A/N- Thank you all who are interested in this story and continue to show their support through reviews. I appreciate all the comments, even the ones that demand I write faster. I know it's been awhile since an update, but I tried to write as soon as I found some time. I hope you guys enjoy. Happy reading!

Chapter 10

Sovay's Ball

Their carriage pulled into the circle drive of the Sovay's home about the same time as everyone else and silently waited for their turn to exit the carriage at the main entrance. Bella was lost in thought about the outcome of this evening. A day ago she sent for her maid, Sara, from her parent's home and slipped her a note to deliver to Jacob telling him to attend the Sovay's ball. She hoped he received the message or this night would be in vain.

Edward was surveying the crowd with a frown on his face. He half considered turning the carriage around, but he had promised she could have one more ball before they left for Rochester. Nonetheless, he was still concerned for her safety.

The minute they were announced, they were swarmed by people eager to mingle. Overnight, they became London's most celebrated couple just by being the fated couple at Lady Lovejoy's soiree. Instead of contributing to whatever conversation they were in, Bella scanned the crowd for Jacob discreetly. Every time a group of ladies tried to pry Bella away from Edward's arm. He leveled a glare their way and they immediately scattered.

"You'll scare all of my friends away," Bella whispered sipping her punch.

It wasn't spiked, because Edward tasted it himself before handing it to her. He was going overboard with the protectiveness, but it was his way of showing he cared.

"It eases my mind to have you next to me," He whispered against her ear making her skin tingle.

They were standing in a group of Edward's businessmen and their wives when Jacob made his entrance. The moment Bella met his gaze from across the room was the same moment Edward followed her gaze.

"What is he doing here?" Edward demanded in her ear.

"His family is close friends with the Sovay's," Bella replied indifferently bringing her attention back to Edward.

While exchanging pleasantries with the wives in their circle, Bella caught glimpses of Jacob dancing with a Miss Leah Clearwater. A merchant's daughter rich enough to buy her acceptance into the ton.

"Rochester, join us for a card game," Lord Livingston invited.

"I will have to decline, gentlemen," Edward said refusing to leave Bella alone because of her condition and that vile Lord Black.

Mr. Francis chuckled, "Come along, Rochester. I have to win my money back the last time you beat me."

"May we steal him from you for a moment, Lady Rochester?" Lord Livingston asked.

Bella turned to Edward, "Don't disappoint your friends, husband. I shall be fine on my own."

"But-"

Lord Livingston urged Edward toward the card room and Edward looked back anxiously. She smiled to reassure him. When he was out of sight, Bella excused herself from the ladies and met Jacob halfway across the room.

"Lady Rochester," Jacob greeted.

The title no longer made her flinch and he seemed to sense it. The corners of his eyes were drawn downward as if he already knew why she called him out this evening.

"Lord Black," She replied for the sake of onlookers.

Half of these people knew they were once a courting couple and gazed their way curiously. Some secretly hoping for a scandal that would destroy the Cullen name.

"Your glass is empty. Shall I escort you to the refreshments table?" Jacob asked politely offering his arm.

She took it and let him lead her away from the center of the crowded room to the table situated near the balcony. The crowd barely paid them any attention when it looked like they were just refilling their glasses.

"Champagne?" Jacob asked picking up a glass.

Bella went for the punch instead, "I'll just have this for tonight."

Jacob smiled, "I always thought you liked champagne better."

Something in Bella's expression wiped the smile from his face and he said slowly, "Unless…He isn't letting you drink."

"No, no, Edward isn't like that. I just want a clear head tonight," Bella forced a smile.

Jacob turned his back on her and said, "Let's step out onto the balcony."

Bella squared her shoulders and followed him a short way to the open balcony. They stood a foot away and anyone looking in would see that they were carrying on with a conversation and nothing more. The muggy air made her skirts cling to her legs and caused her nerves to fray at the edges.

"Is something wrong? Do you wish to tell me something, Bella?" Jacob asked looking straight into her eyes.

Bella fidgeted in the spot where she stood fighting with herself to say the words that would sever all ties with her best friend.

"Jacob, there's no easy way to say this," Bella began.

He gave her a sad smile, "You can tell me anything, Bella."

It was as if he knew what was coming and was preparing himself for whatever she threw his way. Bella swore this would be the last time she'd hurt him.

Swallowing back tears she told him, "I can't leave with you, Jacob."

"Why?" He demanded immediately. Whatever he was expecting it surely wasn't that from the shocked expression on his face.

"Did he find out and threatened you?" He looked her over for bruises and signs of abuse but found none.

"No, he doesn't know anything," Bella replied.

Jacob narrowed his eyes, "Then, why are you doing this when we are days away from leaving? Are you scared? Damn it, Bella, I said I'd take care of you and I will."

Bella shook her head, "It's not that."

"Then, what is it? Tell me," Jacob pleaded.

On the verge of tears, Bella couldn't find the words to deal the final blow. But she knew he would only let it go if he knew the truth, and she needed him to let go.

"I'm pregnant, Jake," She gritted out.

He stared at her dumbfounded and in utter shock. His expression went from disbelief to astonishment and finally anger.

"You let that bastard get you with child when this while time I thought you loved me? Tell me, did he force himself on you?" Jacob had gripped her arm in the middle of his questions.

Bella quickly removed herself from his clutch, and checked to make sure no one saw them.

"No, he would never do that. It was an accident at Lady Lovejoy's soiree. I conceived that night," She explained.

He chuckled, "You expect me to believe that? Once is all it takes?"

"It's already happened believe it or not. And if Edward hadn't offered for my hand, my child would have been a bastard. Don't tell me you would've accepted this child," Bella stated.

He understood her meaning, "I'm willing to forgive you for your loss of virtue, but I cannot raise another man's child as my own. I can't do it, Bella. Call it selfishness or a man's pride, but I would have to look at that child's face everyday knowing he's the child of the man who stole you from me."

"I wasn't expecting you to take care of my child and I understand. I just wanted you to know that I can't leave with you. Not now," Bella wiped the tears that managed to slip.

She'd known this was the ending, but it hurt nonetheless to hear him say everything she imagined he would.

"I loved you, Bella. I should've known the moment I saw the both of you at Lady Lovejoy's that our fate ended there," Jacob said his parting words.

"Can't we remain friends?" She asked.

Jacob's smile was bittersweet, "Would your husband ever allow it?"

Bella remained silent as Jacob said, "Thought so."

"Our passage for the Falcon; Edward can't ever find out," Bella said.

"I'll take care of it. Good-bye, Bella," Jacob said over his turned back.

"Jacob, I hope you find your happiness," She said to his retreating back. He never looked back.

Meanwhile, Edward was playing cards with a few businessmen when a butler handed him an urgent missive. He recognized his brother's seal right away and stepped aside to rip open the letter.

To my Dearest Brother,

Something has come to my attention, and I feel that I must inform you right away.

As you know, the Falcon departs London en route to America soon,

and I always keep a list of passengers boarding my ships.

There were two names that unnerved me.

Bella Black and Jacob Black.

The description of the woman very oddly sounds like your wife since you often write to me about her.

I may be completely wrong, but I hope you receive this letter before it's too late to see for yourself.

I will see you in Rochester soon.

Send our parents my love.

Emmett

Edward flew out of the gaming room in search of Bella, still gripping the letter that sent shockwaves through his body. He pushed through the crowd scanning for her like a crazed man. A flash of lush, brown hair caught his attention toward the balcony pass the refreshment table. She was staring at Jacob's retreating back as he quickly left the party with tears in her eyes.

His body tensed and he crumpled the letter in his hand until his knuckles turned white and his jaw locked. In the carriage, he couldn't keep his mind from racing at a million miles an hour.

What were they talking about? Why was Bella crying and why was Jacob in a rush to leave? Did she really plan to betray him? What if she still meant to flee the country with his child in her belly? Was she crying because Jacob told her to get rid of it? Was she thinking about killing his child? His Bella wasn't that cruel, was she?

He couldn't think straight with the rage blinding him in its grip. Edward schooled his temper to a simmer before he flew across the carriage and demanded her to answer his questions. It had to be a mistake, because he didn't know how to live if it wasn't.

Bella wouldn't do something like that to him. Not when she's carrying his child. What would've happened to his child when the Falcon departed? Suddenly, he couldn't breathe at the thought. What would make her think of betraying him in the worst way when he gave her everything? He was ready to rip his heart out and offer it to her on a silver platter if it made her happy. She was everything to him and he had been completely blinded by her beauty.

He wanted to know why, why would she do something like this? Did she not feel a fraction of what she felt for him what she felt for that cretin? Insane with questions, he pulled her onto his lap and abruptly ravished her mouth. It was a possessive move, one meant to brand her. Shocked, but unafraid, she responded to him sweetly; opening her mouth to him like a flower blooming for the first time. He never tasted a mouth as intoxicating as hers, and she made him lose all thought. She was hiding her devious plans behind these kisses; kisses that robbed him of his reason.

Angered, he pushed her away and couldn't stand the sight of her even when she demanded to know what was wrong with him.

When they arrived home, he dragged her upstairs to her chamber with Lindy in tow. He ignored the wide-eyed look from the maid and the angry demands from Bella to let her go. Once he reached her bedroom, he maneuvered both of them in ordering Lindy to take care of Bella. Then, he threw the door shut and locked the door from the outside.

"Edward, you can't do this to me!" She banged on the door from the inside.

Edward ignored the pain in his heart and bellowed, "Lindy, take care of your Lady!"

He heard Lindy pulling Bella from the door and coaxing her to get ready for bed. Edward sat outside of the door until the room went eerily quiet and trudged to his study to drown himself in a bottle of scotch.

The next day he was awaken by his sister Alice who looked murderous. What was she doing here?

"I won't ask you why you have my sister-in-law locked in her room since last night," She said staring at him expectedly.

"Good, get out," He ordered rubbing his temples.

Alice eyed the nearly empty bottle, "You can't indulge like that anymore. You're to be a father. Have you no responsibility?"

He looked annoyed but raised an eyebrow in question.

"Bella told me the good news through the door. Why she wants to carry your child beats me, but why haven't you told mother?" Alice asked.

'Because Bella probably wanted some time to take care of it before she fled to America,' Edward thought was a cynical laugh. He was ready for another bottle of scotch already.

Judging by his expression, Alice said, "I'll stay out of it. She's your wife and your child inside of her. When she's not eating, your child isn't either."

Edward jerked his head toward a clock and checked the time to be way past noon.

"My God, why hasn't she eaten yet? I locked her in; I didn't say no one could come in. What do I have servants for?" He grumbled out loud.

"A-ha! You do care for her!" Alice exclaimed.

"Of course," He answered automatically fixing his wrinkled outfit.

Alice frowned, "Then, why are you locking her in her room? I've never seen you like this before."

Edward sighed, "Alice, go help me find Bella some food or get out of my way."

"Mrs. Hailey brought her a tray an hour ago," Alice announced.

"If you're here to test my patience, I don't recommend it," Edward stated.

"Bella was my friend before she became my sister-in-law. I won't let you treat her this way," Alice said fiercely.

He pushed a hand through his tousled hair, "Where's mother? Why are you here?"

Alice placed a hand on her hip, "Mother asked me to come and check on Bella. And if she finds out that you locked her in the bedroom…"

Alice trailed off to emphasize the unspoken threat that Edward didn't respond to. She forgot her brother was a Cullen, and Cullen men don't answer to threats even if it came from their mother. So, Alice quickly switched tactics.

"It's not healthy to keep her locked up all day," She added quickly.

"Fine, you keep her company. Not one step outside the house and that's final," He relented. Edward planned to bar visitors from the house, too.

"I hope you find out the truth about whatever possessed you to act like a monster," Alice said before leaving.

Edward hired a detective to hunt down information regarding Bella and Jacob's escape plan. He trusted the man to be discreet, because the man was quite terrified of Emmett and wouldn't dare step out of line. As he waited for the news, he rode to one of his gentlemen's club to drown himself in a haze of liquor. Feeling nothing was better than feeling betrayed and unwanted.

After two days of holing up in a dank room that smelled to cheap perfume, sweat, and expensive liquor. His hired detective managed to seek Edward out to give him a report of what he found. Edward paid the man and told him to leave. He fingered the envelope for a short while until curiosity ate away with him and he ripped it open.

The report said that there was in fact an inquiry for a Bella Black and Jacob Black to board the Falcon a month ago, but when the detective went back to the shipyard to check the passenger list. The names were nonexistent. The detective spoke to personnel who handled the paperwork swore that the names and information were still there weeks ago, but had suddenly disappeared.

'Jacob did a thorough job of covering his tracks', Edward thought. The passenger list that Emmett received was probably weeks old, and the only one Jacob couldn't cover up. Emmett wasn't wrong; Bella had really planned to leave him.

Meanwhile, at home, Alice tucked Bella into bed after the doctor left.

"Bella, you can't keep worrying like this. You heard the doctor; it's not good for the baby. If you continue, you might lose the child," Alice spoke slowly to get through to her how dangerous the situation was.

"Alice, what if he hates me? What if he can't forgive me?" Bella asked sounding so far away.

Alice soothed her hair, "What are you talking about? Edward adores you. How could he ever hate you?"

Bella broke into a sob, "I think he knows what I've done, and I can't ever take it back."

For the past few days, Bella had been talking in cryptic sentences that led Alice nowhere near what the problem was between her and Edward. She only knew that it was something bad, and Edward was royally angry about it or he wouldn't have stayed away so long. But what could be more important than the safety of their child? Bella had some light bleeding for the past day, and the doctor confined her to bed rest. Alice could kill her brother when he came home.

Stevens rushed to open the door before Edward reached the first steps of his home the next evening. One look at Edward's disheveled outfit, and Stevens had to pause to make sure this person was really the master of the house. As long as Stevens had known him, Edward had never looked so poorly put together.

"Where's my wife?" Edward asked taking the stairs two at a time before the poor man could answer.

Mrs. Hailey called out to him as she rushed to catch up with his long strides, but her robust figure failed to reach him before he burst through Bella's bedchamber. She hoped Miss Alice was there to diffuse the ticking time bomb before something bad happened.

"Edward-" Bella started.

"When were you going to tell me?" He demanded pacing her carpet.

"Tell you what?" Bella asked.

Edward stared at her in disbelief, "Are you really going to keep playing dumb with me?"

She opened her mouth to speak but he cut in, "You were going to leave me for him."

"How did you know?" She asked softly.

"Emmett owns the Falcon, Bella," Edward replied. "I have one question," He continued, "What were you going to do with my child?"

"Nothing!" Bella exclaimed.

Alice caught her brother's arm, "Don't do this right now. Bella's-"

"Stay out of this," Edward warned and brushed Alice aside.

He whipped his attention back to Bella, "So, you admit to planning your escape with that bastard?"

"Escape? Edward, this is crazy. Bella, tell him you would never do something like that," Alice implored.

Bella's silence threw Alice for a loop, and placed a scornful smirk on Edward's lips.

"Edward, listen to me," Bella pleaded, "I did plan on leaving, but that was before I knew I was with child. After that, I knew…I knew I couldn't leave and take your child away."

He laughed with pain-filled eyes, "You're right. You couldn't, because Black would've never accepted my child as his own. You had no choice but to stay."

"I wanted to stay! For us, all of us. Edward, you have to believe me," She begged.

"Believe you. Bella, how can I believe you?" Edward asked clutching his hands into fists.

"At the Sovay's ball, I told Jacob I couldn't continue on with the plan," Bella explained.

"Have I ever mistreated you?" Edward asked.

"No," Bella replied.

"Have I ever done anything to deserve this?" Edward pressed.

She could feel the hurt and the betrayal emanating from his body, and she was desperate to take all of it away, only if she knew how.

Bella shook her head, "I was selfish, and I thought I was in love. It was a mistake. Haven't you ever made a mistake?"

There was a tense moment of silence before he replied, "Yes, I have. My biggest mistake was marrying you."

"Edward, you don't mean that," Bella said.

"I have been such a fool. Not anymore," He stated before turning his back on her.

Bella flew after him with Alice calling out warnings behind them.

"Edward, it was a mistake! One I deeply regret. You were never supposed to find out," She cried after him.

His boots pounded across the floor and down the stairs as Bella ran barefoot to catch up to him. It was pure rage that propelled him forward and robbed him of his mind. Through the anger, he barely recognized the uneasiness that settled over him until he was in the foyer looking back at the staircase. Alice had her mouth in the shape of an 'O' as if to say 'no', and reaching for Bella who was already two steps down the stairs.

Edward opened his mouth to tell her not to move when she took the third step, overestimated the landing in her haste and sent her tumbling the rest of the way. He scrambled to catch her, but he was one second too late and she landed with a thump at the bottom of the stairs.

"Bella!" He called lifting her head into his arms. "Bella, look at me!" He ordered shaking her unconscious body.

"Bella, oh, God…" Edward lifted his hand to her face.

The touch left a streak of crimson against the paleness of her cheek. His eyes widen when he recognized the blood wasn't his own. It was her blood. Panic began to settle in his body as he frantically search for the wound. Where was it coming from?

"Milord!" Mrs. Hailey gasped pointing at Bella's legs.

Edward looked down to see her shift soaked with blood and pooling between her legs at an alarming rate.

"No, no, no, no, nonononono…" He chanted as if it was just a dream and he would wake up any time now.

Too bad he was already awake and this was his worst nightmare.

"Get me a doctor!" He shouted sobbing against Bella's still body.

To be continued…