Bella loved the laziness of Sunday mornings. She sat on her couch, in the living room of her small house, reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee. She bought the house a little over a year ago, after her divorce from James was final. Her home was her haven. As she was flipping through the ads, her cell phone rang. She picked it up and smiled when she saw it was her best friend Alice calling.

"Hey, Alice."

"Hi, Bella. You busy?"

"No, not at all. I was just reading the paper."

"Did you hear the news about James?"

Her stomach clenched and chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. "What news?" she replied, just above a whisper.

"He's getting married."

The words stunned her.

"Bella, are you still there?" Alice asked.

She took a deep breath so she could respond.

"How do you know?" she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she got up and paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?

"Jasper ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they're getting married in a few months."

"Wow." Bella breathed out.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. This is good news. He's moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?"

"No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and his cousin mentioned that she's much younger."

"The poor girl doesn't know what she's getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He's sexy and charming in the beginning and you're so over the top in love with him. You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster," Bella stoically stated.

"I know you went through hell with him, but it's been two years. You have a terrific man in your life if I do say so myself. I'm still so happy that Jasper's friend Edward and you hit it off so well. I think it's time you truly let go of the past and live again."

Bella sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train. "I know and I'm happy you two ambushed me with a set up. I just have a lot to process and think about. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Let's get together soon."

"Sounds great."

"Bella relax. The nightmare is finally over." Alice reassured her.

"Bye, Alice." She ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all? She closed her eyes and memories from her past filtered through her mind. She recalled the day she finally left James. It felt like a lifetime ago.

She woke up to find the last of the black and blue marks had healed. She couldn't endure another beating. Bella knew that what she was about to do was putting her very life in danger, but she would rather die fighting to get away, then stay and continue living like this. After James left for work that morning, she packed a bag, grabbed the stash of money she'd hidden away over the last year, and headed to her lawyer's office to file for divorce.

After the emotionally draining afternoon, the divorce papers had been filed, and Bella felt free and lost at the same time. She had nowhere to go and knew it would be a matter of hours before James came home and found her gone. She ended up standing on Alice's porch, ringing her doorbell and crying.

"Bella, what's wrong?" Alice immediately asked as she opened the door.

"I left James. I have nowhere to go."

"Oh my God. Come in."

"I'm sorry to show up like this, but I don't know where else to go."

"You're always welcome here. We'll figure this out," Alice said as she wrapped her arms around Bella "Go sit down. I'll make us some tea, and you can tell me everything."

"Is Jasper here?" she asked.

"No, he's working late today."

Bella shook her head and then poured her heart out and watched the shocked look on her best friend's face.

"I had no idea. I want to kill him with my bare hands," she spat. "You can stay here as long as you need to."

"Thank you. I'm just scared of what he's going to do when he realizes I'm gone. I could be putting you and Jasper in danger. Maybe I should go to a hotel."

"No hotel. You're staying here. If the ass tries anything, I'll have him arrested! I know Jasper would want you here safe with us. Now, let's get you settled in the guest room."

She nodded. Maybe things would actually be okay.

Bella smiled as she remembered how Alice stood by her side through everything that day. Even after James showed up that night shouting and banging on the front door.

"Bella, I know you're in there! So help me God, you better open this door!" he yelled as he pounded on the door.

"Bella, you can't go out there," Alice pleaded.

"I have to talk to him. I'll be okay. He would never hurt me in public."

"I don't like this. I wish Jasper was here."

"We have two choices. I talk to him, or he wakes up your entire neighborhood."

"Fine, we'll do things your way." Alice sounded both defeated and mad. She crossed her arms and stared at Bella "If he tries anything, I'm calling the cops."

"Okay. Time to face the music."

Bella walked to the front door and opened it to find a seething James. "Calm down. I'll talk to you if you stop yelling." She stepped outside and shut the door.

"Bella, what the hell are doing here this late? Why are some of your things gone?" he yelled as he took a step toward her.

Instinctually she took a step back. "I saw a lawyer today. I can't do this anymore. I filed for divorce." Bella had no idea where her courage came from.

"You did what? Are you insane?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"James, you need to go. You'll be hearing from my lawyer."

"No one leaves me!"

"I have nothing more to say to you." Bella turned to open the door.

James grabbed her head and pressed it against the house, causing the brick to cut into her cheek. She cried out as pain coursed through her.

"I'm only going to tell you once. I suggest you listen and do what I say, woman," he threatened, leaning into her. "If I can't have you, no one will." His words dripped with anger. "Now, you go inside and tell Alice that you changed your mind and get your stuff. You are coming home with me."

The door flew open.

"Get away from her. I've called the cops," Alice screamed.

James stepped away from Bella and Alice grabbed her and positioned herself in front of her. "You won't hurt her again," she said through gritted teeth.

"This is none of your business. I suggest you stay out of it," James snapped.

"Are you threatening me?" Alice asked as two cop cars pulled up to her house followed by Jasper's car pulling into the driveway.

The sound of her doorbell brought her back from her thoughts. That night, she filed for a restraining order and her new life began. She lived with Alice and Jasper for four months, and they were some of her happiest and most cherished memories. Bella took a deep breath, got up, and walked toward the front door. She looked through the peephole and smiled before opening it. He was site for sore eyes.

"Edward! This is a surprise." She opened the door and let him in.

"Hello, gorgeous," he said, then leaned down and kissed her. "I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me. I've missed you."

Bella had no idea how much she missed him until she saw him. They had both been busy over the last week. "I miss you, too. I'd love to have lunch. How do you always know when I need you?"

"Is something wrong?" A concerned look crossed his face.

"No. More like something good has happened. Let me grab my purse and I'll tell you everything."

End Notes:

Next chapter will be up onTuesday and the final chapter on Thursday!