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This chapter might be a li'l boring cuz it's from Charlie's POV. But I promise to make the remaining chapters more interesting.

Chapter-1

Charlie's POV

Apart from the darkness I felt, I could hear the faint sounds of machines beeping and Esme's sobs. The weak smell of medicines usurped my nostrils. The doctor's words echoed through my mind "You are suffering from blood cancer. Since it has reached a severe stage, there is very little we can do. I'm really sorry."

Worries laced my mind. Not worries about my condition, but worries regarding my only daughter Bella. I was her only known relation in this world. Who'll look after her after my death? Who would fend her from the gold-diggers who constantly pretend to love her, only because she was the daughter of a rich business-man? She maybe 22, but she's my little girl and for me, nothing else was more painful than the thought of Bella getting hurt.

Ever since Renee died 10 years ago, all we had was each other. Renee took away the light from our lives. Bella was 12 then. Most of the people who came to our help and care had personal gains as their motive. I lost trust in everyone. With my beloved wife's death, I was falling to pieces. Instead of taking care of Bella and trying to relieve her of her mother's loss, I was in a depressed coma-like state.

Bella was all I had and it was solely for her sake that I continued to exist. Her happiness became my prime motto. I lived to see Bella smile. Most of the time, I engrossed myself in heavy work to take my mind off gloomy thoughts, but I never failed to spend enough time with my daughter. Her happiness gave me hope to live.

8 years after Renee died, Carlisle- my old friend from high school and Esme came into our lives. Carlisle was like a loving brother to me and Esme was the caring sister I never had. Whatever qualities I lacked in myself as a parent, it was compensated by Carlisle and Esme, and Bella could never be happier. The Cullens were the only people I trusted in this world and I knew I could count on them about Bella's happiness and safety after my death.

But what if, Bella becomes a burden to them at some point in their lives? That is not likely to happen because the Cullens consider her a part of the family. But…. still….

Esme was seated on a couch, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief and Carlisle was looking at me with sympathetic eyes. Sympathy….. What else would a man who is taking one step closer to death every second, get?

My own eyes brimmed with tears thinking about my fate.

"Come on Charlie. Don't cry. Be a man." said Carlisle in an attempt to comfort me. I thanked God a million times for blessing me with a trustworthy friend like him.

"Carlisle! My death… it doesn't matter. But, what about Bella? What will happen to her?

All these years, she has grown up under my wing. You know she's not really good at taking care of herself. What will happen to her after my death?" Tears that I tried hard to hold back spilled out of my eyes.

"You shouldn't worry a thing about her" said a teary-eyed Esme. Her voice wavered. "She's like a daughter to us, and will always be. We'll look after her safely after your…". 'Death'. She couldn't force herself to say the word. I knew I could trust them. Esme's presence always made Bella forget Renee's absence. She'll be fine with them.

"Can I ask you both a favor?" I asked in a low tone trying to defeat the quiver that tended to color my voice. "Please consider this my last request. Just…please don't say no" I begged.

"What is it Charlie?" asked Carlisle.

"I…. I…. I would like someone to take care of my business after my death. I know you have your hands full Carlisle. Also, I want someone to take care of Bella. So can you…uhh….I mean…umm…. I'd like Bella to get …umm… married to Edward. Please forgive me if I'm asking for too much. All I want for her is to be in safe hands" I pleaded. I hope he doesn't get angry.

"Oh my God! That is a wonderful idea. Why didn't I think of it before?" said Esme with a smiling face. It was the first time I saw her smile after hearing the news about my condition. I felt overjoyed at Esme's response. All I wanted to do at the moment was to pull away all the tubes attached to my body and hug them both. But I could barely move in this state.

"Charlie. Bella has always been like a daughter to us. It'll be a blessing to have her a part of the family, even though we already consider her family" said Carlisle smiling light-heartedly.

Their words delighted my dying heart.

"Thank you so much" I said, the smile which their response evoked in me never leaving my face.

I was so sure that Edward Cullen, being the son of Carlisle and Esme would be as kind and caring as his parents. He is on a worldwide business tour as we speak. I had seen him once or twice when he visited Forks and he seemed like a very nice guy.

"Bella will be returning from New York next week. She went there for some convention and fashion researches and related work. Just don't let her know anything about my condition. I just can't stand to see her worried. If she enquires, tell her it's flu or something" I said. Carlisle and Esme nodded in agreement. They knew how much it pained me to see Bella vexed.

"We promise we won't tell her. Edward's business is finally coming to a halt. He'll be here within this week. Why don't we host a party this Friday and inform all the people about their wedding?" asked a very enthusiastic Esme.

"Just don't let Edward or Bella know about this until the party. We can't be too sure about how they'll react" said Carlisle.

I nodded in agreement. I knew Bella would be furious at me for taking this decision without her permission. But it's all for the best. She might never regret this decision after my death as she'll have people to love and be loved by.

"I hope it's okay that we're taking over our children's lives for now." I said.

"It's for a good cause Charlie. No worrying okay?" Carlisle said.

I felt like a major load has been heaved off my chest. I don't have much to worry about anymore and can finally join up with Renee.

"Well that's settled then. You'll be getting discharged in 2 days. And don't forget to take your medicines on time" advised Esme.

"I don't know how to express my gratitude in mere words. I really don't. But I'm really really grateful" My voice slightly faltered.

"It's our pleasure to have Bella in the family. Don't worry about anything. We'll cover up about your condition somehow to everyone. Now get some good rest before all of us starts to get too emotional Charlie" said my good friend Carlisle, and with that, all worries were off my mind.

2 days later.

I was traveling homeward in my limousine, finally getting freedom from the hospital rooms which reeked with the smell of medicines. Bella somehow came to know that I was in the hospital and right now she was on her way to Forks.

Even thought I told her not to worry about anything, she insisted that she come over and take care of me. Imagine the worry I'd cause her if I told her I'm a dying man. I just really hope she doesn't find out anything about my condition and I really really hope she won't be too mad at me when she comes to know about her 'Arranged marriage' at the party.