Thanks for the reviews from the last chapter. I was feeling very inspired so I decided to make 2 updates today. I'm so happy since you guys are very receptive to the plot. I was worried that many wouldn't like it.

Warning! The Edward you are about to see is not the Edward we are used to, but it all comes with a reason. I just hope everyone would stick to the story to find out.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

Chapter 9 Love is a game

BPOV

Edward was acting normal after what happened last night. We discussed about my progress on the MASEN deal and my day was pretty much a blur. He never mentioned anything about our conversation last night. He was always focused on work and he never seems to get tired talking about business.

I was in the middle of making my proposal when I looked at the clock. It was already 6pm but I decided to work over-time to finish it. It took me another 2 hours before I was content.

"Done!" I sighed in relief.

"Bella, I didn't know you were working over-time today?" Edward asked from the door of my office.

"I just wanted to finish my proposal right away so if there are any changes, I would be able to amend it." I said while gathering my things when suddenly my stomach grumbled. Argh! Could this get any more embarrassing!

"Oh I see. I'm on my way home but I'm kinda hungry. Would you like to join me for dinner?" He asked with a smile on his face.

"Well I am hungry. Sure." I said as I smiled back at him.

"Yeah I heard. I know this restaurant near here. We could just walk so we don't have to bring separate cars." He said as his phone started ringing. "I'm sorry I need to get this just wait for me at the lobby."

I nodded and walked towards the elevator. After a couple of minutes he came out form the elevator and jogged towards me.

"Okay let's go. I'm sorry about that. It was one of our agents from Los Angeles." He said as we started walking.

"Are you always working?" I decided to ask out of curiosity.

"I guess so." He simply said and I opt not to push the question.

--

The dinner was delicious. We were on our way back to the building but I decided to rest at a bench for a while and to my surprise Edward sat beside me too.

"Why have I been dumped three times now?" I suddenly asked him out of nowhere.

Edward looked at me from the side. "Because you don't know the rules."

"Rules?" I asked confused.

"Rules of the game." He said while removing his tie.

"Love is not like playing, Starcraft you know." I laughed.

"Yes it is." He replied seriously. "It's actually a game that requires even greater precision and planning… A game of power. Manipulations of emotions to control the mind… That's the game."

I just looked at him with disbelief.

"Oh it is a game. It's a game where the one who displays affection first, gives up the total control and goes around like a dog in a collar." He added when I didn't reply.

I sighed. Is he serious?

"In relationships, you were the one to call first, and he was the one to hang up first, right?" He asked as he folded his arms to his chest.

"Right." I answered.

"And when you're together, you always run to him and you always give him gifts on anniversaries, only you, right? He continued to ask me.

"Right. How did you know that?" I was surprised on how he knew those things.

"I know because these are the consequences of dating without any self respect, Bella.. That's how I know." He said without any hesitation. "So take my advice, and this is sincere, so listen to me. If you continue acting like this being so…. Pathetic, you would always be treated like trash by men. And you'll grow old.. all by yourself"

My breaths we're getting deeper and anger was rising through my cheeks! How dare he say those things! He is such an arrogant player! Sincere my face! I was furious by now that I slammed my hands on the bench.

"Apologize!" I screamed.

"What would I be apologizing for?" He asked calmly. "I've never apologized for anything in my life."

"What's wrong with admitting that I love him? What's wrong with calling him or visiting him because I was worried? What's wrong with wanting to do everything for him? Isn't that what loving is about. What? I'll be treated like trash?! Screw you! I could have a line of guys waiting for me if I wanted to! I could, but I don't. You know why?" I was about to let out my anger some more but he cut me off.

"You can? Then make me beg for you. If you succeed, I'll apologize on my knees." Tears were starting to form in my eyes. I grabbed my things and walked away. What an arrogant person!

A woman who just got dumped needs a shoulder to cry on, not a critic. 'It's not your fault' 'He just wasn't the right guy for you.' A woman needs a friend who could say this.

I decided to go to my bestfriend's house.

"Have you been crying?" Alice asked when I arrived at her front door.

Luckily, my other bestfriend was also there.

"Why are your eyes so swollen Bels?" Rosalie asked as I hanged my coat on the rack.

"I hate Jake." That was all I could say and tears started falling. I was feeling so vulnerable and all the things Edward said tonight really affected me. I was feeling so lonely and helpless. I believed in true love and I thought Jake was the one but why?

My friends stayed by my side all night. They consoled me and tried to cheer up. I couldn't ask for better bestfriends, they were the sisters I never had. We decided to watch a movie to help me feel better. Alice and Rose already went downstairs to prepare while I went to the bathroom to fix my make-up.

My mind started to wander back to my previous relationships and why my ex boyfriends dumped me.

First was Daniel…

"I liked you because you were nice Bella. Why did I stop liking you? It's because you're too nice. Nice people are boring. I need a woman who is strong… I'm sorry."

Then Andrew…

"When did I ever ask for an allowance? Getting meals from you every lunch is embarrassing enough! Do you think you're my mom?! I need a girlfriend Bella not a mom. Good-bye!"

And lastly was Jake…

"I just can't keep on pretending that I'm happy with our relationship. I don't think I could love you anymore Bella. It's over."

I sighed. Why does all my relationship end this way? Then I suddenly remembered the conversation I had with Edward earlier and I immediately felt furious.

"Just you wait, Edward Cullen. You're going to beg on your knees to me." I said as I wiped my face with the towel.

I preceded downstairs and called Alice and Rose.

"Al.. Rose? Could we go to the mall tomorrow? I think I need to go shopping. And let's stop by the salon too." I asked. I wanted to spend my Saturday preparing for war… My war with Mr. Cullen.

Love you guys! REVIEWS PLEASE!

Lhey