Hi guys! So to explain why Edward was so into comparing relationships to business/computer… well I actually asked a guy's opinion about it and that is the reply he gave me. I found it interesting so I decided to use it (I realized that a guy's mind is really peculiar). Sorry for freaking some of you guys out and if some got confused hehe

I hope to get more reviews this time. I'm sad since I only got a few reviews from the last chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

Chapter 13 Lessons from Mr. Cullen

BPOV

Today is the presentation of the proposals for the MASEN deal in front of the Board of Directors of the company. Whoever gets the director's chose would get the chance to present their proposal to Mr. John Masen. I was a nervous wreck. This was my very first project where I was actually the one in charge. Although we already have a lead because of Edward's cunning abilities, I was still having doubts. Our only competition is the Nomads Corporation, but amidst my lead I was still feeling inferior to Laurent and James' abilities. They have been in this business far longer than I was. I don't know if I would be capable to match them.

Unlike me, Edward was the epitome of calmness. Fortunately, he would be there to accompany me during my presentation. I still got no word about the suggestion he mentioned last night and since I was in a middle of a major deal I decided not to push it. He might say something again that might trigger my anger and ruin all my hard work. This war would resume after my presentation.

We arrived at the Masen Corporations 15 minutes before my presentation. If I was clumsy when I'm not in this much pressure, being in a nervous state tripled my klutziness.

"Bella, are you alright you look dead pale and you clumsier than your usual clumsiness." He talked to me for the first time that day.

"I'm alright. Just nervous… that's all." I replied weakly.

"Maybe I can help you with that." He said as he leaned towards me. What the heck is he doing?! No! No! No! He's getting nearer. Wait… If he kisses me then that means he has fallen for me!! He would start begging!

I was about to celebrate my victory, when Edward suddenly displayed a bracelet in front of my face.

"Wear this Bella. It always helped me when I was nervous. It's sort of my good luck charm." He said as I inhaled his heavenly scent.

"I ahmm.." I was still dazzled that I can't form any words.

"Here I'll put it on you." He said as he grabbed my right arm. "And by the way, your lessons would start today."

"Lessons? What lessons?" I asked as he finished putting on the bracelet.

"Didn't I tell you last night that I had a suggestion… I thought about it and a suggestion might not work for you, so I'm going to give you lessons. Being in love, in a relationship, it's just a different reality; not necessarily a better reality compared to being alone, but just a different one. Like I said, Love is a game. True love doesn't exist." He sounded like a professor giving a lecture.

"Okay." That was all I could reply. Making him believe in true love was harder than I thought. He's heart and mind is set to believe that love is just a game.

--

The presentation was held at the main conference room of the Masen Corporation. Laurent and James were already there when Edward and I arrived. The surprised looks on both their faces were evident.

"Bella, you're the leading this deal?" James asked with obvious shock and disbelief on his tone.

"Yes." It was all I could reply since the Board of Directors were already arriving.

Here goes nothing. Edward's bracelet was actually helping me calm down, he was right. Don't get your nerves get in the way Bella, you know this by heart. After all the board members arrived, the proposal presentation started right away.

"The valuation report in an information memorandum produced by your company had applied the value marked prior to the modification. I believe a 40 percent discount from the company would be feasible to both parties." Laurent discussed his proposal so smoothly. James added a few explanations once in a while. There teamwork is amazing.

"Bella you're up next. Good luck." Edward said before I stood in front of the directors.

"I think the appropriate line of negotiation should give only 30percent discount to our company, unlike the 40, the Nomads Corporation is asking." I started my presentation slowly.

"So you are planning to decrease the discount rate by 10percent?" Mr. Walker, a member of the board asked.

"Yes. That's possible." Time to use my secret information. "According to an insider from GS Bank, Stanley one of the main shareholders of Masen Corporation, has disposed all of his shares in an equity swap deal. So, if the Masen Corporations gives a 40 percent discount, no profit would be made and only our corporations would be getting the advantage. My offer is a 30 percent discount from your party to ours, which compared to the Nomads Corporation, would give your company a better outcome." I said confidently. I continued to explain our proposal to the directors and I was getting more relaxed. We were asked to wait for 15 minutes before the Directors made their decision.

"Alright, we have made our decision. Miss Isabella Swan, after thoroughly reviewing your proposal, we are glad to support it. Mr. Masen's assistant would be calling you for further details about the deal. Thank you for your time and congratulations." One of the Board of Directors said and all of them stood up to congratulate me. I was elated.

"Congratulations!" Edward said as he shook my hand.

"Thanks. I should return you bracelet now, it really helped me." I was about to remove it when Edward stopped me.

"No, you could keep it. We still have one presentation so I think you better hold on to that." He replied with a smile. Maybe Edward isn't such a cold hearted jerk after all.

"Gosh, I still can't believe it." I said cheerfully. "Me getting such a big deal. Did you see their faces during my presentation? It's a bit presumptuous for me to say this… But don't you think that I really did a good job?" I was feeling so happy about the outcome. I was like Alice with all of the energy coming out from me. All the while Edward just kept a smile on his face.

"Don't assume anything until the contract is signed." Edward replied.

"Jeez. Talk about ruining a person's moment." I whispered. We got in the elevator and it was about to close when someone suddenly sticked out their hands to stop it. It was Laurent and James. They each gave me a polite smile and I returned it with a very awkward one. I was undoubtedly feeling guilty.

We got out of the elevator before Laurent and James. My happiness suddenly disappeared and all was left was guilt.

"What's wrong?" Edward asked when he saw me walking slower than him.

"I feel bad about it." I answered without looking at him.

"About what?" He asked.

"I don't know. I just feel sorry for them." I replied honestly and looked into his eyes.

He started to shake his head in disagreement.

"You see that. That is another reason why men leave you." He said while we got into the company limousine.

"What?" I asked suddenly confused of the change of topic.

"Listen to me very carefully. Your indecisiveness, your being overly sensitive, will not only damage your love life but your career as well." That was the last thing he said to me that day.

That man is really something. I said as I sighed.

--

"The operation must go on. No matter what." I said to myself that night while I was cooking.

I decided to try another plan, like they say, "A way to man's heart is through his stomach." This gotta do it. Ever since my mom died when I was 12 yeas old, I took over the kitchen. Charlie and Emmett's cooking isn't exactly very edible. I became the official cook, not only in my family but also in every event my friends and I would be conducting. I love my job but cooking is my passion. I decided to prepare Salisbury Steak with mushroom gravy and dill mush potatoes. Good all home cooking. I also decided to bake some chocolate cake for dessert. After I finished I packed the meal and went to bed.

The next morning, I brought the meal I prepared and placed it on Edward's table. I also placed a small card on it with a note. I hope this works this time.

After a couple of hours I decided to check on my progress so I went to Edward's office. I knocked but got no answer so I decided to go in. Edward was nowhere insight, but Lauren was sitting at the couch. What is that slut doing here?!

"Lauren, did the CEO go somewhere? " I asked her.

"He went out a little while ago. Why?" She replied.

"Nothing. What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to him about changing departments but he was in a hurry so I decided to just wait until he comes back. What are you doing here? You shouldn't be sneaking around here when he's not around" She said confidently.

"I'm her assistant Lauren remember? So technically I'm allowed to be here more than you. Since he's not here, I don't think loitering in his office is acceptable. Please get out" I snapped at her. The nerve of that woman!

"Fine." She stood up and was about to walk away when I saw her carrying the bag where I put Edward's meal in.

"Lauren! Where did you get that?"

"Oh this? Edward said I could have it." She proudly said.

"What?!" I was astounded. I put all my effort in making that meal and he just gives it away!

"Some air-head bimbo must be hitting on him. She ought to stay within her league. Actually, I was wondering what's inside." Lauren said annoyed. Oh gosh! Earth to Lauren! You're the only bimbo here.

"I'll take look." Lauren was about to open the bag when I snatched it. No way is she going to see that note.

"Bella! That's mine! Give it back!" Lauren started shouting as I sprinted away from her. I need to get that note before she sees it.

"Bella!" Lauren kept chasing me! Just forget it Lauren go away! I sprinted up the stairs and through hallways. But Lauren was just kept following me! Boy that girl could run. I reached the lobby when I tripped on my other foot and bumped into someone. I fell to the ground and spilled the meal I prepared all over the floor. Oh great!! To make matters worse, the person I bumped into was Edward.

"Oh my God! Are you alright Mr. Cullen?" Lauren screeched from behind me. I was still rubbing my knee, I fell pretty hard. That would definitely leave a bruise. I frantically tried to clean up the mess when I heard Edward's voice.

"Yeah. I'm alright. Yeah." He walked away while talking to someone on his phone.

After the incident, I decided to go to the rooftop. I need some fresh air.

"I'm so embarrassed. My God. Where could it have gone wrong? Where did it fall out? I couldn't even find the note everywhere. What if Lauren took it?!" I was talking to myself when my phone started ringing.

"Hello?"

"Bella, it's me Esme." My mom's sister replied.

"Oh Esme. What's up?" I replied.

"I need you to meet me at the Moonlit Restaurant tonight. Be sure to dress up okay."

"Today? What's the occasion?" I asked. It's not her birthday isn't?

"Just be there around 7pm okay. I'll be waiting. Bye!" She answered. Well that was weird.

"Oh whatever, I might as well go. A distraction might help me get over the embarrassment." I murmured to myself as I headed back to my office.

'll be posting another chapter today. REVIEWS please. Love you guys

Lhey