A/N: SM owns all things Twilight. I'm just playing with her characters.

Thank you Fran for taking the time to edit all my mistakes, commas and spelling errors.

Twimom1960, klcivinski, and NKubie are my pre-readers and encouragement team. You guys are awesome. Thank you for your time and effort.


Favorite Mistake by Autumn Hill
I've got your kisses memorized
With you it's always borrowed time
Then you disappear.
How long until my heart breaks?

Chapter 7

The sterile environment of the hospital wafted over Isabella as she followed Mike's hurried steps to the receptionist desk. Nurses and doctors in white coats bustled through the area. Isabella's eyes followed a small child as it walked with slow steps along the corridor. A breathing mask hid most of the delicate face of the boy.

Her heart broke for the child.

His green eyes met hers and she gasped as Edward's eyes flashed through her mind. When his eyes lit up with a smile, she smiled back, a lump stuck in her throat.

She spun back to Mike as the boy turned and walked away.

"Where can I find Mr. Newton?" Mike asked the redheaded receptionist. Dark circles surrounded her eyes and she looked exhausted.

"Are you family?" Victoria, according to the nametag, asked.

"I'm his son," Mike answered furiously.

Isabella placed her hand on his back, hoping to calm him. He turned to look at her, smiling lightly, grasping her hand in his, as if it were a lifeline.

Isabella wasn't sure what to make of the thousands of emotions running through her. On one hand, she wanted to run. She didn't want to see her father-in-law in this weakened state. She also didn't want to stand by Mike's side and pretend that everything was fine.

On the other hand, she also felt responsible for being supportive of Mike at this time. He and his father were close, constant meetings, golf, and tennis games. As an only child, Mike felt responsible for making his father proud. Isabella knew he would need someone by his side if his father would pass.

She needed to accept her fate as the wife of a powerful, abusive man and close the tunnel of hope that still burned inside of her. A hope to be free and be herself again.

With her hand still clasped tightly in Mike's, they followed the nurse to Marcus' room. Looking through the window, they saw a pale man lying on a bed with lots of wires and tubes connected to his body. It was Marcus, but the man in front of them didn't look like the vibrant, energetic man they knew.

Mike's breath shuddered, his shoulders slumping forward. "This seems so unreal. I played golf with him just the other day."

Isabella squeezed his hand, words lost to her. How could she comfort him? She couldn't just erase the words he had spewed at her just a few days ago. She couldn't forget the pain he had caused her, or the man he had become. This wouldn't change him, would it?

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

His eyes looked to hers, tears pooling in his eyes. "Thank you for being here."

Isabella looked away and cleared her throat, not wanting to feel remorse for him.

He squeezed her hand. "I know it probably doesn't mean much for me to say that, but I mean it."

Angry tears sprang to her eyes.

How could he be this gentle? Did he not know the pain she felt in her heart every time she looked at him? Did he forget what he had done?

Instead of answering, she only nodded.

Jane, Mike's mother, walked towards the pair with a styrofoam cup filled with coffee in her hand. Releasing Isabella, Mike hugged his mother. Fat tears rolled down Jane's cheeks and Isabella had to look away.

"Thank you for coming," Jane whispered in Isabella's ear as she hugged her daughter-in-law. Mike really had outdone himself when he had married Isabella. Jane knew that she hadn't seen Mike for the money, but for his character, and that was all a mother could want for their children.

If only the pair would start having children, then Jane's life would be complete. If her husband should pass, she would need something to occupy her time and grandchildren would be great, but she wouldn't push.

"How was Hawaii?" Jane asked, releasing Isabella.

Isabella's eyes flickered to Mike. He nodded to her and smiled gently. "It was wonderful to see my friends again," she answered truthfully.

"Mom, what happened?" Mike jumped in before Jane could ask more questions that Isabella wasn't ready to acknowledge.

Jane looked through the window at her frail husband. "I don't know. I was getting ready for bed when I heard his glass hit the floor. I found him in his study clutching at his chest."

Mike rubbed her shoulder when she sniffed again. "What did the doctor say?"

Jane laughed humorlessly. "Just the usual. That he is under too much stress. I guess his heart decided it was time to get his attention. You know your father; he won't stop unless he's pushed."

Mike nodded and took Isabella's hand again. "What can we do?"

"Stop talking business with him. It was to prevent this that we gave you the business. He needs to realize that, and if you stop running everything by him, he might let it go."

"Mom…" Mike started to protest.

"No, Michael. I know you want to do your father proud and you have, but I'm asking you this one thing. Please."

Mike exhaled and nodded. "Okay. I will. I can still golf with him, right?"

Jane's lips lifted in a small smile and turned to look at Marcus again. "If he survives this."

T-T-T-

Days turned into weeks as Marcus slowly recovered. He wasn't happy about the fact that he had to take things easier. Mike had volunteered Isabella's time to keep Marcus company, and to help his mother with the variety of charities on which she was working. It had happened one night at dinner and she had protested. Mike had squeezed her thigh hard enough to leave behind dark bruises. Biting her lip to keep from crying out, she had agreed.

As weeks turned into a month and then two, thoughts of Edward and the divorce were slowly slipping away. The necklace was still secured around her neck and she'd be damned if she took it off. The photograph was hidden in the box in the bottom drawer of her dresser and occasionally, as she was reaching for a pair of pants, she'd gaze at it in longing. But then she'd close the drawer before dwelling on those thoughts.

Isabella knew that Mike had her where he wanted her.

His puppet.

He could manipulate her in any way he pleased. Whenever she faltered, he'd dangle the unsigned divorce papers in front of her eyes with the promise to sign. And like a fool, she'd hold on to that hope only to have it crushed a short time later.

Christmas was fast approaching and Isabella had her hands full with trying to sell her business. She had wanted to keep it open, but with the endless work, Jane had her do for the charities, she was not able to handle both.

It wasn't a small task to accomplish. Izzy's Fabrics and Alterations was small, nestled between a few shops in a strip mall just north of downtown Seattle. Nowadays, nobody wanted a business that size. Everyone wanted something bigger.

"Okay, thank you. Bye." Isabella disconnected the call of yet another potential buyer, but he was like the rest, expressing his distaste of the small space.

Sighing heavily, she put the phone back in her purse and rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

"Bella?" Jane's voice came from upstairs, her heels clicking rapidly on the marble floors. "Oh, there you are, dear. Have you talked to the caterer and the florist?"

"Yes, just this morning," Isabella answered.

"Oh, good. Are they in understanding of what I want for this event?"

"The caterer is all in and knows exactly what you want. The florist, however…" Isabella started only to be interrupted by Jane.

"What about the florist? The event is just a few days away." Jane asked irritated, writing furiously on her clipboard. Her graying hair was tied into a bun at the base of her neck and her blue pantsuit brought out those fierce blue eyes.

"They don't have roses…" Isabella started again, her forehead throbbing full force with her headache.

"No roses?" Jane screeched her gaze livid. "What are we going to do?"

Isabella took the clipboard out of Jane's hand and urged her to sit. "Tulips."

"Tulips? Why on earth would we take tulips?"

Isabella smiled.

Tulips were gorgeous and the fact that they only bloomed in spring made them that much more special. The florists had a bunch flown in and wanted to sell them as soon as possible. Isabella had jumped at the opportunity. Those flowers deserved a chance and with the event being for charity, why not?

"Because they're beautiful," she smiled softly at the unbelieving look on Jane's face. "Think about it. Roses are used everywhere, at weddings, funerals and parties. Almost no one uses Tulips. It would be perfect. It would be something different."

Jane focused on Isabella's face, her eyes flickering over her delicate features. "Tulips… look good."

Isabella laughed. "Yes, they do. You're going to love them."

"I hope so," Jane muttered and scribbled on her clipboard.

Isabella enjoyed being around her mother-in-law, but like Mike, she knew that underneath that flawless makeup, Jane had a temper.

T-T-T-

Snowflakes fell towards the ground in a hypnotic rhythm. Isabella stood by her window observing, fascinated how each flake danced to the ground. Her fingers traced the necklace and she gazed towards the cloud-covered sky. It had been this way for days; cloudy, alternating between rain and snow.

Christmas lights hung from the roof of the mansion, casting different colors of light over the snow-covered deck. Her shoulders sagged with her sigh.

There was no light at the end of the tunnel now. She knew Mike would never sign those papers for her. She was stuck in this hell of a marriage until she… submitted?

Isabella figured it served her right. She had let herself fall into Edward's arms, committing the sin and this was her punishment.

Her door swung open and Mike stepped in, his eyes raking over her form. He had been altering between sweet and angry since his dad's heart attack. He had clung to her the first few weeks, telling her that he needed her. Each time, she had wanted to scream, yell, throw something as the hurt and despair surged through her.

Then, as his dad recovered, he had slipped back to his usual cold self. Yelling at her when she didn't meet his specific requirements, squeezing her arm to the point of bruising and kissing her in public.

She found herself becoming more attuned to his attitudes and behavior. She went along with it, finding it easier to bear with each passing day.

"The limo will be here shortly," he said, running his finger over her cheek. "You look stunning. Every man will be sick with envy tonight."

Isabella took a step back and his hand dropped. "Now, we don't want any of that tonight. You're my wife and you will act as such."

She knew all this, having performed it a million times over the past months. "I know."

He took her arm and led her down the stairs, his grip a little too tight. "Good. Then we won't have any problems."

Dimitri opened the back door to the limo with a smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Newton."

"Dimitri," Isabella smiled. "Did you get the gifts I sent for your children?"

Mike's grip tightened. He hated that Isabella could smile at his driver, but never show any emotion towards him.

Dimitri's cheeks tinged pink and he ducked his head. "Yes, Mrs. Newton. They loved the gifts so much. Thank you again."

Isabella's face didn't show the hurt she felt as Mike's fingers dug into her skin. She smiled and squeezed Dimitri's shoulder. "It was my pleasure."

Mike had seen enough and spun her around to face him, gripping her waist tightly. His lips covered hers, his tongue invading her mouth as she gasped. This would show her who she belonged to.

Isabella stood frozen, her lips unmoving, bile rising in her throat as his tongue fiddled in her mouth. With her hands on his chest, she pushed him away, wiping at her mouth, and the taste of bourbon covering her lips.

"Mhmm, so sweet," Mike drawled, dismissing the look of disgust on Isabella's face. "Maybe we can continue that after the event."

Tonight, Isabella could only hope Mike would drink himself into oblivion and forget about that promise. She knew she wouldn't be able to handle his hands on her skin.

T-T-T-

Isabella put on her smile and held onto Mike's arm as they emerged from the limo. He pulled her close to him, squeezing her already bruised hip. He smiled and waved as the cameras flashed.

He was in his element.

Pulling her close, he kissed her cheek. "Now give me a kiss. Show these people that we are the couple."

"But we are not a couple," she argued through clenched teeth.

His hand on her hips tightened again. "Yes, we are. Now fucking act like it."

Wincing from the pain, she turned her head and kissed his lips lightly, still wearing that fucking smile. The cameras clicked and flashed. Briefly, Edward with his camera flashed through her mind.

Her smile faltered just a touch.

Jane had outdone herself. The ballroom was covered with ribbons, and tulips, and champagne was being passed around by the wait staff. A giant, decorated Christmas tree was the main focus of the room, illuminated by thousands of lights. Men in tuxes and women in the most elegant dresses occupied the space. The who's who out of all fifty states were present. The name Newton carried a long way and when such an event was hosted, everyone would be present. Tabloids would be screaming with gossip by the morning.

It was supposed to be about charity and no doubt, a lot of money would be raised, but how much of it would actually make it to those that needed it.

Mike dragged her around the room, shaking hands with every man that came his way, introducing her as his wife. With most of them, he talked business and joked about the current economy.

Eventually, they took their seats by his parents. Jane introduced the charity and asked everyone to open up their wallets. The food was served and after the five-course meal, Mike pulled Isabella onto the dance floor.

"What must I do to make you smile at me?" He asked close to her ear, slowly spinning around the floor.

"I think you know," she whispered.

Mike nodded against her shoulder and continued to dance in silence. Isabella gazed around the room, at the unfamiliar faces when her breath hitched.

There was no mistaking that hair.

"What's the matter?" Mike asked concerned, his eyes flickering between hers.

Isabella's eyes roamed around the spot where she had just seen him, not finding anything. She shook her head. "Nothing."

"There was something. I saw you flinch and I certainly heard that gasp. Tell me," he urged.

She tried to smile reassuringly but probably failed. "Don't worry about it. It was nothing."

"Isabella," he warned, his eyes becoming angry.

She shook her head and pulled away from his arms. "I need to go to the bathroom," she said and rushed through the throngs of people into the hallway containing the restrooms.

As she reached for the handle, she was pulled into a muscular chest and into the broom closet across the hall. She screeched, but a large hand covered her mouth. Fear gripped her heart as the possibilities ran through her mind. Mike finally found a way to get what he wanted from her.

"Shhh," the male voice whispered. "It's me."

Her heart stuttered in her chest.

Could this be real?

His scent told her she was right. Spinning around, she came face to face with those gorgeous green eyes that had haunted her dreams for months.

"Edward," she breathed, clutching the lapels of his tux jacket.

"Bella," he whispered, his breath washing over her cheeks as he kissed the corner of her mouth.

Her eyes widened and she pushed him away. "You can't be here. You have to go." Panic started to set in at the possibility of Mike finding her with Edward.

His eyebrows scrunched together and his gaze was questioning. "What are you…?"

"Look, it's not safe for you to be here. He can't see you. Please, Edward," she pleaded.

She reached for the door handle, but he stopped her. "Bella."

His voice was the same plea as that night in the ocean by the boardwalk, just before he had made love to her. Her breath faltered and her eyes closed, letting the memories wash over her for the first time in months.

"Please," she pleaded again, afraid that she'd lose herself in him again.

"Bella, please look at me." Edward's voice was so close, his breath washing over her neck.

She shook her head. "What are you doing here?"

He sighed. "Alice. She was worried about you when you didn't return her phone calls." He paused, his hands brushing down her arm. "We're all worried about you," he breathed against her neck.

She swallowed, hot tears pooling her eyes. Cutting off contact with Alice and Lauren wasn't the best idea, but it had kept her focused on the task at hand. Isabella knew if she had let Alice and Lauren know what Mike was doing, her friends would have stopped at nothing to get her out of his clutches.

That would leave Edward exposed and Mike would have destroyed him and her in the process.

"You can't be here," she breathed.

"Why not?"

"He will destroy you," she confessed, closing her eyes and fighting back tears.

Edward spun her around, grasping her shoulders lightly. "What are you talking about? What's going on?"

She hiccupped, the past months of despair catching up with her. "He… he has pictures."

Edward looked confused. "What kind of pictures?"

"Of us. He had someone follow me while I was in Hawaii and now he has pictures."

Edward released her shoulders and stepped back, his fingers running roughly through his hair. It was untamed as usual and she liked it. It was shorter around the edges and his face was clean-shaven.

"Those aren't pictures of us." His voice was small and quiet, his shoulders hunched and defeated.

"What?" She asked.

His eyes met hers, sunken and heart-broken. "Did you see the pictures?"

She shook her head. "No."

A flicker of hope passed over his features but was gone just as fast. "Look at them. They're not pictures of us."

"Then what are…" She gasped, her hand covering her mouth and shaking her head widely, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. "No. Please, no."

"Bella, please let me…"

"It was you! You were the one that he hired to spy on me, weren't you?"

He nodded mutely, his eyes on the floor. "Please let me explain."

"Explain what? That you got paid by that slimeball to photograph me with another man? Did he pay you to sleep with me? Seduce me?"

She grabbed the door handle and ran out of the closet, her mind reeling.

"Bella," Edward's voice called out to her, his footsteps heavy on the floor as he followed her.

Hot tears ran down her cheeks, her hiccups loud as she grabbed the nearest cab. Her necklace caught her attention in the glass window and she yanked it from her neck, letting it fall to the wet pavement.

"Bella, wait!"

Looking over her shoulder to see him running down the steps, she gave the cab driver her address. As the taxi left the curb, she watched Edward pick up the necklace through the rear-view mirror. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she sobbed. She had been so stupid and naïve to think that Edward would be different from any other man.

She had fallen in love with him.

But now she knew.

Every man was the same.

Manipulative and sinister.

Grabbing her suitcase out of her closet, she stuffed it with her necessities, wiping tears as she went. At the top of the stairs, her eyes flickered to Mike's office, Edward's words ringing in her ear.

Those are not pictures of us.

With a pounding heart, she searched through the files on his desk. No manila envelope containing pictures. She spun in his chair and faced his safe.

They had to be in there.

She tried his birthday as a combination, their wedding anniversary but none of them worked. The day his dad passed over the business was an important day to Mike. She tried that date and the lock clicked open.

Why am I not surprised, she thought bitterly.

Their unsigned divorce papers lay on top and a few files down she found a manila envelope. The pictures were of her with Alice and Lauren at the spa that day following the reunion. Five photos of her smiling and enjoying her time with friends.

Throwing them onto Mike's desk, she clicked on his email icon. Surely, he had to have contact with Edward.

Some kind of a business transaction.

Scrolling through a ton of emails from his business contacts, she found it.

To: mikenewton

From: emcullen

Subject: Proof

Mr. Newton,

There are no indiscretions to report about your wife. She spent her time with her former high school friends during her stay here in Honolulu. Attached are pictures. No payment will be needed on this matter.

Thank you for your business,

Edward Masen Cullen
JW Securities


A/N: Big sigh of Relief? Or not?

At least, he did not send compromising photos. She ripped the necklace and found out the truth. Now the hard part is for him to seek forgiveness. Stay tuned to see how that will go.

Thanks for reading and reviewing.

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