AN: Thank you to Mel and Lisa my PTB beta's and to Magan Bagan, my validation beta on Twilighted.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to review my previous chapters, I appreciate you all so much!

THIS STORY IS RATED M.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended

Chapter Two

Reunion

During a long plane ride, I normally would have spent the time leafing through a magazine or playing cards with someone, while lounging in the Volutri family's Gulfstream jet. Today's plane ride was different; it was accompanied by a churning stomach and an ever-present threat of a panic attack. Today, I was going to come face-to-face with my nemesis, Edward "the cheater" Cullen.

I knew I was going to get an earful from Esme because I had refused to use the Cullen jet that they had on standby for me. The problem was they just didn't understand why I left so quickly and quietly. Esme was the one I had hurt the most when I walked away four years ago. It was evident in her lack of an attempt to contact me all these years except for an impersonal invitation here and there. I still hoped that with my return, she would understand and hear me out before she cast me out of her life forever. I knew Esme and Carlisle were sure that all Edward and I'd had was a lover's quarrel, but it still didn't less the feeling of abandonment I felt when they didn't even try to reach out to me. I knew deep inside they just hoped that we would make up soon.

Who was I kidding? I couldn't blame them for treating our separation lightly; I never told them why I left Edward. I knew for a fact that if the fucker couldn't even talk to me about the truth, there was no way he told his parents.

There were times these last few years in which I couldn't help myself. I would open the monthly bank statements and go over the activities regarding our joint account. Edward would still religiously deposit everything he had. He never changed accounts or wanted my name off of it. Then again, he always waited for me to make the first move; he loved cornering me into talking to him. This time, however, I had been looking forward to talking with my husband. This time I was truly seeking him out. I was determined to win this war. It was time to stop the cycle of stupidity. I would ask for a divorce. I wouldn't ask for alimony and I would walk away with what I brought into the marriage. That would be easy, because it was absolutely nothing. I was sure Edward and his family would be worried that I would try and clean them out. That just wasn't who I was. At least afterward, Edward "the Asshole" Cullen would be free to romance his girlfriends in public and there would be no family shame, so Carlisle and Esme would have to agree. It would be a new start for all of us—a real chance to move on.

Why are you making it too easy for him? He fucking ripped your heart apart, remember? Shouldn't you want to run his dick through the shredder?

Of course, I wanted to sometimes.

I sighed. I couldn't do that. First, it would make this whole ordeal too long and drawn out. Second, the worst thing that'd happen would be that it'd make everything very public. I felt a pang in my chest, and I hunched forward and focused on my breathing. It was so fucking hard. Why Edward "the cheater" Cullen had decided not to stand true to our vows, I didn't know. As I moved to run my hands through my hair impatiently, a shiny glint caught my eye. I glanced down at my hand and rubbed the smooth platinum of my wedding band, a constant and painful reminder of whom I belonged to. Even though we were apart these last four years, I always behaved in a way that would hold true to "love, honor and obey." The fact of the matter was, although I was leaving the bastard, I still loved him. It was simple. It was the truth.

Fucking simple, your ass!

Okay, shut up.

I watched Jacob lean back and take a long, smooth drink of his orange juice. I would have sworn he mixed vodka in it, but with Leah watching him, I'm sure she would have caught him before the first drop even hit the glass. I leaned back against the seat and closed my eyes.

I was so thankful that Uncle Aro made sure I had the family plane available to me twenty-four hours a day. He always felt guilty about what happened to my mother. I had forgiven him a long time ago, but my father, Charlie, wouldn't ever let him forget it. I tried to reason with my dad that going back to Italy and reconciling with the family was important to Mom. I wanted him to understand Uncle Aro couldn't be held accountable for the rogue thugs who had wanted to continue a Mafia war that had run its course. Charlie, however, never recovered from losing Mom and almost losing me. If Uncle Aro's friend, Dr. Carlisle Cullen, hadn't been in the country and hadn't been colleagues with the best skin grafting team in the United States, I don't think my arms, back and legs would ever have looked the same. Then again, if I hadn't made such a connection with Carlisle, I wouldn't have met my future fucking asshole of a husband either.

Stop with the name calling, you'll slip up and say what you are thinking to his face.

Maybe I want to slip up. Did you ever think of that? Besides, it's not like it will do any good. The fucker is gonna be all, "Oh, Bella love, how are you? Are you finally talking to me?" He is gonna act like I am crazy and have no reason to be mad at him!

Well, he wanted to give you an explanation, but you wouldn't hear him out.

Here we go again. I did, remember? He said there was no naked woman in our bed. Fucker had to be blind, which we both know he is not. Forget it! It is too late to worry about now; I need Jack!

I got up and tried to make a mad dash around the cabin. The stewardess, I swear she was a lifetime member at Sunset Tan, kept asking me if I needed help. In between sifting through mini liquor bottles, I looked up and growled at her. I fidgeted around until I found my lover. I started unscrewing the bottle in a wild frenzy when Jacob grabbed it from me.

"Back off the Daniels, Bells!" Jacob stated as his wolf-like paw shot out in front of me, when he did, he fisted it hard in his hand. "Come over here, sit down, and let's talk about this okay?"

I glared at my best friend and future ex-head of security.

Okay, so I couldn't fire him; I loved him too much.

"What the hell is it to you, Jacob? I need it-more than ever! Look at me, I'm shaking!" I held out my hands to show him. "You have no idea how bad all of this feels. Give me that bottle!" I lunged at him and tried wrenching my liquid strength from his fists.

Jacob tried to hold me back with one hand and raised the bottle high above his head with the other. Suddenly, I felt Leah hugging me around the waist and pulling me back, asking me in her quiet soothing voice to stop jumping around. "Stop, Mrs. Isabella, please. We are in the air. It is not good for you! Please, we are set to land soon."

"She has a point, Bells. Come on, be a good girl, and sit down." Jacob cooed in his baby talk voice. "How about I get you some apple juice? You want apple juice?" He looked to the stewardess who was standing close to the cockpit clutching the emergency phone like it was a lifeline to God. She nodded and made her way to the bar and looked around.

Leah went with her and helped her with the juice.

"I don't want apple juice, Jacob! I need a drink! Please-just a little-just to get me through the rest of the flight. I didn't even have any last night. Please!" He shook his head at me and mouthed 'NO'.

"Fucking traitor!" I yelled at him. "Fine, I'll wait. Okay, I want apple juice."

I plopped down on the seat and took the drink that Leah brought over while stirring it. I drank down the golden, bittersweet liquid, that tasted nowhere near as good as a nice glass of Jack Daniels would. I watched as everyone tried to settle when the plane started to make its descent. As the cabin grew very silent, I made a vow that I would be reunited with my liquid love in the not too distant future.

The ride from the Cullens' private airfield in Chicago proceeded without incident. There were no paparazzi around to take in-your-face pictures. Nevertheless, I made sure to have my guard up. Long-range photo lenses had always caught me off guard when I was with Edward. Luckily, there were very few times I was caught without a smile on my face. Except the last time we were together, like really together.

Well, that couldn't be helped, right? How was I to know that they'd be able to catch us on video from so far away?

Say whatever you want to make yourself feel better. You knew that there was a chance the idiots were watching the house.

I didn't really want our issues made public! I just was angry and didn't care at the time.

Surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre.

Stop it! I'm not talking to myself anymore.

Jacob chatted with Leah as they both sat across from me. Jacob informed me that security had been instructed only to allow the Cullens' personal drivers to pick us up and take us to the hotel. I glanced outside the tinted windows and saw Michigan Avenue go by. Chicago had always been an easy city for me to get lost in. I loved shopping with Alice and Rosalie on this street. We would run in and out of every store; Alice would always take forever and beg me to buy something. We were all so happy back then.

When we pulled up in front of the Blackstone, Jacob helped me and Leah out of the limo, and they both started working with the concierge, arranging our bags. I looked up at the amazing structure and took a deep breath. Thankfully, Edward and I hadn't stayed here before, so there wouldn't be any memories to deal with. The Cullens changed the venue of their fundraising gala every year, so they could give all hotels on or near The Magnificent Mile a chance to earn their business. It also allowed for good relationships with all the entrepreneurs who were always jockeying to get some kind of recognition and respect, which could only be when working with Carlisle Cullen.

As we walked in, I was welcomed by a short tubby manager who did the normal meet and greet. He handed Jacob our room keycards and gave us the information regarding our stay.

As the elevator doors opened, we realized that Jacob's and Leah's rooms were a little ways down the hall from mine. I grabbed my room key and didn't even have to face him to know what was going through his head.

"Jacob, come on. I can make it to my room in one piece. I have found my way around a hotel before. You get Leah to her room and check into yours; afterward come hangout with me when you've unloaded everything." Jacob looked around and at me hesitantly. "Come on, there will be no way that paparazzi will be able to make it to the twenty-third floor unless they have a room key. You know how thorough the background checks are in hotels like this."

"Okay, Bells, but just this once because we've got tons of bags. Go with the porter and stay in the room until I come and get you." He gave the porter a stern stare and watched me until I made it to my room. I waved at him and opened the door with my card. I let the porter go in first with my luggage and then waved again at Jacob as I walked in.

I gave the porter a nice tip before he excused himself and shut the door on his way out. After opening the curtains, I stepped back to take in the view of the city. It was so different from New York. I was slightly disappointed that I didn't have a view of Lake Michigan; it would have been nice to have seen Lakeshore Drive from up here. I decided to talk to Jacob later about taking a stroll to Grant Park.

It was so hard to go anywhere. Living in this fishbowl surrounded by the paparazzi that waited to catch glimpses of anything I did, only to twist it into something that wasn't true, it was so overwhelming.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard knocking at my hotel room door.

Must be Jacob and Leah.

"Did you and Leah get settled okay?" I asked while opening the door. Suddenly, I was attacked by a flurry of black hair and petite hands around my neck.

"BELLA! Thank God you came! It's been forever! Don't you ever stay away from me for so long again!" Even after all these years, Alice Cullen was still a force to be reckoned with. I laughed and held her around the waist as she kissed my cheek and hugged me tight. At first, I was surprised that she even knew I had checked in, let alone what room I was in, but then it clicked. They had made the reservations for me.

"Okay, I promise not to be such a hermit anymore, Alice, now get up off of me and let me see you." Alice managed to stand up and twirl me around.

"Wow, Bella, you've changed! I love your outfit! Is that a Diane von Furstenberg dress? Oh my God, Bella!"

I blushed a little at her critique of me. If anyone would notice my dress style it would definitely be Alice Cullen. The fashion stylist to the stars had a sixth sense about fashion do's and don'ts.

"How are you, Alice? Oh God, have I missed you." I leaned in to give her an earnest hug. I stepped back and looked over my pixie friend. "Wow, you look amazing. You are positively glowing!"

Alice had hardly changed. Her hair was still cut short, but of course she had messy bangs that crossed over her forehead. Her style was impeccable. She wore a bright green Christian Dior wrap dress and mustard Christian Louboutin heels that only someone as fashion forward as Alice, could pull off.

She dragged me over to the sofa and pulled me down. "You have to tell me everything. Bella, I can't believe I haven't seen or spoken to you in almost four years! Please tell me that you and Edward are working this tiff out."

I clenched my jaw and tried not to scream. I hated it when everyone called it a tiff. They had no idea what had happened, but they would never believe it would be as bad as it was. I stood quickly, suddenly parched and started to look for the bar.

"Alice, want a drink?" Knowing full well that I was trying to stall, she just shook her head and waited.

I smiled as I saw my lover, my liquid courage, wave at me from the bar. There was a knock at the door, and I heard Alice get up to answer it. I was busy pulling Jack free of his wrapping when I heard a squealing laugh. I turned to see Alice being twirled around by Jacob. I smiled at them as I hurried up, pouring myself a glass.

"It has been too long, my little pixie. Look at you-you have grown! Bells, did you take a look at how amazing Ali… Isabella, put it down now!" My hands shook with the sudden change in pitch. I shot a look over my shoulder and met the stone cold eyes of a very angry Jacob Black. He started to stomp his way over, but I took advantage of the distance to try and quickly swallow my magic tonic. He managed to reach out and knock the base of the glass out of my hands. I gasped as Jack flew everywhere.

"Damn it, Jacob! Can't you leave me alone? It's just one glass." I poked my finger into his chest. He continued to walk toward me, until he backed me up against a wall.

"Let's get one thing straight, Swan. No more. Do you understand? No more. This thing you have with Jack is over." He started shaking his finger at me. I swatted it away, and we both started yelling at the same time.

"You crazy oaf! Where do you get off?" I screamed.

"You spoiled brat! I am just trying to help you!" he growled.

Suddenly, Leah and Alice came between us and pulled us apart, Jacob and I separated and stood fuming. The clearing of throats made all of us look over to the door. There stood a nervous-looking Cullen Clan - Esme, Carlisle, Rosalie and a smiling Emmett. I was relieved that Fucktard wasn't with them.

When I locked eyes with Esme, I felt my iron will weaken. I couldn't help myself, and my legs jerked me forward. I ran into her open arms and held onto her in a tight embrace. I inhaled her sweet cinnamon scent. Esme was always loving and motherly to me. When Carlisle had come to visit me in Forks after my skin grafting surgeries, I met Esme for the first time. Even though she already had Emmett, Edward and Alice, Esme recognized I needed her mothering, and she allowed room in her heart for one more.

I never missed her more than I did in those days when I first left Edward. I knew she was a phone call away, and I desperately wanted to tell her that I was pregnant; however, I couldn't shatter her that way. Telling her in one breath of her son's infidelity and then in the next that I was pregnant with his child would surely send her loving heart into a downward spiral. Esme Cullen was the life force of this family. Until I had come to a decision in regards to my marriage to her son, I wouldn't be the one to taint her. So I kept my secret, from her and from her son.

I felt her soft hands smooth my hair as she cradled me closer. Her strong voice told me it had been too long, and that I could never stay away from her again. I sobbed harder when I heard her melodic voice say that her heart was finally whole now that I was back in her arms. My mother died in a bomb blast when I was fourteen years old, but she came back to me in the form of Esme Cullen.

"Okay, okay, enough with the waterworks. Give me a chance to hug her." I was pulled from Esme, who started wiping her eyes with Carlisle's handkerchief, and into the arms of Emmett Cullen. He held me close, and I let myself settle in the safety of his arms. Emmett was the big brother I never had. No, he was more than that; Emmett Cullen was my hero and greatest confidant. He was the only one in Edward's family who knew that I had been pregnant. He flew out to Italy the moment that Jacob called him and told him. He was there when I woke up in the hospital room after it was all over. Emmett didn't ask any questions regarding Edward but begged me to come home with him. He cried with me when I asked him to remain silent and to keep this secret from the family. When I lost communication with him, I was sure his silence toward me all these years meant he too had given up on me.

When I couldn't take the lack of oxygen anymore, I squeaked out, "Breathe… I need to breathe…Em."

Emmett pulled back, reached out and rubbed my cheek with his thumb. "Hey Bells, how're you hanging?"

I smiled up at him; one look into his loving eyes, and I knew my suspicions were unfounded. He hadn't abandoned me, just kept my secrets safe.

"You know, a little bit of this… little bit of that." I shrugged my shoulders. He laughed loudly and patted me on the back. I turned to Carlisle and gave him a heart filled hug. He kissed me on the forehead and smiled. I could tell from his eyes that he was worried about Emmett's and my exchange. I glanced at Rosalie, who stood with her hands on her hips.

"If you ever leave me and walk out like that again, so help me God, Bella, I will unleash such hell on you, it will be something you will never forget!" I was almost scared, until I realized this was Rosalie Hale. Ah, Rosalie Cullen, wife of Emmett. Her bark was always worse than her bite. At least it was when it came to me. I smiled at her and held out my arms.

"Aw, Rose, I missed you too." She kept her stern look as she walked over but smiled the second before she embraced me. Alice, not wanting to be left out, quickly ran over and hugged us both. For those few minutes, it was as if nothing had changed.

A few tears and laughs later, we had all settled in the living room of my suite. Leah had room service bring up tea and coffee, while Jacob collected the bottles of liquor and discreetly tried to dispose of them. Esme gave me a weird look, but kept her comments to herself. Everyone brought me up to speed on the Chicago happenings while I'd been away. It was bittersweet to hear all the things I had missed while I was in my self-imposed exile. While I didn't mind missing all the fashion shows that Alice dragged Jasper to, I did, however, feel bad that I missed the family vacations they took around the world.

If the fucker hadn't cheated, then you would have been here. Remember that.

Yes, but I can still be upset; I missed them damn it!

It was the news that Rose finally made partner in Jasper's law firm that made me finally realize what was missing from this family reunion.

"Where is Jasper? I can't wait to see him." There was a sudden silence in the room.

"Um, he is flying in tonight. He had a case he needed to finish working on. He will definitely meet us tonight at the gala." I could tell Alice was trying to cover something up, and of course it had to do with Edward. I sighed and put my coffee cup down.

"So Edward and Jasper are coming in together? I take it that Edward will definitely be coming to the gala tonight?"

I swore I could heard crickets chirping somewhere.

Alice broke the uncomfortable silence. "Of course, he is coming, Bella. He hasn't seen you in four years! I know he is just as excited as we are that we can finally be a family again. He wouldn't miss tonight for the world."

She looked over at Esme, who smoothed out the corners of her dress. "He truly has missed you, Bella. Whatever it is that has come between you two, please forgive him."

I was coming undone right there. I could see how much they wanted everything back to the way we were when we were happy. Frankly, I would have given anything in the world to appease them. I loved and missed them so much. I almost wanted to forgive Edward, just so I could have them back. Walking out on the Cullens this time would prove to be so much harder. I knew with what I would have to tell them, sides would be taken and lines would be drawn. I couldn't hope that they would remain neutral. Edward was their son, brother and best friend. It would have to be me that vanished and was erased.

I felt the sharp pain tug at my chest and wanted to close my eyes. I glanced up at Jacob, who gave me a slight nod. I looked back at everyone who was staring at me, except Emmett, who was suddenly interested in the scones in front of him.

"I miss being with you all. However, I have to tell you that..." I was cut off by the knocking at the door. Jacob went to open it and stepped back to reveal Uncle Aro.

I stood up and ran to him. I jumped into his arms, and he held me tight, laughing.

"Finalmente! Let me look at you my Bella. Mi mancano i tuoi occhi." I felt heat rush to my face as he appraised me.

"Uncle Aro! You always make me blush! Come in and visit with your old friends." I pulled him with me into the suite. Jacob let the gentleman who was with Aro enter and shut the door. Aro made his way around the group, kissing and flirting with all the ladies, before he hugged me- he loved making women blush. He turned and ushered the lone nameless guest forward.

"Everyone, this is Felix De Luca. Felix, these are my old friends, the Cullens." Felix walked over and greeted Emmett and Carlisle first. From Carlisle's quick hello, I could tell he and Felix had met before. For a moment, I swore I saw a concerned look on his face, before Carlisle masked it with a jovial smile. Uncle Aro then came and put his arm around my shoulders.

"Felix, this is my niece, Bella. Bella, this is Felix. He was second cousin to your mother. So in a way, you are family." I smiled and offered him my hand to shake. He took my hand in his and leaned down and kissed it. I was a bit taken aback but held my pose; I didn't want to offend him.

"Whoa! That's my sister-in-law's hand you are kissing there, buddy," Emmett bellowed out. I glanced over and saw worried expressions on all the Cullens' faces. Even Jacob stood firm with his hands planted on his hips.

Uncle Aro let out a laugh and patted Felix on the back. "Felix, you must first wait to see if the lady is spoken for before you attempt to woo her." I pulled my hand back and sat down next to Esme.

After a few moments of pleasantries, Carlisle and Esme excused themselves to take care of some last minute items for the night's agenda. Alice was upset that I wouldn't let her help me get ready, but I promised her that she wouldn't be disappointed. Rosalie pulled Emmett away from the tea biscuits and out the door with her.

I took off my shoes and relaxed into a hug from my uncle. We sat for a few moments of complete silence until he brought up the real reason for my return to this family.

"Bella, I brought Felix with me today so that we could get started. He is my most trusted family lawyer." I glanced at Felix as he opened his briefcase and started taking out some forms.

"Isabella, I took the liberty of drawing up these forms." He handed me a stack of documents with arrows and highlights. "I made sure to brush up on American permanent separation laws. The fact that your husband, refused to have you sign a prenuptial agreement will definitely work in our favor. Look over the alimony and division of property; I think you will find it in your favor. I just have to discuss with you…"

I cut him off quickly.

"I don't want alimony. I don't want division of property and assets. I just want us to be divorced. I give him everything we accumulated."

Here it comes.

"Wait! Isabella, you can't be serious. You will let that cad of a man walk away with everything!" I sat up and tried to be as calm as I could in the wake of Uncle Aro.

"Uncle, please listen to me. My mother's inheritance is more than enough to cover my expenses. I have more money than I know what to do with. Edward was adamant that I have access to his money and accounts. It was given to me as long as I was Mrs. Edward Cullen. Now, I want out. I will not drag this out. I will not take what is no longer mine. I want us to split amicably, if possible."

Felix took back the documents. and looked at Aro. They seemed to have a silent conversation.

"Isabella, does this have anything to do with the baby?" I shot up off the sofa. I couldn't believe it. My eyes went wide with shock.

"Uncle! Please tell me you didn't!" He stood up, grabbed my arms and rubbed them softly.

"I know this is hard for you, sweetheart. Please understand. I had to tell Felix about everything. It would serve us best to be honest with each other. That way there would be no surprises if Edward were to somehow find out about it." He slowly brought me back down to sit with him. I shook my face and held it in my hands.

"Isabella, as your lawyer I will honor anything you tell me. Don't be afraid to speak your mind. I know this is hard, especially with what you had to go through. You never should have gone through that all alone." I looked up into Felix's warm and inviting eyes. I faked a small smile. Leah brought over a glass of water for me to drink. Aro steadied it since my hands were shaking too hard to hold it without spilling.

"We can get you everything you want, even if your husband finds out that you had been pregnant."

"No! He must never find out. Felix, Uncle Aro, I know you both are trying to do what is best for me." I took a deep breath. "I don't want Edward or anyone to find out about the baby. It took me so long to get over everything. Bringing it up will destroy more people than it needs to." I wiped the angry tears that were stinging my face as they flowed down my cheeks.

"Uncle, think about it. The family, they all have taken such good care of me, even when they didn't have to. Imagine the look on Esme's face, or Alice's! When I tell them the reason for a divorce, that alone will crush them…" I stuttered, finding it hard to finish. "I couldn't bear it if they were to find out that I was pregnant and that… and that it too was taken away from them."

Felix stood and handed me his handkerchief. I accepted it gladly and wiped away my pain.

When I regained my strength, I turned to them both. "I want a clean break; I don't want this to drag out in the courts or in the media. Please, I beg you to respect my wishes."

Uncle Aro and Felix stood up and reluctantly agreed. I walked them both to the door and hugged Uncle Aro.

"I will let Carlisle know we have to meet in the morning. We will take care of this quickly," Felix stated before leaving.

"Bella, be sure to save your uncle one dance tonight, okay?" I smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek and shut the door behind them.

I walked over to Jacob, who held me in a tight hug. I let the anger, fear and resentment take over. Tonight would be the last night that I would see my adopted family's faces smile at me. Tomorrow, I would be the one they held responsible for destroying their happiness.

I cried harder and clung to Jacob's jacket with a firm grip. He stood there silently and let me slobber all over him. After a few minutes, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the miniature bottle he had taken from the family plane. The clear glass held my midnight lover and my liquid strength. I eyed the tiny bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand.

Pussy! All it takes is a few tears to make Jacob Black totally cave!

I looked up at him and laughed a little in between sobs. I shook my head as Leah dragged me into the bedroom to get ready.

I knew it was important for me to remain sober. Tonight, I wanted to remember every moment, before I would ignite a fire that would surely leave no one unscathed.