Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event. This story is for entertainment only and is completely made up from my head.
Thank you to my incredible betas EdwardsFirstKiss, Pamela Lorraine, and the pre-readers from my FB street team, Bbmassey88, Karen Cullen Grey, Destapan, Pimm Cullen, Tammy, Sassy98200 and Midnight Cougar. Any mistakes you find will be mine. These incredible people polish up as many of my flaws as possible, but in the end, they're my flaws.
A/N
Hello and Happy Valentine's Day!
OMG! I'm back and excited to share a new story coming Spring 2018! It's Valentine's Day here in the US and a few other countries, and I couldn't let the day go by without sending you some love. Here is a special sneak peek of chapter one!
A huge thank you for your love and well wishes as I took time off to finish up my published baby. The Devil has a British Accent series is still being worked on, but the much needed time to invest in a story that has taken over my mind for over five years was needed. For those of you waiting for the next book, it's coming! Sooner, than later.
This storyline has been on my mind for some time. I knew I wanted to write it, but wasn't sure how. It was recently; I had a conversation with a friend, when the topic of soulmates came up. From that conversation, one nagging question came to mind, which helped me create an outline for this story.
*****Warning******
I shouldn't have to say this if you read the brief synopsis, but infidelity will be dealt with in this story. All forms. Some of you, as we go along, will say this is not a cheating fic, while others will say it is. As always, I'm going to take liberties and go in a different direction than the norm. Domestic abuse, drugs, violence, alcoholism, mental and physical health issues will be present. Each of these characters will all have a back story and real-life issues. You are well aware of your likes and dislikes, and if infidelity or any of these are a hot topic for you, thanks for stopping by.
There will be romance, lemons, drama, angst and of course humor sprinkled throughout.
No more warnings during this story will be given. (Except Ch. 4)
There is a short Q&A at the bottom to answer some of the questions you may have. If you don't want to spoil the story for yourself, skip this section. If you need to know things like is this a BE HEA then go ahead and read the Q & A.
Well, let's get started. See you at the bottom.
CHA·OS
Bella Swan fell in love, got married, and was living her American dream. Until she met her soulmate. MA Edward, Bella, Jacob, Tanya. Romance, angst, and lemons. OOC.
Chapter 1
"I don't want to go to this party," Jake grumbled.
I gave him a peck on the cheek. "Alice will kill me if we're not there."
I turned my exposed back to him and pointed at the zipper.
"You mean if you aren't there." Jake zipped up the blue dress, and then kissed my neck.
"Alice wants both of us there."
"You keep believing that, Bells." He grabbed hold of my arm and spun me around. "Wow, that dress is non-existent." His brown eyes darkened. "Hmmm, maybe we need to skip this one." He pulled me into him, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist.
"Tsk, tsk. Save that for later. We have to be on time."
He kissed me deeply. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Jake, we have to go." I said, pushing him away. "Don't look like that." He pouted. "You can unzip me out of this dress the moment we get home." I gave him a brief kiss and wiggled my way out of his strong arms.
My husband was cut and looked incredible in a black tuxedo. There had always been something about a man in a suit that did it for me. He was definitely doing a lot of things at that moment.
I loved my husband. He was caring, kind, extremely generous, and my world...
...Or so I had thought, until one moment spun my world out of control.
-C-
"Bella, I want you to meet Esme Cullen." Alice floated over with a beautiful, brunette, older woman and her very impressive husband with mesmerizing, green eyes; I found soon after was named Carlisle.
They were a stunning couple. At first, I thought they were one of Alice's models she used for her fashion magazine. Alice Whitlock was editor-in-chief of ALI. A magazine started from her blogging world. She incorporated fashion and travel. However, the couple was a donor to one of Alice's charities that she gave back to. The very one we attended that night. A fundraiser to support stopping sex trafficking. A cause dear to both Alice and me.
The Cullens were philanthropists. Esme more so than Carlisle. Carlisle mentioned that he had retired from Wall Street and now spent his time on the golf course or at his wife's many charities. Esme was one of New York's famous socialites, and an avid art collector. She came from old money.
I found that out while we ate dinner. Alice had sat us next to each other. Esme and I hit it off, and Jake and Carlisle had some things in common. The men both enjoyed fishing. Jake wasn't a golfer, but he loved to fish with our dads. My husband found it to be relaxing. He was a chemical engineer for Cox Oil. In upper management, and the job was a stressful one. He fished to unwind.
"Bella, Alice tells me you're an interior designer?" Esme asked.
I set my crystal wine glass down in between the elaborate red place setting. The table was decorated with red and white satin linens to complement the room's elegant crystal decor. The ballroom was surrounded by glass that provided a 360-degree view of Seattle's evening skyline. The moonlight along with the candlelit crystal chandeliers provided a romantic setting.
"My wife has an incredible eye," Jake chimed in. He placed his arm around my chair and kissed my cheek softly.
"Bella, your husband is very charming."
I squeezed his hand that was over my left shoulder. "He's not bad." He winked at me. "Esme, I look more at space and how to make it flow to each individual's personality. We have a team that then designs the space to my recommendations."
"That's very interesting." Carlisle grinned.
Surprisingly, for an older man, he caused me to blush. I could feel my face flush. His eyes were intense when he looked at you. His fair skin and blond hair emphasized his emerald green eyes, and I could feel the color building in my cheeks.
"Bella created my office, I like to say. It's not typical. I have beanbag chairs for my staff to sit in, and a functional meeting area for laptops and media presentations that blew me away the first time I saw it. Bella added things I didn't know I needed."
"Our son is looking for someone to design his office," Carlisle added. "He was supposed to have been here tonight, but his girlfriend is under the weather and he decided to stay home with her."
"That is a very thoughtful boyfriend." I smiled at Esme. "Such a gentleman."
"He is my son, dear." She chuckled.
"Darling, do give me your card before the end of the night. I will have Edward's assistant Angela set up an appointment with you. He needs someone to help bring his office alive."
"Bella is the perfect person for that," Jake said.
"I'm not sure I am what he's looking for. I'm not the conventional designer, but of course, I'll contact him."
"Perfect! I know you two will work perfectly together; and you will like his girlfriend, Tanya. She works for the Sanderson Firm in LA; she's in finance."
"Very impressive. They have performed audits for Cox," Jake said.
"She's a very smart woman. She is dating my son." Esme laughed.
"How long have they been together?" I asked.
"I believe it's been a few years now," Carlisle answered.
"So, wedding bells soon?" Jake asked coyly.
"Jacob! It's only been a few years."
He took his arm off my chair. "Only? We were married within a year."
I would have waited longer, but caved under the pressure from both him and our parents.
"That's because you knew, dear," Esme said directly to Jake. "Edward is a very cautious man. He doesn't go into anything halfheartedly. He analyses every outcome, and they all have to line up before he takes that leap, let's say. But, I'm sure wedding bells are in the near future for my son."
"We're ready for grandchildren of our own," Carlisle joked. "Edward's our only son."
"Well, I'm sure they will be coming soon," I said.
"Do you two have children?" Carlisle asked.
"Not yet, but we're planning on having a lot of them," Jake answered.
"Mmmm." I smiled.
Esme looked at me cautiously while nodding her head.
-C-
Cullen International was impressive, even as the tower faded into the dense Seattle fog. The moment I stepped into the lobby, it spoke of wealth. Cullen International was a trading company, and a very profitable one; I discovered from my research online. The lobby space was open and welcoming, yet the furniture said 'don't get comfortable'.
When I stepped out of the elevator onto the C-suites level, the space was exquisite. The color pallet was one of softer blues and grays with white accents. As I turned the corner of the circle entryway, a stunning brunette greeted me.
"Ms. Black?" She stood, extending her hand.
"You can call me Bella," I stated, as we shook hands.
"Bella, I'm Angela. Mr. Cullen's executive assistant. My apologies, but Mr. Cullen is running a few minutes behind. He said you can get started, and he'll be up shortly. I'll show you to his office."
"Thank you, Angela."
I followed the tall, slender woman down a long corridor; envying her incredibly dark and shiny long hair. I could never get mine to look that shiny.
"Here we are, Bella. Make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink? We have a full bar."
"Oh, no, thank you."
She smiled and shut the door behind her.
I stood gawking at the most immaculate space I had ever seen. It didn't look like the office was ever used. However, there were papers stacked neatly on the glass desk, along with files. The office was similar to the reception area, but not as inviting. The furniture was all white and very hard; I discovered when I sat down. Testing every chair in his office, none was comfortable. The floor-to-ceiling windows were the focus of the office, as they should be. On a clear day, I could visualize that the view was outstanding.
I walked around, analyzing each section. He had a conference table to the left of his desk and a sitting area to the right. In the corner was an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in closet full of clothes. Everything in the space said Edward was a guarded individual. There was nothing personal that I could see. No pictures or small items lying around that would express something sentimental.
As I stood looking out the window, analyzing what could be changed, I felt his presence before I heard him.
"On a good day, the view is breathtaking."
The hair on my arms stood on end. When I turned around, my eyes seemed to be playing tricks on me. The man that stood in front of me couldn't be the same man I had seen online. Clearly, he was Edward Cullen, CEO of Cullen International; however, this man seemed unreal for a moment. The son of Aphrodite herself. His green eyes smiled at me as he walked closer, extending his hand. "Hello, I'm Edward Cullen. You must be Isabella Black."
"Bella," I breathed out. The moment our hands touched, a tingling sensation occurred. "Please, you can call me Bella."
"It's nice to meet you, Bella. Please call me Edward."
When our hands released, the sensation left.
"My mother told me about your unorthodox ways of designing. I must say it intrigued me."
"Well, as we discussed over the phone, I'll be looking at your overall space. What will best work for you, and what your space says about you to your clients."
He crossed his arms. "What does it say about me now?" He grinned.
He was guarded, yet controlled his environment. He had to have order. His appearance echoed his office. Not a thread out of place on his tailored suit, except his hair oddly was tussled. However, each strand looked as if it purposely placed. The space was cold, unattainable. It would surprise me if any deals were made in the office. It surprised me that one woman could capture the man that stood in front of me. She had to be some woman to hold this man's interest.
"Mr. Cullen—"
"Edward. Please."
"Edward, the space says a lot of things. But, I would need to get to know you better in order for me to access the changes needed to take place."
He opened his arm toward his sitting area, and we both took a seat. I watched as he unbuttoned his gray suit coat and leaned back into the stiff white lounger.
"Shoot, what would you like to know first?" he asked.
My hands started to shake. His stare was intense, and he had eyes like his father's. I could feel the blush coursing through my flesh. I took out my iPad and started taking notes.
"I'm assuming white isn't your favorite color?"
He laughed. "No, it isn't. Blue is my favorite color." His eyes fell to my blue blouse.
The room was a bit warm, and I immediately regretted not having asked for water. "What is your preferable season?"
"Fall."
"That was quick." I chuckled. "What's the reason for that specific season?"
"The crisp, cool air, perhaps. The changing of the leaves. I'm not quite sure, but as a child, it was always my favorite time of the year."
"Mine as well," I shared. "The smell of fresh baked apple pies, and definitely, the leaves changing made it my favorite, too."
"My nanna would bake these apple tarts for me; and when I would come home from school, they would be fresh out of the oven waiting," Edward replied nostalgically.
I wrote that reference down as I watched the fond memory display across his face.
"What's your favorite travel destination?"
"Sorrento, Italy."
"Ah, the Blue Grotto?"
"Yes." He smiled.
Even though Edward's demeanor seemed to be all about business, when he smiled, his green eyes lit up.
"I've always wanted to go there to see the caves, and also Capri."
"Do you travel?" he asked, sitting forward, bringing his body closer to mine. And I could have sworn I could almost feel his body heat.
I took a breath before answering. "We mainly go visit my parents in Forks. Or if my husband has a business trip, I sometimes travel with him."
Edward's eyes widened for a split moment then zoomed in on my left hand. He straightened, smoothing the lapels on his jacket as he stood. "Well, if there is anything else, please feel free to email me."
"Oh, of course." What was I thinking; he was a busy man. "I'll send you a few more questions, and then will have a recommendation for you shortly after receiving them."
"That's fine." He walked over to his desk and hit a button. "Angela, please show Bella out."
I stood, feeling the air turning colder. Edward made himself busy until we heard the knock on the door.
"Well, thank you for your time, Edward."
"Of course, Mrs. Black. Angela will see you out."
Well, that wasn't too bad.
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Q&A
Is this a cheating fic? Expand please?
Emotional cheating will be dealt with versus the physical aspects of cheating between Edward and Bella. Any cheating in a sexual nature will be mental.
Will this have a Happy Ending?
Yes.
Will this be a Bella and Edward Happy Ending?
Yes.
Will there be a lot of angst?
Yes, and all kinds of feels. However, I will try to balance with humor. Do to the subject matter angst is needed.
Will there be infidelity between Bella and Edward in a sexual nature?
No. The only lemons will be in their thoughts until they are able to be physical.
Will there be lemons between Bella and Jacob and Tanya and Edward?
They are all in a physical relationship but it will be implied. With that being said, it's difficult for me to even write Edward with anyone else other than Bella, so I will spare the details as much as possible. If you have read, The Dress, that Edward was a womanizer and flaunted it freely. So, this will be less in nature. If that helps.