A huge thanks to all my readers, favoriters, alerters, and REVIEWERS! I hope the reviewers enjoyed preview I sent to you.

Warning: this chapter has a bit of violence. If you read the one-shot, you already know this.

My wonderful Beta Brie made my words pretty.

Enjoy!

Chapter Two – Mommie Dearest

"The allure of Hollywood is huge when you don't know anything. You don't know the knives behind the smiles."

-Steve Guttenberg

I hadn't been able to shake the feeling that something ominous was coming, but I pushed it to the back of my mind though and forged ahead. The show must go on, as they say.

Just like we had predicted in my father's office, Renée had planned a who's who of Hollywood bashes for all her fellow actresses who were nominated for the Oscar as well. The award show was exactly two weeks away and I was excited at the prospect of a third award for myself. We were all expected to show up and support her tonight, and sadly, she wasn't even recognizing her husband, who was also nominated. I didn't count myself in the mix since almost everyone was clueless to the fact that I had anything to do with the family business.

My mother's assistant had contacted Nessie and set up an appointment with a stylist to dress me for the occasion a few days ago. Today was the day, and I wasn't looking forward to it. Apparently I was incapable of dressing myself, even at twenty-six. Jasper found it hilarious and laughed through the whole thing.

I shuddered at the looks she brought. A hot pink bandage dress was one that would never make it off the hanger, although a few of the others were okay. Vanessa was given the task of photographing each look and sending them to Renée's assistant, who would have Mother approve the look. I just prayed she would approve something I actually liked.

I had to look the part, but I wasn't allowed to upstage the guest of honor. When we finally receive a text back, I wasn't surprised by her choice of the ruffled black dress. I felt like I could pass for nineteen, well under my current age of twenty-six. If I looked young, I guess she believed she did too. I really liked the midnight blue wrap dress best of all, so I purchased that one for myself as well.

"Hey, Ness, don't forget that I put you on the guest list as well. Feel free to bring a friend."

"Really?!" she exclaimed. "Thanks."

"Don't worry, you won't be working, so just have fun and enjoy the free booze. I'll probably only be there an hour, but you can stay as long as you want."

Vanessa showed them out and I excused her for the day. I wanted to focus on my writing and I couldn't do that with her there. Once she was gone, I settled in our office with Jazz and we spent the time working quietly together.

~SCaSL~

I spent most of my time writing and exchanging texts and calls with Jake in the week leading up to the party. We hadn't been able to spend much time together since he was working on a new ad campaign for E!'s newest reality show. I was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to make it as my date for Renée's bash, but I was happy to hear how excited he was about his latest project.

When he told me what he was working on, I gave him a few suggestions of my own. I could tell the late hours must have been getting to him and I wanted to help in any way I could. I valued a strong work ethic. I spent many of nights myself burning the midnight oil because my characters wouldn't stop talking. There were nights where I didn't stop writing until well after the sun had risen and I would spend the next few days trying to catch back up on my sleep.

I hadn't made a lot of headway on my latest screenplay research this week. I truly believed most people didn't think writers put much thought behind their words, but I tried to be as historically accurate with my scene descriptions and dialogue. Since I wasn't able to focus on that, I turn my attention to the other thing I loved doing: volunteering. That was why I had an assistant; she made sure I was on time for those projects and was also available when my father or Jasper had meetings for me to attend or my mother had things for me to do. Otherwise, I was a homebody and spent my time working out, cooking, or cleaning. I took care of all my own household duties like any regular person. I didn't like the idea of paying someone to do things I was perfectly capable of handling myself. Hell, I hadn't even wanted an assistant; Renée had insisted upon it.

I shook my head and gathered together a load of laundry. Sometimes, though, it would be nice to not have to deal with dirty clothes. That chore was the bane of my existence.

~SCaSL~

When the day of the big affair arrived, I wasn't the least bit surprised when Renee's hair and make-up people came by to doll me up to Mother's appropriate specifications. After three torturous hours with them, I was finished and able to get dressed. I wore the black silk and chiffon Oscar de la Renta gown that she had chosen. The deep v-neck was showing way more of my ample cleavage than I ever wanted to expose to the photogs, and I paired it with sling-back Jimmy Choo heels that also cost more than all twenty pairs of Chucks in my closet combined. Her spending knew no bounds, and neither did Jacob's.

Although he wasn't coming, I put on the one-of-a-kind multi strand Tahitian pearl and raw diamond necklaces that he had given me for our one-year anniversary. It was too much, and I rarely wore it, but for some reason I chose tonight as one of those special occasions. I was positive the cost alone could feed all the starving kids in New Guinea for a few years, at least.

My chestnut locks were set in a wild array of sexy curls pinned loosely at the base of my neck, per her request. My cinnamon eyes were rimmed with charcoal liner and shimmery bronze shadow. My lips were lightly glossed in a pale pink. My warm honey skin was the envy of many, but none of it mattered. I was simply Renée Swan's puppet for the evening.

Jasper was my escort, and he looked dashing in his classic black Calvin Klein suit. His hair was in its usual disarray, but he cleaned up nicely. A knock on the door signaled our driver's arrival.

Jazz knew how much I hated these kinds of things and was a strong support system for me when I was forced to do something I could not stand. He popped open the champagne and served us each a glass. I savored the crisp and refreshing taste and hoped it would help take the edge off my nerves.

"Relax, Bells, you're stunning, and I won't let you fall when we walk," he said.

"I know you won't, but it doesn't lessen the fact that I don't really want to be here." I swallowed the last of the liquid in my glass.

He chuckled and poured me another. Jasper knew this, but he also knew I endured it for those I loved, even if they wouldn't do the same for me. The car came to a stop and he squeezed my hand once more.

"Let's do this," he said right before the driver opened the door for him.

Jasper held out his hand for me to take and I exited the limo after him, wearing my fake and perfected smile. While I was used to the continuous flashes and screams, I still hated it. I didn't choose this life.

"Isabella!"

"Jasper!"

"Over here!"

"This way, please!"

At least he said please this time, I thought.

"Who are you wearing?!"

"Did you break up with Jacob?!"

"When did you and Jasper start dating?!"

I mentally rolled my eyes.

The blogs would be littered with lies before the night was over. The questions flew faster and faster as I posed for pictures with Jasper, and I ignored them all.

"Give her a kiss, Jasper!" I smirked at that one.

"Look! The ice princess smiled!"

My smile was gone as fast as it appeared. I was definitely going to live up to the name now.

"Jasper, this way!"

"Isabella, look right!"

"Please, just one word!"

As if I would ever answer these vultures. They spent their lives torturing me. I'd been dubbed "The Silent One" of my siblings in the press, since I never spoken on the red carpet, much to the displeasure of my mother. I always dressed the part as she expected, but I owed those ruthless bastards who harassed me for no reason nothing other than my family name.

Tonight was no exception when it came to looking the part. At least she'd be happy about that. I noticed that Emmett and Rose had just finished walking the carpet ahead of us. Rose was wearing a red satin Betty Page inspired dress that clung to her body like second skin. Emmett was in a black-on-black suit with a pocket square the exact shade of Rose's dress.

Renée hated Rose. She considered her beneath us because she chose to step away from the business and open up her own tattoo parlor. Other than Jasper, the rest of her family had disowned her. She didn't need them, though. If you were anybody in Hollywood, Rose was your go-to-girl for a masterpiece tattoo. I envied her ability to not give a shit about what her family thought. I was getting there, but it had been a long process.

I was done with these parasites. They had enough pictures to work with. Not that it mattered, though; they'd pick the most God-awful one to post with whatever bullshit story they concocted based on said picture.

With a quick hug to Emmett and a kiss on Rose's cheek, I looped arms with her and we walked in, quickly glancing around for a waiter with drinks.

The party was being held at The Library in The Redbury Hotel. It was located on the second floor and featured a unique indoor-outdoor seating area. While it was closed off to the majority of the public tonight, all of Hollywood's actors and actresses were allowed in at any time.

The bash was like any other event of its kind, a status show of one-upmanship. The same old, same old brown-nosing and ass-kissing gatherings I'd been to before. I stood back with my martini and watched as business cards were passed back and forth, email addresses were jotted down in Blackberries and iPhones, and pictures were taken. I noticed my parents off to the side with a few people, and I could hear the fake laughter from where I was standing. I'd heard it all my life. I just stood with Jasper and waited for her to see I was there.

When Renée finally noticed our little group, she gave me a once over. I held her gaze when she finished, but her face gave nothing away. Too much Botox, I assumed; she was, after all, still trying to look like she was in her early forties. I raised my glass to her in silent congratulations and Dad looked over to where she was staring. A smile lit up his face and he came over to us.

Charlie gave me a hug and a kiss hello before he was pulled away by another person who wanted to pitch him another idea. It was a party, for fuck's sake, but he could never just be left alone to relax and enjoy. The man needed a vacation, but he'd never take one.

Even after only thirty-five minutes, I was ready to leave. I'd done my duty and showed up. I greeted my cold as ice mother and said hello to my father. I hadn't seen Emily yet, but I wasn't surprised. I'd kept to my spot in the corner and out of the way. I was overwhelmed by the number of people and felt claustrophobic. Needing a break, I told Jasper I was going to find the stairwell for a little breather.

Once I was hidden away from all the judgmental looks, I closed my eyes and practiced the breathing techniques my therapist recommended. I hadn't been there but a minute when I was brought out of my quiet place by someone's heavy panting. Unsure of what was going on, I peeked over the railing toward the stairs.

The scene I witnessed was straight out of an X-rated movie, and not one I had ever thought I'd see.

"What the fuck is this?!" I shouted at them. All previous issues I had dissolved at the display before me.

My assistant, Vanessa, was on her knees with Jacob's obviously pathetic excuse for a dick in her mouth. I was so glad I hadn't had sex with him before this. I'd scared the shit out of them, causing her to choke and bite him. Serves you right, assholes!

I turned and quickly made my escape back toward the party, wanting to find Jazz and get the hell out of there as quickly as possible. That was the last straw; I was through with all the fake bitches and cheating assholes. I'd never trust anyone in Hollywood besides Jasper again.

I made it back into the main area of the club and pushed my way through the hordes of people in search of Jasper. The quicker I got out of there, the better. I finally spotted him talking to Rose, but before I could make my way to them, Jacob's big, meaty paw grabbed a hold of arm, stopping me cold in my tracks.

"Get your fucking hand off me before I expose you for the lying, cheating bastard you are in front of all these people," I stated in a deadly calm voice, still facing away from him, and closed my eyes as the pain of grip increased. I was trying so hard to maintain my composure.

"Isabella, please, let me–" he started after releasing my arm and spinning me around to face him.

"Let you what?" I asked condescendingly. "Try and talk your dick out of her mouth? I don't think so. The visual was explanation enough," I said, pushing him in the chest and away from me.

I turned and started to walk away, but Jacob wasn't having any of it.

"Oh, come off it! You're a prude. We've been together for over a year and the most we've ever done is kiss!" Jacob shouted just as the music stopped.

I was beyond pissed and ready for a fight. Decorum be damned, I had been used for the last time by these wannabe social climbers. Maybe this time the articles would hold some sense of truth.

"Fuck you!" I screamed right back at him. The room was so quiet now that you could've heard a pin drop. "Why would I fuck you, when deep down I knew you weren't worth my time? I gave you the benefit of the doubt until now. You're just like the rest of the pathetic cock-sucking bottom feeders. You tried to use me to get your foot in the door with my father, but it didn't work. You tried to make a name for yourself through my family name, and it worked for a while. Now that I know the truth, thankfully before you could really go any places, you'll be back in the mailroom where you belong. It's not like you were ever capable of an original idea of your own anyway, so really, I'll be helping your company out.

"Now, take your pencil dick back to the whore you're using, because I guaran-fucking-tee she'll be the only one who will have you now that everyone in this room knows you for what you really are: a lying, cheating bastard. Hell, you'll be lucky if you can find a job in the porn industry with your itty, bitty penis after this!"

He was fuming and hadn't noticed the security team or the cops who were approaching us from behind. His anger reached an all-time high as he slapped me in front of everyone, and the gasps of our audience shook me to my core. I was a private person, and this vicious and vindictive woman wasn't me, but my emotions where running wild. Jasper quickly pulled me back into his arms wanted to check me over, but I broke away once I saw that the cops had cuffed Jacob. I was going to say my final peace to him here.

Since Jacob was already handcuffed and was being read his rights, I wasn't scared that he'd be able to hit me again. I walked right up to him, chest to chest, looked him in the eyes, and said, "This right here," I said, pointing to my cheek, "is exactly why I knew you weren't worthy of getting into my pants. I hope you rot in hell, you bastard."

Like a scene right out of the movies, I ripped his necklaces from around my neck. He watched in shock as the thousands upon thousands of dollars he'd spent on the pearls and diamonds broke free from the string. They sparkled in the light as they flew through the air and scattered soundlessly on the carpeted floor. They represented nothing but all of his broken promises and the empty lies that he'd told. I was worth more than every single gem that lay at our feet.

I paid no attention as they removed a kicking and screaming Jacob from the building. My focus was now solely on Vanessa and exposing her for the dirty little slut she was. She was standing off to the side, tears streaming down her face; she knew I wasn't close to being done. I was gunning for her now. I'd never be 'the quiet one' again. I had more that needed to be said.

"Go ahead, sweetheart. Do what you're best at and get down on those pretty little knees again so you can clean this mess up. It is, after all, your final paycheck from me. Consider it a bonus from Jacob as well for your little performance in the stairwell," I stated, pointing to the scattered jewels at my feet.

Mockingly, I continued to torture and humiliate her, just like I had been minutes before. "Hurry up! There are thousands of dollars worth of pearls and diamonds waiting for your dirty, slimy, slutty little hands to take. Jacob probably forgot to take care of you before he was carted off by the police, not like he loved you anyway. You were obviously just a hole for him to stick his teeny weenie in. He didn't even call out for you as they dragged him of, did he? I guess I should be thanking you for showing me his true colors, but once a slut, always a slut. Good luck ever finding another job outside of a strip club in the valley. You're just not pretty enough for anything else."

She finally realized everyone was watching and waiting to see what she would do. In Hollywood, there were rules. One of those was, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you,' and another was, 'Don't fuck with Charlie Swan's daughter if you ever hope to make it in the business.' She knew it was over for her, too. Once she'd finished cleaning, security escorted Vanessa away. She was lucky I didn't ask the cops to arrest her for solicitation and public indecency.

My mother should have been ecstatic by my award winning performance, but no, she appeared to be appalled by me. I'd never win with her and it was about time that I gave up trying. Instead, she stood off to the side, stunned by my outburst, nothing but embarrassment showing on her face since I had completely ruined her party with my display. I shook my head at her and finally allowed Jasper to lead me away from everyone. I felt completely defeated by her. With my mother's complete lack of support and care about my wellbeing, I asked Jasper to take me away…away from the club, my family, my life. I just wanted to disappear off the face of the earth.

He called for the limo to meet us in the alley behind the hotel. He was trying to protect me from the leeches that were waiting out front for the A-listers. Once it arrived, I hid myself behind him while security boxed me in for protection.

Luck wasn't on my side, though. They must have known people would try to leave through alternate exits. I was bombarded by flashes and voices, but I couldn't make out a single word. I was too numb and in shock from the slap.

By the time the door finally closed and the car sped away, all the aggression and anger I'd felt fled and I cried. This life had just taken another thing from me: my privacy.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think if you want. :o)