A/N: Happy New Year. Hope you're all doing great and had a relaxing break. THE SUMMARIES FOR ALL THE CHAPTERS TILL NOW ARE IN CHAPTER 16. Here's the next chapter. Hope you like it. A big thanks to OTD673 for her awesome betaing!

My heart stopped in my chest. His family was coming over? On short notice? Oh my God.

"Don't you for a second think that I am fooled by your words, Carlisle. Bella is my wife. The sooner you and grandma accept it, the better it will be. You're welcome here, but if the purpose of your visit is to evaluate and antagonize my wife then I want you to understand that I will not accept it."

I stood behind Edward, feeling the color drain from my face. This couldn't be good, could it?

Chapter 23 – Awakening silence

I stood behind Edward, stunned to silence. The whole family was coming over? How? When? Why?

Was it really to judge me? Hadn't I been judged enough for a lifetime?

"Save it, Carlisle. I don't want to hear your reasons. Anyway, what time are you all arriving? I'll drive you all to the house when you arrive." Edward listened carefully before interrupting.

"I'll ask her, Carlisle," Edward said abruptly. "The choice is hers; I'm not going to ask her to do something she is not comfortable with. As it is, she has been through enough," he said steely.

"Good. It's better this way. Give my regards to Esme. I'll see you soon," he finished in a cool voice, snapping his phone shut.

Edward ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the ends. Kicking his foot against the wall, he cursed.

"Life just gets better and better," he muttered angrily.

He turned, drawing a sudden breath when he saw me standing in front of him.

"Bella…" he said, struggling to regain his composure. "Did you-" he started, shaking his head, aggravated.

"When are they coming?" I asked, surprised to hear how calm my voice sounded. Only I knew of the tempest swirling deep in my mind.

Edward closed his eyes, clenching his fists. "In two days," he forced out.

"Should I ask why?" I asked, apprehension clawing at my insides.

Edward opened his eyes, his green eyes crinkling with concern. "Probably not. You aren't going like what you're going to hear."

I stood up higher, narrowing my eyes at his hesitation. "I can handle it," I stated clearly.

"They want to meet you, Bella. They were surprised to hear that I married so suddenly. My grandmother and parents-" Edward made a sound of disbelief, "want to give us their blessings." He raised his eyes to mine. "At least that's what they are saying."

"You think they have something else in mind?"

"I don't just think so. I know it," Edward said, staring down into my eyes. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Well, maybe Esme is the only one with honorable intentions. She is genuinely excited about meeting you. Carlisle and my grandmother," he smiled wryly, "they definitely have something on their mind."

"Why do you think so?" I asked, unable to understand his attitude towards his family members.

"I was adopted. Being a bastard child, do you really think I was accepted in that family? Hell, my own mother didn't want me. Her relatives were a whole new story," he said with a self-depreciating laugh.

I found my feet carrying me forward before I had even realized. Hesitantly, I reached out to rub his forearm, "Don't let your self get upset over those past memories," I said softly.

He gave a bitter laugh. "Oh Bella, it takes a lot to upset me now. I'm not upset about what has passed, I am mad about what is to come. Sometimes, the artificial gestures of my own family surprise me."

I looked at him sadly, not knowing what to say. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms tightly around him. "I'm sorry you've had it so bad," I whispered into his chest. Edward arms rose to stroke my back. Even now, the warmth of his large hands on my back surprised me.

"I should have asked earlier, but Carlisle's call distracted me. How was the interview?" Edward asked carefully, his voice soft in my hair.

"I got the job," I said quietly. Edward's body froze, and when I looked up at him he beamed at me. Like really beamed at me.

"Really?" He asked, awe clear in his words. I nodded shyly, embarrassed that he was making such a big deal of it. For someone like him, it was such a small, insignificant job.

His warms hands cupped my cold cheeks, drawing me closer to press a kiss to my forehead. His lips lingered as he inhaled deeply. "I'm so proud of you," he said reverently, the affection in his voice making my heart beat like a humming bird in my chest.

"Come on," he said grasping my hand tightly. "We must celebrate your new job."

~x~x~x~x~

Back at home, Edward cracked open a bottle of champagne, the rich amber liquid rising with a flourish. He poured the drinks into the delicate glasses with practiced ease and heartily sipped at his drink, my response, on the other hand, was a lot less enthusiastic. After years of seeing Charlie waste away on alcohol, any lingering desire for the novelty of heady drinks had gone out like a light. However, I graciously accepted the drink with a small smile. After all, it was a victorious day, and very least I could do was find some much needed happiness in it. Other upcoming concerns could wait just a little while longer…

"To your success," Edward said, raising his glass for a toast.

I followed him, the clinking of glasses echoing in the large living room.

"So when do you start?" Edward asked, sipping at his drink, all the while staring at me over the rim of his glass. His intent gaze unnerved me in more ways than one. Although, I knew it wasn't a conscious move on his part, his whole demeanor was so provocative, almost borderline seductive - lips parted, eyes lidded, his head inclined towards me. I blinked, trying to clear my head of the strange sensations he evoked in me.

"She asked me to start from Monday of the next week, but I insisted that I wanted to start sooner than that. Well, more precisely, I'll be starting tomorrow," I said, feeling a spark of excitement hum through my veins.

The long days at the house left me exhausted yet content due to the feeling of being able to contribute. The job, however, signified a whole new step, a liaison that enabled me to step out and face the world. Surrounding myself with a magical world of marvelous books seemed to be the best way possible to face the inevitable.

"You're looking forward to it," Edward observed, swirling the liquid in the flute.

"Hmm," I murmured. "I enjoy being around books. You're probably going to find this silly, but being around books makes me feel relaxed and happy…it's just about the smell of them, the feeling that you get when you touch the worn pages of old book – thinking of how many different hands have touched those same words that are running smooth below your fingertips. To me a book is a very personal experience, it's like reaching deep into an author's mind and sharing those private thoughts with them -" I stopped abruptly, flushing as I realized how off the tangent I had gone.

"Sorry," I said apologetically, looking up to see Edward with an expression of quiet appreciation on his face.

"Don't be. I like hearing you talk about it. You're very passionate about them. Are you strictly a reader or do you venture into writing occasionally?" He asked resting his chin on his hand.

"I, um, enjoy writing, too. It's not something I'm good at, but nevertheless it is liberating to pen your emotions on paper."

"Mrs. Cullen, you're a book full of secrets waiting to be read," Edward said, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

"Hey!" I said softly, lightly pushing at his upper arm, "I should be the one saying that!"

"Oh Bella, I have no secrets that are worth knowing," Edward replied, the smile still on his face, but the way he said the words made me think that they held more meaning than something uttered in the moment.

"I should be the one to judge that," I said softy, laying my hand on his forearm. "Everything about you is worth knowing to me."

Edward gazed at me, the smile on his face wavering. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair.

"I should get going, I have a couple of meeting lined up for today."

Knowing the moment was over, I pulled myself off the chair. "Are you hungry? I could fix something for you to take with you."

Edward seemed to contemplate, looking torn between accepting the offer and being the good husband by letting it go.

"It won't take long," I scolded lightly, and then made the decision myself, "I'm going to throw something together really fast."

~x~x~x~x~

That night I was ironing my clothes for the next day when Edward arrived. I was unable to stop the smile that crept up on my face when I heard him call for me. As I descended the stairs, the grim expression on his face made me halt.

"Hi," I said testily, studying his expression.

Edward nodded curtly. "Bad day?" I asked, trying the words out.

"You have no idea," Edward said, shaking his head.

"What happened?" I asked as I opened the fridge to get the pasta.

"Aro. He's really beginning to annoy the hell out of me," Edward grumbled, taking a seat on the dining table. I smiled internally, surprised at how much more Edward had begun to communicate.

"What did he do this time?" I asked, my own anger building at Aro's persistence.

"The same. I was supposed to have the deal finalized at this point, but ever since Aro's stepped in, things have just gotten more complicated. The Huntingtons were pretty sure of us before, but now they have flat out told me that I am up against Aro for this contract. Our little fiasco at the party didn't do much to help."

"So what now? When will the Huntingtons decide, it seems to me that they have been taking so long to settle the deal…"

"True," Edward said frowning. "The account is two billion dollars. We're talking big clients here, the Huntingtons want to be sure that they are making the right decision. I have to go and give a presentation next week. Aro will have to give one also. The problem is that the Huntingtons want to renegotiate and I don't have the means to accommodate their wants without setting other projects back."

Setting the two plates on the table, I rubbed Edward's shoulder. "I hope things work out for the better."

Edward sighed, "It's not going to happen by itself, Bella. And at the moment, I'm really coming up empty handed. There are so many people relying me. I don't want to lose this deal, I've worked so hard for this. And it's all just slipping through my fingers," he said closing his eyes.

Sitting down beside him, I boldly placed my hand on his lower back.

"Hey," I said softly, causing him to open his eyes and look at me. The stress on his face was transparent, worry crinkling around his troubled eyes.

"Edward, everyone knows you're trying your best. I've seen you work day and night, even I can appreciate the extent of your effort. Your employees have seen you at your best. Right now they know better than to doubt you."

"But-" He began, but I stopped him by placing a finger on his lips, but then hastily removed it when I saw the burning look in his eyes.

"You have to stop stressing about things you have no control over Edward. If it's not meant to be, it won't happen. And if it is meant to be, no one can stop it. All you have to do now is put your best foot forward," I paused, looking down at the cooling food. "Now…no more discussion, let's eat before the food cools down."

Edward stared at me for a long moment before smiling lightly. "I like you being all bossy," he said jokingly causing my face to redden.

"Eat," I muttered in a low-voice causing Edward to grin at his food.

Edward looked less stressed after his night drink. A part of me always wanted to call him out about how often he drank, but I held back knowing it was not the best time for me to bring this up. At the moment, he typed away frantically at his laptop, his fingers twitching between the typed words. I was wary of disturbing him, but I wanted to let him know that I was going to bed.

"Edward?"

He startled at the sound of my voice. Rubbing a hand over his face, he glanced at his watch. "Yeah, it's pretty late, you should go to sleep," he said, looking preoccupied.

"The same goes for you," I reminded him.

"I'll be a while," he said, dismissing the topic.

"Don't overwork yourself," I said, holding on persistently. When his eyes flickered to mine, I whispered, "Please."

"Okay, let's do this," he said, removing his glasses.

As I settled into bed, feeling a little victorious, Edward sank down on to the couch in the dark room.

"Edward?"

"Yes?"

"You can sleep on the bed too." I said quietly, my voice sounding incredibly loud to me.

He remained quiet, and I began to doubt myself. Maybe I was expecting too much, getting him to talk had been hard, but sleeping together represented a whole new territory. Embarrassed, I began to ramble.

"I...I just thought that the couch couldn't have been all that comfortable. I'm sorry if I offended you, I didn't mean to-"

"Bella," Edward interrupted.

"Yes?" I replied hesitantly.

"You're sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Edward said, his voice concerned.

"I'm sure." I've never been more sure, I thought to myself.

Slowly, hesitantly, he eased into the spot next to me. The warmth of his body next to mine felt intimate.

"How are you feeling about tomorrow?" I asked, turning towards him.

His hand crept beside mine, taking a hold of it. Bringing it up to his lips, he pressed a soft kiss to my fingers.

"You do know that you don't have to go through this, right? I have an apartment near my office if you prefer that. If you'd like, you can stay there till they leave," he said running his calloused fingers over my palm causing pleasurable shivers to run down my spine. The questions in my mind stopped those feeling abruptly.

"Do you not want me to meet them? Is that it, Edward? Not good enough for your family?" I asked, hurt by the direction of my thoughts. I tried to pull my hand away, but he just seized it more tightly.

"That's not it, and you know it," he said, the calmness in his voice dissipating.

"Then why is it so hard for you to accept that I'm married to you, and they'll just have to live with it. There's not much they can do about it!"

"Bella, you're making this into more than it needs to be," Edward said, pulling away.

"Try putting yourself in my shoes. And then ask yourself, am I the one wrong here?"

"I don't even know why we are having this conversation. I've told you that my family never completely accepted me. I've always been the 'other' child. I won't be surprised if they treat you like trash simply because you're my wife. I'm just giving you an option out."

"Why do you always think that I'll run at times like this?" I asked, hurt by the insinuation.

He thumped his head back against the pillow. "Because that's exactly what normal people do. You don't need the burden that my family is."

"Well, I'm going through this whether you like it or not, Edward. I'm not a child that needs your protection. They can accept me or reject me all they want, but I'm not going to step back because I'm scared of them judging me, okay?" I said in a no-nonsense voice.

Without waiting for his reply, I said, "Goodnight, Edward," before turning towards my side and pulling the blankets over me.

Edward sighed, "You're so stubborn. Fine, have it your way. Oh and Goodnight, Bella," he said sarcastically before turning on his own side.

~x~x~x~x~

The next dawn, I woke earlier than Edward. I took a few minutes to study his quiet, peaceful form – arm thrown over his head, hair tousled, his full lips parted, his shirt lifted at his stomach. Bending down, I pressed a light kiss to his lips so as to not wake him. Rubbing a gentle hand over the stubble on his cheek, I apologized for the argument knowing well that he wouldn't hear me.

"Sorry," I whispered against his cheek, before climbing out of the bed to make breakfast for us.

Edward came downstairs scratching his hair and squinted at me when he noticed me standing there.

"You need help?" He asked, extending the olive branch or whatever.

"No, thanks. I'm fine. What would you like?"

"Whatever you're having is fine." He said, clearly frustrated at our clipped exchange.

"When is your family arriving?"

"I think we'll get home by five or so. Want me to pick you on the way back?" He asked eagerly.

"I'll be fine, it's just a short walk back," I said flippantly, cursing myself for the apprehension I felt at the idea of walking by myself in the dark.

"I'll drop you off on my way to work," Edward said, his voice demanding and adamant.

"There you go again," I muttered.

"Bella, I may be overprotective, but I'm not blind enough to not see how your face pales at the mention of getting there by yourself."

"Edward-" I said, but stopped when he stood from his chair. Coming around the kitchen island, he placed both his hands on the counter behind me, trapping me in a cage of his arms. I moved back in surprise, the invasion of personal space forcing me to back into the counter. Slowly, his hand pushed the few loose strands on my face behind my ear. His breath was warm and minty with toothpaste as his lips hovered over mine. Bending his head, he whispered in my ear in a low-seductive voice.

"Deal with it."

The words sounded so sensual that I hastily drew in a breath. His green knowing eyes burned me with their intensity as his lips touched mine lightly. Unable to bear the overwhelmingly pleasurable sensation, I closed my eyes to savor it all. Savor the feeling of him all around me, the feeling of his desire. And then he was gone…

I opened my eyes and sighed before slumping against the counter.

"I am in so much trouble," I said to myself, unable to control the wry smile that played across my lips.

~x~x~x~x~

Mrs. Cope smiled fondly at me as I praised the library interior. Although the furniture was old, it was timeless and elaborate. The heavy mahogany tables stood bold against the pale carpets and the chairs looked elegant with their intricately carved roses.

"The library must have been around for quite a while," I mused, unable to stop myself from reaching out to stroke the rose.

"Yes, my dear. It's been established since the 1930s. My grandfather started it off, insisting an institution for education was essential back in the day. I spent most of my early years under his influence, since my father was too busy working in the mills and my mother was occupied by housework."

"He obviously left an impact, considering the number of years you've spent here," I asked, smiling at her. She returned my smile warmly.

"Absolutely. He was one of the most passionate men I have ever met. He enjoyed reading any type of book. Over time, he began reading aloud to me. One thing led to another and soon after I found myself in the business. I didn't have the heart to change the interior, it was a part of him that I couldn't let go off. Everyday that I'm here, I feel him right beside me." She let out a laugh. "It must sound crazy, in fact downright spooky."

"No, it sounds like you were both were very close - you shared a special bond with him. You should consider yourself lucky."

She surreptitiously wiped at a tear. "I do. Sorry, I tend to get emotional when I talk about him."

"It's completely natural. I'd feel the same way," I said, placing a hand on her forearm. She smiled, placing her cold, fragile hand on mine before saying, "I think I'm going to like you a lot."

The rest of the day flew by smoothly. Mrs. Cope introduced me to the regular customers, most of which were elderly readers. Although some were shrewd and had a sharp eye, most received me warmly despite the speculation around my marriage to Edward. The ladies were humble and kind, motherly in their support to a point that I felt embarrassed by all the attention. However, it felt nice to connect with others beyond my immediate circle.

In the afternoon, a group of chattering young children entered together along with two female teachers that struggled to control them. Mrs. Cope introduced me, and blessedly the teachers seemed to be unaware of who I was. The children, on the other hand, gazed silently at me with their huge, innocent eyes making me nervous and self-conscious. Awkwardly, I raised my hand in wave. "Hi guys. I'm Bella."

My words seemed to strike them out of their stupor and in the next minute I found a multitude of questions being hurled at me.

"How old are you?" A boy with glasses and khaki shorts asked suspiciously.

"Do you have babies?" A girl with wide blue eyes and two missing front teeth asked.

"Your hair are so long and pretty. Why are mine so short?" A blonde girl with a cute bob asked.

"Will you be our new teacher?" A small girl at the back asked, with pink tinting at her pale cheeks.

The teachers and Mrs. Cope laughed as I stared at the group in front of me dumbfounded.

"Miss Bella here will be reading you some exciting stories during the library hour," Mrs. Cope said, amusement clear in her voice.

The children were inquisitive to say the least. Since today was my first day, Mrs. Cope asked the teachers to take over the reading and asked me to observe. I was somewhat awed by the rapt attention of the children as they listened to the stories.

Later that day, after shelving some of the books, Mrs. Cope urged me to leave earlier. I agreed, thinking about the arrival of Edward's family. Even if their response to me was decidedly lukewarm, they still deserved a decent dinner, and I told myself that I could use the time to make myself look presentable. Still, I felt like I was competing for the position of a trophy wife rather than welcoming family home.

I felt a yearning for my father settle heavily in my chest, but I still hadn't forgotten how he'd abandoned me on my marriage. Eventually, it was Jasper that gave me to Edward. I didn't think I had it in me to ever forget what my father had missed out on.

Once I arrived home after my successfully independent short walk, I headed straight to the kitchen and set the marinated lamb on the heat. I glanced at the clock as it cooked, mindful that Edward and family were to arrive in another three hours. I tossed together a salad with homemade dressing of vinegar and sun-dried tomatoes. Deciding on adding another salad, I quickly prepared a warm potato salad with onions, chickpeas and beans. The cans Thea had stocked were a huge help. When the rice and the lamb were ready, I prepared the minty sauce to go with it just the way I liked it, rich, creamy and a little sour. Afterwards, I placed the chicken pasta dish in the oven for it to bake and placed a bottle of red and white wine into the freezer.

Meanwhile, I set the table in the large dining room and placed the napkins neatly on the plates. Once dinner was ready, I rushed to my room to change. I dressed conservatively, in a decent black dress with long sleeves and a fitted bodice. The hem came to just below my knees, and to be modest I wore my dark panty hose. Next, I brushed my hair into long waves, and wore a simple pair of earrings. By then, it was already past five, and the family was due any minute. I found one of Edward's lighters and lit the candles on the dining table and turned on the lamps.

When I heard the keys jingle in the lock, I knew they were here. And for a moment, a part of me turned frantic, desperate to rush to the security of my room. I stood still, feeling my heart beat loudly in my chest. The sounds of voices floated through in the living room. I could make out two distinct male and two female voices. Taking a deep breath, I urged myself to move my feet and act like a mature woman. The deed was done, and my relationship to Edward was not dependent on their approval. Trying for a pleasant, confident smile, I moved into the living room and took in the family.

"Hello," I said, keeping my head high. I had nothing to be ashamed of.

Posh, well-groomed individuals peered back at me with interest. When no one said anything, I began feeling awkward. The feeling evaporated, when Edward's hand grazed my back before settling on my shoulder. Pulling me towards his side, he gazed at me as he said.

"I'd like you all to meet my wife, Isabella Cullen."

"Oh my, she's wonderful!" The woman with beautiful caramel locks exclaimed. She appeared to be in mid-40s and had a kind smile with honey-brown eyes.

"I'm Esme," she said, moving forward towards me. And I stepped out of Edward's grasp, not sure if I should just shake her hand. She decided and embraced me like she had known me forever.

"I'm so glad Edward has finally settled down," she said, staring fondly at Edward. "I was beginning to think I'd never see this day." Reverting her gaze back to me, she grinned. Inexplicably, I found myself mirroring her smile. The moment was disrupted, when the older lady with styled white hair spoke.

"I kept waiting for an invitation, Edward. Strange I never received one."

The room felt silent, and my smile felt brittle. I looked towards Edward, but found his gaze steady on his grandmother. I had to hand it to the woman, she didn't crumble under his stare like most did. She held her own, refusing to back down. Her eyes were the exact same shade of green as Edward's and Elizabeth's.

"I didn't want to wait," he said, and it was clear that his grandmother didn't like the answer.

"Come now, Edward. Why don't we all settle down and just relax for a while?" The older man of the two said. His hair were fashionably blond, and a few white streaks ran along his temples. Unlike Edward, his eyes were gray. A cold gray when they slid over to me and scanned me from head to toe. I had never felt such an urge to cower away, but I didn't.

"Isabella." He said, his smile controlled, his appearance calm and composed despite the underlying tension.

"Bella," I said quietly, unnerved by him and Edward's grandmother. "I prefer Bella," I said, my voice level, matching his tone.

"Aw, you guys are awfully uptight," said the other man who was apparently huge, powerfully built and tall in height. He let out a loud guffaw and moved towards me. His smile jovial and big, his eyes twinkling with mischief "It's like watching the movie, Meet the In-Laws!"

When he slid an arm around my shoulders, I tensed and immediately wanted to pull away because despite his nature, he was intimidating in size and strength. My eyes met Edward's and I knew that he saw the naked fear in my eyes. I could have never hidden it even if I wanted to.

I steeled myself and forced myself to look up at the huge, beefy man. He grinned at me and said, "I'm Emmet. I have a feeling we're going to get along quite well, firecracker," he said, chuckling as he chucked me under my chin.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know your thoughts with a review. Take care till next time!