Caroline took me on a tour of the penthouse. It comprised the top two floors of the building-the entire floors. It was beautiful. How one man could live here with this much space, I didn't know. There were sitting rooms, as well as the large living room that I'd seen upon my arrival. There were multiple offices; apparently the smaller ones were for his employees. There was a beautiful kitchen, dining room, outside patio, and pool, as well as an exercise room. I lost count at the number of bedrooms, or more accurately, suites. The only one that mattered to me was the one I was to call my own. Although Edward made it clear that after we wed I'd be sleeping in his room for the night, I found refuge in my own space. It was all too much to process. Caroline asked me repeatedly if I wanted food. Eating was not on my short list. The more my mind churned over the proposal before me, the more my stomach twisted with confusion and doubt.

Caroline took me on a tour of the penthouse. It comprised the top two floors of the building-the entire floors. It was beautiful. How one man could live here with this much space, I didn't know. There were sitting rooms, as well as the large living room that I'd seen upon my arrival. There were multiple offices; apparently the smaller ones were for his employees. There was a beautiful kitchen, dining room, outside patio, and pool, as well as an exercise room. I lost count at the number of bedrooms, or more accurately, suites. The only one that mattered to me was the one I was to call my own. Although Edward made it clear that after we wed I'd be sleeping in his room for the night, I found refuge in my own space. It was all too much to process. Caroline asked me repeatedly if I wanted food. Eating was not on my short list. The more my mind churned over the proposal before me, the more my stomach twisted with confusion and doubt.

I knew that what I really needed was to talk with Vienna. Truthfully, I should've told her I was even coming to California in the first place, but she thought my boss was being a heartless bitch and had shipped me off to do her dirty work, and I was fine with her thinking that of Andrea. She was a heartless bitch, most of the time. We were so close that I worried she'd catch on to my deception.

I put on my façade of a sister interviewing for a job and talked with her on the phone for over an hour. My concerns were unfounded: she spent most of the conversation talking about Keaton; I spent most of it laughing over how she was yelling at the TV show we were simultaneously watching. It was a tradition. Me, her and Keaton watched The Walking Dead every single Sunday night in his hospital room. Together we'd debate over the damn show, and watching it without them was weird.

I wondered what Edward was up to at the moment. Then I wondered if he could see me. And if he could, that meant that he had the house bugged or filled with cameras. I grew curious and began searching for them while Vienna and I spoke. Granted, my knowledge of hidden cameras was nonexistent, however, I was thankful that I hadn't found any.

As soon as she ended our call, I turned the television off and attacked the manila folders. Since I had a pretty good idea what the nondisclosure agreement would say, I only opened the option B folder to confirm the existence of the fifty-thousand-dollar check. I'd only planned on glancing at it, being sure it was there, but then I saw it. Bella Swan typed out on the payee line, fifty thousand dollars in the small box and spelled out underneath my name, was Edward's. In the right corner, his signature sat taunting me.

I held the check and contemplated all of the possibilities for longer than I cared to admit. I may not be able to tell the world to fuck off and help my sister with only fifty thousand dollars, but I could pay the rent for a couple of months and give Keaton a little extra money. Mallory might need expensive shopping and boys and parties, but I didn't. I could make that amount of money last a good long time if I was wise with it.

But at what expense?

If Edward was telling the truth, this could be good for us. What would happen if I said no? Vienna would have to quit school? I would be left with my dead brother-in-law on my hands, and my sister would hate me?

Each moment that I held the check, my guilt lessened. After all, I was doing this to save our asses. And Mallory had moved into a bigger apartment when I moved back home to help my sister, she took me in even if we couldn't afford it. I owe her.

With trembling fingers, I put the walk-away check back into the folder and reached for the other folder: the one with a contract for my life. The one with a contract to buy me, to make me-as Edward had so eloquently called it-his whore. I wouldn't let myself think of the possibilities. Hell, I couldn't think of the possibilities. My sex life was too nonexistent. I didn't even read the books that some of the other girls in high school read. They'd blush and giggle as they sent screen shots of highlighted passages to one another, all the while shifting in their seats. I'd always found it hard to believe that mere words could have that much effect on someone's libido, but then again, that was all Edward had used. With words and proximity he'd made me wet, wetter than I'd ever been.

Slowly, I opened the second folder. Shit! Why was I even considering this? Why didn't I just laugh in his face earlier in the afternoon and tell him to shove it?

My neck straightened as I fought with my answer. I didn't really want to tell the girls from my high school to fuck off, I didn't even know anything about them and their lives now; what I did want however was the ability to. I wanted, just once, for them to all look at me like I wasn't gawky and ugly. I wanted them to look at me like I was their equal. I wanted what I'd never had. The question was how far would I be willing to go to get that?

I stared down at the multipage document in my hand. What I knew about legalese could be summarized on a subject line of an email and still have room for more. Reading the name of the law firm at the top of the page, I knew I was in over my head. Craven and Knowles sounded not only impressive, but threatening. I began reading:

This agreement is here by entered into willingly and without coercion between Edward Edward Cullen, hereinafter referred to as Mr. Cullen, and Bella, hereinafter referred to as Ms. Swan. Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan hereby agree on May-

I shook my head in disbelief. It was dated for tomorrow. Edward was either confident or extremely cocky. As I continued reading I began to decipher which.

The terms of this binding agreement between Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan are as follows.

1. Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan agree that all that occurs under the terms of this contract are confidential and consensual.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention. I may not know much about contracts, but could he really contract my consent? Wasn't that something that I'd need to give as each instance occurred? We would definitely be talking about that tomorrow.

2. Specific information regarding the personal and sexual activity of Mr. Cullen and Ms. Swan may not be disclosed by either party to anyone. Failure to comply with this term will result in immediate breach of contract and void of all financial compensation.

I went to the desk in the corner of the room and searched through the drawers. Finding paper and a pen, I went back to the contract and started taking notes, writing my concerns, and jotting down my questions. I felt like I was in fucking school, not marrying a man. I wanted every single question answered.

Two hours later, with two pages of questions, including clause numbers and addendum citations, my head spun. I fell back against the incredible soft mattress, cool sheets, and fluffy pillows and let my head rest. I've always gotten the worst headaches, and since my friend Gabriel worked at the hospital Keaton was in, I usually got some pain medication off of him and it knocked it right out. Unfortunately, I would just have to try to push it away by myself. I stretched my legs out and a small moan escaped my lips.

The knock at the door pulled me away from my concentration.

I hadn't seen anyone since Caroline since she took me on the tour, over-I glanced at the clock on the night table: 10:30 PM-five hours ago. The knock came again.

"Just a moment, please." I called as I made my way towards the door. If this was Edward, I just might punch him in the face. He promised no sex until we were possibly married, and I agreed. This was breaking my rules. I smoothed my hair down, and opened the door only a crack and peering around the edge.

"Miss Swan?"

I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Caroline, it's only you."

I swung the door open wider, and she smile. "Yes, miss. I'm about to retire for the night. However, Mr. Cullen sent me to make sure that you were comfortable, and you don't need anything else before I go. Have you looked over the contract?"

"Actually, could you please come in for a moment?"

"Certainly." She stepped over the threshold, and her grin widened making her green eyes shine. "I see you found the clothes. I'm glad they fit."

I looked down at my bare feet peeking out from the end of the yoga pants and the unbelievably soft t-shirt that hung from one shoulder. Normally, I would be in one of Gabriel's large shirts that I kept as a nightgown. No pants, no bra. But this was different. And I highly doubted I would be getting to keep any of those shirts if I moved in with Edward. Maybe I should purposefully add that to the contract. The thought made me giggle.

"Yes, I found these as well as a few other things. Thank you."

"You're very welcome; however, I cannot take credit for work that was not mine. It was Mr. Cullen. He wants you to be as comfortable as you can possibly be. The only thing I did was order the clothing under his instructions."

I edged toward the window and gestured towards the sofa and chair. "Would you mind having a seat for a few minutes? I've been reading the contract for hours, and I have so many questions."

The nondisclosure agreement flashed in my mind and the concern must have shown on my face because she took my hand and shook her head. "It's okay. You can always talk to me about anything. Mr. Cullen showed me the documents. He assumed you would be more comfortable talking to me about it, rather than him. The only thing I'm not allowed to share with you is personal matters that are his to deal with, and my personal opinion."

"So...if we speak about it, it doesn't constitute my breaking the do-not-disclose clause or agreement?"

"No," she said, and looked at the bed where I left the contract and my notes. "I'm glad you're taking this seriously. I was concerned that you'd be uncomfortable and begged for somebody to take you home before you gave it a chance."

I stood abruptly, and turned towards the window. The night sky made the ocean below a deep, dark blue. The only exceptions were the scatterings of lights here and there from ships, yachts, or boats. From the height of the penthouse, the expanse was enormous. I wondered if I was allowed to go walk the beach this time of night, alone.

"I'm sorry, I just..."

"I understand. His offer is a lot to take on."

I kept my eyes fixed on the ocean. "You've called this an offer twice now; is that what you see it as?"

"What else would it be?"

I shrugged, turning back toward her and fighting the impending tears. "I guess, technically, it is an offer. But I feel like I'm agreeing to a sale, not a proposal. I mean, if I understands all that I've read, and I agree." I rephrased. "If I agree, I'm in essence accepting money, housing, the repayment of my family's debt and Edward's name in exchange for my life...my body, my future."

"In essence, isn't that the way it is with every marriage proposal?" Caroline asked. "In marriage, doesn't the woman give herself over to her husband in exchange for his protection? When she does that, doesn't she usually choose to take her husband's name and financial support?"

I nodded. "I mean, yes, but.." The next words were heavy as I spoke them. "...most women marry for love. I never imagined marrying anyone, but if I ever entertained those fantasies, I imagined candlelight dinners and walks on the beach, I guess. I assumed I'd know-really know-my husband and he'd know me. I never, in a million years, imagined a fifteen page contract and a twelve-hour deadline. I just feel like I'm taking all of this for money, it make me feel dirty."

Caroline looked down. There truly was no answer. No one imagined his or her life would be orchestrated the way I found mine to be heading. Well, no one in the twenty-first century. Maybe as Edward said, kings, queens, and nobility did it in the sixteenth century, but not today.

"This isn't even dating; it's marrying somebody for their fortune. At least if we were dating, or something, I'd be able to look at his profiles...or something."

A spark of excitement came to Caroline's light green eyes. "Have you Googled him?"

"What? No...no, I haven't. I've been busy."

"Do that, dear. Google him. Learn all you can."

"If he's supposed to be my husband, my protection, why can't he just tell me all I need to know himself?"

"I've worked for him for ten years; I could try to tell you."

"Ten years? That's a long time."

"I worked for his parents first, because I needed the money desperately."

"And?" I pressed.

"The death of Mr. Cullen's father was difficult for him on many levels. He was freshly eighteen, just graduated high school, and planned on traveling the world with his girlfriend at the time. By that time, I was only working for his father for a year and he asked me to continue on with him, when he'd taken over Cullen Spas and Suites, International; however, I heard things. I knew that assuming responsibility for his father's business presented him with many challenges. During that time, his girlfriend at the time was the light of his life. Soon enough, that light started to burn down when money start flowing in." A shadow cast over Caroline's features as she looked towards her lap.

"What do you mean?"

"He caught her with his best friend in his pool house. He forgave her, thinking it was a mistake, because she was his high school sweetheart, he wanted things to work...but two months later, she milked him of everything she could get and left him for his best friend. She changed him in more ways than I can say. In the time since, he's different. He worked and worked and worked, after she left him, until every part of him ached. I've never seen a man run himself into the ground so hard. He ended up collapsing one year, and even then he struggled to continue. That's the only time I've ever stood up to Mr. Cullen."

I didn't like the foreboding feeling I felt from her words. "What do you mean more ways than you can say? Are there restrictions on what you can tell me?"

Her bright eyes looked up. "Yes, some. But Mr. Cullen implored me to be as honest as I could with you, and I am trying to be honest. He's a private man, I'm sure you've noticed. Even after all of these years, I know that there are sides to him that I know nothing about."

"Like his work?"

She shook her head. "Not exactly. I know that he's been told more times than I could count that he was a horrible lover, and he was quite...rough in the bedroom. He's been through too many girls to keep up."

I gasped. "I'm insane. I'm absolutely fucking crazy. What am I doing? I can't do this!"

"Miss Swan, I'll always be honest with you. I don't know what I'd do in your situation. I know that there could be worse offers from far worse people. I believe that Mr. Cullen is seeing potential. I believe that in you, he hopes to recapture some hope. I also believe that the person with whom you should be discussing this is him."

She went on, "You're right, this isn't beginning with love. It is beginning with money, but he cares about you enough to take care of you in every way possible. He will always protect you, make sure all of your needs are met, and the best way to facilitate this is honesty. I know Mr. Cullen expects and respects honesty. In return, he will offer you the very same."

"Why does he see potential in me? I'm not like him. I'm...poor. I'm not good looking like him. He could find someone better suited."

"You're a beautiful young woman, Miss Swan. I believe you would look even better on his arm, but that's my personal opinion, and I'm not supposed to be sharing that. Being poor has nothing to do with being good for somebody. He does not look for wealth in women, for he doesn't need their money. He sees you suited."

"I still don't understand."

"Mr. Cullen is way older than his time. He is so young, but his mind is old. He feels as though his youth is passing him by without him even embracing it, he doesn't say this but I know these things. He had to grow up before he was ready. I believe, that in you, he sees hope for a life full of surprises and fun. He needs it."

"So he's a grouchy old man on the inside?"

She laughed. "Exactly. It's getting pretty late, is there anything I can get you?"

"No, thank you. I appreciate you talking to me."

She squeezed my hand. "Anytime. I'll admit, for selfish reasons, I do hope you agree."

I didn't answer but furrowed my brows.

"This house needs a woman's touch. I'm not allowed to do that, and it gets pretty boring around here. I believe you can brighten things up around here. I'm excited to have someone else to care for and talk with. Maybe, even shop with."

Her smiled warmed me. When had someone wanted to take care of me? It was another emotional question I wouldn't allow myself to contemplate. "Thank you, Caroline. I'll start my Google search right away."

"If you want anything to eat, there's plenty in the refrigerator. Help yourself."

With that, she was gone, and I collapsed on the bed with my phone. Opening the browser, I entered Edward Cullen into the search engine. Most of the recent findings were business related. It wasn't until I searched further back that I found anything personal. It seemed that after his ex-girlfriend Lillian Harrington broke up with him, he went through a rather wild time.

There were pictures and articles about his escapades. As time passed, I kicked off the yoga pants, got quick shower, and slipped some pajama shorts on before climbing underneath the incredibly soft covers.

here's the new chapter guys,
hope you'll enjoy this one.
and i also want to welcome all the new readers as well,
hope you like this story :D