Just when I arrived Angela was waiting for me at the parking lot.

"Angela what is going on?" I ask panicking.

"I don't know either but we'll know when we get there. " she answers

"Where are they?" I ask jogging beside her.

"They are at the Dean's office." She answers then runs to the corridor

"The Dean's? Patrick?" I keep on inquiring

"I don't know Bella. We have to find out." She says as we reach the Dean's office.

"Mom. Dad." I say cooly

"Baby, it's about time you arrive." Mom says kissing my cheeks

"We want you to meet someone." Dad takes my hand and ushers me to the man in the middle.

He looks so familiar but I can't put a name on his face. He is tugging his wild bronze hair, he's been doing that for awhile it may seem. His green eyes are looking at me calmly, the complete opposite of his unruly and perfectly disarrayed hair. He is about to open his mouth when Patrick clears his throat.

"Bella." our Dean Patrick Hernandez says. Patrick is 25 years old, he has been showing signs of affection since I arrived here in Columbia. Always near, hovering, small touches. It was everything but subtle. Looks like green eyes knows as well as he narrows his eyes and purses his lips. Jealous? Mad? Annoyed?

"Mr. Hernandez, I never knew that you know my parents." I say while looking at him amused all of a sudden.

"Patrick, Bella. Please always call me Patrick. I know a lot of things about you Bella." He says while smiling. His stare should be flattering but it's giving me the creeps. Brrrrr

"Sorry, Patrick." I smile back.

Green eyes clears his throat.

"Mr. Hernandez, thank you for lending us your office. You may leave now." Green eyes says.

"Of course Mr. Masen." Patrick nods at me and my parents before exiting the room.

"You as well, Ms. Weber." ' ' says. What is happening that needs to be –oh-so-private?

"Ok. Call me later Bella." Angela says while leaving. "I will." I say

"Honey, we need to tell you something important." Mom says coming close to me and holding my hand.

I know *imaginative eyeroll*

"What is it mom?" I inquire

"Our family business is on the verge of bankruptcy." Dad says quietly

"What? Why? How?" I can't seem to rein the disbelief in as Dad continues to speak.

"Our major stock holders are leaving one by one. I don't know what to do. You know what happens when our budget is not funded. We will lose our company." Dad says while pacing the room.

I've never seen him like this before. Who am I kidding I never see them so often.

"That is why we have been with you for some time now sweetie. We want you to help us save our company." Mom says while holding both of my hands tightly and looking into my eyes.

This company is their life.. What will happen if we lose it? Will I lose my parents too? Their sanity? Their embarrassment? Their integrity? Then I realize, I would do anything for them. They are my parents. I have to.

"I'll do everything in my power mom." I say smiling a little.

"That is where Mr. Masen comes in Honey." Mom says "He will help us save the company too."

"Oh! I forgot to introduce you two!" Mom says briskly "Bella this is Edward Masen."

Edward..? I know him from somewhere but I really can't place his face anywhere.

"Hi Mr. Masen." I say while holding out my hand still confuse. "Thank you for helping us."

"Edward is the youngest billionaire here in New York sweetie. He agreed to help us but for a price." Dad says standing in front of me directly.

"What price? I thought he is helping." I say taking my hand out Edward's grasp that I forgotten he was holding. "I am Isabella." Edward says taking my hand again. I tried to pull it out but he is holding onto it tightly.

"Marry me, and I will save your company." He says

Marriage?

I gasp

"I'm too young to be married. I'm only 18! I don't even know you!" I say my voice beginning to raise.

"Your parents and I compromised. They will give me a week to court you and get to know you more." Edward says while kissing my hand. "Please accept Isabella. I will make you happy, you wont ask for a thing." He promises

Don't faint. Breathe.. breathe..

"Ok." I say sealing my fate.

05/04/2003

Diary,

I can't sleep. The happenings this afternoon is still bugging me to no end. I don't know what to do. I want to save my family's company but I don't want to get married at the same time. It's creeping me out. But Edward, he is so beautiful. Otherworldy beauty. His voice is like velvet on my skin. His eyes are promising. His hand is soft . So soft… He smells so divine. He is a deal breaker for me. He makes me want to say yes to all of his commands. I'm getting married. Court or no. I can never say no to a man like him. What if I'm not enough? I know I'm beautiful but is it enough for him to hold onto me forever? For him to ask marriage and dive into a situation just like that? Something tells me to go for it. But a very distinct feeling tells me to be careful. And here I am again Diary. Hoping, praying that this time, I will matter to someone. To that otherworldy creature nonetheless. Sweet dreams or a beautiful nightmare?

Isabella

Disclaimer: Twilight is not mine.