Author's Note: So, here it is, the tenth chapter! Sorry, for the wait and the horrible cliffhanger, but I hope this makes it up to you. Enjoy!

Chapter 10 – What You Thought You Need

EPOV

THREE YEARS LATER

"Congratulations Edward!" My boss announced as he raised the glass champagne in my honour before a wave of applause came up. "In the last five months you have been here, you've shown me and every one of your clients the dedication and passion you have for this law firm."

Fifty or so people stared at me with polite smiles as I, in return, smiled back. Their faces showed thoughts of jealousy and anger. However, my mood could not be dampened as I worked hard to receive my position in this law firm. "And as you all know, our law firm will be expanding to the West coast. Seattle to be more specific" My boss, Mr. Moore reminded us again before pausing. "And, we would be honoured to have Edward Masen direct and manage that firm."

Accomplishment and satisfaction washed over me as I heard this wonderful news. It seems as though all my hard work was starting to pay off. Of course, I couldn't have been here if I didn't make that stupid decision three years ago. Three years ago seemed like it was yesterday when I left the airport after being kidnapped and stowed away to an unknown location.

I sometimes ponder on what-ifs. What if I did choose Bella over this, not that I'm regretting my decision of course. But for the couple days after I returned from my unplanned trip, I sat in my dorm, in deep contemplation. Had I choose Bella, would my life be better? I would never know. So, I concluded that if I hadn't chosen to follow my heart, I will work hard at becoming the best lawyer I could.

After the ceremonial toast was given, most of the people had parted to enjoy the cheese and wine on the other side of the large room, leaving me to mingle with the remaining people that had stayed to congratulate me, but I can tell that they wished me ill will. I was in this company for such a short time and received such a major responsibility while they've been here for years and still only have a small corner cubical on the top floor.

Mr. Moore came up to me and walked me to a reclusive area where we could talk about the arrangements of my upcoming move. All the while I was in my own world looking down from the windowed wall to the many walking people.

Last year, I was the youngest person to graduate New York University with a doctorate in law at age twenty-two. Afterward, I moved back to Chicago where I lived with Emmett and Jasper while searching for a job in the best law firm in the city. After only six months, here I was ready to run my own law firm.

"Edward, you would be leaving for Seattle immediately, first thing tomorrow morning", Mr. Moore said casually. "We will be taking care of everything, so you just focus on making our firm number one in the country!" He said with a tone of confidence. It was a lot of pressure to live up to, but I am pretty sure that if I can try my hardest I will succeed.

"I'm prepared to do anything for this law firm sir," I said to let him know that I'm committed to this job one-hundred and ten percent. Or at least I'm committed into getting the best Italian sports car before I'm thirty.

"Please, call me Nicholas. You are the best thing that has ever happened to this company Edward. We are very grateful that you choose to work with us and not any other law firm."

Nicholas Moore was an average middle-aged office working man with balding spots and a wireless Bluetooth headset attached to his ear. However, he has distinctive characteristics that set him apart from the other entire average middle-aged office workers. He has a way of understanding a person's concern and worries, which makes him great when it comes to cases that concerns a person's personal affairs.

"I appreciate this opportunity that you have given me sir-", I started before Mr. Moore gave me a playfully stern look, "-Nicholas. I will try my best."

"You're leaving?" Emmett boomed while watching me pack what little belongings I had. He sat on a chair that was near my desk with his elbows leaning against the arms of the chair. "You just got back home seven months ago, you can't leave now!" I must admit I had a blast living with Japer and Emmett again, but it feels like they haven't grown up since the last time I came home - or maybe I've grown up too fast? No way that's ridiculous.

Jasper walked in, passing Emmett and his obnoxious protest for me to stay. "Good luck out there Edward and remember, I want a black Viper, alright?" He said before messing my already messy hair. I guess to him, I will always be his little brother despite how mature I act. "I was hoping you would ask for a Mercedes, but a Viper is okay I guess", I told Jasper.

He shrugged, moving his hair along with his motions. I then realized that Jasper's hair was a bit longer than usual. He never seemed to like growing out his hair because he said that it was a hassle to spend any more time than necessary on superficial features. But his blonde hair that now reached his shoulder suited him better than his short cropped hair. What was with the sudden change?

"Wait", Emmett said, trying to figure out the exchange Jasper and I had. "You're getting him a Viper. A Dodge Viper, as in the really, really nice car?" Emmett said with utter confusion. I chuckled at him before continuing to pack leaving Jasper to tell him the significance of the Viper.

"It was an investment of sorts. I paid for Edward's first year tuition deposit with my savings. So in return, he's going to get me sports car," Jasper explained mischievously as a disappointed and sad expression appeared on Emmett's face.

"Why didn't you come to me for money help?" Emmett whined, probably wondering why he wasn't offered the same 'investment' deal I gave Jasper. I shrugged my shoulders and chuckled inwardly. There are many reasons why I wouldn't go for Emmett for financial help. One, he didn't have money to start with after he spent it on who-knows-what. Two, Emmett would've asked for something insanely extravagant in return like a new house with a plasma screens in every room.

"Hey, get a goodnights sleep, your plane leaves at six in the morning tomorrow", Jasper said, before tugging Emmett from his chair and out of the threshold. I didn't have much to pack to begin with so I managed to fit the few suits and clothes I had in a small suitcase and the rest in a duffle bag.

The cheap glow-in-the-dark stars illuminated as I lay in bed, staring at the star-filled ceiling. I remember the day that I jumped from my bed to tack on the stars because I wasn't tall enough. It was a childhood memory that was suppressed for so long and now that it came out, memories of this house overflowed me.

I remembered the night that I won the medal for the fastest runner in the school and then I broke my arm fighting with Emmett over a stick of gum at the top of the stairs. Saturday mornings were my best childhood memories. When Jasper and Emmett were away and my father was at the office, I would play my mother's favourite songs on the piano as she read a book or baked cookies and cakes. She loved to cook and damn, was she good at it

I don't play the piano anymore. It's too time-consuming. If I recall correctly, the last time I played piano was when I was with Bella. Honestly, I forgot hat she looked like except for her eyes. It held a sense of comfort and warmth. If you were to place me in front of millions of girls, I would find Bella for her eyes.

In my mind, Bella never died. She never was sick. But I have to face reality when I say that I lost my chance to be with Bella. I don't regret my choice because she would've died eventually and I would be lonely without a stable career. I think that choosing this over Bella was better.

"Edward, get your ass down here! Just because you're some big shot lawyer now does not mean that you can be late for your plane!" I heard a thundering voice coming from downstairs called out. I tilted my head slightly up from my pillow and looked outside to see that it certainly is morning.

"I'm up!" I shouted back in return. We were soon saying our short goodbyes once again outside of the terminal. I turned to walk through the gates until Emmett's voice filled the air which attracted many bystanders. "Bye Eddie! Have fun on your trip and good luck!"

"Please buckle your seatbelts before we take off", the flight attendant announced, wearing a fake plastic smile. This was the second time that I've travelled to the Seattle Airport on first class, this time on better circumstances. "We will be departing from O'Hare International Airport and will shortly land in Seattle in one and a half hour." I heard the message repeat two times, both in an 'I-want-to pull-my-eyes-out' polite tone of the stewardess.

I spent most of the time on my laptop, going over the upcoming cases that my new clients have brought to me. I looked at the manila folder with disinterested as I always did with any other cases. Oh joy, a murder mystery I thought exasperatingly as I glanced over the information of the case. Usually it was quite obvious to see who is guilty or innocent, however, this case enthralled me.

I was defending a women that is the supposed killer, but what caught my attention was that she was at the scene of the crime, body covered with blood, but no murder weapon was found. I looked at the mug shots of the person that I was to defend. She was beautiful, amazingly stunning. Even with the horrible prison orange jumpsuits, she was devastatingly breath-taking. Her name was…

Wait, why isn't there a name listed on the papers? I shuffled through the papers frantically to find any trace of a name to identify this mysterious woman. "My I have your attention; we will be landing in approximately five minutes. Will you please fasten your seatbelts, turn off all electronic devices before landing, thank you for riding on American Airlines and have a nice day."

At once, I quickly stashed my laptop and papers into my bag while fastening my seatbelt. After we landed, I got my luggage and was escorted into a private garage adjoined to the airport by a courtly man. "Mr. Masen, Mr. Moore would like you to have this vehicle as a token of his appreciation."

"Thank you", I muttered before sliding the keys off of the man's hand. I circled the car a few times before the reality sunk in. I now have my very own Aston-Martin. I must be very important to this company if they feel that they actually need to send me one hell of a car to show me their appreciation. Hell, I would have been fine if they sent me a fruit basket.

"Sir", the same man stood straight-backed, clearing his throat to get my attention. "Attached to your key is your house key. Directions to your new house are programmed into the GPS in your car. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the number on this card. Have a good day sir." He finished off, handing me a business card and bowing before leaving the garage floor. Who bows? I felt like some king or something. I am not that important.

I felt a broad smile appear on my face when I looked at my Aston-Martin Vanquish. The tinted windows showed my reflection perfectly on it as though it was a black mirror. The click of the door echoed throughout the garage as I opened it slowly. The last time I was an Aston-Martin, I wasn't even paying attention to the car, and I was focusing on the outcome of my 'life changing' decision. Maybe this time, I would be more appreciative of this fine car.

Zooming in and out of lanes, I came to a stop in front of the beautiful town house in the middle of Seattle. The dark red bricks covered the residence and trees lined the sidewalks making an overcast of shadow. I walked into my new house expecting it to be just okay. It was more than okay, it was amazing. The marble floors, the stainless steel appliances and the overly-expensive contemporary furniture adorned the house. I knew I was going to have a fun staying in Seattle.

I looked around the spacious office floor and found that everything has been set up. The conference room, the front desk, and the many offices had already been furnished and that leaves me to hire my team of assistants, paralegals, and colleagues to work with. I quickly found my very own office that had floor-to-ceiling windows and a large mahogany desk in the centre. A bookshelf full of legal books filled one wall.

Once again, I took a moment to take in the success that I had acquired, the sacrifices that I had to make to get here. It didn't take long to build my team of employees. I was apparently a threat to most of the law firms established in Seattle already and once people found that out, the best of the best lawyers and paralegals wanted to work for me. All I had to do was go through tons of interviews, applications, and resumes. As the lawyers poured in so did the clients.

"Mr. Masen, we have this one case that was never resolved", Jack, my assistant said while looking through the list of cases that we have to complete as soon as possible.

The first day Jack came into my office, he was dressed in tan cargo shorts and a deep green button-shirt. His shaggy blonde hair reminded me of Sebastian. For that fact and that alone, I was dead-set against hiring him. Fortunately for him, I was in dire need of an assistant and his resume was outstanding.

"Which one?"

"The defendant is a supposed murderer but she wasn't found with a murder weapon therefore this case could be won by a thirty-seventy chance with odds against us." He calculated quickly. I reached for the manila folder. Oh, I remember this case, I forgot all about it.

"Can you please but all my other cases on hiatus while I try to finish this case?" I announced.

"Certainly sir" Jack responded, leaving the office building to do his task. I looked at the contents of the folders and decided to take my client a visit at the county jail.

It was apparent that I don't belong in a setting of the jail – neither did my client. Her blonde hair was perfectly straight and shiny like she came out of a shower a mere minute ago and her face had no flaws to conceal with make-up. She looked at most only seventeen. The only thing that gave away that fact that she was in a jail was the vibrant jumpsuit.

"You're my lawyer?" She asked with amusement. We sat in a secluded, window-less interrogation room with concrete walls, concrete floors and metal table and chairs. Everything about it felt cold. Through a small bullet-proof glass in the door, I saw a burly guard standing by the door. "Aren't you a little too young?"

I shrugged. "Just because I'm young doesn't make me a horrible lawyer. What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't say what my name is. But if you must know, it's Caroline. Caroline Thorne" Her pale blonde hair was striking against her fair skin. I was expecting blue eyes, but what I was seeing was something I thought I never see again – the marbleised colours of red, topaz, and black. A lump in the back of my throat made it hard to swallow and breathe. She's just like Alexander.

"You seem to know what I am now." A sad smile appeared on her face as she measured my expression. "I'm glad you of all people are my lawyer Mr. Masen. You'll understand that the murder was a mistake. I was…I was only…" She stammered and stuttered as she was overwhelmed with different emotions.

"I usually have better control… I don't know…" She continued to rant on in a barely audible whisper. I didn't know what to do, it sounded like she was about to break down into tears, but all I heard was sobbing but no tears, a tearless cry. I leaned against the cold grey walls, waiting patiently for her moment to pass by.

"Umm…Caroline, do you have any relatives that I can contact to help you?" I awkwardly said, not knowing how to console her while she was still sobbing. She nodded.

"Can I have their phone number for references?" I asked and again was responded with a nod. Hold on a minute, I didn't want to ask Caroline for her family's phone number. Why did I even ask that?

She reached out her hand, signifying for the cell phone and asked me if she could use it for a quick phone call. I couldn't say no, she was only a helpless teenager. A chain of words left her mouth so quickly that I didn't even have a chance to comprehend what they conversation is about.

A minute after she hung-up, she looked intently at my cell phone. "My family is expecting you. Call them for directions." She said before a guard came in to tell us that the time is up and visitations only last ten minutes. He took her away and once again, her sad expression stained her face.

"Wait, five more minutes", I demanded. The guard is blatantly ignoring me. "Hey! Give me five damn minutes with my client!" I yelled out louder. He looked back, curiosity filled his eyes.

"Yeah?" he asked with a rude and rough manner. I slipped a fifty out of my pocket and held it out for him between my index and middle finger. "I want thirty minutes with my client."

The guard had a small grin and nodded. He led Caroline back into the cold chair where she was handcuffed to the table by a long chain. He took the fifty from my finger and proceeded out of the room without her. "Take as long as you want."

I didn't know why I even bribed the guard. One moment I was going to leave the room after the cop, and another I was pulling money out of my pocket. I looked over to Caroline were she had a melancholy smile on her face. "So you did feel it."

"Excuse me", I asked, baffled.

"My talent." She started. "As a kid, I was very shy and so other kids picked on me. In my head, I wished everybody would stop teasing me. So in habit, I would twist the world into my own way. So it was only certain that that trait is maximized. Now, I control people's actions with my own desire."

You must be kidding right? No one in this world has that amount of power. It took me a moment to realise the gift that this young girl had was real. She was dangers if she doesn't know how to control her thoughts and desires. I was surprised that she didn't want to use her power to escape the prison.

"I know what you're thinking. I could only use this gift when I'm under extreme stressed or I'm overwhelmed and I'm too weak to break out of the cell", she explained. I nodded, still quiet, trying to comprehend what she explained to me.

"Caroline, how old are you?"

"I am forever twenty", she said, a bit cheered up. "Twenty is the perfect age to be transformed. At this age, you're not too old for heavy responsibilities but you're not too young to be taken as a child."

"Forever twenty eh? What are you playing at? I need a real answer right now so I can try to get you out of here", I told her. I remember the same feeling that I got from Alexander. Hearing Caroline talk was like that feeling, like your left out of the loop while they keep a secret or an inside joke.

"What? Didn't you say you knew what I am? Your heartbeat quickened and your expression became scared when you…you must've known that I'm a vampire." The dumfounded Caroline said. Her last words were a bare whisper and I felt sick to my stomach.

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