A/N: Hello, hello. I'm back. This time it wasn't only the kids falling sick, but I caught a pretty nasty cold with coughing fits that kept me from writing for several days. On top of that, the chapter I was working on gave me a really hard time. But more about that next time.

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. I hope I didn't miss anyone when I sent out replies over the past few days.

Thank you so much to Midnight Cougar, evelyn-shaye and LaPumuckl for their great help and support. Without them, this would suck so bad.

Now, the show is over, for now, but what will happen to the restaurant and the game? And what else does Edward have to confess to? Enjoy reading. See you at the bottom.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or Married At First Sight …

******TtK******

Chapter 21 – What's Mine Is Yours

~Bella~

We barely made it into our apartment before Edward pressed me up against the door, his lips attached to mine. Without faltering, his hands were under my skirt, ripping off my panties while he kissed and sucked his way down my neck.

I gasped at his urgency, but the need to have him inside me — to be joined with my husband — outweighed the shock. This was the first time we were together, knowing we loved each other and were staying married. It was special, and maybe we shouldn't have consummated our love standing upright against the front door. However, neither of us had the patience to move to the bedroom or even the sofa.

Edward's hand grabbed my left thigh and wrapped my leg around his waist, granting him easy access to my wet core.

"Dammit, Spice! You're so ready for me." He coated his fingers in my wetness, and when he circled my clit, I threw my head back, moaning with need. "Fuck! I'd love to make you come like this, but I need to be inside you."

His fingers vanished, and I hissed with disappointment until I heard the jingling of his belt buckle and the frustrated growl when his jeans wouldn't open fast enough. Lifting my head, I saw an adorable little pout on my husband's lips, and I couldn't hold back a giggle.

The button and zipper gave way, and he narrowed his eyes at me playfully as his jeans and boxer briefs dropped to the floor.

"I'll teach you to laugh at me, Mrs. Masen." With that, he'd positioned his rock-hard cock at my entrance, and unceremoniously thrust into me, at the same time, lifting my other leg and draping it around his hip.

My back was pressed against the wood, held up by his hands on my ass as he set a fast pace. With my arms around his neck, I held onto him for dear life, scared to drop to the ground. A moment later, Edward's lips found mine, and all thoughts of anything apart from his warm body touching mine, and his pounding into me disappeared.

He moaned into my mouth as one of his hands let go of my ass cheek and yanked up my top to grant him access to my bra. One cup was pulled down, and Edward's nimble fingers tweaked and twisted my nipple. The added sensation made me go mad with lust.

I loved it when we touched each other tenderly, but when he was a bit rough with me, I was turned on beyond reason.

Tilting my hips, Edward changed the angle of his thrusts, hitting exactly the right spot to have me pant and moan so loud it echoed through the apartment. I was beginning to feel as though I were floating due to oxygen deprivation from our ongoing kiss combined with everything else Edward was doing to my body. Then, all of a sudden, his hand let go of my nipple, and instead, started to rub my clit frantically.

"I need you to get there, Spice. Fuck, yes, come for me!"

In my head, the noises I made when I tumbled over the edge were loud enough to alert our whole block. I felt myself clenching down on Edward's cock, and he grunted and groaned as he came deep inside me.

Our labored breathing gradually turned into a fit of giggles as we both came down from our high.

"Wow," I managed to get out, still winded from the exertion.

"Damn right, wow! Spice, you have no idea how much I love you." He choked out the words with a tender kiss to my lips as he slowly lowered us to the ground.

I held on tight, kissing him back with fervor, then I replied, "I love you, too."

****TtK****

An hour and another romp between the sheets later, we were in our bed, cuddled up under the covers. My head was in its now-usual place on Edward's chest, and his arms were around me.

"I can't believe it's all over," I stated, absentmindedly running my hand over Edward's toned stomach.

"Nothing is over. We're just starting," Edward replied seriously, but with a smile in his voice.

Poking his side, I chastised him with a laugh. "That's not what I was talking about. I meant that we're free now."

He chuckled out an "Ouch!" then drew me closer. "You're not free. You're shackled to me for the rest of your life."

Sighing theatrically while holding up my left hand to look at my wedding band, I said, "At least it's quite the pretty shackle."

Edward reached out to touch the yellow gold, then covered my hand with his. "Here's something else I regret. I didn't choose that ring for you."

I realized I'd never wondered how he got that particular ring. Sure, I'd thought it was flashy and probably too expensive for my taste, but why had he chosen it?

"You didn't? How did you get it then?"

Edward exhaled loudly. "You know, every time I have to tell you about my lies, I'm scared I'll finally drive you away. But I want to tell you nothing but the truth from now on." He glanced at me nervously before he went on. "Well, I have to admit I didn't care one bit about a damn ring back then. Hell, I didn't want to get married. I had nightmares about my bride turning out to be Mrs. Doubtfire or something like that. I'd never bought jewelry in my life, and I didn't have the first idea about wedding rings and bands. So, I asked Emmett to tag along, and he more or less chose the ring. To be brutally honest, I hadn't even looked at it until it was on your finger."

I wasn't happy to hear his revelation, but I wasn't surprised either. At least I could appreciate his honesty, and knew he hadn't chosen the ring because he thought I'd like it. It simply wasn't me. I was still contemplating what to say when Edward continued.

"The jeweler asked me if I wanted to wear a matching band, and I replied I'd rather die than be caught dead with one. The weird thing is, now I wish I was wearing a ring, too."

He sounded so regretful that I promised myself I'd give him something as a sign of my love next chance I got. However, all the talk of Emmett reminded me of something.

"Um, Edward, after everything you went through to get you and the guys the money to launch your game, why did you throw that away today?"

"Because I realized it was wrong and I was scared of losing you." He rolled us over so I was on my back, and he could look into my eyes easily. "When Vic called and told me you knew everything, I panicked. Suddenly, I remembered the distance between us since the party and your tear-stricken face last night, and I was sure you were going to ask for a divorce."

"I was," I interrupted, wanting to be entirely honest with him, as well. "I couldn't help believing Jim, though I didn't want to. I walked around the city yesterday morning, crying like a madwoman. In the end, I'd decided to let you go before you could devastate me by telling me you didn't want to stay married. But when you said you loved me, I had to believe you, and I decided I wasn't willing to let you go."

"I didn't know that. I felt as though you were slipping through my fingers, and I had to do something — a grand gesture — to make you see I meant it; that I want you so much more than the fifty grand."

I kissed him hard, feeling the need to show this sweet, stupid man how much I appreciated him and his sacrifice.

After a passionate lip lock, we broke apart and returned to our former position, and I went back to my earlier train of thought.

"You have to tell Em and Seth about the money."

Edward sighed deeply, running his hand along my arm. "You're right. Fuck! They'll be really upset."

I knew their bets were abominable, and they deserved what they were getting now, but I couldn't help feeling sorry for Edward.

"I'll go with you. Come on. Let's get ready to leave," I said, sitting up. "Text them to meet us at Emmett's."

****TtK****

We took a quick shower together, washing each other thoroughly, then drove the Mustang to Emmett's apartment.

We didn't talk much on the way over, but once the car was parked, Edward grabbed my hand tightly and didn't release it. He didn't knock, walking right in as he'd probably done for the past five years or so.

The boys were sitting in the living room looking up at us apprehensively when we entered the room and took a seat on the couch across from them.

"What's up, Ed?" Emmett said by way of greeting. "Your text sounded urgent."

"I have to tell you something." Edward took a big breath before dropping the bomb. "I won't be getting the fifty grand."

Emmett jumped up from the couch as Seth's eyes flitted to me nervously.

"Shit! What happened? Did Bella...?" Emmett let the question hang when he remembered I was in the room.

Edward ran his hand through his hair, tugging at the ends. "The gig is up. I came clean with the execs and the experts today."

"Why the fuck would you do that?" This time it was Seth swearing.

Holding my hand in a death grip, Edward braced himself for the truth. "Vic called today, letting me know that Jim spilled everything to Bella on Saturday. I was scared shitless that she'd ask for a divorce, so the only thing I could think of to make her believe I was serious about us was to give up the money. I'm sorry, guys, but I felt as though I had to make a choice, and I chose my wife." He lifted our clasped hands to his mouth and kissed the back of mine.

Both his friends looked taken aback, but their anger had already deflated. Emmett was the first one to comment on Edward's confession.

"What did he tell you, Bella?"

Seth and Emmett stared at me in shock. "He told me everything. He had some of the details wrong, but it was more or less the whole sordid truth."

"And you believed him," Seth stated more than asked in defeat.

"I did, at first. Then I realized it wasn't the truth anymore. Unfortunately, Edward didn't know that." I smiled up at him sadly.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, then Emmett spoke up. "I don't blame you, Ed. If it had been me and Rose, I would have done the same." His expression was sympathetic but full of disappointment at the same time.

"I understand it, too," Seth agreed. "It was wrong from the beginning. Bella, I'm sorry we ever came up with that asinine idea."

I hadn't thought about it until now, but I wasn't sorry. "I'm not. I doubt I'd ever have met Edward — or any of you, for that matter — if he hadn't signed up for the show."

Edward leaned down to place a gentle kiss on my lips, and we were about to deepen it when Emmett interrupted us.

"How did that creep know all of that anyway?" His loud voice boomed as he poured four glasses of whiskey, then sat down again.

After a moment of gathering his thoughts, Edward replied, "Ugh, well, it came from Vic. She rambled about how Jim was 'so jealous' of us and since she thought she loved him, she had to tell him. But, honestly, not much registered after she said that Jim told Bella, and regardless, we have bigger problems right now."

"Yeah, like how are we getting the money?" Seth asked, then downed his shot.

"Could you maybe get a loan?" I had no idea if that was an option, but it was the first thing I had contemplated for getting money when Marcus made me his offer.

Marcus, dammit! I hadn't even thought about that dilemma since all hell broke loose. However, I couldn't solve that problem now anyway, so I decided to concentrate on the matter at hand.

Edward sighed beside me. "We tried that first. No one is willing to invest in that kind of a gamble. We don't have enough in the bank, either. And we're too old to ask our parents for handouts. So, the opportunity for the fifty thousand made an appearance exactly when we were pretty much desperate."

"Three years of work for nothing. We'll all waste away in our shitty jobs in the basements, working for ungrateful assholes." Emmett downed his shot, then immediately poured himself another and threw it back, as well.

The atmosphere around the table was depressing. I couldn't condone their original plan, seeing I wasn't the only one getting hurt in the process, but I could relate to their longing for a more fulfilling job. Their dreams had been shattered in an instant.

That thought brought me back to my own dreams and how unattainable they appeared to be. Shit! If no one had been willing to give three guys fifty thousand dollars for their game, how was I going to get a loan five times that size? Sure, Volturi's was worth it, but I was still a rather young chef without any collateral. And Marcus needed an answer within the next five days.

As I felt my own dream crash in front of me, I realized there was a way that not all four of us in this room had to bid their future plans goodbye. Edward didn't have his fifty thousand, but I would have mine in my bank account within a week.

The money would never be enough to buy me my restaurant, but it was enough to fund my husband's dream.

"Um, you need fifty grand, right?" I asked, interrupting the guys moaning about what had all gone wrong so far.

They all looked up at me with varying degrees of bewilderment. "That and the few thousand we have in the bank, yes," Edward replied cautiously.

Swallowing dryly, I spoke in a steady voice. "You can use my fifty thousand, then."

Edward stared at me in shock, then started shaking his head. "You can't do that. That money is yours. You have to save it to buy your own restaurant one day."

I knew if I told him about Marcus's offer, as unrealistic as it might be, Edward would never accept my proposal. That was why I decided to tell a little white lie.

"Marcus is selling Volturi's to the son of an old friend. He told me on Friday. He needs the money to move to Italy, and that Felix guy is buying the restaurant above market value. I'll have to look for a new job soon, and buying another restaurant is the last thing on my mind right now." I managed what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "The money is yours — if you want it. You can make me a silent partner, or we draw up an agreement about the terms of a loan, but we're married, Edward. We both decided this morning that we want a future together. To me, that means what's mine is yours. It would also be an investment for me." I paused, regarding my husband's astonished face, as I took a calming breath. "So, I want you to take the money to make your dream come true."

Edward searched my eyes for possible doubts, but apparently, didn't find any. Reluctantly, he met the stares of his friends who looked cautiously excited.

"It's your call, Edward. But Bella's reasoning does make sense," Seth stated.

Emmett commented next. "You have to make the final decision, Ed, but I agree with Seth. And if everything goes according to plan, Bella's investment will pay off — for all of us."

Nodding, Edward turned back to me with hesitation. "Okay. But we'll talk to your friends, Angela and Ben. They will set up everything the proper way so that you are financially safe and make the biggest possible profit."

I knew it was the reasonable thing to do, and I was happy Edward felt so protective of me, but I didn't care about security. We were married, and I considered it our money instead of mine — and since it couldn't do me any good right now, there was no question he should make the best of it.

In an instant, Edward had thrown his arms around me, hugging me tight to him. "Thank you so much, Spice. I'll make sure you'll never regret it."

Emmett and Seth came over, thanking me with a quick hug of their own once my husband let go of me. Then we all toasted with another drink.

After I called Angela and set up a meeting with her and Ben for Wednesday morning, the rest of the afternoon was spent planning and strategizing the game's future.

****TtK****

That night, Edward thanked me again properly, and before we knew it, Monday morning had dawned. It was actually strange to be able to start our day the way we wanted without having to factor in an hour of filming. It was freeing, but in a way, I kind of missed Garrett and his team.

Edward had to leave for work a bit earlier than usual since he had to gather a couple hours overtime to come in late after our appointment on Wednesday.

As soon as he'd left, my phone chimed with a text message from Jacob.

Hey, Bells. I haven't heard from you in a few days. Are you still married or getting a divorce? You up for an early lunch? ~ Jake

Don't you think you'd know by now if I were getting a divorce? Sure I'm up for lunch. Where do you want to meet? ~ Bella

The diner two blocks from our place. Say 11:30? ~ Jake

OK. CU at 11:30. ~ Bella

****TtK****

When I walked into the little diner, Jake was already waiting for me at a table in the far corner. He jumped up and pulled me to him as soon as he spotted me, leading me back to where he'd been seated.

"Well, Mrs. Masen, tell me about your weekend. How was the party Friday night?" Unknowingly, Jake hit the bullseye with his hunger for news.

Taking a big sip from the Diet Coke he'd already ordered for me, I contemplated what to tell him, or rather, how to tell him, since there was no way I could keep Edward's deception from my best friend. So, I decided to suck it up and spill the truth.

"The party was nice — at first. I got along famously with Emmett's girlfriend and a friend of Edward's, Victoria. Then, however, I was left alone with Vicky's boyfriend, who's a total sleaze. He, um … he told me something about Edward." I sighed heavily, not wanting to relive the story again but knowing I had to tell Jake. "He claimed Edward only entered the show because of a bet and married me solely for the money, planning to get a divorce at the end. On top of that, he revealed that Edward and Vicky had been fuck-buddies for years and had celebrated his last night of freedom together."

I didn't dare look up at Jake, too afraid to find him boiling with rage. When I finally lifted my eyes from the table top, I was surprised to find merely the faintest bit of anger there, almost buried under a heap of curiosity.

All he said was, "And what did you do?"

Frowning, I continued my recount of Friday night. "I lied and told Jim I was in it for the money, too, then drank my weight in booze."

"Did you ask Edward if it was true?" Jake's voice was warm and sympathetic.

"I didn't. I needed to think." I went on to explain how Saturday played out for me, finishing with, "I had planned to demand a divorce in the morning, but when I saw him, I needed to … connect with him one last time. Internally, I had already said my goodbye when he completely stunned me by saying he loves me."

Jacob's low chuckle had me stop and stare at him. "A blind man can see how much that guy's in love with you. So you believed him?"

Flabbergasted, my mouth hung open. "You knew?"

His chuckles got louder.

"I believed him, yeah. It was … in his eyes. That sounds corny and stupid, but it's true."

Jake nodded. "And then you told him you loved him, too, and you two rode off into the sunset?"

"Not exactly." I stopped, but Jake's inquisitive gaze prompted me to continue. "Yesterday, we had to shoot the decision show, and while I was in makeup, Victoria called Edward to let him know what Jim did. Edward was so scared to lose me, that he went to the producer and the psychologist and told them about his lies. He thought by forfeiting the fifty grand on purpose, it would prove that he chooses me over the money. He was lucky they only refused him the cash and abstained from suing him for breach of contract."

Taking a sip of his iced tea, Jacob snorted. "I really do get his reasoning, but he went to such lengths to get that money. What will they do without it now? I thought they needed the fifty grand to get their game out there."

I swallowed, unsure how Jacob would take my investment news. "They do. That's why I offered them my money."

With my eyes averted and my lip between my teeth, I could feel Jake's stare on me.

"What the hell, Bella? Why in God's name did you do that? What if that game turns out to be a total disaster and isn't the success they project it to be? What about your money then? You earned that money, Bella—why give it away!"

"Edward didn't want to take it at first. I did convince him, but he insists on writing up a bulletproof contract to protect me. We're going to see Ange and Ben on Wednesday."

I dared to carefully look up, and found Jake mulling over my words. "I see. I can't say I'm happy, but at least it's a good thing Marcus isn't going to retire any time soon. Maybe you'll make some money with that endeavor and be able to buy him out in a year or two."

And there was the one hold-up in my plan. I was convinced I wouldn't be able to buy the restaurant, but that didn't mean Jacob would see that, too. However, he knew me too well for me ever lie to him about anything as serious as my career. So, I swallowed once and confessed my secret about the restaurant.

"Shit, Bells! This is the worst timing ever. What did Edward say to this?"

"I wanted to tell him, but then the whole mess with Jim and the decision show started. Now I'm afraid that, if he finds out about Marcus, he'll decline my offer, even though it wouldn't change anything."

Jake wasn't happy with my reasoning, but after some pleading, he agreed not to tell Edward unless he was asked outright. After that, we switched to some lighter topics. Jacob told me about Mike's sister coming for a visit, and I shared some nice tidbits from Friday's party.

Before too long, it was time for me to leave for work, but I did so with a knot in my stomach, realizing I needed to come clean with Marcus.

****TtK****

After two weeks of the boss staying mostly at home, he'd been at the restaurant since opening time today. Secretly, I had hoped he'd come in later or not show up at all, so I'd get a bit more of a reprieve from having to decline his offer. However, I was out of luck.

Once the lunch hour rush was over, I plucked up the courage to knock on his office door and ask for a few minutes of his time.

"Isabella, come in. You know I always have time for you. What's on your mind, cara?"

Reluctantly, I took a seat across from him and braced myself for what I had to say.

"Marcus, I wanted to thank you for your support and generosity in offering me the restaurant at a discount price." Swallowing dryly, I closed my eyes and said my piece. "You know I love Volturi's, and would be so proud to call it my own. If this offer had come a year or two from now, I'd have jumped at the opportunity. But right now, I don't have the financial means to buy you out." Before he could try to convince me or even lower the price further, I continued. "On top of that, I just got married, and I want to have time with my husband to enjoy our new married life — more time than I'd have if I were self-employed. I'm so sorry, but I have to decline your offer. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, for believing in me when I wasn't yet confident enough to do it myself. I truly loved working for you."

I felt tears prickling my eyes, but there was nothing I could do to change my answer.

Marcus's expression was somber and sad when he thought over what I'd told him.

"Cara, I'm very unhappy to hear that. I would have loved to hand over the reins to you. I hope you understand why I can't wait the two years."

I managed a watery smile and placed my hand on his. "Absolutely, Marcus. You do what you have to do. I guess it's not supposed to happen for me right now. You and Renata deserve to be happy and healthy. Don't worry about me."

"I'm so sorry, Isabella. I'll talk to Felix tonight and let you know about his plans as soon as I know."

We shared an emotional hug, working hard not to let the tears fall and the sobs of disappointment escape, then I rushed out of Marcus's office to forget my sadness in my kitchen.

I wasn't even sure which was the harder blow: losing my job or having to say goodbye to Marcus, who was like a grandfather to me.

I took a deep, shuddering breath to collect myself. I'd just sealed my fate, knowing I'd be without a job in a few weeks, but at least I knew I'd always be coming home to the man I loved and who loved me.

********TtK********

A/N: Who's feeling sorry for Bella? I can assure you, I am. However, she probably wouldn't have gotten a loan anyway, so it made sense to give the money to Edward. He'll make sure she's protected, come what may. And what did you think about Jake's reaction? Were you surprised he didn't go off to punch Edward in the face? Apparently, he's seen through Edward for a while now.

Now, who wants a piece of what has given me such a hard time over the past few weeks? Here's a teaser for chapter 22:

… "Or … I could knock you up, and you take a few years off to have my babies. There's no time like the present." I waggled my eyebrows, unable to hold back a chuckle upon seeing her wide-eyed, open-mouthed shock. …

Dammit! Where did that come from? And did he mean it? How will Bella react? Tell me what you think, here or on Facebook in my group Payton79's Fanfiction.

As for next chapter, I'm aiming for two weeks again, but we have a short family vacay in between, so I can't make any promises besides I'll update as soon as I can. Until then, take care.