Hello everyone! As promised I'm delivering the second part of the chapter, in Epov and Bpov. Enjoy.

All mistakes are rightfully mine.

Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 10

Two silent knocks interrupt my work.

"Enter."

"Good day Sir. Mr. Masen wanted me to remind you for tonight. He unfortunately won't be able to attend, but needs to know if you'll be having time to attend it yourself. "

The woman standing in front of me is looking impeccable, wearing a tight grey skirt that reaches just below her knees, and a silky beige blouse, blond hair pulled up in a bun, every strand of hair in its exact place.

And of course, the cherry on top, high black stilettos.

Like I said, impeccable.

Who is she?

She's my uncle's secretary -well, one of many- but since I'm the one who mostly takes care of this company, she's at my disposal to do whatever I need.

To be fair, I never did feel the burden of taking this company into my own in such a young age, on the contrary, I was more than willing to prove to myself and everyone else that I can be a worthy inheritor of this company. Yes, I've heard the gossip; knew what the employees were saying about me, (what they are saying still) and that only made me push myself harder. To prove to everyone once and for all that I'm not here just because I'm his nephew, the one who shares his DNA, but a dedicated hardworking employee and a worthy competitor in this field of business.

And proved them I did.

Was it easy? Absolutely not, but it was worth it.

The amount of trust they have for me shines in their eyes as they approach me with their daily problems, and year after year, their respect and obedience has only grown, becoming a need that I can't be without, like a crutch I use in need to walk, or air I need to breath in order to live.

Of course, then and again, there are things such are these…formal functions. Charities. Call them whatever you want.

It's just a cover up.

A cover up for what, you ask? You'll find out soon enough.

Now, by the dull, uninteresting tone of my voice I'm telling you about all of this, it's more than obvious I never really cared for those yearly events. Yet it's mandatory, for everyone except my uncle. So, when the question is asked if I'm available- especially coming from my uncle's side- there's no excuse you can use to get yourself out of it. "Your honor and reputation demands for you to be there" That's what he always says.

Whitney ( the secretary) is still standing in my office, chatting away, her mouth opening and closing time and time again, but I'm not interested enough to pay any attention to her until she speaks out, "So…you coming alone as usual Sir?"

It doesn't sound rude, or impolite, just a simple question, in return needing a simple enough answer. I know that, but for some reason, the way the question is delivered bothers me. Not just how, or the way she says it - with a tone of pity - but also compassion clearly shown across her flawless, feminine face.

It angers me that this creature, this female pities me. Me. A multi millionaire who has everything he desires.

Is that so?

My head lifts higher as usual as I get up from my chair and take a few steps around the office, my hands behind my back as I say, "No, actually, I'm not. Not this year."

Her surprise makes me smirk with pleasure.

"A plus one Sir?"

"Exactly,"I say, stopping to look at her, however, her next questions wipes the smile right off my face.

"Can I have a name, Sir? For the celebration purposes, of course," she quickly adds, explaining her curiosity.

I freeze for a moment before taking a deep breath. What the hell am I doing? Am I really going through with this?

"Sir?"

"Swan. Miss Swan."

"First name?"

"Not important," I add quickly. Harshly than intended.

She quickly looks away, writing something in her phone before mumbling "of course, Sir" and closing the door on her way back.

I pick up my own phone and push a few buttons.

Another female voice answers.

"Hello?"

"Heather, this is Edward Masen, I need a few favors from you."

Bpov

If someone told me in advance how my day would be spent, I would openly laugh at them in their face, however, this was not a tv show, and I was definitely not an actress trying to play her part convincingly, rather, just trying to push through this torturing hour. As soon as Miss Trawinsky - or as she told me to call her Ana – came through these doors, she quickly explained she was to do what was asked of her. A favor, from none other than Mr. Masen. Edward.

So, currently, I was trying on dresses. Were they beautiful? Absolutely, but they also looked like they were worth a million dollars. Not that Ana would tell me that. Her only answer was not to be concerned by such unimportant details.

Thankfully, Miriam was there too, giving her advice as well. In the end, I chose a dress that was beautiful in her simplicity. Blue, long and sleeveless, showing most of my curves. Surprisingly, I even had some cleavage to show.

After hours of torturing me with shoes, jewelry and makeup, I was finally done.

Taking a final glance at myself in the mirror, I was shocked to say that Anna did her job extremely well. Looking at myself, I couldn't even recognize who this person was. She was beautiful, radiating with confidence and elegance. The blue dress I chose went perfectly together with my pinned up hair, a few tiny curled strands of hair were let loose, grazing my flawless face, and a diamond necklace completing the outfit.

"Anna, this is…you are…"

"Amazing, I know," she said with a laugh. "But… something is still missing."

"What?"

Opening her bag, she picked up a small diamond tiara, and got on her toes, putting it up on my head.

"Now, it's perfect, " she spoke with a nod, a satisfied smile stretching over her face.

Looking at her watch she quickly says, "Oh my, how the time flies. Got to run before Mr. Masen comes home. Dear Bella, it was a pleasure to meet you. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call me, okay?"

I nodded with a smile. "Okay. Thank you."

Hugging me quickly she yelled out "good luck" to me before Miriam assisted her out.

"You really do look beautiful Bella," Miriam added after a moment of silence.

"Thank you," I added.

"Well…I gotta run as well. Tell Edward lunch is done, in case he wants to eat something before you go."

"I will."

We just stood there, not saying a word, before she took another few steps towards me, hugging me strongly. "Don't be afraid Bella. Enjoy this. Don't let anyone bring you down tonight, including Edward. Promise me?"

I nodded, still in her embrace, my voice breaking a few times. "I promise."

"Good," she added, giving me a smile. "Okay. Off I go."

And with that, she was gone.

Walking downstairs, I took a few slow steps towards the hallway just in time to see Mr. Masen closing the door.

"Good afternoon Sir," I say, adressing his presence as he takes time hanging his coat.

"Good afternoon Miss Swan. I hope you're ready for to…"

But he doesn't finish his thought, rather keeps staring at me as if he's seen a ghost.

I frown. "Sir, you okay?" I ask, but he doesn't answer.

I take a few more steps closer to him, making a hesitant move to touch him very lightly on the shoulder.

"Sir?"

His eyes instantly focuses on my hand, then me, clearing his throat and taking a step or two away from me.

"Fine. I'm fine. I see Miss Trawinsky did a good job. I just need a few moments to get dressed, and then we can go. Do not go anywhere, understand?"

"Yes Sir."

"I need you to listen to me very carefully, Miss Swan, because I'm only gonna explain this to you once. Are you listening?"

"Yes Sir," I say, sitting across from him in the limo, waiting to drive us to our destination for tonight.

"Since this is an annual thing the company does, most of the employees will be there, so tonight and only tonight, I will allow you to call me by my first name. Second, when I call you, you will answer immediately, and will be by my side at all times. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Maybe you should start practicing right now. We don't need another reason to be punished do we Miss Swan?"

"No Sir. I mean…Edward."

"Good."

"Anything else, S… Edward?"

He frowns for a moment, as if he's forgotten something.

"Oh, yes. If you need my assistance, or ask a question, you need to do so by looking directly at me. "

"Understood. But…if someone asks how we met?"

"You leave that to me. I'll figure something out. Say that…we met thanks to your father."

"But, my father is…"

"No reason pointing that out Isabella. I know everything that is to know about him. Just leave everything to me."

"Okay," I add, but it doesn't seem to be enough for him.

"No need to doubt me Isabella."

"I'm not." Okay, maybe a little.

"Good."

And with that, the discussion was done.

The uncomfortable silence was taking its toll on me, making me fidget. How long has it been since I've been out?

He quickly stopped my fidgeting by putting his hand over mine. "No need to be nervous Isabella, you just need to trust me. Relax," he says, his voice softer than usual, as if he's trying to lull me to sleep.

"You do trust me, don't you Isabella?"

The way he asked me this, it's like he was trying to convince and hypnotize me at the same time with his soft, gentle voice.

"Yes," I admitted, realizing it was not said to obey him but because I really and truly did.

Seeing his attention still focused solely on me, I'm able to ask one thing I've been wanting to since yesterday. "What about my punishement? Have you had the time to think about it?"

The hand that was still on mine quickly moves away - as if he was tasered - and turns his attention entirely to the window.

Minutes pass as he says nothing, and neither do I. Just as I ponder about apologizing, he whispers silently, still looking out the window. "You're going to spend your entire afternoon with me. Isn't that big of a punishment enough?"

Is that what you thought he was going to say?

Me neither.

I think and think what I'm going to say, how to answer this question that was obviously a rhetorical one.

Is this really how he sees himself?

I'm not gonna defend him, or say that I do know him enough to do just that, but with little glimpses into his life I've been given so far, I can now see how the way he sees himself is different from the way others do.

Finally getting out and offering his hand to me, I take it slowly, shyly. I feel the warmth of his hand on mine, and realize just how, once again unstable my hands are.

"Breathe Isabella," he whispers in my ear, and that's exactly what I try to do. One step at the time. In. Out.

The evening goes by quite tediously. I see now why Edward was not so enthusiastic about this night. All talk and no fun. I mostly just stood there next to him like a doll, while he was talking about business, pronouncing words I've never heard in my entire life.

At least there was a glass of champagne in my hand, and I was more than grateful for that.

The champagne of course, was in a class of its own, making it go that much smoother after every sip.

Unfortunately, I was not the only one aware of my alcohol intake.

Apparently, two glasses were more than enough, and thanks to Edward (yes, I'm using sarcasm) I was not allowed to have any more of it.

Knowing I was not supposed to, but still did, I cleared my throat to get his attention and told Edward I need to go to the ladies' room. He gave me his disapproved look, but had no opportunity to disagree, being once more interrupted, thankfully, by the old guy with monocle and short grey mustache.

I quickly got away, splashing some water over my face but making sure I didn't ruin the tons of makeup that was hopefully still on my face.

Taking a big sigh, I was ready to join the party again - and I use the word 'party' very loosely.

Taking a glass of champagne from the waiter, I stopped at the particular painting, taking a sip of the mouthwatering champagne when someone approached me, clearing their throat, asking for attention.

"Boring isn't it?"

I turn around to see a tall guy smirking my way, watching my reaction. He was handsome, you could say, with his white teeth and his short, blond curly hair, yet the way he was observing me though, gave me goosebumps. In a bad way.

"Excuse me?"

"The party. Not the painting. Although, I have seen better. I'm Junior."

"No you're not. That's not a real name."

He grins, not insulted in the least. "Oh I'm afraid it is. And I have my parents to thank for that."

"And they are?" I ask, watching the crowd.

"See the guy who wears that monocle on his left eye?"

"Yep. That your father?"

"Nope. It's the one next to him, leaning on to his old grandpa's stick. Even has a flashlight added on it, for when it's too dark for him to see. Apparently it's just one of those monthly -must-have-things."

"I see," I say with a small smile.

"So…Edward Masen ha? I assume he's your date for the night? What ever possessed you to say yes?"

I say nothing and regret for not having another drink in my hand.

"No answer, I see. Did he tell you to do that? Keep silent, I mean. I won't tell, trust me. I don't gossip as nearly as some of these people do."

Another moment of silence.

He invades my personal space, pretending to observe the same painting as I have been for the last few minutes.

"That's okay, you don't have to say anything. I get it. I guess I'm just jealous."

That got my attention. "Jealous? Of whom?"

He smiles. "You, of course."

"Me? Why?"

"You really don't get it do you?"

"What?"

"This whole time we've been talking, he's been watching us like a hawk. If I wasn't wrong, I'd say he's jealous. Then again, I never am."

There's that smug grin again.

"That's ridiculous,"I point out, but he disagrees.

"Is it?" he asks, instantly putting his arms around me with a ridiculously devilish grin.

I try to move away from Junior's embrace, but it's too late, Edward is already making his move, approaching us with a careful look on his face. There is anger, yes, but there is also a tinge of insecurity, and that surprises me. Edward has always held himself as a strong, determined person, always so sure of himself,yet tonight is the night where I see many shades of his personality.

"See," he whispers in my ear. "Told you. He wants you all for himself. Good luck with that by the way."

"Junior," Edward says with a nod, instantly putting his arm on my lower back. Protectively, dominantly.

"Edward," Junior mimics his tone with a small smirk.

All the while those two are communicating quite politely, Edward is making little soothing circles with his thumb on my lower back in the most pleasurable way, and I feel my body tingle. Even bigger surprise? I like it and find myself wanting more.

"You okay there?"

Shaking my head, I ask confusingly, "Excuse me?"

Junior looks at both of us for a moment before smiling, but this one doesn't seem to be ironic or mocking, just sincere.

"I think my presence is no longer needed for today. It was nice meeting you all. Edward, you are one lucky guy. Take care of her."

"Thank you. I intend to do just that."

Then he grins at me, and nods, "My lady."

I do a little courtsy with a nod of my own before saying, "Sir."

"Come on," Edward murmurs, pulling me away, "let's get some fresh air."

It takes us about five minutes or so to finally find a place of solitude on the balcony, and I take a deep breath, closing my eyes briefly, only to open them a second later, letting all my worry go, even for a moment or two.

Taking another big gulp of fresh air, I add softly, "I missed this. It's the little things you take for granted, like the feel of vitamin D soaking up through your pores, or simply stargazing without the care in the world..."

I don't expect an answer, or to make small talk with him, and he does just that; staying silent.

I stare at the night, able to see a few shining stars, and I smile for no reason.

The silence continues for minutes, until I hear his voice. It's soft and warm, with a mixture of worry and mild disappointment. In a strange way, it's also comforting.

"Why do you keep breaking rules Isabella? Is it some tantrum you're trying to throw, to defy me? To prove something to me?"

"No...I..."

"What?"

"I just needed to use the facilities."

"Lies. You needed to get away. From me, from all of this. Do you know the consequences of that act? Do you?"

"I...I wouldn't...I didn't.."

"Of course not," he mumbles, and I feel remorse overwhelm my body.

"I did break the rule," I admit whispering, "but I wasn't trying to escape. To be honest, it didn't even occur to me. I just needed to escape from your chatting partners."

He looks at me intensely, as if trying to believe me, yet, something holding him back to do so.

"I hope what you're saying is true."

"It is."

"You must know I'm not allowed to leave you alone. And what you did there? It should not have happened. It..." he sighs, as if what he's about to confess next is the hardest thing he had to do in his liftime. "It made me feel scared and helpless, and that's not an emotion I like to deal with."

"Why?"

"You sure do ask a lot of questions, don't you?" he says, rubbing his face frustratingly.

Staying silent, I wait for him to continue, and thankfully, he does.

"Use your common sense Isabella. It's more than obvious that what you did for Miss Platt was not just another ordinary job. It's illegal. "

"I do know that," I say, my voice unusually stubborn.

Putting his hands over his lower back, as if this conversation is just another business proposal, he continues with the questioning.

"Do you? Then you would know if this goes out of hand, it would not just be you who would suffer and have problems with the law."

"Do you really think that this was something I planed? That I had any experience in it? I was lied to."

"Then why would you say yes to her?" He fires the question right back.

"I was in deep debt and had nowhere to go. It was that or the street. I had nothing left to lose anyway."

He nodded. "So you took the job."

"I did. But then you came along and took me with you."

"It appears so."

It was my turn to ask the questions now.

"Why me then Edward? You could have anyone. I mean, look at yourself."

Where did all of this boldness come from? Alcohol?

He looked at me intensely, not knowing what to answer, or just carefully choosing how to answer this delicate question. Who knows.

He answered the way he always does; with half thruths and half answers.

"You reminded me of something long ago. Someone."

"Who?"

"Doesn't matter."

"It does to me."

"Why?"

"Let's just say because I'm nosy."

"Of course you are. Too nosy for your own good," he murmurs ever so low, thinking I won't be be able to hear him.

"Well..."

"Well what?"

"I think you know what."

"Me. Okay? You reminded me of myself. You happy?"

"Thrilled." And a smile shown on my face that proves it. Moment later that same happiness was replaced with confusion. What did he mean by that?

A big gust of wind blew our way then, making me tremble in response.

"You're cold. Come on, let's go inside."

"I don't want to. Not yet," I whispered, pleading and asking for his approval just this once.

He nodded after a moment, taking his jacket off and covering my trebling shoulders, and I took it in gratitude, pulling on it tighter around me.

"Thank you," I whispered sincerely, wanting him to know I'm offering my gratitude not just for the jacket, but everything else.

"You're welcome."

"Isabella?"

"Yes?"

"I know I haven't had the chance to tell you this but…you look exquisite tonight."

My cheeks redden just a bit at his compliment.

"Thank you. I don't feel like myself though."

"What do you mean?"

"This, what I'm wearing? It's not me. It's just clothes. It makes me feel beautiful and confident, another person, but when the night strikes midnight, and when the clothes are back in the closet, I'm still going to be me, average and naive."

"I wouldn't completely agree with you."

"How so?" I ask, but the sudden noise scares me, and I see a big group of people come out to watch the fireworks.

"Later," Edward whispers in my ear, and the only thing I think about as we walk towards our vehicle is just how much I can't wait for that moment to come.