All publicly recognised characters are the property of Stephanie Meyer; I've just fiddled about with them a little bit. All songs referenced are the property of the original songwriters. So remember, I don't own anything other than the plot and gorgeous iPad mini that Santa brought me for being such a good girl. Reckon I'll get a tonne of reading done on that.
Big love for the wonderful, wonderful comments from you amazing readers. It's been a pleasure to read through them all, and it's truly made my year, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Once again, thanks to my hubby for casting an eagle eye over this one! X
Now time for dinner and drama!
CHAPTER 25:
Bella
Arriving at our table, everyone was already seated and engaged in genial conversation. Ever the gentleman, Edward pulled my chair out to allow me to sit, causing me to blush profusely. It didn't matter how many times I experienced his chivalrous ways, I doubted I'd ever get fully used to it.
Glancing about our surroundings, I couldn't help but marvel at how stunning the room looked while still staying true to Esme's vision of the little details being a reflection of Edward's personality. She'd achieved it in spades.
Tables swathed in inky black cloths provided the perfect backdrop for the gleaming silver cutlery and crisp white linen napkins were rolled inside heavy silver rings, which upon closer inspection had been personalised with each guests name and details of the event so they had a souvenir of the night. Spaced between the abundance of stemware were multiple ice buckets containing bottles of white wine, champagne, beer and soft drinks, with the red wine placed strategically to the side. A large goldfish bowl style vase graced the centre of each table filled generously with pristine white roses, which Esme had shared were Elizabeth's favourite flower.
Each guest also had a personalised card reminding them of the menu they'd selected based on my suggestion to Esme during our tasting at the hotel. This had been further embellished to create a neat little booklet outlining details of the auction and evening's entertainment of a well-known local covers band, followed by a disco into the early hours.
This was a clearly nod to his preference for relaxed informality in spite of his upbringing, and a stark departure to what the guests were used to with Masen Platt's annual gala.
As Carlisle took charge of pouring wine for everyone near him, Esme who was seated next to me leaned in whispering uncertainly, "Do you think Edward is happy with how I've arranged things for this evening?"
I don't think I'd ever seen the Cullen matriarch look unsure of herself in the time I'd known her, but this was a big night for her boy, whether he was flesh and blood or not. Rather than the usual focus on the event milking as much money as possible from Seattle's elite for the Foundation, which she still wanted to do of course, this was Edward's 'coming out' of sorts and Esme had been determined that the evening would carry elements of him about it.
"Without doubt." I affirmed gently. "He's trying not to be nervous about the announcement, so I think how you've organised tonight will certainly have helped to calm him."
Smiling graciously and accepting my assurance, she took charge of the table promptly.
"Alright you rowdy bunch, I know we're going to have a good time tonight, but can we still remember that as the organisers of this party, we lead by example, so you'd better not show me up tonight!" She chastised
All chatter ceased, with eyes fixed firmly on Esme as she held our attention.
"I mean you Emmett. I'm not having a repeat of last year. Janet Thornton-Grant still hasn't recovered from the sight of you performing a striptease at nearly midnight to Moves like Jagger."
Loud laughter erupted from the men, but were soon silenced by a steely death glare.
"But Ma, sometimes it's just too hard to contain all my 'sexy'." Emmett smirked.
A resounding 'thwack' was heard as Rosalie smacked her husband across the back of his head as she groused, "Well try! Every year, you provide a reason why I have to apologise to people. For once, could you just not?"
At his wife's words, the big guy at least attempted to look contrite, muttering something about doing his best but making no promises.
"Alright, now that's settled, let's get on with the most important thing, having a good time and celebrating Edward's speech."
With that final statement, eight glasses raised in the air and a collective, 'To Edward' was cheered. Thankfully the weasel that was Kate's father was seated across the other side of the room so the secret was still safe until later. I suspected Alice had deliberately placed their tables as far apart as possible for that very reason.
Dinner was delicious and the chatter animated. As predicted when Esme and I had worked out the menu, the men on our table had all opted for the red meat, fillet steak with a Bordelaise sauce, while the female contingent went with supreme of chicken in a tarragon cream sauce. Thanks to Edward sneaking me tiny bites of his dish I was able to say that both dishes were absolutely sublime.
Once the main courses had been cleared, it was time for Edward to take the stage to make his speech. Things had been timed so that the guests would enjoy desert & coffee as the auction got underway, allowing them to make the most of the entertainment once things were wrapped up.
Excusing himself from the table, Edward stood, buttoning his suit jacket up before bending to place a tiny kiss on my lips, softly pleading "Wish me luck baby."
Grinning proudly, I shook my head. "No luck needed angel, you were born for this. Now go show that old fool who is boss."
Pressing his forehead to mine, a smile broke. "Alright, but only because you said so."
Striding purposefully toward the stage, pausing to briefly speak with the master of ceremonies. We'd discussed how this part of tonight was going to go, and Edward had felt that he didn't want some huge drumroll to introduce him, rather he preferred something simple.
The sound of cutlery tapping against an empty glass bottle brought the room to a hushed silence, allowing the master of ceremonies make a simple statement in his booming voice from his position to the side of the platform.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Edward Cullen from your hosts Masen Platt would like to say a few words."
Edward bounced casually up the steps until he reached the microphone that was placed dead centre. Somewhere behind the scenes, a technician flipped on some of the overhead lights, bathing my boyfriend in a gentle illuminated halo as a ripple of applause echoed around the room.
I chanced a glance in the direction of the Denali tables, sure enough Eleazar and his simpering daughter Tanya had all eyes glued on the stage as Edward began to speak.
"Good evening ladies and gentleman, and thank you for joining us tonight. I promise not to keep you from the main purpose of this event for too long. I know you're all just itching to dig into those deep pockets of yours and support the Masen Platt Foundation to continue the work it does within the Seattle community."
Polite laughter followed. Everyone was under no illusion as to why they were there. They all supported the foundation wholeheartedly, with many of those seated giving time as well as money for the cause. The room quietened once more as Edward continued.
"This year has seen the foundation grow from strength to strength thanks to your continued support which means Masen Platt are able to provide women and children in desperate situations with vital provision that will allow them to rebuild their lives. We couldn't do that without you, and for that we are incredibly grateful."
From the table next to us, Garrett started a rousing round of applause in recognition of Edward's statement.
"The firm is entering a period of great change that will ultimately lead to expansion of the work the Foundation does to include a purpose built refuge offering state of the art security with an attached education and recreation centre. We hope that this will allow us to deliver a lasting legacy of support for the city long after the current Masen Platt patrons are gone."
Clearing his throat, he continued with firm enthusiasm.
"Many years ago, our firm was created through the friendship and likeminded thinking of two incredibly gifted lawyers that led to a long line of equally gifted lawyers who have built a reputation in Seattle and Chicago of providing ethical and profitable legal services. Most of you know their names, and I take immense pride in knowing I've been an integral part of that."
He paused for breath as I held mine. This was it, the bomb was about to be dropped, and I knew at least two people who would not be happy with this next part. Edward's eyes flicked to where I was seated, his mouth set in a firm line. I threw a tiny wink back at him, and saw his frame visibly relax. He'd got this.
"My adoption by the Cullen's along with my sister came at a very difficult time in our lives, but with their love and support we were able to flourish. So, to many of you it was no surprise that I went into one of the family businesses, but in truth, it was already in my blood. From a young age, I always knew where my destiny lay, and my goal has always been to continue the work of my father when the time was right. As I step into the role of Managing Partner on Monday morning, with the support of my family and beautiful girlfriend, I aim to build on the legacy of Edward Masen Senior and hope he would be proud of to call me his son."
A collective gasp of shock punctuated the air as Edward's words sunk in. Both of us surreptitiously cast a glance in the direction of one particular table. Both individuals had turned a very unattractive shade of purple, with Eleazar's expression one of absolute fury, while Tanya rose from her chair, threw her napkin on the table dramatically and stomped from the room like a toddler who had their favourite toy confiscated.
He'd done it! The whole speech had only been around five minutes in length, completely unscripted and one hundred percent from the heart, whilst giving Eleazar Denali the response he'd been so pressed to get but didn't really want to hear.
As the cacophony of noise started to die down, our gaze connected once more and Edward mouthed 'I love you' before making one more quip to his audience.
"If not, I'll have Esme Cullen to answer to, and trust me nobody wants that, just ask my brother Emmett. Thank you for your time and enjoy the rest of your evening."
More applause erupted as everyone except the Denali main table stood from their seats cheering enthusiastically. The Cullen family all beamed with pride at his direct yet impassioned words, while Emmett, Jasper and Garrett whistled raucously in support.
It took Edward a while to make it back to our table as a number of guests stopped him along the way to offer congratulations. The whole family had remained standing to greet him as he returned flexing his hand due to the quantity of handshakes he'd received. Esme and Carlisle both spoke to him in hushed happy tones, their expressions reflecting pure unadulterated joy, before Esme swept her son into a bone crushing hug. Edward embraced the tiny woman back firmly, placing a soft kiss to the top of her perfectly coiffed auburn locks.
Breaking away from his parents, Edward turned to where I was standing patiently waiting my turn. A hand reached out, and curled around my neck gently pulling me in to him, as he bent to press his lips to mine.
"God that felt good BBG." He murmured.
Stroking my hand down Edward's cheek, I responded, "You were brilliant, and from my vantage point I can tell you that it had the desired effect."
"Mission accomplished then." He chuckled before kissing my firmly once more.
As we broke apart, a finger tapped my shoulder lightly as Rose interrupted our embrace. "Alice and I were going to take a look at the blind auction lots, do you want to come with us?
"Go ahead baby, I'm going to catch up with Em and Jasper. Just make sure you're back here before the main auction starts, we need to decide if we're going to bid on anything." Edward beamed.
The table where the items were being displayed was set off to the side, not too far from where we were seated. Esme and Alice had amassed a great array of gifts that were available to bid on, their goal was to make the auction prizes suitable for all pockets, opening up the fun to anyone who wanted to bid and support the cause, not just the high rollers.
Across the long trestle table that had been set up, covered in more black cloth the items were displayed in baskets, pretty hampers and boxes stuffed with goodies. In front of each item was a labelled silver ballot box with printed bid slips and pens for people to write their offer. At the end of the night, the person with the highest bid for each one would be the winner.
Working our way along the line, there was a rustic looking crate filled with chocolates that came with a lesson from a master chocolatier for two people, which seemed like it could be a fun thing for Edward and I to do together. I quickly scribbled my bid down and popped it in the corresponding receptacle, my mouth salivating at the description of some of the products included.
Having not spent any money on my outfit for this evening, I hoped that I could get a liberal offer under the radar so to speak. It felt like the least I could do given how wonderfully generous my boyfriend had been.
Alice decided to go for a beautifully wrapped coffret of skincare products that had been donated by one of the local spas that she often went to. While Rose threw her name into the hat for the lingerie bundle donated by Alice's store and the mixology lesson with a selection of spirits that the hotel had kindly given to support the evening's fundraising.
Just as we were about to head back to the table we were interrupted by a rake thin woman with wild red curls and steely grey eyes. Her emerald green sequined dress clung to her painfully thin frame, while her neck, wrist and ears were weighed down with bright gold jewels that screamed expensive in the most obvious way.
"Well, if it isn't the Cullen bitches and Edward's little mouse." She mocked, not caring whether anyone nearby heard.
This had to be Edward's ex Victoria. I had a feeling she'd be here this evening as part of the Denali party but I'd been so focussed on Edward and whoever we'd been chatting with that I'd not taken time to scope out all the attendees.
Alice stepped in front of me protectively, a scowl fixed firmly across her face, although I wasn't quite sure what she was hoping to achieve given that she's shorter than me. Neither of us needed to respond though, Rose got in first, her voice sickly sweet whilst dripping with disdain as she appraised the woman in front of her.
"Well if it isn't the gold digging tramp. This might be a paid for event, but you still lack the class to fit in. I'd crawl back under your rock if I were you Vicky, because it would be very easy, never mind pleasurable to have you kicked out by security."
Realising that this was neither the time nor the place to try to take on anyone from Edward's family in a war of words, she simply scowled and turned on her heels.
"Well she's still as pleasant as she used to be." Alice snorted, breaking the tension instantly.
Rose just shook her head. "Honestly, I have no idea what Edward was thinking with her."
The glittery pixie gave a withering look, "Obviously his big brain got overridden by the little one, because I'm pretty certain that he wasn't with her for her sparkling personality or intellect."
"Nail on the head Alice, nail on the head."
It was like watching verbal tennis as my companions bantered back and forth in an attempt to analyse events.
Their chatter was interrupted by an announcement from the MC over the speaker system giving the guests a five minute warning for the first five auction lots. Esme had planned the main fundraising to sit either side of the first set that the band played to give attendees a bit of respite and entertainment.
Making our way back to the table, I eased into my seat next to Edward who was engrossed in a conversation with Carlisle. Realising I had returned, they wrapped up their conversation before Edward turned and placed a small kiss to the side of my head. The banqueting staff had served dessert in our absence, and the men had patiently waited for us before digging in. The raspberry and white chocolate crème brulée that I'd selected was silky smooth, with tart fruit offsetting the sweetness of the crisp topping. A small moan escaped as the first spoonful danced across my tongue sending me into a little sugary bubble of loveliness.
Beside me, Edward whispered, "Baby, you might want to take your foodgasm down a notch."
Nodding mutely due to another mouth of deliciousness, I realised that the entire table was watching my performance with mirth. Instantly my cheeks flamed. So absorbed in the task at hand, I'd completely forgotten about my dining companions.
Keen to change the subject to save my embarrassment, or at least that was what I hoped, Edward changed the subject.
"Have fun with Alice and Rose?"
Swallowing, I decided he didn't really need to hear tales of my encounter with his ex-girlfriend tonight.
"Of course, there's some interesting things up for grabs."
"Bid on anything?"
"I might have done. You'll just have to wait and see if I'm fortunate enough to win."
"Fingers crossed baby. Now what about the main auction. Anything taking your fancy?"
Taking a glance at the listing, the generosity of those who had donated was astounding. Kate and I had pulled together something on behalf of Hunter Publishing after having a coffee with one of the firm's more prolific romance authors who was normally somewhat 'event' shy. The boyfriend of Violet's sister was now serving a life sentence for her murder, so she was more than keen to get involved.
Masen Platt Foundation Auction Catalogue
The trustees of the Masen Platt Foundation would like to thank all the generous people who have kindly donated prizes for tonight's festivities.
o0o
Group A
Caribbean Island Tour – 2 weeks private yacht charter for up to 6 people including full crew service, meals, refreshments and unlimited island stops. – Donated by Helen & Peter Anderton of Anderton Luxury Travel
London Retail Therapy – A week of retail therapy London for 2 people including business class flights, luxury accommodation at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, £4000 to spend at Harvey Nicholls & Selfridges, plus further vouchers to spend on Bond Street. There will also be a Michelin starred dinner and top tickets to a West End show – Donated by British Airways, The Berkeley and Sir Jeremy Waterbridge
One for the Girls – 4 friends canenjoy 3 days at Salish Lodge with full use of all spa amenities & classes (includes accommodation, 2 treatments per person per day, all meals and beverages) – Donated Salish Lodge
New York Arts – Return flights to New York via private jet, 4 night penthouse stay at The Bowery Hotel, town car service for duration of stay, AND an exclusive preview of Morley Prize winner Aidan Foley's exhibition at The Weston in Williamsburg – Donated by Masen Platt & Nicole Weston
o0o
Group B
One for the Boys – 4 guests can enjoy a personal golf lesson from a professional from the PGA circuit, followed by a round of golf on the world famous Augusta links – Donated by The PGA of America
Lunch with Violet Dixon - 10 guests will be treated to a 3 course meal followed by an informal question & answer session where she will present everyone with a signed pre-release copy of her latest novel – arranged by Kate Denali & Bella Swan of Hunter Publishing
Canlis Celebration – enjoy a private dining experience for ten people at the renowned Canlis restaurant in Seattle. Enjoy stunning views whilst sampling a custom designed seven course tasting menu with wine pairings chosen by the sommelier exclusively for your event – Donated by Megan Thompson-Jones
Take Me Out To The Ball Game – up to 20 guests can enjoy a guided tour of Safeco Field with one of the Seattle Mariners' current line-up. You'll then be treated to full hospitality in a corporate box while watching a Mariner's home game – Donated by Hilton Architects & the Seattle Mariners
o0o
"I'd love to go to London, just not to shop." I shuddered, recalling the saga that had been the search for my dress. "The New York trip looks amazing. I read about that artist winning The Morley. His work is incredibly emotive from the few pieces I've seen in the press."
Nodding in agreement, Edward smiled as we scanned the auction programme. "I was thinking similar. I remember reading the coverage when he received the award. He's got some talent. Maybe I'll throw a bid in, see if we get lucky."
"I know you can afford to splurge baby, but don't do anything silly." I urged, knowing that my plea was pointless.
As the auction got underway, the money being thrown about was incredible. Common sense dictated that those who made successful bids could easily afford the figures offered, but the amounts just made me dizzy. This was further reinforced when Jasper successfully bid almost a hundred thousand for the London trip and didn't bat an eyelid as he wrote the cheque. Alice was squealing with joy and clapping like an overexcited child on Christmas morning, while I felt nauseous.
"The final lot in this half of the auction is the Art Experience in New York." The master of ceremonies exclaimed. "The work of this artist is very much a hot topic, so you'll be extremely fortunate if you bid successfully on this one. So shall we open proceedings at twenty five thousand?"
"Twenty five." came a masculine voice from the other side of the room.
"Very good sir, do I have thirty?"
Another voice, this time female, met the pledge, and for a while it bounced back and forth until the top bid hit fifty thousand dollars. At this point a third bidder chimed in.
"Let's make it sixty!" he bellowed as all eyes in the room zeroed in on his table. The man was seated at one of the Denali tables, right between Tanya and Victoria. Focussing on him briefly, it became abundantly clear that he was there with the brassy redhead given how she was fawning over him following his declaration, which meant that he had to be Edward's former roommate.
From beside me I felt Edward tense, his hand squeezing mine a little tighter.
"That fucker." He fumed.
"Language Edward!" Esme chided lightly as the auctioneer worked the crowd up with this new development.
"It seems we have a high roller in the house. He must really want to see Aidan Foley's work."
"Over my dead body." My boyfriend fumed before yelling, "Seventy five thousand."
"The bid is now with Mr Cullen ladies and gentlemen, any further offers?"
"Eighty." Came the counter from Riley, clearly unimpressed that Edward had entered the mix.
The focus was now on our table to see whether the value would go higher, which of course it would. The man to my left would never normally allow his ego to get in the way of anything, but with Riley Biers the rules went out of the window. I was secure enough in myself to know this wasn't about Victoria, this was about the competition that Riley perceived there to be between them. They say the devil is in the detail, and it seemed that yet again Biers had not paid attention to Edward's earlier announcement about his place in Masen Platt, which should have been a clear indicator of how deep his pockets could go for something like this. In simple terms Mr Biers was about to get schooled.
With a degree of cockiness, the next bid slipped from Edward's lips. "Let's go to ninety."
The number rose, each time Riley going up by five thousand, then Edward by ten thousand until it stood at a hundred and thirty five thousand dollars. A phenomenal figure for a weekend in New York and wandering round a gallery.
Riley was starting to visibly sweat as the sum was being pushed up by a higher increment each time. I wasn't normally a vengeful person, but my boyfriend had been destroyed by their actions, and I would support him to the hilt if this meant that much to him.
"He can't have much left in his tanks judging by his expression." I whispered into Edward's ear before kissing his cheek softly.
"Oh I know baby, I'm enjoying watching how desperate he is to turn this into a financial pissing contest."
Victoria leaned in to Riley with a sour face, her lips moving rapidly in apparent indignation that he was about to lose out.
Once again the chatter of the auctioneer filled the air. "We have a bid of one hundred and thirty five thousand dollars on the Cullen table. The ball is now in your court sir."
As he pointed towards the Denali table where Victoria was still furiously mouthing at her boyfriend. Shaking his head, Riley clearly disagreed with whatever his girlfriend was ordering him to do. From the other side of him, Tanya leaned across him conversing fervently with the other woman.
"If there's no more bids in the room then I'll sell to Mr Cullen…going once." The man on stage cried.
The furious back and forth between the three cohorts continued with no resolution it would seem.
"Going twice."
The sound of a hand slamming down on the table stopped proceedings abruptly. Leaping to his feet, Riley yelled triumphantly, "One hundred and fifty thousand." while glaring smugly in Edward's direction, although an unease crept in that it was me he was actually looking at.
Shaking the sensation off, I turned to the gloriously confident man next to me in anticipation of what his next move would be. The whole room appeared to holding their breath at the latest bid, on tenterhooks to see whether Edward would concede or go higher.
Regarding me with a broad grin, he reached up to tenderly stroke my cheek. "Do you want to go to New York sweetheart? If you say yes, then it's yours."
This wasn't about Riley or Victoria's duplicity, it wasn't even about who was the better lawyer. This was about showing he was willing to walk over hot coals because he loves me, but only if he had my unwavering support. Without that the victory was hollow. Victoria had only ever been out for what she could gain, and in that moment I hated her for the treating Edward as a golden goose to cling to for personal gain rather than cherishing the amazingly loving and giving human being that he is.
Holding his gaze, my mind was made up.
"Yes."
Without breaking my stare, Edward's mirth was etched all over his handsome face as he stated gleefully. "Two fifty, because my girl wants to go to New York, and I'll be damned if some punk on another table is going to stand in her way!"
The auctioneer cast a glance across the room at Riley, who shook his head infinitesimally. An admission of defeat clearly didn't sit well, rage radiated from him in murderous waves until he stormed away from the table, unable to take it any longer.
"Young man, you're either crazy for your woman, or just plain crazy. Sold to Edward Cullen for a quarter of a million dollars." He laughed heartily as everyone applauded enthusiastically for how much had just been donated to the Masen Platt Foundation.
I already knew full well that this was just a fraction of money that Edward funnelled into the charity each year. It was a personal commitment as one of the founding families, which was why he hadn't batted an eyelid when he made his final bid. Tonight's proceedings just gave him an alternative and no doubt more much more entertaining way to make part of his yearly contribution.
The chatter levels in the room started to increase now that the first half of the auction had been taken care of, and with the desert plates being cleared, I decided it was a good time to fit in a bathroom break.
"I'm just going to freshen up before the band starts."
"No worries baby, I think I overhead Rose say her and Alice were headed that way, so you'll probably catch up with them."
"I'll be as quick as I can." I assured.
Guests had started to vacate their tables to mingle or make their way to the bar, which caused my exit from the room to be far from straight forward. Squeezing between elegantly clothed bodies I found myself at a side door rather than the main sets of double doors. Rather than try to weave my way past the throng once more, I pushed on the heavy panelled exit, stepping in to the cool air of a corridor that would hopefully lead to a bathroom.
Turning the corner, I was relieved to find what I was looking for. Ducking inside, the room was just as opulent as the rest of the function space that had been rented. It almost looked like an oversized dressing room, save for the obvious stalls to one side. Thankfully it wasn't too busy, which meant no queue. Keen to get back to Edward, I quickly went about my business, before exiting the stall and washing my hands. At the last minute I decided to take a seat at one of the lit mirrored tables and take the opportunity for a quick makeup retouch.
Just as I placed my lipstick back in the black sequined clutch, two voices burst through the door deep in discussion. Completely oblivious to whether there was anyone else in the bathroom they marched into the stalls with focus and continued their conversation with obnoxious clarity.
"Jesus Vic, what the hell is he doing with that thing?"
"Beats me Tan, you're hands down a better prospect than that little nobody."
"Have you seen her? All plain Jane with her ordinary brown hair, and her boring black dress. Talk about dull and predictable."
"I know babe, I can't see them lasting much longer. I mean, he's the Masen in Masen Platt so it stands to reason that he will want a wife of a certain calibre. That's when you'll be able to swoop in."
"She's got him totally wrapped around her little finger. It's quite pathetic how he seems so obsessed with her."
"All I can think is the girl must be a master at sucking dick, because it's the only reason I can come up with for why he's so invested in her."
"You think? She strikes me as a bit of a prude."
"Who spends that kind of money on a dirty weekend unless you're reaping some serious sexual rewards?"
"Good point, but she's nothing special to look at."
"Oh I know, she's not a patch on me or you. Still can't believe Riley lost that weekend to Edward."
Having heard enough of their ridiculous vitriol, I made a move for the exit, but was stopped in my tracks by the sound of flushing and the stall doors opening. There was no way I could escape without them noticing, my only option was to brazen it out and hope they ignored me.
Unfortunately that hope dissolved quicker than Splenda in a cup of coffee.
"Well if it isn't Edward's little mouse." Victoria sneered.
Tanya's eyes zeroed in on my form as I stood frozen to the spot half way to my escape.
"Now, now Vic, don't be so mean." Strangely, her overly glossed lips curved up into a smile, although it didn't quite reach my eyes which made certain that the words that tumbled from her mouth were far from sincere. "Mice have a certain level of cuteness. She's more like a fly in the ointment, but thankfully flies have a short lifespan, so she'll be gone before too long."
It was crystal clear that the only thing Tanya Denali was ever going to achieve on her own merit was demonstrating what a desperate, bitter and calculating social climber she was. Unable to contain myself, I laughed loudly. "Seriously, you actually think that standing here insulting me has any effect?"
Both women were a vision of shock at the idea that I had dared to respond, never mind give as good as I was getting.
"Just because others choose to defend me where you two are concerned, doesn't mean I'm not capable of holding my own. The difference is, I don't treat life as a competition, nor do I view people as though they're a trophy to be won. I may not be from the same social standing, but if you are the benchmark then I wouldn't want to be."
Not giving them any room to interject, I continued.
"Regardless of any prejudice you have towards me or my suitability for Edward, ultimately it's none of your business. Even if he were single, do you honestly think he'd give either of you a second glance?" I questioned, before directing my next comment to Tanya. "Or in your case a first one?"
Having said more than enough, I needed to remove myself from the space. They could bitch about me all they liked, but I'd had more than my fill of the vapid pair. Turning, I continued toward the door, only to find myself hauled backwards by my hair.
"Just who do you think you are?" Tanya squawked, her grip getting tighter. "You don't get to talk to me like that."
I felt my body being yanked in a circular motion thanks to the hold she had on me, which led to the heel of my shoe getting caught in the fishtail of the dress. This sent me careening sideways into the wall, giving Tanya the opportunity to get up in my face.
"If you think for one minute that you and Edward will go the distance you're mistaken. You're not woman enough to handle a man like that." She snarled rabidly, to the point of almost foaming at the mouth.
"That's Edward's decision, seeing as he's already made things perfectly clear to you. Besides, I seem to be holding my own so far, and there's been no complaints." I hissed, my hip aching slightly where the wall had connected.
As the words passed my lips, there was a sharp crack and a sting in my cheek where Tanya's hand made contact. The side of my head connected with the edge of picture frame behind due to the strength of her aggression.
"We'll see about that bitch!" she shrieked.
In total shock I stood, frozen as she flounced from the room alone, a look of smug triumph on her face. It was only after she'd left that I realised there was nobody else in the bathroom, which meant Victoria must have been snuck out to stand guard the moment Tanya had pounced.
You couldn't really call it a cat fight. There were no scratch marks, there'd been no retaliation from me, but the burn radiating from my face made it feel like I'd gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Inching to the floor length mirror on the far wall, a harsh magenta hand shaped welt was already emerging against my skin.
A single tear escaped as I gently traced the outline of the imprint that awful woman had left.
In that moment I just wanted Edward, but there was no way I could let him see me like this. The prospect of my boyfriend kicking off in a room full of peers and benefactors made my blood run cold. I didn't want to be the catalyst of yet more drama. There was no way I could risk anything that lead to a public scene, but the damage to my face and hair was too substantial for the meagre contents of my tiny purse.
I couldn't even send a text SOS to Rose or Alice, my phone was charging on the nightstand back in our room. My only hope was to find someone I could trust to help.
Finally exiting the bathroom, head down to avoid drawing attention to my face, I ploughed straight into two women who were chatting.
"I'm terribly sorry. I should have been looking where I was going." I garbled out my apology hoping to sidestep and continue with my mission.
"Oh my God Bella, what on earth happened to you?" A familiar gentle voice gasped while grasping my hand.
Running into Jessica seemed like a blessing in disguise. She was someone you could trust when you were in a tight spot, which I think it was safe to say would describe my current circumstances. Unfortunately, her companion meant I was leery of divulging details. Lauren's propensity for gossip and sensation was hardly an office secret. In reality it was a marvel she still held her position given the requirement for confidentiality.
"Long story that I'd rather not get into. Can you find Edward's sister Alice for me and get her to meet me at her room?" I garbled.
Lauren was now studying me intently, head cocked to the side, like she'd been presented with some complex puzzle to solve."
"The whole family was together so it might be difficult to grab her without there being questions." Jessica mused, tapping her finger against her lips in thought.
My expression must have reflected how panicked I felt on the inside. I needed to get away from the main floor quickly and with minimal fuss.
"I've got it!" She exclaimed triumphantly while extracting a plastic card from her clutch. "Use our room, we're in 319. There's an elevator at the end of this corridor. My makeup and hair stuff is in the bathroom. You don't mind do you Laur?"
Her companion glanced between us, before drawing her cell from her handbag.
"Be my guest." She waved dismissively, her tone saccharine sweet as she appeared to be responding to a text with a knowing smile.
"Thanks Jess, you're an absolute life saver." I gushed, grasping the key firmly and beating a hasty retreat.
Lady luck was for once on my side, I made it into the plush lift without another person seeing me. As the doors opened on the third floor, I felt calming relief that I'd be able to fix the mess quickly and return to the party without too many questions about where I'd been.
Approaching the door to Jessica and Lauren's room, I swiped the card in the reader attached to the handle and waited for the green light granting me entry. The tell-tale click as the light flashed was accompanied by a loud exhale.
I hadn't even been aware that I'd been holding my breath.
Pushing the door open, I pressed forward, only for a strong arm to wrap around my waist and pull me backwards into the corridor. A clammy hand covered my mouth preventing me from screaming and securing me against the hard torso of whoever was behind me.
A low growl echoed in my ear, chilling me to the bone.
Three words, were all it took to fill every fibre of my being with terror.
"Alone at last."
Head spinning, struggling to breath against the restriction, my whole world turned black.
A/N
Dun, dun, durrrrrrrr! So how was that?
Your theories about the envelope have been really entertaining, but I couldn't possibly say whether anyone has guessed correctly. All will be revealed eventually, but not quite yet.
A huge thanks to Scarlett Drake for allowing me to include the character of Aidan Foley in this chapter. He is the male protagonist in her book, The Persistence of Memory which is available to read on Wattpad.
So what's going to happen next? You'll just have to tune in for the next update!
Much love to you all.
Lou xxxx