Author's Note: I'm sure you're all wondering what the twist is. A fan actually guessed part of it, and it scared the hell out of me. I suppose it was pretty obvious, but still. But guess what? You didn't guess the whole thing, so I'm still good. The part you got right, though, is in this chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.


Chapter 9

Everyone was strangely silent during dinner. Carlisle and Charlie seemed lost in their own thoughts, and Renee and Esme kept exchanging nervous glances. Alice and Jasper seemed to be communicating silently in their own way, and Emmett kept glancing at me worriedly.

After dinner, Esme served strawberry shortcake and hot chocolate for dessert. And at long last, Carlisle started the family meeting.

"You might already know that Charlie and I are having a slightly difficult time trying to maintain our partnership," he began. "Of course, there are no problems with our friendship. It's just the companies that try to interfere with us. Because our companies are getting bigger and stronger, the other corporations are trying to separate us.

"We needed to think of a way to go against them quickly. And I guess…" He glanced at Charlie. "I guess we did."

"We've been thinking about this ever since you were all toddlers," Charlie said helpfully. "So don't think that this just came out of nowhere."

"What are you talking about?" I asked blankly. Everyone looked like they knew what Carlisle and Charlie were talking about, but I really had no clue.

"We're arranging a marriage between the two of you," Carlisle said. "One from my family, and one from Charlie's. We thought marriage would be the only way to make a stronger relationship between the two companies."

My eyes were huge. "Who?"

"Now don't freak out, dear," Renee said soothingly. "It'll be fine."

I glanced at Alice and Jasper. They didn't look particularly happy. Were they the ones?

"Bella," Carlisle said, capturing my attention.

"What?"

Carlisle smiled slightly. "It's you, Bella. You'll be marrying Edward."

My jaw dropped. "What?"

"It's true," Charlie said. "We're arranging a marriage between the two of you. This is purely for business, but we knew that you've liked each other ever since you two were young. We thought it was a good idea."

Edward liked me?

I turned to look at him. He was looking down at his cake, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I don't get it," I said, shocked. "Why me? Why not these two?" I pointed at Alice and Jasper. "They're both twenty-one! I'm barely eighteen! Is this even legal?"

"Of course it is, Bella," Carlisle said patiently. "We checked. And as you're turning eighteen in a few months' time, it's perfectly legal."

"As for the question regarding us," Alice spoke up. "We're just not… We're not ready, Bella. We wanted to date for a few more years. For all you know, we might not work out. But you guys…" She smiled. "You guys are perfect. It's like you're meant for each other."

"Oh, isn't this so exciting?" Esme gushed.

I was getting overwhelmed. Married? Me?

"Wait, wait, wait," I interrupted. "When is this happening?"

"Well, everyone's on spring break," Charlie said. "Why not next week when everyone can be here for the wedding?"

I stared at him. "You're crazy!"

"Why not?" Alice asked.

"Well, for one," I said. "You just dropped this bomb on me when I was totally unprepared. And second, marriage is a big thing. Alice and Jasper are afraid that they might not work out, but what about us? We're younger than they are. What makes you think that everything will turn out okay between us?"

"We don't," Renee said, grinning. "That's what makes it so exciting. We're taking a chance with you guys. We trust you on this."

I stared at her before looking away, exasperated.

"If it bothers you that we knew that you guys liked each other, just think of it as business," Charlie suggested. "Totally business stuff."

I grimaced. Edward didn't seem to mind at all.

"Fine," I muttered.

"You'll do it?" Alice perked up.

"Do I have a choice?"

"No," Renee and Esme chorused before breaking into giggles.

I rolled my eyes. "May I be excused?"

Charlie nodded.

Frowning, I rose from my seat and escaped the dining room. I fled up the stairs and locked myself in my room.

I began hyperventilating. Married? To Edward?

I was getting hysterical. I had to get a hold of myself.

I tried to breathe evenly. But the more I thought about it, the sicker I became. I'd liked Edward, sure, but I'd never imagined myself married to him. Just the mere thought of it made me feel awkward and nervous.

How pathetic I'd become.


AN: So! Arranged marriage was half of the answer to the twist. But hey! There's two other parts to this, so you'll have to do better than that! Ha, I'm so smug right now. Anyway, what do you think will happen next? I wonder if someone will guess the second part of the twist?

And I'm so sorry about me neglecting Golden Lifestyle. I'm getting a few ideas so I'll start writing the chapters again, I suppose. But still, bear with me, okay?

In the meantime, you guys don't want me to neglect Mistakes like I'm neglecting GL, do you? Well, then, you know what to do. Do you see that small little review button at the end of the page? I suggest you click on that and leave tons of reviews on what you thought about this meaningful and important chapter. You know how much I love those things. We cool? Great! Thanks, guys!