Broken Dreams

by Imaginary Witch

She was an ordinary girl who had lost herself, her dreams and was trying to gather her pieces. He was a man who had it all; fame, money, dreams... Two completely different worlds would collide and both their lives would change..forever.

20. Chapter 20-Late night calls

Chapter 20-"Late night calls"

Hello! :)

I am finally back with the next chapter. I am really sorry that it took me almost…two months. Summer holidays and busy days kept me away from writing.

BUT, here it is, the new chapter. Enjoy! :)

And thanks for your patience-and for reading.

LIKE the page of the story at facebook – /BrokenDreamsFanfic (search us at facebook's search machine or copy this and paste it at the end of your facebook homepage link)

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or anything else that is Twilight or Stephenie Meyer related. Only the story idea belongs to me.

XXX

"Can't believe you were once just like anyone else
Then you grew and became like the devil himself."

Placebo-"F*ck you"

XXX

~Bella's point of view

It was 3.30 at night. My cell phone kept vibrating like crazy.

Why the hell did I leave it open?

"Ssshh you stupid thing!" I scolded it silently while I was touching my nightstand sexually in a desperate attempt to find my phone in the dark. I didn't want it to wake up Edward who was sleeping peacefully next to me.

"Hello?"

There was silence. No reply from the other side of the line.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Hi Bella."

My hair on the back of my neck rose. My whole body shivered. And not in a good way. I felt as if I had just been struck by lightning.

"Mike…" I whispered trembling and got out of the bed tiptoeing to the living room, so that I wouldn't bother Edward.

For some reason I thought Mike had forgotten about us. But he apparently hadn't.

How could he?

We were his shiny new toy.

A very profitable toy actually.

"What do you want?" I asked through my clenched teeth.

"Geez! Where are your manners? You won't even ask me how I've been? Cause it's been a while since we last talked."

"Do I seem to care about you?" I snapped back.

"I think you should actually. Because all this time you didn't have any news from me, I've been doing a research about your beloved Edward Cullen. You know, digging in his past."

I moved my head and snuffed. "You never give up right?"

"I quit only after I've won Bella." Mike answered and made my blood boil in my veins. I had to do something to stop this bastard once and for all. He must have a weakness. No one is a indestructible. A Saint.

"There is nothing that I don't already know about Edward. Stop telling me that…"

"Oh really? So…I take it that you know about the gang he was a part of too?"

My breath hitched in my lungs. I couldn't breathe at all. I sat on the couch and tried to play cool.

"What gang? I know everything about him."

Do I?

Because since our visit to James and Laurent's house, I've been asking Edward again and again about that matter, but he always seemed cryptical, not revealing much more. Always repeating that I know all about it and he hides nothing from me.

But my damn instinct has been telling me that there was something more. For two weeks now, since James confessed his sad story to me, I've been listening to that little voice in my head, like an annoying bee never stopping flying around my brain repeating the same thing;

"What if Edward hides something from you?"

What if…?

But there was no -what if-. I loved Edward with all my heart. And I trusted him to the fullest now. I wasn't the same foolish person I was in the past. I wasn't gonna make the same mistakes with him. I've learned from them.

What if he hides something from you?

"Mike, I don't bite it. Edward hides nothing from me."

"And what if I told you that he does? And that I have proof too?" Mike told me.

"Look. Are you insane? You call me in 3.30 in the night and threaten me or something?" I said sounding completely furious and feeling my patience running out. "You'd better leave us alone or else I am gonna call the police and tell them that you are harassing and disturbing us."

An evil laughter was heard from Mike. He wasn't touched even to the slightest from the threatens I had just thrown on his face. "You wouldn't do that. You don't want the evidence I have in my hands to be on the frontpage of the magazine I work for tomorrow morning."

"You don't say! And what exactly is that evidence you are talking about? Enlighten me please."

"These are documents from the time Edward had broken up with his fiancée, Kate. You probably know her, don't you?"

I took a deep breath and passed my hands through my hair. "What about her?"

"That is when he got in that gang. He had friends from that gang. The name of the gang, I think was Black Roses. Am I right up to here?" He sounded so sure about his words. Like he was enjoying the fact that he knew so many things.

He was feeling that he was winning.

I remained silent. I wouldn't say anything to him. I would reveal nothing.

"This story would ruin his career. Edward actually paid, or to be more exact his father Carlisle did, a paparazzi who had photos and the story behind them and since then it was forgotten. Until now that these came in my hands from that fellow pap."

I exploded. "You asshole! You have no idea what you are talking about! I don't believe a single word that you are saying!"

"Alright then. Meet me tomorrow at 7 in the evening at the Philip's café. I will reveal everything to you there."

He can't be serious expecting me to meet him in person again. What the…?

"You know there is no way I am going to meet you again."

"Oh yes you will my dear Bella." Mike added and paused before continuing. "And you know the reason why? Because I have dozens of photos with you and mister Cullen waiting to be published any time."

I didn't speak, just thinking of the possibilities, my ways out. Was this really a problem anymore? I didn't mind people knowing about me and Edward. We were going to confirm our relationship soon anyway. We had already decided it. No more hiding, no more lying. In this way, Mike wouldn't have anything to threaten us with too. So everybody wins. Except for that jackass of course, Mike Newton.

"And remember that I am by your side Bella. I like you. That is why I want you to know what a hazardous man who have by your side. See you tomorrow at seven." He completed and hang up before I had any time to reply to him.

My phone fell from my hand on the couch and I closed my face in my hands. It was all my fault. I've put us in this mess. I had to solve it as soon as possible.

But should I tell Edward?

Lost in my thoughts for many more moments, I suddenly felt the couch vibrating. I looked around me puzzled and then I saw a light coming from underneath the cushions.

It was my phone.

I took it in my hands and answered the call without even looking at the number on the screen.

"Listen here you bastard! You'd better leave us alone and never call again, because I've had enough of you. There is nothing more to talk about. Do not ever call again otherwise you will be in big trouble. I guarantee that!" I warned infuriated to the person on the other side of the line.

"Oh…I am sorry I called so late Bells…I know it's late…I shouldn't have…So sorry…I'd better let you go back to sleep now…"

"Jacob! Hey Jake don't hang up please!" It was only then that I realized who had called me. And it wasn't who I thought it was.

"I thought you just yelled at me to not call you again and…" He excused himself, but I interrupted him.

"And I thought you were someone else."

"Someone else? At 3.40 at night?" He sounded skeptical and confused.

"Yeah…It seems like my number has a lot of traffic tonight. Too busy." I rolled my eyes and I laughed when I heard Jacob doing so too. "But tell me. Why did you call me at this time of the night? Is everything alright?" I was worried and bad thoughts passed my mind.

"Oh yes, everything is great. I have some wonderful news actually to share with you. But firstly, tell me what has happened with you? Who was that guy you were shouting at?" He asked me and I exhaled heavily thinking about it.

"It is…a long story Jake. The only thing I can tell you is that he is a paparazzi who is practically obsessed with me and Edward and he tries his best to bring us down." I confessed and tried hard to refrain from bursting into tears. I could feel them right there on the corners of my eyes ready to fall and begin their journey on my face.

"A pap?" He repeated.

"Yes and he threatens us with some photos of us. And the worst thing is that I am the one responsible for all this mess. I caused this!" I said blaming once more myself for the mess I had caused.

"What are you talking about Bella? How is this your fault?"

"Well, I was in a flight back to New York from Paris where we were shooting my movie. And Mike Newton, the paparazzi, was sitting next to me. I was mad with something Edward had done to me and wanted to take revenge and Mike was in the right place at the right time." I explained and sighed looking on the ground and feeling a few flocks of hair falling on my eyes as I leaned my head.

"And why is he still following you? Have you been dating him or something?"

"Well…" I hesitated. "I might have…" I felt so ashamed of myself. "But it was only once and just a dinner."

Think better Bella.

"And…a kiss which I stopped. He forced me into it."

"A date and a kiss? What were you thinking?" Jacob's question was a stab on my chest. It hurt so bad.

"I was single! Ok? And desperate. And extremely angry with Edward for the things he had done to me. Therefore I thought 'Why not?', when what I really should have thought should be 'Hell no!'" I ceased talking. "I wanted to get over him Jake. I felt he didn't like me as much as I did and it hurt me so bad. Thinking of him all the time and not being able to be with him. I was already in love with him even before I met him."

Ups! Did I say that out loud? To my ex? Really Bella?

"Well…Uh…I mean…You know…Of course I was in love with you too and…"

"It's ok Bells. Don't worry. We are way over this now. No need to explain yourself. I totally understand and I know that you loved me as I loved you too. In fact I still love you. Just in a different kind of way. As a friend. A very good friend." Jacob added and made me press my lips so that he wouldn't hear me sobbing.

"Yes, of course. And I love you too as a very good friend." I added.

"Good. Then you must know that I want only the best for you. I want you to be happy. And I know, that you are very happy with Edward, right?"

I realized that it was the first time he called Edward only by his first name. No nicks or last names. Just Edward.

"Of course I am. I couldn't be happier."

"Then talk with Edward. Tell him about that guy's threats and find a plan together to get rid of him once and for all." Jacob advised me in a friendly way with his calm, masculine voice.

I nodded as if he could see me through the phone. "Yes, I guess so."

"But…there is…something more, isn't there?" Jacob assumed and caught me out of guard. He did know me better than I thought.

"How did you…?"

"Know?" He snorted. "We've been together for ten years loca. Did you forget already?"

I smirked. "No, I didn't forget. You are right. We've grown up together." I admitted.

"So…? What is it?" Jacob insisted.

I took a deep breath. "Ok. Mike Newton claims to have some dirty secrets from Edward's past. And the truth is that I do not trust the guy, I am sure that he lies to me."

"But you still wanna make sure that he really doesn't know something about Edward Cullen, right?" He added completing perfectly my own thoughts.

"Yes, exactly. Not that I don't trust Edward. He just acts so weird lately, as if he is hiding something from me. And whenever I ask him, he always swears to me that there is nothing wrong. But I know him too well Jake." And I hated having these doubts, these sneaky voices poisoning my mind.

"Even if he does hide something from you, I think it is for a good reason Bella. But I am quite sure that if he says so, then there is nothing to be afraid of."

"I guess so…" I said and left a deep sigh. "Anyway, tell me about you though. The good news you have?"

He began explaining to me the reason of his call with an introduction. "Ok. You are the first person I thought of calling, because you were always there for me and I consider you a close friend of mine."

"And I am glad you did. And I will still be here for you whenever you need me. As you will for me too."

"Definitely." Jacob agreed. "So, the reason I am calling you so late is because…Uh..." He was struggling to find the right words. As if it was a very difficult Math test and he didn't know the answers.

"Jake? Come on. Tell me."

I heard him inhaling before talking again. "I asked Leah to marry me and she said yes. We are getting married."

"What?!" A shout of excitement escaped my mouth accidentally. I instantly put my hand over my mouth and checked behind me if I could see or hear any movement from Edward. When I got sure that he was still sleeping, I talked again with a lower voice this time. "You guys are getting married? This is amazing! I am so happy for you two!"

And I was being honest. I was more than happy with these news.

"Thank you Bells. It means a lot hearing this from you." Jacob's voice had turned almost into a whisper.

"No seriously! This is great news! Well done Jake! Leah is a great person, really." And that was also true. Humble, beautiful, sweet and kind. "Tell Leah congratulations from me and Jacob."

"I will, I will."

"When did this happen? How? When is the marriage? I bombarded him with questions.

"I proposed to her a few hours ago during a romantic dinner at my place. Candles, flowers, slow music, champagne and a diamond ring." He described the scenery and I could totally picture it in my mind.

"That sounds wonderful! How did she react?" I was curious.

"She looked at me, then the ring and when she realized what I had told her, she burst into tears and hugged me repeating -yes, I will!-."

"Aww…" I wiped a tear falling on my left cheek. "So beautiful moment…"

"Yes, it was. As for the date, we still don't know, but in autumn I suppose. We both like this season and we love the idea of a honeymoon in winter." Jacob explained simply and his excitement was now depicted at the sound of his voice. Cheerful, worries-free and unbelievably happy.

I bit my lips. "I wish you all the best Jake. You deserve it. You really do."

"Thanks Bells. You may be next right? To get married? You never know." He said and made my heart beat fast, my forehead to sweat and my pulse to rise from the pictures that came in my mind. Me the bride and Edward sitting next to me as the groom, looking me in the eyes and saying his vows. Then me doing the same. Then the rings and our first kiss as a married couple…

"Bella? Are you there loca?" Jacob put me out of my daydreaming. Or was it nightdreaming since it was pitch black outside my apartment?

"Huh? Yes, yes, I am here. Just…thinking…" I moved my head in an attempt to stop these magical images from taking my mind away from the conversation I was having with my friend. "I don't think so Jacob. It's too early for us. Our relationship began much later than yours."

"Oh right. I forgot." He said. "But you seem so in love, so it is just a matter of time. It's the logical sequence of events."

I grinned. It was the first time I pictured me and Edward as a married couple and the idea appealed to me to a large extent. So large that it worried me. What if this idea had not even crossed my love's mind?

"We will see Jake. Whatever happens, happens. I am quite happy now as things are. Getting to know each other. You know we even live together now. Sometimes at my apartment, sometimes at his." I explained and I realized that one way or another, we had began to live together without even realizing it. It just came naturally. Now our clothes and things were separated into two apartments, along with Roger's, our dog's, things.

"That's really nice. Getting to know each other always helps. Oh Bells. I have to go. Leah is awake now. I just wanted to tell you the news. We'll talk again soon with more details."

"Sure Jake. It was nice hearing from you. Take care and congratulations again!"

"Thanks! See you Bella. Goodnight and sorry for waking you up." He apologized and closed his phone. I did so too and I kept my mobile in my hands smiling at it like a silly person. But it was the things it made me think of that brought that smile on my face. The thoughts of me and Edward in a common life. In a house together. Our house. With our own family.

I grinned so much that my cheeks hurt. But still I couldn't stop grinning.

I deactivated my mobile phone in case someone else decided to call me too tonight and left it on the kitchen's table before returning to bed. Next to my beloved Edward. My boyfriend and love of my life.

I got in the bedroom as silently as I could. He was still sleeping.

Thank God!

I approached and got in bed trying not to wake him up. I laid my head on the pillow and went closer to him putting my right arm around his body. His back was now turned to me. Edward moved a bit in his sleep and put, instinctively I thought, his arm around mine. I smiled to myself content with the images that came in mind and fell to sleep quickly inhaling his intoxicating scent.

XXX

Jacob's comforting words helped me to sleep well during the night, but when the sun comes up, it brings the problems with it too. Nothing is hidden under the sunlight. And so the name "Mike" came back in my mind. But this time, I had made up my mind. I would tell Edward about it. He should know. We would work it all out together.

But when is the right moment?

And what do I say? "Hey Edward! You know, babe, Mike called me last night at 3.30 and threatened me with some dirty laundry of yours."

Nuh! It can't be that.

I had a few chances during breakfast, but each time I opened my mouth I made a complete fool out of myself. I just stood there, jaw dropped wide open and no words coming out.

And then it was Edward. He was too sweet, too kind as always and I couldn't bring him down by telling him such news, which would only worry him and ruin his day.

So, I let him go do some business of his. In fact, his father Carlisle had called him and told him that he needed him at the company for something, don't know what that was. Therefore the whole morning Edward was there. And I was alone at home fighting with my laptop's keyboard and my thoughts. Half page written, one page written. Delete delete delete. Start from scratch. Half page written. Then one page. Delete. And all over again.

This went on until 2.30 in the afternoon. The time that Edward returned home. Which was my home. But there was no more mine and his now. Only ours apparently. I didn't even have to ask him. He just came by and stayed wherever I was. And I did the same with his house too. It was a mutual thing and I loved it.

"Ok, what's wrong Bells?" Edward said and left his fork in his plate making a metallic sound which made me jerk on my seat.

"What?" I asked lost in my thoughts.

"Come on, there is obviously something bothering you all day today. I can see it in your moves. And you seem aloof during the whole lunch. You didn't even ask what my father wanted from me." He pointed out correctly.

"It's just that…" I huffed. "Edward I'm scared." I announced and joined my eyebrows looking into his eyes.

He immediately put his hands over mine which were lying on the table and stroked them. "Love, I am here! You have no reason to be afraid."

Just spill it out Bella. Just do it.

"Mike called me last night." I confessed and lowered my head from guilt. Although I had nothing to feel guilty about. But I did feel that I had to tell him earlier. But at least I managed to say it. Better late than never.

"What?" Edward almost yelled and stood up again. "When? What did he want?"

"At 3.30 at night, you were sleeping and he wanted to threaten us. As usual. With some photos of us and some…things that he knows about your past…" My voice lowered again once I spelled out the last words. It was hard to reveal this part of the story to him. Mostly because it made me feel so bad about it. The thought that I doubted him, that I felt like he was hiding something from me was excruciating.

"My past. What can he possibly know about my past Bella that you don't already know?" His words sounded like an accusation to me. It made things even worse for me.

"I don't know." I was barely heard. "He said that he has documents and proofs that you were…actually part of…that…gang…" And after I said that I bit my lips and closed my eyes expecting him to explode and start shouting or something.

But there was silence for a while.

"It's ok." I thought. "He might want some time to think or calm himself down or just realize what I just told him."

But then this deathly silence went on for a little bit longer and this made me feel even more worried and insecure.

What I did? I remained silent breathing heavily and waiting impatiently for any reaction from him. Even a bad one. But at least, a reaction so that I could understand what he was thinking.

"Do you believe him?" He finally asked me sounding calmer than I thought he would be.

I pressed my lips and moved my head for "No."

"I want to hear it from your lips Bella, while you look me in the eyes." He said and I hesitantly opened them and starred in his dark blue cloudy skies that were his eyes.

But I saw no anger in them. A little bit of disappointment perhaps but still, no anger.

"No, I don't believe him."

"You lie…" Edward talked so silently as if he said it to himself rather than me. And as always, he knew me too well.

"I'm so sorry…It's not that I don't trust you, but I feel that there are things you haven't told me and…Edward I don't want to learn about you from others! I want to know everything about you from you! No matter how dark your past is. I don't care! Because I will love you anyway. I don't know how not to love you." I stopped for a second to check on him. He was motionless and frozen like a stone. "Besides, I care about your past, but it's your present and future that matters to me more. Not your past."

"But the past is what defines us." He added in disbelief for the things I just told him.

"Yes, but people change. We learn from the past, so that we won't make the same mistakes in the future." I wanted to approach him. He was standing a few meters away from me, but to me it seemed like miles separating us at that point. "And you are not alone. I won't let you repeat the past. Because I will always be by your side Edward. I care about you. You are everything to me. That is why I don't want you to hide from me. I will love you no matter what. My feelings for you won't change."

Edward turned slowly to me again and he lifted his gaze until he met mine. I just wanted to run and hug him, but I felt I couldn't reach him. He was the only one able to walk the distance between us.

But he just stayed there starring at me and not moving at all. But I decided to stand up from the chair. I just couldn't stand still anymore. I made a step forward. No movement from him. Then one more step. Then another one. Till the point the tips of my Converses touched his.

"Eddie, my love…" I lifted my hand up approaching his face. I hesitated a few inches away from his left cheek. I thought he would stop me. But he didn't. Edward just kept looking in my eyes saying nothing and not moving at all. "Please say something…" I pleaded and found the courage to stroke his face.

In my relief, Edward closed his eyes under my touch and he put his hand over mine bringing my palm to his lips. And he kissed it tenderly.

"I swear I didn't want to get you in all this. I wanted to protect you from all the mess and the fake rumours about me." He finally said in an apologetic tone, which really surprised me. Him apologizing to me? For what?

"What are you talking about Edward? There is nothing to feel bad for. I can take everything as soon as I am with you." I explained and a wind of relief blew around me again.

"Mike is…merely right Bella." He said and went to sit on the sofa. I followed him and stood next to him. "I wasn't a part of that gang but…I knew who they were, what they did. But that is not the whole story."

"Then which is?" I asked anticipating breathlessly his explanations and going to sit next to him on that sofa.

Edward inhaled deeply, I guessed trying to find the strength that was needed for him to say the things he had to say. "I've told you why I broke up with my "fiancée"" He made air quotes. "with Kate."

I nodded. "Because you found her with…your friend."

"My best friend back then." He corrected me. "Tom Winester was like a brother to me." He snorted. "And look what he did to me." Edward avoided eye-contact with me. He just stared his fingers which were making invisible circles, while he was talking.

"A couple of weeks after that incident, Tom died in a terrible car accident. There was literally nothing left from his car after he crashed on that lamp post."

I had never heard of that. "And how does that have to do with you?"

"They examined the car and the circumstances under which the accident occurred and they realized that the brakes on his car had been cut off. Someone sabotaged his car in order to kill him Bella."

That was the moment he turned his face to me and this was the exact moment I realized the rest of the story. "And they accused you for it." I monologued and my knees felt weak.

"Everyone Bells. His family. Even Kate dared calling me for one last time to accuse me for what happened to her…"boyfriend". Can you imagine it? No one believed in my innocence." He passed his hands over his face and then let them fall on his lap. "Somehow, a reporter who knew me and followed my career, even though I was a newbie, heard the news and dug deeper. Once he learned who Tom was, he immediately connected me with it, because of my previous relationship with Kate. He phoned constantly at my house threatening me to expose me and that he would write I was to blame for the accident, even though I wasn't." He sighed. "He made my life a living hell, Bella. And the fact that the person who actually did that hasn't been found yet, made things even more difficult for me."

I felt so sorry for him. I couldn't believe the shit he had gone through.

"Edward, I know you didn't do it. You should have told me earlier." i comforted him and put my hands on his cheeks. He gave me a puppy face in return. "What happened with the reporter though?"

Edward took my hands in his and brought me to sit on his lap holding me tight. "My father took good care of that."

I joined my eyebrows puzzled.

"Remember when I had told you that I paid a paparazzi to not publish photos and news of me and Kate?"

I nodded.

"Well, I lied about that one." Then he ceased to think of something. "Ok, I didn't lie that much. I just hid the whole truth. The person that my father paid to not post any news about me and Kate is actually that reporter who knew about Tom's accident and threatened me. Carlisle paid him to not reveal any information about either my relationship with Kate or Tom's fatal accident. Which he eventually did."

"Oh my baby…I feel so bad for you." I said and put hands around his neck hugging him tightly.

After many minutes Edward finally loosened up and relaxed. He stroked my back with rhythmical movements up and down my spine, while he put his chin on my left shoulder.

"I should have told you. You should know…" He said practically admitting his wrong choice of remaining silent.

"Yes, you should!" I told him trying to seem mad at him, but of course failed. "How many times do I need to tell you that I want to know everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, about you. Good or bad."

Edward smirked and that made me feel happy again. It was about time he showed me his beautiful smile.

"I adore you my love. Nothing will change my opinion about you. It hasn't changed for eight years now anyway." I stroked his hair gently.

"But this whole story…What would you think about me? Who would guarantee that you wouldn't believe it and break up with me, because you would be afraid of me and what I am capable of doing?"

I furrowed my eyebrows and my mouth opened widely. "What?"

"I mean, since I've already told you about my fight with that stranger at that bar and the fight with Tom when I found him with Kate, how would you take some news about me which claimed that I am a murderer?"

"BUT YOU ARE NOT!" I burst and held his face in my hands forcing him to look back at me. "Edward, look at me. I do not believe this nonsence. I know they trapped you, that is all. You are not guilty for what happened to him."

Edward moved his head. "You are an angel. A real angel." And all of a sudden we were kissing. It was a different kiss. This time I could feel relief, yes, relief.

"I would never ever doubt you babe. And I am really sorry that I didn't talk to you. I swear I didn't believe Mike. I just…I was thinking about the most crazy stuff and I lost it. I freaked out." I explained.

"And now you haven't freaked out?" He asked me shyly.

I smiled. "Of course not! I told you, I don't believe a word of these rumours. Because I know you better than anyone. I've seen your true colours Edward."

He put a flock of hair behind my ear. "I didn't do it, I swear. I wasn't even in New York the day of the accident. I was in Canada for some shooting. But that reporter-paparazzi just craved for attention and money. And I happened to be his way of achieving that."

"Has he bothered you since then?"

He moved his head. "No. Until Newton did now."

How did he learn about it though? I had to find out.

"Edward, Mike told me he wants to meet me in order to give me this information about you." He kept looking at me. "I am thinking of going."

"What?! NO! NO WAY!" Edward sounded downright.

"Eddie it's the only way to find out more about his source. I am going to find out and then we can fight him back!" I explained trying to convince him.

"No Bella! I won't let you go anywhere close that bastard!" He insisted.

"My love please listen to me! It's our only chance to get rid of him once and for all! I'm gonna learn exactly what he knows and from whom. They won't threaten us for much longer."

Edward remained silent being thoughtful.

"The question is how did Mike Newton learn about these things? No one knew except for me, my parents, Emmett and Jasper. And that paparazzi. So I suppose…we could get some answers. But Bella, if he dares to harm you in any way, I swear to God, I will break his head and…"

"Sh sh shh!" I put my fingers over his lips. "Nothing will happen to me Edward. You can even follow me if you want to. Just to make sure. Stay in your car or something and look out for me."

My caring boyfriend finally nodded pressing his lips. I could feel it wasn't easy for him. "Alright. Let's do that then."

I smiled to him and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry, you will guard me well."

He smiled back to me. "So, how will you do it? Will you call him?"

I sighed. "No, I won't tell him anything. I will just go to the cafeteria he told me at the time he told me and hope that we will get the answers we want."

Edward's hands were tensed around my waist. "I can't even imagine you passing a minute with him! Let alone so much time in a cafeteria." He spoke through his teeth.

"Hey relax! What did I tell you? I am gonna be fine!"

And it's the least I can do to make up for everything I've put you through because of Mike Newton. Something that I was responsible for. For even doubting you and thinking that you were hiding something bad from me.

"And don't worry, I won't kiss him this time anyway."

"Wait. Kiss him? This time?"

Edward began to lose his temper. "When did that happen?"

"Um…I got out with him once. After our two night stands in Paris. I felt abused and used and he was the first guy I met and asked me out, so I thought ok, why not. And…I went. And he kissed me. But I stopped him. I swear I did."

"Why did you even think of going out with him? I know he is not even your type."

"Edward, I was hurt! I wanted to forget you by meeting other men. Mike just happened to be there! The perfect timing for him, the worst for me." I explained to him with all the sincerity I had.

He finally nodded. "I can't blame you. I behaved like a jackass to you. But again, Mike? What were you thinking Bells?"

I rolled my eyes and pushed him playfully while I stood up. I heard him laughing while I was walking away from him to check on Roger and give him something to eat.

"Thank God your taste in men is much better now!" Edward's voice came to me from the living room, the moment I went at the balcony to find Roger.

This man…This perfect man…

I smiled to myself totally happy that things came out so well between me and Edward, even after this hard moment and put some dog food and water for Roger to eat and drink.

XXX

"Are you ready for this?" Edward cupped my face and stared in my eyes as if he was trying to read my soul or my mind and see what I was thinking.

I nodded.

Edward pressed his lips on mine and then spoke again. "I'll be watching over you, ok? Nothing will happen to you, I swear."

His promise was all I needed for me to gather some strength and get out of the car heading to my uncertain meeting with the person I hated the most at this moment. Mike Newton.

Once I opened the cafeteria's door, I took a glimpse of Edward inspecting me from his car and left a sigh of relief. My guardian angel was there to protect me.

"Hey Bella!" A man's voice came from behind me the moment I entered "Philip's café".

"Mike." I replied simply and gave him the angriest, meaniest, most vicious look he had ever seen in his life.

"Wow. Someone is furious." He acknowledged.

"You bet I am." I confirmed and sat on a chair opposite him.

"You should have something to drink first and then we shall talk more thoroughly." And he motioned to the waiter to come and serve me.

"No! I don't want to drink anything and I certainly do NOT want to pass any more time with you here or anywhere else. So speak quickly and let's get done with it."

"Oookaay…You don't seem in a good mood, but, really, Bella…" He approached me over the table ready to touch my hands. "I can't see why. Aren't you happy that you will finally get to know who Edward Cullen really is and break up with him before it is too late?"

"What?!" I took my hands back instantly before he had the chance to touch them. "Are you insane? I would never break up with Edward. And especially not because of you!"

Mike lifted his hands up in the air and sat back on his chair. "You had it coming." And he practically threw on the table right in front of me, a big green file. "Open it." He instructed me and I frowned. "Open it, it's the evidence I was talking to you about. I will explain some things as you see the photos."

I took the file in my hands and opened it slowly and hesitantly.

"It's not a bomb Bella sweetheart."

"Don't call me sweetheart!" I talked through gritted teeth.

Mike smirked and furrowed his eyebrow, but went on as if I had said nothing to him. Like he didn't realize the warning in my voice. "As you can see, these are photos of your beloved Edward Cullen and his ex-fiancée, Kate Gilbert. Of course, these are from the time they were together."

I took a couple of photos in my hands. It was Edward with a brunette woman with long hair and small brown eyes. I have to admit the ugly truth though. She looked really beautiful.

I felt my self-esteem abandoning me, but I tried to remember the reality. The fact that I was with Edward now and not her. I was the one who had the pleasure of living every day with this man and not her. She cheated on him and I would never do that. So practically, I had won in every way possible.

Yes, Bella. Cheer up! Don't lose it now.

"These photos were ready to be published from a friend of mine, but guess who paid so that wouldn't happen?" Mike continued having this really irritating attitude, as if he was saying something really important and he had already won this battle.

"He did it to protect her from assholes like you." I said simply still talking angrily. "And I already know that. You didn't have to tell me about it."

Mike frowned and bit his lip nervously. The game had changed now. He didn't expect my move. "Ok then…Keep checking on these photos."

I went on with the rest of the photos.

"The next photos are the evidence that he was a part of a gang."

And I scanned them thoroughly. It was Edward with Laurent and James by his side outside a bar. It seemed like no one else from the other members of the gang was there with them.

I began to laugh. Apparently this made Mike angrier.

"What is so funny?" He asked spitting the last word.

"You…You are such a jerk! But…" I couldn't stop laughing. "I already knew that." Finally managed to calm myself down. "What I didn't know is that you are worthless too." I said before throwing the photos back with the others and continuing. "Because I know these two guys, I've met them. They are great men and much better than you'll ever be."

Mike remained silent. But I could see his face turning red, his eyebrows joined and wrinkles appearing on his forehead. He had lost and he couldn't accept that.

"Now," I stood up and approached him holding my purse in my hands ready to leave that place. "Don't you ever threaten us again. Because we are going to announce our relationship pretty soon, so you can't say anything about this anymore either. As for this…failed attempt to dig in Edward's past," I showed the pile of photos he had brought with him to convince me that there was something wrong with him, "..you don't even know the whole story. Do a better research at your next victims because these ones.." I pointed to myself. "…will not be kind to you again if you ever try to bother us one more time in the future."

I stood straight up, gave him an "I fucking won!" smile and turned my back to him walking my way out of the cafeteria like a classy lady.

The moment I got outside I scanned the whole place for Edward's car, but there was no sign of him around that street.

And then it hit me.

He had warned me that he would park the car at the next street, a little bit further away from the café, so that he wouldn't be visible from Mike Newton.

I took my phone out of my bag and called Edward.

"Hey! Are you ok?" His kind, full of concern voice replied.

"Yes, I am fine. It's all over Edward. He had nothing else to say. Nothing real. We won babe!" I said cheerfully.

"I knew you could do it! I am proud of you my girl!" He congratulated me making me blush.

"Thank you sweetie! Although, we actually made it. Together." I smiled widely thinking of his face grinning and looking content.

"You did the hardest part though." He acknowledged. "And by the way, where are you? I am about to turn the corner to the street where the cafeteria is."

Oh shit!

I checked around me. I was now at a dark alley next to the café. I didn't even know I had taken that turn, while I was talking to Edward on the phone.

"Edward, there is a problem. I have to return back…I am at an alley somewhere next to the cafeteria. I will get back to the main street, ok? Just wait for me there." And I turned around heading back to "Philip's café".

"Hey doll. Going somewhere?"

Mike appeared in front of me out of nowhere blocking my way.

"Mike let me pass." I tried to remain calm, although there was something in his eyes that made me feel really scared. An unknown dark light somewhere deep in his stare finding its way out on the surface.

"No." He replied sternly and approached me.

"I said, let me pass." I repeated with as much strength and prowess as I had left. Before fear would take over.

"And I said, no!" And with a rapid move he came to me and pushed me to a building's white wall. "You didn't want to be mine the easy way. We'll have to do it the hard way then." And he tried to press his lips on mine.

"STOP! ASSHOLE!" I started yelling and pushing him away. I even remembered some self-defense lessons I had taken a few years ago and I put my thumbs on his eyes pressing them.

"AAAAAAAAHHH! YOU BITCH!" Mike Newton screamed with pain trying to take my hands off his face.

"GET OFF HER NOW!"

That familiar voice, my angel's voice, was heard. Although now he sounded extremely angry. Almost mad.

Edward dragged Mike away from me and punched him on the face before the latter had any chance to protest or make his move on my boyfriend. Mike Newton fell on the ground, blood dripping from his nose and blood spilling from his mouth.

"If you ever, EVER, dare to touch her, even talk to her again, I am gonna make you regret the moment you were born!" Edward warned him and I thought I saw red flashes coming from his eyes. That was how angry he was.

Mike didn't reply. Edward went to him and grabbed him from his shirt's collar. "You got that motherfucker? Do not even come anywhere near us or I will hunt your ass down!"

I had never seen Edward so furious. Not even when he acted.

Of course we had argued ourselves, but definitely not like that. Thankfully.

"Ok, ok!" Mike moved his head totally frightened, his eyes widely open.

Edward threw him back on the street and he came to me.

"Are you ok?" He asked putting some hair away from my eyes.

Only then I realized that I was panting and my heart was ready to jump out of my chest. Tears came naturally and I began to sob.

"Shhh…It's ok. I'm here now." Edward comforted me the moment I fell in his arms and hugged him tight. "It's alright." And he squeezed me kissing me hair again and again.

On our way home, I closed my eyes and tried to relax. But the only thing I saw, was Mike Newton attacking me. I freaked out and opened my eyes turning to Edward. He was the face I wanted to see at that moment.

"What's wrong love?" He asked me and I just moved my head not saying a word. Just leaning my head on his shoulder, eyes on the street above us as he was driving us home.

"He will pay for this Bella. I swear he will." Edward promised me and I nodded.

He had to pay! And he would.

XXX

"Jas. I have a mission for you." Edward talked on the phone once we got in his apartment and Roger ran towards us to welcome us.

"I want you to search everything about Mike Newton, that paparazzi who's been following us. And let me know."

There was an answer from Jasper.

"You have already? You are the man bro. Tomorrow morning. At 11.00 o'clock. Your place." Edward announced.

Then his manager said something and he replied with an "Ok. Goodnight then. See you tomorrow."

Once he hang up the phone, he turned to me. "Babe we have a date tomorrow with Jasper. He has some good news for us. I think we have this jackass in our hands now."

I smirked completely satisfied. "I can't wait to see that petty creature going down." I spoke through gritted teeth and clenched my fists in anger.

Jasper had told me in the past that he would start searching about Mike Newton. It seems that he had finally found something. And I couldn't wait to know what that something was.

Because now, we also knew who his partner was. That paparazzi who had gone after Edward a few years ago, was working with Newton now giving him all the "evidence" he thought he had gathered about my boyfriend. He was in our black list too now.

But I wasn't scared anymore.

This would be the end of Mike Newton's intimidation.

For we had now won.

XXX

Chapter end notes: It was about time Mike took a lesson, right? More to come in the next chapter. What do you think will happen know? Will he stop bothering them or will he go on? Again, sorry for being so late to update and thanks so much for all your reviews! :) It means a lot to me!

Till next time!

© Copyright ~ImaginaryWitch

Anonymous reviews replies: nikol: Sweetie! :) I am so glad you liked that chapter. :) And yes, Edward is the cutest… :) Awww…That was one of the sweetest things I've read! Thank you so so much! I hope my book will get published soon too! :')) You are so kind girl! :))

giota: Yes, the truth is that I almost cried too while writing James' story.. :( Thanks for your understanding and reading-reviewing of course! :)) Hahaha! That is a great comment. "I take him as he is." I think that is true. ;) Hehe!

lola: Haha! Really? That's so sweet… :) Yes, I like Edward too. ;)

bigstar: Oh! I see. It's ok. Your reviews make me smile (always), so I didn't mind it at all. :) And sorry that you waited so long for the next chapter. Hope you liked it. Thank you for reading-reviewing too btw. :))