to minor frustration.

"Bells! I got pancake mix, bacon, and eggs!" Sue's voice rang from the kitchen.

"Coming Sue!" Bella stomach seemed to cry out for her.

She'd deal with Mr. Cullen's control issues later. Right now she had a tummy that was about to concave in on itself if she didn't feed it soon. Without further delay Bella grabbed her bathrobe and headed towards the smell of breakfast on the stove.

Edward took a deep breath to gather himself after scolding Bella for her stubbornness and shook it off. When he felt composed enough to face his evil ex head on, he took his office line off hold and put the receiver to his ear.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Denali?" Edward spoke impassively over the phone while sitting down behind his large mahogany desk.

"Nice to hear your voice again, Eddie. I've been trying to reach you since yesterday. You haven't been returning my calls again."

"There was a... family emergency yesterday, Tanya."

Family... yes, Bella was family now. His mother was beside herself with worry over the fact she couldn't get to Bella in time at the hospital before she was discharged. But his parents were the first ones there for Bella next to her family when she got home, including the two guilty idiots, Emmett and Jacob, who put her in the hospital to begin with!

Bella, unfortunately was unconscious and fast asleep before they could all wish her well. Still, the fact that his mother and father cared for Bella was enough to make him feel his relationship with Bella was the right choice. She just fit so well with his life.

"Eddie! EDWARD! Are you still there?!" Tanya's annoyingly high-pitched voice screeched through the phone, which snapped Edward back to the present.

"I'm here."

"You never listen to anything I have to say! I said I was sorry to hear that, but you could have still had the decency to call me back."

"I'm sure whatever you needed to say could have been put in an email or text message if it was so important, Tanya. But now that you have me on the phone, can we skip the guilt-trips and get the point. I am a rather busy man," Edward groaned sardonically into the phone.

"I take it since it's 7:30 AM you haven't read the morning newspaper or any of the gossip magazines today, have you? You're just finishing breakfast." Tanya taunted sweetly over the phone.

"Tanya, the fact that you memorized my morning routine does not impress me."

"You're missing the point, Edward. I'm calling for my condolences on your new relationship. We all thought she was such a sweet little thing when we met her at the fundraiser last Friday."

"What Hell are you talking about, Tanya! Bella has absolutely nothing to do with you and our relationship is none of your business!"

"It is now Eddie. Let me just say it would be in your best interest to call a meeting with me this afternoon. Shall we say somewhere private, like your office downtown?"

"I have nothing to say to you that hasn't already been said, including the pronunciation of my name, Ed-ward!" He said sternly enunciating every syllable.

"Oh, I think you'll change your tune once you see the headlines today lover boy. Call me later, Eddie."

With that Tanya hung up as Edward predicted she would and grit his teeth at how someone so small could be so bloody annoying! She always liked to have the final word, and by now he learned to care less... until now.

He heard gentle knock at the door and told who ever it was to come in. Maria walked inside to remove his empty plates from breakfast stopped her, "Maria, could I please have the papers from downstairs now? I'll be working from home today."

"Si, señor! Muy pronto!"

If he were to say what Tanya had said didn't effect him one bit, he would be lying. Unfortunately, he knew this would happen since Biers had informed him last night... he was just hoping to protect Bella from the chaos of his life for as long as possible. But that wasn't in the cards now.

Tanya knew his Achilles heal... and she was completely unaware she was now part of the war ensuing between the Cullens and the Denali's. But she will after today.

Edward heard another knock on the door and told Maria to kindly leave the pages on his desk, and when he turned around, he nearly spit out his hot coffee.

Fuck! It was worse than Kate or Riley had said. Regardless of knowing how his came about he couldn't help but feel firing rage coursing through his body like a backfire!

How dare they!

It ripped his heart out seeing his fucking brother's hands cupping his girlfriends facing it what appears to be a passionate kiss on the front page of FIVE magazines. Each with variations of the picture on front or center fold, with similar headlines:

Emmett Steals Edward's Girl! (Picture of Emmett holding Bella's face kissing her by the pool).

Edward is Crushed by Betrayal! Will he Move On? Or Take her Back? (Front cover showing a picture of Edward and Bella kissing in the ocean, then the same picture of Emmett and Bella kissing by the pool).

Edward is Single Again! Girlfriend Chooses Sexy Emmett instead. (Picture of Bella laughing and dancing with Emmett at Esme's birthday, then on the other side a picture of Edward and Bella walking on the boardwalk of Coney Island. The picture caught Bella's face conveniently looking disinterested and away from Edward to support the headline).

Poor Edward. New Girlfriend Caught Cheating with his Brother! (Old picture of Edward from two years ago after exciting a club from downtown looking less than personable towards the press).

Less than a month and already the wolves have descended and are slandering Bella. The New York Times of course focused more on whether Emmett and Isabella's relationship, will effect the CCC and Hale Electronic merger coming up at the end of the week. They wonder if Emmett and Rosalie's marriage is still on?

That's a very good question...

By now Eleazar, Carmen, and possibly Rosalie have seen the articles and magazine covers and there will be a lot of hell to pay and explaining to do for Emmett.

Emmett! My fucking brother making my life fucking miserable and complicated again!

He thought he had the Hale Electronic contract in the bag. Just three days before the damn papers had to be signed! Now this!

Edward ran his fingers through his hair staring out the window towards Bella's window thinking she would be so much better off without him complicating her life. This wouldn't have happened if she hadn't been with him... if he hadn't perused her and successfully made her fall in love with him, just as he had unexpected fallen in love with her.

This is what he feared would happen when this all began... Bella getting hurt. Now it was unavoidable. Just being with him now would hurt her in the public eye and her life would never be private or safe again as long as they were together. Tanya would never stop until she got what she wanted and Edward had already vowed that she could take anything from him, so long as it wasn't his company or his family.

But wasn't Bella apart of his family now? No. Technically, she wasn't. They weren't engaged like he had told the nurses yesterday so he could be with her in the hospital. She didn't belong to him legally. But God Almighty he wished it were so. Yet, if Bella were to leave from here until the merger was finished she would be safe. For how long? He couldn't say. Tanya would always be bitter and vindictive towards her... as would the rest of the media and social climbers.

That was it. He had to protect her, no matter what the cost.

Bella will recover, she is young and has her whole future and career ahead of her. My life was set and all planned until she came back and changed everything. Changed me, forever. Now that future, is gone.

Pain spread from Edward's chest causing his nose to wrinkle as if he smelled something rancid. But know, it was just his heart breaking. He was so angry he wanted to punch something!

Just then the devil himself came bursting into his office with his arms flying and a magazine crumpled in his ape-like fist.

"Edward, did you see—" Emmett didn't even see it coming, his brother whipping around with lightening speed looking like thunder and jabbing him powerfully square in the mouth, leveling his ass on the floor.

Cupping his bleeding lip, Emmett cried out in pain, "Jesus, Ed! What the fuck!"

"I should be asking you the same thing... brother," Edward snarled their relation sardonically before sweeping all of the magazines and papers off his desk releasing a feral roar of anger.

Emmett had never seen Edward so far gone before. Sure he knew his brother had a temper, but he never thought he would reach the point beyond sense or reason. Emmett watched as Edward stomped and pounded his fist against the wall, trying rein himself in and control his breathing.

"Woh, Ed. Shit bro, calm down—Ed, your... your scaring the hell out of me man."

"Go. Away." Emmett heard Edward growl dangerously. "You've done enough."

"Ed it... we were both... you know I'd never... after she..." Emmett winced in frustration at his inability to finish one damn thought then shouted out, "She chose you! Honest to God Edward, I'd never fuck you over like that intentionally. You're my brother! It was... it was a fuckin' a set up, man!" Emmett pleaded earnestly leaning over Edward's desk, still dressed in his tennis gear, hoping to God that Edward believed him... no matter how bad the picture looked.

This morning, Emmett had woken up early to met his tennis partner for their weekly match, then left immediately to get Bella a get well gift since he couldn't see her yesterday. When arrived at store, he noticed the magazine stand and practically shit his pants. Grabbing a stuffed animal and a hand full of fucking tabloids, he paid then broke the sound barrier in his convertible to get home and explain before Edward erupted like a volcano. But he was too late...

"Emmett..." Edward groaned sounding more civilized but no-less impatient.

"It wasn't even on the mouth! Jesus, my hands are blocking that. Look! We're not even—"

"Do you think I care where the fuck you kissed my girlfriend, Emmett? Lips, side of the mouth—does that make my life any less difficult when I have to explain this shit to the press. To Eleazar. To Rosalie? How the Hell are you going to explain this to Rose, huh? It's all over then national news that you've stolen Bella right under my nose and you're still planning to get fucking married!?"

"Just calm the fuck down, Man! I know! I know!" Emmett shouted back the same volume as Edward's voice, then calmed down and gently added, "I'm sorry alright?I—I'm fucking sorry."

Emmett sat down sounding defeated, knowing he screwed up but was still incensed that the paparazzi somehow got into his own home.

"Ed... listen, I'll take the heat for all of this. Don't— don't be mad at Bells. She did nothing wrong."

Bells? When he start calling Bella, Bells? Just like—Jacob.

Suddenly his blood began to boil again. When all was said and done, would Bella go running back to Jacob's arms? Jesus Christ, what a damn mess. Edward felt sick to his stomach and needed to sit down. This performances was taking a out of him and it was too damn early for this shit.

Edward sat down in his huge executive leather chair across from Emmett and eyed him warily still keep up the damn pretenses.

"You know, that was probably the most unselfish thing you have ever said in your entire life?" Edward said finally looking up at Emmett feeling more in control of himself.

"Yeah well... maybe Bells is rubbing off on me. Don't worry though, it's probably just a phase," Emmett brushed off hoping the worst was over now that Edward looked like he was getting back to normal.

"Let's hope not."

An understanding and unspoken forgiveness was said during the minute silence between the two men, and Emmett nodded knowing that was the best he was going to get for the time being.

"We need to talk about our next move if you're going to explain this to Rosalie. Does she come back on Thursday for that family dinner thing we're all supposed to go to?"

"Far as I know, she gets back that morning. So I guess that means I have today and tomorrow to explain and beg forgiveness before my ass is grass on Thursday," Emmett shrugged.

"Basically. Plan what you're going to say before hand. Don't let that mouth run away with you before you think about what you're saying. I'll... back you up and so will Bella."

"So you know we're innocent?"

"There was nothing innocent about that kiss Emmett! I just know you didn't do it to screw me over, even if that was what ended up happening in the end regardless!" Edward snapped back making his beast of brother look considerably smaller in his chair adjacent from him.

Edward is still scary when he's angry, Emmett thought to himself. Just like when we were kids and I broke his signed Babe Ruth bat playing ball with it. Not that he knew at the time it was irreplaceable. Looked like an ordinary wooden bat to him at the time.

Edward looked like stone for less than a second, until a smile began to grow on his frozen features. It somehow comforted him that he could still overpower Emmett with his brain and wit, even though Em was technically bigger and stronger than he was.

Placing his fingers by his lips in a prayer position, Edward thought of a way he could make this a good show for Tanya while she, or someone else was listening God knows where, to their conversation right now.

"So I need to get some work done, then we can start planning together what you're going to say to Rosalie over say... after lunch? I have an important meeting here first then I'll call you when I'm finished."

"You would do that?" Emmett's jaw dropped in surprise that his brother offered to help him after what had occurred this morning and yesterday.

"You're still my brother. No matter what happens, I love you and that will never change," Edward said frankly gesturing with on hand and was please to see his words had deeply effected his brother so much, that he was rendered speechless, which probably... no, definitely a first in his lifetime.

Edward said holding his hand out to his brother who shook it still wondering what the hell his brother ate for breakfast that morning and if could get some that confidence shit.

Emmett left his brother's office and jogged downstairs to his room to shower and change so he could figure out what the hell he was going to say to his fiancé. If she even still was his fiancé after the shit had hit the fan this morning. Just as he turned the corner for his room, he heard the familiar ring-tone for his cell ringing on his night stand. He had left it at home accidentally in his rush to get to the tennis courts on time.

Fuck. me

12 missed calls and 4 text messages all from the same name: Rosalie Hale.

Edward leaned back in his chair putting his sock covered feet up on his expensive desk. When Edward felt in character he pressed call and put his cell back to his ear, his thumb under his jaw, index finger pressed to his temple and middle finger resting above his lips. The perfect pose of a troubled, aggravated, cuckolded man. The phone rang a while before picking up and the moment it did, Edward took a deep shuttering breath, sounding and feeling even more despondent than before.

"Eddie?" Tanya crooned into the other line, sounding like he was expecting his call even though she had let it ring longer than necessary just to hide unsuccessfully that she wasn't.

"Tanya," he said shortly but despairingly.

"You saw—"

"Yes... I–I saw. I just... I can't believe—I—thought..." Edward stuttered convincingly enough but thankfully Tanya bought it.

"I know, I know." She sounded like she was comforting a wounded animal. "If you need me to get her for you. That trailer trash doesn't know who she's messing with!"

"Honey, I appreciate your concern..." the words tasted like acid on his tongue, "But... I'll take care of it. It's my problem. Thank you."

"Anytime. You know I still care about you, no matter what's been happening between us... it's just business. You understand?"

"Yes. Yes, of course."

"So... would you still like to meet this afternoon?"

"Yes, I'd love for you to come. But at the Cullen house. I'm... in no mood to face the press today. You understand?" Edward darkened his voice adding a dash of seduction.

"Of course, Eddie."

"Shall we have lunch lets in the gardens around noon?"

"Like old times, hmm? I'll be there," Tanya flirted back much to Edward's disgust.

"I'll see you then," he said finally then hung up, this time without letting her have the last word.

The seed was planted... all he had to do was follow through so he could save forest, metaphorically speaking.

Bella heard her phone ringing in her bedroom and took her time going to find it. She felt loads better after having eaten a large breakfast and taken a long hot shower. The phone rang again and thought perhaps to ignore it and not bother. It was probably Edward and she was still a little sore at him for ordering her about this morning. But after the fifth ring she thought better of it and decided at least to find out who it was on caller ID before deciding to answer.

When she looked at the number, it said, UNIDENTIFIED, so she answered it with a cautious, "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Ms. Isabella Swan?" A woman's voice sounded on the other side of the line.

"Yes, this is she. Who is this?"

"I'm the personal assistant to Maestro James Levine. He wanted me to ask if you would be interested in meeting with him tomorrow afternoon at the Starbucks at Lincoln Center."

"Oh... uh—" Bella was taken back entirely. The James Levine was asking her out for coffee tomorrow? What for?

"Um... what, if I may ask, is this in regards to?" Bella asked nervously, unsure if the personal assistant would disclose that information to her.

"All he told me was he wished to meet you if you were interested so you could discuss your career. I'm sorry, but that's all he told me."

"Alright, thank you. Tell him I'll be happy to meet him at uh—what time?"

"He has an opening at... two o'clock?"

"Yes, two o'clock works out just fine. Thank you for calling!" Bella said sounding much more cheerful and confident.

"You're most welcome," the assistant said before ending the call.

Bella let out a quiet squeak to herself covering her mouth with her free hand, want to jump up and down like a giddy school girl!

She couldn't believe it. A famous world renowned conductor, wanting to meet with her!

Then she recalled the fundraiser and this wandering hands as they danced and her eyes bugged out of her head.

Oh dear. Perhaps this wasn't such as good idea. Then again... we're meeting in a public place. What harm could that be?

Bella paced around her room biting her fingernail, wondering what the best mode of action would be. She could ask someone to go with her.

Perhaps Edward—no, he works until 6pm at least. How about Jacob? No... he has auditions all day today and tomorrow. Emmett? Best not to ask Emmett, for Edward's sanity.

She was running out of options... then her phone rang once again in her hand, startling her out of her head. "Hello?" Crap, I didn't even check the caller ID!

"Bella!"

"Alice! I'd completely forgotten to call you. I'm so sorry! Thank you so much for the clothing and—"

"Oh, never mind about that! It was nothing at all. We were so worried about you yesterday when we all heard about your fall. Edward practically lost his mind when Emmett called him. The entire floor could hear his voice shouting through the door! I'd never seen him so upset. He loves you Bella, really. Don't give up on him—" Alice's voice rattled on so Bella could hardly get a word in.

"Alice. Alice! What are you talking about giving up? Everything is okay. Really. Edward overreacted a little like he always does, but we're fine. I tripped and hit my head on the edge of the pool, but luckily Emmett saved me. No big deal..." Bella said sounding thankful and could hear the astonishment in Alice's silence.

"That's what Em was doing? That's why you both are... Oooh. You mean you're not with... Jesus! I'm such an idiot. Of course! It all makes sense now!"

"Alice, what are you going on about? What makes sense?"

"You haven't seen the headlines today have you?"

"Headlines? What headlines? About me being in the hospital?"

"Um... no it doesn't mention anything about that, actually..."

"Alice, you're scaring me. What are you talking about?" Bella grasps her cell phone even tighter in her hand in fear.

"Maybe you should go see for yourself. Open a web browser and type in your name—"

"Hang on, Alice. I need to open my laptop." Bella scrambled to her desk and pressed the on button for her HP laptop. Her fingers were shaking once Windows 7 loaded and she clicked on Firefox to type in her full name and waited anxiously for the headlines to appear.

After the longest minute of her life, the horrific picture she saw on one of the yahoo gossip websites was enough to want to make her vomit in her mouth.

"Oh. My. GOD!"

"I don't know who took this picture of Emmett kissing you by the pool... but it looks bad, Bella," Alice said in her tiniest voice.

"We didn't even kiss on the lips! The angle is—he's cupping—blocking my face!" Bella croaked trying her best not to become hysterical as she browsed website after website, naming her a cheater. Playing Edward for his money and reputation. Cuckolding him like she was a no good— two-timing slut!

She didn't understand. How did someone even take the picture without her and Emmett knowing... and at just the right angle? She remembered: there was only her, Jake, and Emmett by the pool yesterday!

Oh. No. Dear God...

"Edward..." Bella froze in place in shock, "Jesus, he... he'll think— Alice, I have to go!"

"Bella, please don't panic—Edward may have a temper but he'll—"

"Alice, I'm so sorry! I'll call you back!" Bella hung up unable to hear anymore and rushed out the door.

"Hey, Bells what's the hur—" Charlie got out half way with Bella rushing past him.

"Not now Dad!"

She ran... sprinted across the driveway and passed the tall hedges separating the garage from the mansion, towards the kitchen door. Bella dodged a confused Maria and Alistair who called after her. Then almost ran over a woman she'd never seen before in a maids outfit.

"Jesus! Watch where you're going!" The new maid said with hostility, putting her hands on her hips.

"I'm so sorry!" Bella shouting behind her while bolting up the stairs.

"Bella! Hey, slow down!" Jake said right before catching Bella in his arms on the second floor landing. "Where's the fire, girl? Wha—hey... are you crying?"

Bella didn't even realize that her eyes were streaming tears as she moved away from Jake and called out Edward's name to see if he was in his room. "Not now, Jake. Please! I need to see Edward!"

"Why? What the hell is going on?" Jake said feeling panic rise up in his throat. The last time he'd seen Bella so upset was the night that they... when she told him Emmett was engaged.

"Let me go!" Bella sobbed and Jake released her wrists in surprise.

Bella rushed to the third floor and finally saw Edward standing by the large window in his office looking outside.

"Edward?"

"Will someone tell me what the Hell is going on?" Jake said coming into the office right behind Bella. "Jake, please leave. This has nothing to do with you." Bella pleaded feeling fear boil inside her that Edward had neither acknowledged her presence and had pages upon pages of magazines and newspapers scattered all over the floor by his desk.

"Edward... it's... it's not... true!"

Still nothing. Not a word or a glance. Edward's back remained turned and his gaze staring out into the garden.

"What is this?" Jake asked as he picked up one of the strewn magazines on the floor. "Holy shit, is this from yesterday?" Jake shouted incredulously. "Jesus, those damn vultures! I told you this could happen Bells! I warned you..."

"You're not helping Jacob—" Bella growled gritting her teeth at him.

"Mr. Black," Edward voice caught both of their attentions no matter how soft if was, "would you please leave Isabella and I alone to discuss the... repercussions of the situation at hand?"

"I'm not leaving her alone with—"
"Jacob!" Bella cut him off knowing he was worried about what Edward might do once he left. But he didn't understand that she trusted that Edward would never harm or lay a finger on her. He wasn't built or raised that way, and Bella knew that. "Please. Go have some brunch at my place. Sue saved you some food since we know you have your auditions today. If I don't see you I'll call. Okay?" Bella said earnestly with her hand on his elbow and her eyes pleading with her to handle this herself.

With his eyes narrowed and a single nod, Jake started for the door, but before closing it he wanted to get one final word in. "Those headlines are bullshit, Cullen, and you don't already know that without her deference, then you don't know Bella... or deserve her."

Edward turned around hearing Jacob's serious words and with that Jacob left both of them alone in dead silence with Edward staring at Bella's blotched face with a blank expression.

"Dear God Edward... say something," Bella whimpered shrugging her shoulders and slapping her hands once against her hips helplessly.

"What do you want me to say?" Edward finally spoke, trying his damnest to have his voice not crack like a fucking pubescent teen.

"Tell me you believe me. Trust me. Hate me! SOMETHING! Just don't stand there saying nothing! Talk to me!"

"I don't hate you," Edward stated blankly leaning back against the cold window. The window he saw her undressing through just his morning. The window he saw her crying after he had just kissed her for the first time. The window he saw her damn piano teacher kissing her on the driveway! FUCK! He felt fire burn inside his chest all over again!

Well at least that was something, Bella thought to herself, he doesn't hate me. But that still wasn't what she wanted to hear.

Edward was so distant compared to last night, or this morning.

He wasn't talking to her, or giving her something to work with. It was like the light had disappeared from his eyes and all she saw was "the living heart downer" everyone in the business world claimed him to be.

But that wasn't who Edward Cullen was. She knew better now. This... the coldness... that was his mask. The real Edward underneath was probably burning inside with life, anger, love, hate... she would have preferred something, anything emotion other than the coldness.

"Bella... would you like to have a seat?" Edward said politely, but still with the distance and send of chill in the air. It made Bella shiver where she stood. Her nerves were causing her stomach to do somersaults and the big breakfast she ate was starting to make its' way back up her throat.

Silently, Bella shook her head, preferring to stand. If he was going to keep treating her like this, she would rather keep her distance to protect herself.

She almost missed it when Edward turned his head away, but she saw him wince as though her words or perhaps the pictures on the floor had caused him extreme pain she wasn't sure. Bella didn't want an invitation to sit in a chair... she wanted the comfort of his arms. And she would be patient to wait for that invitation rather than cause him more pain.

"Will you listen to me? Hear my side of the story before you tell me your through with me?" Bella said straightening her back trying to hold her ground, watching Edward put his weaved fingers underneath his chin to prop his head up on the desk.

"You came to talk? So talk?" Again Edward felt a sharp pain within his chest, as this his heart was finding it difficult to keep beating inside his chest. Like the outcome of this conversation would be dependent on whether it would ever beat for anyone else ever again.

"Alright." Bella said minutely, feeling suddenly like she was on trial standing in front of a judge. "Yesterday after I fell into the pool, Emmett saved my life." Bella paused when she saw Edward's eyes darken as though this news angered him more or was it the mention of Emmett's name? She wasn't sure, but she continued. "After I came to, he was—excited, and got carried away. I was still a little disoriented or my surroundings when I felt Emmett grab my checks and place a peck on the side of my mouth telling me how happy he was that I was alive. Shortly after that, the ambulance came and... and you know the rest." Bella exhaled a giant breath of relief for having gotten the story of her chest, now she only had to see if Edward would believe her.

Again, staring at her with a cold expression on his face, Edward eventually nodded once at her and put his hands flat on his desk and stood up to walk around to her. Slowly closing the gap between them.

Bella held her breath, not knowing what he was going to say or do. When Edward was finally standing directly in front of her, towering over her, he put his index finger to his lips to signal for her to keep quiet which Bella found odd. Ready to ask him why, Bella never got the opportunity because Edward's arms pulled her mouth directly to his and he kissed her like she was his oxygen.

Stupid—fucking—shit! Edward screamed in his head at the top of his lungs. He had no self-control when it came to his woman. Her strength and sincerity tore him to pieces.

I tried. Really... I tried, he told himself, but I can't stay away from her.

TRY HARDER! GUESS WHO'S LISTENING! Edward's inner conscience screamed back at him.

Shit, he had to end this. But dammit she feels too fucking good.

NO. NO. NO! Think of her. Not of yourself. Think of her. Not of yourself!

His inner conscience was seriously giving him whiplash!

"NO! No, I can't." Edward said forcing himself away from Bella's grasp on him. She has quickly closed the space between their bodies when he kissed her just now. Like she was giving herself to him whole-heartedly. But this was for her own good. He had to distance himself from her so she could stay safe. No matter how fucking much it hurt.

"You can't what?" Bella asked confused about what the hell was going on. "You—you don't believe me?"

"NO! That's not what I'm talking about Bella. I can't— I can't..." shit he couldn't even fucking say it. His heart kept putting the brakes on his tongue and it would simply freeze up.

"You can't..." Bella egged him on gesturing between them with her hands back and forth.

"I can't—Deal with this right now. I really fucking can't Bella. I have—so much work to do and a deal that has to go through by the end of the week and THIS—" Edward said grabbing one of the magazines off the floor and shaking it in front of her, "This is has just set me back by a whole fucking heap. You have no idea what THIS could mean for CCC. THIS—" Edward pointed to Bella and Emmett's picture, "IS COULD MEAN A BILLION DOLLAR DEAL LOST!" He shouted and finished by throwing the magazine into the cold hearth and walking away with his hands clenching his already messy hair.

Bella was lost and confused. She had no idea what Edward was ranting about... how this picture... this lie, could make or ruin Edward. Tears she wasn't aware of before, streamed down the sides of her face and fell to the floor.

"I don't know how I can help you, but I will try Edward. That picture is a lie and whoever took it is probably out to sabotage whatever deal you're trying to make—"

"Bella... there really is nothing you can do for me right except not go out in public or face the press. Besides you should already be resting instead of talking here with me. Now I can't drag you back like I promised I would because I have a lot of work to do, but I expect you to do the responsible thing and take care of yourself while I find away to fix this mess." Edward's mask was firmly back in place and there was no sign of the Edward Bella knew anywhere in sight.

"Well this wasn't really something I could explain over the phone," Bella argued about her being in his office trying to defend herself.

"And now that you've said your piece, you can go rest. I'll be by later to check on you."

He was dismissing her and it stung. I hurt like she had never been hurt before. Her face crumpled for a moment as Edward was rummaging through his desk, but somehow she found her strength and courage from deep within and a burning fire of courage lit inside her chest. By the time Edward looked back up to find her still standing there, she was no longer the weeping weakling, she was a pillar of strength and power, and showed herself to the door before turning around to find Edward still staring at her.

"Don't bother coming by later to check on me. You obviously have too much work to do to cover up the lies of the media to add another billion dollars to your billion dollar corporation. I won't get in your way, and I won't speak to the press, and I can certainly take care of myself, Mr. Cullen. Thank you."

With that Bella closed the office door behind her and marched down all three flights of stairs with determination to get as far away from Edward Cullen as she possibly could. By the time she got to the bottom floor she heard Edward's voice shouting her name at the top. But that last thing she wanted now was to see Edward after everything that had happened upstairs, so instead of running home, she hide in the Cullen solarium on the side of the house.

"Bella!"

Oh, so now she was Bella again... whatever Mr. Cullen. I've had enough of you for one day and I don't need to hear anymore! Bella humphed to herself. She watched Edward exit the mansion through the glass windows and disappear around the other side of the house. She figured he was going to look for her at her apartment over the garage and would be surprised to not find her at home. The thought made her smile.

Good... let him worry about where I am. I could care less. Asshole.

Only once Bella thought that, she immediately felt guilty and took it back. It was plain as day that he was hurting just as much as she was right now. And truth be told, Emmett and her were not the only victims in this matter. Edward and apparently his company got a lot of the heat too just by simply being involved with her.

She didn't realize until now, how much of an impact the media could have on a person's life. She knew the Cullen's were like an open book to the public, but truthfully, they were very quiet people who wished for privacy. It's just their lifestyle and fame didn't grant them that luxury. With the paparazzi, they didn't have a choice in the matter. And now, there was a spy infiltrating and leaking pictures to the press for most likely a good profit.

Bella practically knew every person who worked for the Cullens. Most of them she considered family, as did the Cullens. And there was a strict confidentiality clause they all had to sign in order to work there; if it was broken it would mean immediate termination.

Someone was at the right place, at the right time, and had just the right angle to catch that shot. It was mostly luck... but to them it was probably like finding gold.

Shit... no wonder Edward was upset. He had so much to deal with right now, and had a traitor in the midst of all this.

Well... Bella understood... but he still treated her less than civil, and she was madder than she'd ever been at anyone.

Bella ducked behind the bottom glass when she saw movement in the corner of her eye, then saw Edward's form quickly run back up the stairs and into the house, looking more frantic. She heard his voice calling for Maria.

"Maria, aquí! Maria, Bella no está en casa. Encuentre su favor!"

"Que?"

"Rápidamente por favor!" Edward urged her, sounding more anxious than before and Bella heard Maria's feet scurry to go looking for her.

Shit, I better come out of hiding.

"Sir, a Mr. Biers is ringing at the gate saying he has an appointment with you this morning." Bella heard Sasha's voice, the head butler, echoing through the hallway.

That's Sasha's back from Hungary today! Sasha, I missed him while I was way!

"Jesus, I forgot. Show him in to my office please while I go grab my shoes."

Edward ran to find me barefoot? Bella thought curiously. That was something out of character for him.

"Very good, Sir." Bella heard Sasha reply.

"And Sasha, if you see Bella around will you let me know immediately and tell her to... tell her..." Bella held her breath while Edward searched for the right words, "Tell her I'll see her tonight... oh and Sasha, welcome home."

"Thank you, Sir."

Bella released the breath she was holding through her nose as she heard the footsteps walk away. She sat by the solarium window and wondered what the Hell was going on in that mind of his. Edward was certainly not acting is usual calm, cool, collected self... and it was unnerving.

Was it because of her? Was she making his life more complicated or worse off than he was before they decided to be together? Whatever was happening, she couldn't tell if Edward was changing for the worse or for the better... or if she even wanted him to change at all. Bella like him well enough the way he was before she came gallivanting into his life causing all sorts of mischief... she just wasn't in love with him back then. But some had changed... only now, she wasn't sure if it was herself... or Edward who changed. Maybe it was both. Still she couldn't figure out to this day what an accomplished man like Edward Cullen saw in an average starving musician like her.

One thing Bella was sure of is that she was in no way ready to give on them. Even with this set back and argument they had this morning, Bella was willing to sort it out so long as Edward was willing to do the same.

Just not now. She would wait until Edward had cooled down some before she tried reasoning with him again and smoothing things over. He needed to know that it wasn't alright to shut her out the way he did just now and she will not tolerate it again in the future.

For that... he could worry some more about where she'd gone while she chose to take a nap underneath her favorite shaded spot by the ocean. Quietly, she stood up and took a pillow from off the infamous deflowering settee, as Bella named it in her youth, and took off through the grove of trees by the water.

A quarter after noon and still not one word about where Bella had run off to. He was beyond worried about her and of course the ache inside his chest mean he not only physically but emotionally missed her like crazy.

The thought of Edward not knowing where Bella was for the past two hours was eating him alive inside, making his skin crawl, and on edge since the moment she left his office.

He couldn't believe the short time it took for her to transform from a frighten little girl, to his powerhouse of a woman putting him in his place. Making it know that the way he had just treated her was unacceptable and she had had enough of him. So much that she had disappeared and wasn't answering any of his calls or text.

Yes, yes, he deserved it after everything... but what she didn't understand was that everything he was doing was for well-being and benefit alone. After his friend Detective Biers discovered where the bug had been planted in his office, it made it much easier to determine how far the audio range was and what location the bug had been transmitting since his mother's birthday party nearly two weeks ago.

The suspicions were correct, and the reason Edward needed a reason to protect his Bella, his family, and his company, was sitting right across from him.

"The lunch was delicious, Eddie. As usual. Give my compliments to Charlotte," Tanya told Edward, completely ignoring and forgetting to thank Maria for her impressive and prompt service.

"Thank you Maria," Edward smiled causing Maria to smile back, "Actually, Charlotte is still on maternity leave. Our new chef Alistair has been taking over until she returns, which I think will make Marcus very happy. Though I believe he and Alistair are finally beginning to see eye to eye," Edward smiled reminiscing Bella's stories about Alistair and Marcus's heated discussion one day about how to organize a kitchen. They way she told the story, how Charlotte visited last week and gave them both a good scolding for not acting like grown men in her kitchen, had him laughing in stitches... though by Tanya's expression he could tell she could care less talking about the servants or their lives.

Much like how he was... before Bella came along and made him start treating his servants more like people. He spoke to them more... asked about their lives and families. The thought made him smile.

"Anyhow Eddie, back to the subject at hand. I know how this... gossip will look to your brother's fiancé and future in-laws. It might make Eleazar less... forgiving or warm towards your offer coming up at the end of the week."

"Obviously. And I'm guessing you have a suggestion that might protect both our interests, is that correct?" Edward leaned back away from Tanya's grasp and stared her back in the face still looking interested and intrigued.

"You know me so well. I propose a merger of our own, like I suggested all those years ago when you were still new at the game and just getting your feet wet. But now you know Edward, the chances of you coming on top after today's headlines are slim to none. Eleazar will side with his daughter on this and he will not want to be anyway near Emmett and his two-timing ways... even if it means ostracizing CCC, Carlisle, his best friend, and the rest of your family."

Edward nodded agreeing with what she said was true... all except for Emmett's two-timing ways. But she didn't have to know that.

"If you know he will separate himself from the Cullens after this leaks out, what makes you think he won't ostracize you and your company as well if we are "merged." You would be putting your odds as risk for getting the deal entirely to yourself."

"Here's the catch. Hale Electronics won't be aware Denali the CCC merger, we'll inform them off this union when the time is right and the opportunity presents itself. Problem solved."

Edward nodded his head, at her suggesting, giving her the idea that he was weighing chances.
"Again, I'm wondering why you just don't take Hale Electronics all for yourself instead of merging with CCC and sharing the profits?"

Tanya leaned into the table more as though to spill a secrete, "C'mon Eddie. You know as well as I that we don't have the same assets and distributors that you and your company possess. With our combined efforts, we could be making twice as much from sales and production costs, if only weren't so stubborn about the labor—"
"I refused to use sweat shops or child labor, Tanya. That will never change! Those people deserve rights and unions... not work the sweat off their backs with hardly no pay or benefits to help them feed their families who are then forced into labor in order to make ends meet! I have charities to help these people, Tanya, and as long as you're support the factories, your supporting their way of life.

"Therefore I repeat. Unless, you stop production in these places I will never merge will Denali Inc. you can be sure of that." Edward finished with his face so close to Tanya's it would seem to anyone passing by that their lips were about to kiss. As Tanya leaned forward to close the distance between them, Edward stood up to excuse himself to use the restroom. As he walked out of sight from Tanya, he was met across the garden by two angry brown eyes on the other side of the short maze hedges.

"I can see you're hard at work... please, don't let me interrupt," Bella frowned sardonically before whipping around and heading back to her apartment for lunch.

"Bella, wait!" He made to go after her, but was separated by twenty yards of winding hedges. He would never make it to her side in time before she disappeared into the safety of her apartment. In aggravation he ran through the side of the house and bolted towards the kitchen to the side door to catch up to her.

"Bella!" Edward shouted as he watched Bella reach the top of the stairs and enter through her apartment and slam the door.

There would be no reasoning with her when she was like this... ignoring him... giving him the cold shoulder. Just as he had done to her earlier today... and fuck did it hurt. I understood that. But really what else was he supposed to do?
He would have to explain it to her later. So she would understand.

Then her reminded himself he was supposed to be letting her go... or at least preparing her for it.

He knew this... especially seeing the headlines today, that he was no good for her. Edward knew fully well that Bella had changed him for the better, made him better, made him want to be better... in general allowed him to open his heart for the first time to someone else and putting their needs in front of his own.

He couldn't be so selfish and keep Bella all to himself just to have her end up hurt and broken in the end... and worst of all, end up hating him.

Later... he thought as his mask of indifference was slowly back into place. Indifference my ass! Edward's subconscious mind shouted at him.

Nevertheless, tonight he decided he would find her and make her see reason; that it would be in her best interest... to let him go.

Oh dear... Edward is becoming noble, or some may think stupid? Share your thoughts with me, I've missed them so! Till next time folks!