Thank you to everyone who kindly submitted a review for Chapter 9. I love hearing your thoughts. I'm sorry it has been so long between posts but RL seems to get in my way, a lot! Very frustrating! Hi to all my new readers who have added WMBC to their favourite or following lists Awesome!

Also just a quick shout out to Jaxon22 for all her kind words and encouragement! Thank you so much! If you haven't already, be sure to check out her latest work of genius, Dancing in the Dark

I don't own Twilight or any of the characters etc...All belong to the fabulous Stephanie Meyer and Summit. I just wanted to play with them a bit.

Also for chapters 10 and 11… I don't own Fifty Shades 1,2 or 3, characters, story lines or ideas…just playing and borrowing them…all belong to E.L James

We Met by Chance

Chapter 10

BPOV

Try as I might, I can't pull my eyes from the screen as the images of Edward slamming Tanya Denali against the wall, his hand sliding up beneath her skirt, his lips crushing hers passionately, replay again and again taunting me, before cutting back to a studio where the real Edward and Tanya sit side by side on a small two seater lounge; her hands resting right next to his leg.

My insides are swirling, my emotions spinning as if consumed by an all raging and unforgiving tornado. I continue to watch on in silent horror as Tanya throws back her head laughing at something Edward has said before all but snuggling into his side.

It's that he doesn't seem to mind that has my stomach feeling suddenly uneasy.

I'm pulled from my reverie as Alice's commanding voice pierces my bubble. "For the love of god, will somebody please turn that off!?"

I close my eyes, shaking my head as if to somehow throw the images from my mind. No such luck.

"Bella, come on," says Alice calmly, her small hands clasping my own and pulling me towards an empty lounge. "Sit down."

I take a slow breath and attempt to put on a happy face. Inside I know I shouldn't feel this way. Edward has called me every day, sent me text after text telling me how much he misses me, how he can't wait to see me; he hasn't let me down.

"Your smile won't fool me Bella Swan," tuts Alice her eyes determined yet equally soft and caring. "You love him don't you?"

What! How did we get here?

My heart knows the answer, but my mind is playing catch up. Can someone fall in love this quickly? Since that night with Victoria I've known that what I feet for Edward is stronger and a whole lot more than I've ever felt for someone in my life. Deep down I know he's taken my heart and that I love him, but admitting it out aloud to someone other than myself, that scares me. What if he doesn't love me back?

"You're overthinking it," interrupts Alice. "It's an easy question sweetie. Do you love him?"

"Yes," I gasp as I'm overcome by a wave of emotion my eyes beginning to fill with tears as I feel relief and fear at the same time.

Alice pulls me towards her enveloping me in her tiny arms. "Oh Bella, sweetie come here."

After a minute or two I pull back from Alice to wipe away the stray tears that have spilled down my cheeks feeling like a fool.

Alice's hand comes up to tuck the few untamed strands behind my ears, her gesture pulling at my heart as I remember the last time I saw Edward and his hands mimicked Alice's before he kissed me. My eyes close of their own accord as my body comes to life at the memory of his touch, his kiss, his presence.

"It's hard to watch him like that, isn't it?" asks Alice quietly.

I nod in response.

"I found it really hard at first too, with Jasper, when whatever movie he was filming had a love scene. I couldn't watch," she continued, shaking her head. "I'd make him promise to warn me before hand and then I'd walk out of the room. He'd call me back in when it was over."

Would that be enough for me? Just walk out and walk back in when whatever character he's playing has finished screwing the female lead?

As if knowing my question Alice gives me some degree of an answer.

"It's not him Bella. It's not Edward. That's what I had to learn to remember, to tell myself." Her voice is soft and supportive. "It wasn't Jasper I saw making love or fucking six ways till Sunday some other woman. It was a character. It wasn't my boyfriend."

She let go of my hands and wriggled back further onto the lounge, tucking her legs underneath her, one hand supporting her head as her arm lays draped over the back of the lounge. "Jasper struggled with it too you know? He even went as far as turning down roles that required him to get naked at all," she smirks and her eyes twinkle as she stares off into space seeming to enjoy some private joke. "In the end though, I felt so selfish. It was my fault he was missing out on roles I knew he'd love. I loved him, he loved me. We had no secrets." Her eyes were now boring into mine. "I needed to trust him."

I trusted Edward. I did. But in all honesty, deep down I was still struggling to accept how he, the most sought after man on the planet, could want me.

"Don't bottle up on me Swan." Alice's tone is both humorous and a warning. "Spill, now."

Edward was right. For someone so small, she could be somewhat intimidating.

"I…I do trust Edward, honestly," I begin nervously my hands twisting in my lap. "I feel so guilty for feeling like this because he has been nothing but kind, caring, affectionate and oh so patient, especially patient."

"But…" nudges Alice.

I sigh, shaking my head in shame. "I can't, and believe me Alice I've tried, I have," I ramble. "But I can't understand how he could want me. I mean he could have his pick of the litter. Why me? But yet he's done everything to make me feel the opposite, to make me feel like I'm the only woman in the world. He flew back from Italy for one night just for my birthday for god's sake and still I can't bring myself to see it!" I take a deep breath before I continue. "I'm nothing like he's used to. He's told me he'll wait as long as it takes, months, even years. But I'm not stupid Alice. I know he'll need something sooner or later."

Alice is now sitting forward on the lounge. "Are you saying you and Edward haven't had sex yet?"

I instantly feel my skin flush and I have no doubts that I currently resemble the perfect shade of a ripened tomato. "We haven't really done anything," I add quietly, so quietly I'm questioning if I really said anything at all.

For the first time since I've met Alice Whitlock, she is speechless. It's quite a sight to behold. Suddenly I'm all but thrown backwards on the lounge as Alice's tiny frame engulfs my own, her arms wrapping me in a fierce bear hug.

"Oh, Bella, this is," she begins as she pulls back, holding me at a distance before hugging me once more. "This is wonderful! Do you realise how significant this is for Edward?"

"His past-"

"He's told you that too?" she interrupts, her eyes bulging resembling saucers.

I nod somewhat cautiously unsure of what reaction to expect next.

"Eeeeeeee!" squeals Alice, launching herself at me once more, although this time I'm more prepared. "Bella, believe me when I say this is huge, this is fantastic. Edward doesn't openly talk about his past and when it comes to women, well…he hasn't exactly been prince charming."

But he's been my prince charming…

"Bella, Edward never dates. He's never really been all hearts and flowers… affectionate. But with you, Bella, you bring out that side in him. In these last few months we've all noticed a change in him." She scoots forward so as to reach my hands again. "Sweetie, don't you see? It's you. You're bringing out the best in him. You're making Edward the man he wants to be. He wants you. You. Trust him. What Jasper does on screen, what Edward does, it's not them."

Suddenly she's smiling like a kid in a candy store.

"Alice?"

"You want to know the best bit?" her sudden enthusiasm is infectious yet overwhelming.

Talk about a mood change.

"The women, and men for that matter," she laughs. "Who all over the world drool and scream over Jasper and Edward, that's all they get to do. We on the other hand get to do oh so much more. They come home to us," she says triumphantly with a gleam in her eye.

As if on cue, my phone begins belting out Bon Jovi, Edward's name flashing across the screen.

"I rest my case," says Alice, rubbing her hands together. "You need to have more belief in yourself Bella. You're gorgeous, inside and out." Slowly she stands collecting my phone from the small and very sleek looking coffee table before handing it to me. "Say hi to that brother of mine for me, but don't take too long, I still have a dress to measure you for!" and with that she's back to Alice Whitlock, designer extraordinaire and walks off shouting out orders left, right and centre.

I answer my phone and I'm greeted with the soothing sound of Edward's voice and that's all I need.

"Baby what's wrong?" he asks worryingly, my silence giving away my unease.

I close my eyes savouring his voice. Trust. I am good enough. I'm what he wants, what he needs.

"I'm okay Edward…I just miss you. It's so good to hear your voice."

"I miss you too Bella; so much," the sincerity and honesty in his voice is like the comfort of my father's rare but loving hugs. It feels like home.

My worries fade quickly into the background as I sink back into the comfort of the lounge as his voice slowly begins to sooth me, envelop me.

The woman staring back at me has me reeling. Never in my life have I looked so…feminine, so glamorous. I mean I never even went to my senior prom. Now here I am, perfect yet subtle make-up, the hint of eyeliner along with subtle eye shadow and mascara making my eyes appear so much brighter. Rosalie has once again worked her magic on my hair, pulling it loosely into a messy bun and somehow making it look like I have more hair than I do, tiny tendrils falling softly, framing my face. But it's the dress flowing gracefully and elegantly over my slight curves that has me floored. The softness of the vibrant blue coloured fabric beneath my fingers feels amazing. I find myself once more unsuccessfully adjusting the fabric over my legs in an effort to close the split that shows of my pale legs. I resign myself to that fact that whether I like it or not, my legs will be on display tonight to some degree. As will my back for that matter as it opens up as it travels around to my back revealing more of my back than I ever have, before being secured to the jewel covered strap extending over my shoulder.

Alice has spent the past week drilling into me how I should think more highly of myself. I've been trying my hardest spending my lonely nights standing in front of the mirror staring intently at my reflection.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes, picturing myself as I've grown up, my childhood and my teenage years to now. My subtle curves remain.

I like these.

My face, which as a hormonal teenager broke out in numerous bouts of unforgiving acne, has recovered well. I smile as I remember my small, almost unnoticeable scar that sits partially hidden by my right eyebrow. Christmas Eve of 1997 I'd woken up covered in spots and incredibly itchy. Charlie had of course thought the absolute worst and rushed me to the hospital in his police cruiser, sirens blaring no less, only to be told I had the chicken pox; my scar a small reminder of my inability to stop scratching despite all of Charlie's protesting.

Growing up with Charlie hadn't allowed me much 'girl' time. While all the other girls were out shopping with their mom's for dresses, I was happier in my jeans, t-shirt and hoodie, no make-up and hair out or pulled back in a simple hair tie. As comfortable as I was, I always felt like the black sheep. Charlie had done all that he could to make my upbringing as 'normal' as possible, but he was a man's man; football and beer all the way. The poor guy even went and awkwardly got our female neighbour the day I got my first period.

Now surrounded by all of this Hollywood glamour and women with perfect bodies and drop dead gorgeous looks, I still feel like that black sheep, just a little older but just as insecure. But I want to be stronger for Edward. I know I need to be if we stand any chance at all.

"Bella?" calls Rosalie from the doorway, her perfectly manicured hand on the elegant door handle. She looks stunning; a vision of supermodel perfection. Her long blonde hair falls in loose waves across her demure yet strong shoulders, her already beautiful face showcased by the appearance of subtle make-up. Rosalie's dress for this evening is also one of Alice's designs. A strapless shimmering red gown that clings to each and every curve, her long, toned legs appearing behind a thigh high split, seeming to go on for days and helped by the sky high stiletto heels she's wearing with easy grace. She looks a million dollars, which I guess given what she does for a living is a good thing.

"You look beautiful Bella," she smiles, her teeth glistening white adding to her long list of perfections. "Edward's going to be blown away. I know you don't see it," she adds quietly, her voice soft and gentle. "But you're an extremely attractive woman Bella. You have so much going for you."

I offer her a small, slightly embarrassed smile in return. "Thank you Rosalie. I'll um…just be a minute."

"Okay. The others are heading out to the car. I'll wait for you in the lounge."

I nod in reply, offering a small smile. I feel so overwhelmed with all of this; the dress, the shoes, the event itself. When Edward had asked me to be his plus one to Esme's annual masquerade charity ball, I'd imagined us arriving together.That was no longer happening. Edward's plane had been delayed which meant his meetings would run over and he would now be heading straight out to Esme and Carlisle's.

I haven't heard from him all day, only through Alice. This hasn't helped my nervousness and sense of unease at all.

I hear the slamming of a car door, reaffirming the need for me to head downstairs to the others.

After a few reassuring breaths, I slowly make my way down Alice and Jasper's extravagant staircase on unsteady legs, the death trap heels Alice has me in slowly my journey significantly.

"Don't sweat it Tinker," says Emmett reassuringly as he helps me out of the limo, my hand grasping his for dear life, my insides swirling as if on a wash cycle.

The ride over had been somewhat calming; Emmett and Jasper tormenting one another, Alice and Rosalie throwing in a few swipes here and there for good measure. Their amusing banter had calmed my nerves and helped me relax, that and the addition of a beautiful silver mask to accompany my dress. It gave me the illusion that I could hide somewhat tonight. That was until we pulled into the long driveway leading to Esme and Carlisle's. The second my eyes had fallen upon the cue of limousines slowly making their way towards the enormous mansion that to me resembled a castle somewhat, my butterflies returned ten-fold, my heart beating out of my chest and my hands shaking like I'd spent far too long outside on a cold winters night.

"Bells," whispers Emmett. "I gotcha, won't let go, promise," he smiles his goofy yet reassuring grin, his eyes gleaming behind his mask, giving me a sense of comfort.

For someone who is built like a tank and most of the time looks as intimidating as all hell, underneath he really is a gentle giant; a big teddy bear.

I look over towards Rosalie who is now standing alongside a very handsome looking Jasper and gorgeous Alice in her strapless purple gown. My eyes search hers for permission. Emmett is after all, her husband, their extended family and close friends reception just weeks away. She smiles sweetly and nods her head.

I release the breath I'm unaware I've been holding and thank my lucky stars as I smile and mouth thank you, for which I truly am.

"Ma' lady," gestures Emmett extending his arm and bowing dramatically. I can't help the giggle that escapes my lips. He truly is a goofball.

As we make our way slowly along the lantern lit path leading around to the side and onwards to what I presume is the back yard, I'm enthralled by the stunning cobblestone features, dimly lit gardens and overhanging trees and the water features, which combined create a magical, calming and iridescent atmosphere.

My hand instinctively tightens on Emmett's arm as we round the final corner and the enormous and seemingly unending swarm of guests come into view.

Oh my god…

My insides swirl unforgivingly as I fight the urge to lose my lunch. The last time I'd been in the company of so many people was my college graduation, and well that didn't go well.

I feel Emmett's hand rub across mine in a sweet gesture of reassurance as we venture onwards into the throng of people. "I've gotcha."

I continue to cling to Emmett's side as he leads me slowly towards who I can only assume are Carlisle and Esme behind the masks, Rosalie, Jasper and Alice already greeting them warmly. I find myself peering around searching for Edward.

"He's running late," answers Emmett as if reading my mind. "He'll be here soon. I'm afraid you're stuck with me until then."

Before I have a chance to reply I'm pulled from Emmett's arm and into a fierce embrace by none other than Esme Cullen.

"Oh Bella, sweetheart it's so lovely to see you," she says sweetly kissing my cheek. "You look stunning. That colour looks beautiful on you."

I've met Esme Cullen a handful of times when she has picked Maddie up from preschool. She was always so friendly and warm. I knew this evening would mean seeing her again but I wasn't just a teacher anymore, I was her son's girlfriend and I didn't know what to expect and Edward's absence didn't help.

My voice finally makes an appearance and I manage to mumble a shy and embarrassing

Thank you.

"Bella, I'd like you to meet Edward's father, my husband Carlisle," gestures Esme to the tall, handsome blonde haired and impeccably dressed man who was standing to the side with Jasper, Rosalie and Alice, all of whom were wearing million dollar smiles.

I nervously place my hand in his outstretched palm.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Isabella. We've been looking forward to properly meeting the woman who has helped return our son to us."

Alice's words from my final dress fitting flitter through as I take in his words.

…It's you. You're bringing out the best in him. You're making Edward the man he wants to be…

I blush crimson red, silently thankful for the mask currently adorning my face and hopefully hiding my embarrassment.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both…um properly," I all but squeak out. "You're garden's look magical."

You're garden's look magical? Oh god kill me now…Where is Edward?!

My salvation comes in the form of Alice who excitedly invites me to come and check out her childhood room and the interior of the Cullen Mansion as I see fit to call it.

I feel a wave of relief rush through me as we enter a set of open French doors and my tour begins, the enormous crowd of A-list partygoers forgotten.

The interior of the Cullen Mansion is as exquisite as the outside, stunning paintings adorning the walls and a feature grand staircase leading upstairs to countless rooms and our destination; Alice's bedroom.

We enter, Rosalie who has decided to tag along gently ushering me inside. A huge canopy bed with a bold pink quilt cover sits up against the wall, family pictures sitting neatly on two beside tables and an inviting and plush looking rug laying near the foot of the bed and covering a vast amount of the floor. A large sketching desk sits in the corner near the window, scattered with what appear to be fabric swatches and various other pieces that I presume Alice must have used for inspiration maybe?

"I still come in here sometimes when I need a pick me up, some quiet time. I find it produces some of my best designs," offers Alice as her hands skim across a fabric swatch that I notice looks very similar to the colour of my dress this evening. "I actually designed your gown in here. I'm so glad you like it. I know it's different for you and very much out of your comfort zone, but Bella, you look stunning. It suits you beautifully."

"I'll second that," smiles Rosalie who has assumed a seat on the foot of Alice's bed.

As hard as it is for me to see this, I do really like how the dress skims gently over my hips and accentuates the few curves that I have.

"I'm very grateful Alice, I am," I offer as sincerely as I can. I've spent all afternoon thanking her for everything she has done, but she's right. It is out of my comfort zone and I'm feeling increasingly vulnerable but at the same time uncharacteristically sexy.

Suddenly the air around me changes and my heart begins to beat faster. I know it's Edward before I even feel his hands swim across my waist and hold me tight.

"Not as grateful as I am," he whispers in my ear, my body reacting immediately as my legs turn to jelly and my skin erupts in a full blown blaze. But it's the feeling in the pit of my stomach that's suddenly burning a direct path to between my legs that has me reeling. The feeling of Edward's hands through the soft fabric of my dress is electrifying.

"We'll see you two downstairs," says Alice who is smiling from ear to ear.

"Sooner rather than later preferably," laughs Rosalie as she follows Alice out of the room and closes the door behind her.

I'm suddenly spinning around and am now face to face with my own personal Greek god. I drink him in, his hair in its usual disarray and he has the faintest hint of stubble appearing on his chiselled chin. He's dressed like all of the other men I've seen so far tonight; sharp black suit, crisp white shirt and black bow tie with a simple black mask completing his look, and my god does he look mighty fine.

My heart begins to swell and my head goes giddy as I think back to my conversation with Alice.

"…They come home to us…"

In a second I'm kissing him with all that I have, my arms around his neck holding him to me. I've never missed something or someone as much as I have Edward in my life. I feel his hands tighten around my waist before sliding up my bare back. His guttural groan has an immediate effect between my legs, desire pooling rapidly. Only when we are both desperate for air do we break apart, our eyes reaffirming just how much we had missed one another. Every thought of self-doubt and negativity are quickly forgotten as I see the sincerity and genuine emotion behind Edward's eyes.

"I've missed you so much more than I ever thought I'd miss anyone," says Edward slowly, his hands reaching up and cupping my face. "I've literally been counting down the days, the hours until I could see you again, hold you, kiss you. I'm pretty sure I drove Seth insane."

"It was poor Ange and Alice for me," I giggle.

I'm rewarded with his dazzling smile; God how I've missed that.

"Speaking of Alice," he murmurs stepping back from me, his hand lifting mine above my head and slowly spinning me on the spot. "I think she is seriously trying to put me in an early grave because Jesus you look so fucking sexy right now," he groans. "I think I have a new favourite to add to my beautiful Bella list," he smiles as I blush.

I can't help but laugh, "Beautiful Bella list?"

His lips descend upon my neck, kissing, nipping and sucking sending my body insane. "Oh it's quite the list and most definitely now includes your back."

His hands feel amazing on my bare skin, leaving a blazing trail in their wake.

The sound of Edward's phone buzzing in his pocket brings me back to reality, and reluctantly so. Being up here in Edward's arms is much more appealing than the crowd of VIP's currently mingling downstairs.

"That's probably Emmett being his usual childish self," sighs Edward as he gently touches my face, our eyes dancing together.

"How did I get so lucky?"

I smile shyly, "I could say the same thing."

The sound of the MC's voice announcing that dinner is to be served has us slowly and quite unwillingly walking towards the door.

"Thank you for being here," murmurs Edward before kissing my forehead. "If it gets too much, let me know and we can leave."

His concern for me warms my heart. "I'll be okay. I've got you."

We linger in the open doorway. "Always baby."

The closer we get to the entrance of the pristine and impressive white marquee, the larger the butterflies become in my tornado twisting stomach. I adjust my grip on Edward's arm and hold him tighter.

"You okay, baby?"

No…

There's no point in lying, it won't make me feel any better. "I'm nervous."

Edward pulls me closer and kisses me softly. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight. Don't be nervous, my family loves you, especially Mom and Dad. None of them will let anything happen to you and either will I."

I'm slightly relieved by his words and offer in return a meek thank you.

"Oh before I forget," says Edward as we reach the front of the queue. "Dad has insisted on dancing with you tonight."

Oh shit…

Bella Swan and dancing do not mix. "Umm…I don't think that's a very good idea Edward…"

"That's after you dance with me," he winks before turning to the usher and introducing us.

"Mr Cullen, Miss Swan," he acknowledges politely. "You are seated at table one this evening at the front of the marquee. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

I smile politely as we step over the threshold and into the marquee. My smile is however short lived as I take in the sight before me, my expression I'm sure now resembling that of a deer in headlights. There are large candelabra's throughout the interior bursting with exquisite flowers and lit candles while paper lanterns seem to float above the tables, rows and rows of fairy lights providing a soft light throughout the marquee. A house band sit positioned on a stage at the front of the room and are playing a beautiful piece that reminds me of Edward's CD. My eyes fall following a set of steps from the stage and land upon a large and glistening dance floor.

God help me…

To my relief we are seated with the rest of the Cullen family. Edward pulls out my chair for me; I'm seated next to Alice and Edward.

"Oh Edward, how very gentlemanly of you," says Emmett teasingly as he bats his eyelids.

There are small sniggers around the table as Edward shoots Emmett daggers. I try very hard to hide my smile.

"Emmett," warns Esme sternly. "There will be none of that tonight, thank you."

I watch as Emmett does his best to swallow whatever was about to come out next. "Yes Mom."

I grab Edward's hand as he sits down and squeeze gently. He returns the gesture making me smile.

Dinner progresses smoothly, table after table erupting in fits of laughter as the MC engages his audience. The food is delicious, presented in such intricate and impressive ways. I'm feeling relaxed and at ease as I listen to Edward discuss an upcoming project with Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett while every now and again I join in Rosalie and Alice's conversation with Esme.

It's not long after that I notice guests beginning to mill around the room and engage with other tables. Many of them approach our table and speak briefly with Esme and Carlisle and occasionally Edward, who introduces me, much to my delight and slight embarrassment at being the centre of attention, as his girlfriend. There is a lull in visitors for a little while before a tall and stunningly looking blonde dressed in a long black and shimmering silver gown with matching mask approaches accompanied by a slightly shorter sandy haired man. The woman has a smile from ear to ear plastered across her face and is looking at something directly to my right. Edward.

My stomach suddenly begins somersaulting uncomfortably. Many women have approached Edward tonight and I have felt nothing. But right now, something is off.

"Long time, no see stranger," croons the blonde as she reaches our table.

I watch as Edward's head pops up and he smiles. Some of his smiles tonight have been forced. It was easy to see that talking to certain people was not his idea of fun. But this smile, it's a genuine smile.

Alice's hand is suddenly squeezing and rubbing my leg. It seems like a comforting gesture, but why?

Edward's voice greets my ears. "Tanya," he laughs.

Until next time…

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