Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.

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Chapter 35

The family decided that for today they would just enjoy their time together and tomorrow they would call Alec Volturi and Mrs Hensley, the PR expert of Cullen Corp. Everyone agreed that they would need help because there was no saying just what Tanya would be saying to the medias.

And that was what they did.

Alec wasn't really surprised about his ex-wife's plans and immediately called his own lawyer. As it turned out Mrs Hensley, when she arrived that afternoon, came well prepared. She'd long ago expected something like that and had several options for Edward and Bella. One of them was to go public and to give an interview of their own. Edward rejected that idea without really thinking about it.

"Edward, don't make any hasty decisions, " Bella contradicted him. "People are going to love that interview and the media will be full with speculations and accusations. We're going to be bombarded with interview requests. We'll have to say something!"

"Mrs Cullen, is correct," Mrs Hensley agreed and sent Bella a thankful smile. She was prepared to fight Edward on this but she was happy that Bella was being reasonable about this. "It's impossible for the media and the public not to want to hear your side of the story."

"They can want all they want," Edward snapped and glared at Mrs Hensley. Bella discreetly rolled her eyes at her husband's pigheadedness. "This whole mess is only going to stress Bella and I want to minimize that as much as possible."

Bella put her hand on Edward's, which was on the table in front of him in a tight fist. "It's sweet of you that you want to protect me but you have to see that this will stress me no matter what and the only thing we can do is to deal with it the best way possible. And that means listening to your PR expert."

Edward grimaced but Bella was glaring at him. Daring him to contradict her and at the same time promising him pain should he do it. He managed to hold his grimace for about ten seconds before his posture softened and he smiled lovingly at Bella. "Did I ever tell you just how much I love your fierceness and rationality?"

Bella raised one unimpressed eyebrow. "Several times, in fact and that won't change my opinion."

Mrs Hensley suppressed an amused giggle and waited for the couple to be done. Which it was just a moment later.

"Okay, you're right. But how do we mange to minimize Bella's stress? I know these reporters and other scum. They won't stop bothering us until they've got what they want or until a better story comes up."

"That's easy. At first we'll wait for the interview and see just what Miss Denali has told them and a few hours later, at the least, I'll be getting calls from various newspapers and talk shows. Don't forget that they want something from us and not the other way around. We'll be able to pick the best offer and I think we can demand a thing or two."

Edward still looked skeptical. "And what would we demand?"

"The location, for example. Cullen Manor would be the perfect place. Enough space and you're familiar with the rooms and feel comfortable there. We could make sure that only people we want would be at the interview and we could search everyone so that there wouldn't be any unwanted devices. Mrs Cullen could take a break whenever she should need one and we wouldn't have to deal with the masses in front of the building. You could stay at the manor for a day or two." Mrs Hensley had spoken calmly and her demeanor spoke of confidence. She seemed to believe that Edward and Bella would see the many benefits of her plan.

And they did. Both had listened attentively and now they were looking at each other. Silently communicating with the other. Edward, once again, seemed to be reluctant but Bella loved the plan and wanted Edward to agree with it. In the end Edward did agree. He and Mrs Hensley talked for over an hour of their options and how to best handle the interview. After that Mrs Hensley called Alec's lawyer and informed him of their plans. He supported the plan and promised to stay in contact.

Then all they could do was wait.

MaoC

They didn't have to wait long though. Just a few days later an interview appeared in one of the most popular magazines. Three pages of nothing but brainless drivel. With pictures. The family and everyone else read it and though some of it was true,Tanya had made sure that she was portrayed as the injured party. Innocent of all malicious acts and cast aside by a mean and unfeeling Edward.

It was entertaining to read and Bella did laugh more than once, much to Edward's confusion. Yes, Bella would have been very happy if there never would have been an interview but it could have been worse. She wasn't ashamed of the beginning of their marriage, it hadn't been their plan to enter into an arranged marriage, but they had agreed to it to achieve their goals and they had found love. All in all it hadn't been a bad deal and just because today most people married for love, and even more often for lust, it hadn't been long ago that marriages like their own had been the norm.

"It could have been much worse," Bella tried to sooth her husband while he glared at the magazine. "She spoke of the arrangement between our families and your relationship but there's nothing too embarrassing in it, like your sexual preferences and other dark secrets. I think this interview just makes her look spiteful and like a gold digger. Did you realize that she didn't mention her marriage or the abortion. They were the main reasons why she couldn't aim higher than she did. If she hadn't been married, she would have wanted to get your ring on her finger as soon as possible."

Edward grimaced as he listened to his wife's reasonings. "You're right. I should be thankful that she was still married but I doubt that I would have asked her. It was never something serious with her. I can't believe that I was in any kind of relationship with her. Tanya was never more than a gold digger and was a horny idiot for not having seen it." For one moment he seemed to be lost in his memories before he shook his head and gave Bella a bemused smile. "I was such a fool."

Bella wrapped her arms around his waist and snugged against his chest. "Well, we all make mistakes. It's just that not everyone learns from them."

"That's true."

Mrs Hensley called Edward just about an hour later and was excited to tell him that they had already some very good requests. One of those was from America's favorite talk shows. Suzanne Mellings' show was not only good but she'd also managed to get nearly everyone important or famous into her show. Another reason why she was so popular was because it wasn't just tacky gossip. Mrs Mellings and her team researched every guest very thoroughly and asked intelligent questions.

Bella and Edward were pleased to hear that she was interested in an interview with them. Edward asked Mrs Hensley to arrange everything and to report the final agreement. She promised to do just that and before she hung up she advised the couple to stay clear of any gossip websites and the social medias. It seemed that people already thought that they had to comment. And some were very mean and just offensive. That wasn't a problem for either of them, as they tended to avoid both. Neither Bella nor Edward had a facebook account and didn't plan to change that. Ever.

During the day they talked to some of the family and their closest friends about the article. Jane found the whole thing just stupid and blown out of proportion, while Alice was cursing Tanya to hell and back. Bella didn't care and just waited for Mrs Hensley to call back. Edward, who was more calm than anyone had expected, was still angry. At Tanya but mostly at himself. He knew that this mess was mostly his fault because he had been so angry about the marriage that he'd wanted to keep his affair with Tanya going. He hadn't cared about Bella's feelings at the beginning and that was what bothered him the most. At the time he hadn't understood, or hadn't wanted to understand, why Emmett, Rose and Nana had been so displeased with him about his behavior. Now though, Edward was surprised that none of them hadn't knocked him some. While Bella could understand his feelings and also welcomed some of them, because it showed just how much Edward had changed, she didn't want him to brood too much over it. They'd talked abut it and found a solution that they could live with and they were happy. For Bella that topic was closed.

A few hours later the lawyers and Mrs Hensley reported that they'd come to a satisfying agreement and in two days they would welcome Suzanne Mellings and her team at the manor for a live interview. Bella was really nervous about that part but she understood that this way there would be no way to put words int their mouths. Edward still wasn't overly pleased but was resigned to his fate.

And so the staff of the manor prepared everything and late afternoon of the day of the interview Edward and Bella got prepared and prepped by an army of people. Bella was shocked to see just how much people were needed for just one measly interview. It was lucky that the manor was so huge or it would have been difficult to fit the necessary people in the sitting room. What was a pleasant surprise tough, was Suzanne Mellings herself. She was a fifty-two year old woman with blond curls and bright brown eyes. Her friendly and easy-going demeanor was able to put most around her immediately at ease.

Edward and Bella watched from the side how Suzanne began her show. After she'd announced the special location for today's show, she began with two short segments before it was time for the Cullens to enter the picture.

"I think we've all read or at least heard about the interview of Tanya Denali," Suzanne said. "It was surprising that one of America's favorite couples are not a love match but only married because of an arrangement between their families. Now we know about one side but Edward and Bella Cullen had given no comment. Until now, today I have the great pleasure of hearing the other side of the story. I welcome our hosts, Edward and Bella Cullen."

Bella hoped that the make-up was good or everyone see just how much she could blush. Edward wore a nice but casual suit and Bella had decided to wear a dark blue maternity dress. It emphasized her enlarged breasts but it also made her belly less obvious. They greeted Suzanne and then took their seats.

"Well, I have to say that I feel quite honored. Normally you two don't give any interviews, especially in your family home."

Bella took a deep breath. You can do that, Bella. Just ignore the cameras and the other people, she prepped herself and then smiled at Suzanne. "Yes, that's right. I treasure my privacy very much and Edward feels much the same." Here Edward nodded and put a calming hand on her knee. "But we thought it best to change that, considering that we would have to comment the interview if we want to have our peace ever again."

Suzanne nodded at that. "Only too true. The social networks are overflowing with people's opinions and questions. Now, what interests me the most is if your marriage was truly arranged by your families. It sounds so antiquated."

"Yes, that is true. Our grandfathers arranged the whole thing and were left to deal with it," Edward announced with a wry smirk.

Shocked, Suzanne stared at both of them before she asked her next question. "Why did they do that and why did you agree to such an agreement. That's most unusual."

Again it was Edward that answered and Bella decided it was best to let him lead the conversation for now. "Well, I was very serious and focused during my younger years and my grandfather always thought that it would have been better for me to let loose while I was in college, but being the stubborn idiot that I was, I thought I knew better. Turns out that he knew me better than I myself. I was in my mid-twenties when I started behaving like a college boy. Completely stupid, of course, but I felt I needed it. While I was still very professional and concentrated at work, Pops thought it was time to push my life back on tracks. Sadly, he died before he could tell me anything about it and I had to find out from his will about his plans. Needless to say that I was less than pleased, but because I wanted to lead our business I agreed grudgingly. I wasn't really nice when I met Bella for the first time, but I was surprised and impressed."

Edward threw Bella sheepish look and she had to smile at the memory of their first meeting. Yes, Edward hadn't expected her to behave to reasonable and calm.

Suzanne watched them and thought to herself that it was obvious to anyone who cared that there was a deep connection between them. "That's quite a story, Edward. Do you know why your grandfather chose Bella? Did you know each other before in some kind of way?"

"No, to both questions. Pops didn't leave any explanation behind and not even my grandmother knows why he chose Bella. All I know is that he made a very good choice."

Suzanne nodded at that and then turned to Bella. "Okay, now we know why Edward agreed to this arrangement but why did you decide to adhere your family's wishes? As far as I know you don't have a really close to relationship with them."

Bella smiled at that comment. It seemed that the well placed comments around certain people had reached more ears than Bella had hoped. "Yes, that is certainly true. My family and I don't see eye to eye. We want different things in life and treasure things that the other believes to be unimportant. I never did what my family expected of me and rather coose to do things that would make me happy."

"Understandable," Suzanne agreed. "But that doesn't explain why you agreed when your family told you the news about your marriage to Edward Cullen, not that women wouldn't kill to be in your shoes."

That made Bella laugh because it reminded her of some of the daughters of the better families who'd watched Bella to envious or baleful eyes. "Oh I'm sure of that but sadly, they won't get the chance as I plan to stay with Mr Cullen. But back to your question. Edward's and mine situation weren't all that different. I'm sure you know that I founded a publishing house together with my friends Ben and Angela."

"Oh yes, and it's already making a name for itself. I loved Inheritance of Light and can't wait until you publish the next book. But now, please, continue," Suzanne said eagerly. She looked impatient and that curious look on her face amused Bella greatly.

"As you can guess, you need a lot of money to start your own business. I was surprised when my grandfather offered to give me the needed money. I agreed but regretted it later when I was told that I had to either agree to the marriage or I would have to pay the money back. We would have been unable to pay our employees, authors and partners. That was one thing but Geoffrey Swan also made it clear that should I refuse to marry Edward then he would use his many connections to make my life very unpleasant. I know that many people won't understand why I chose to marry Edward but for me it was the best option, as it would also free me of the family that had proven that they cared more for their own personal gain than for the happiness of their child. And I never regretted that decision."

Suzanne gaped at her and needed a moment to pull herself together. "Well, I guess it's time for a break and after that you have to tell us how exactly you made this marriage work."

Bella was relieved than they were told that the cameras were off and she immediately got up and grabbed something to drink. Edward followed her after he'd excused them.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around Bella and put his hands on her huge stomach.

Content, Bella lent back and enjoyed the feeling of her husband's firm chest behind her. "I feel fine. Not stressed and not even nervous anymore. Suzanne is a really nice woman and Mrs Hensley did a good job at choosing her."

Bella felt him nodding. "Yes, I agree with you. She's very good and not overly eager to get some gossip material. But I have to say that I'm surprised that you said so much about your family. Aren't you worried about what they could reply to that?" Edward asked. He wouldn't put it past them to cause trouble for Bella. Or even to sue. Not that they would get anywhere with it, because he would make sure of it.

Bella laughed lightly at that, not because she found his concern funny but because she knew what would happen should they try to act against her. "Don't worry Edward. They have bigger things to worry about than this interview. Jane has dragged up some dirt that my family would do anything to keep secret."

"Ah, I should have known. Jane mentioned something like that at the hospital. Well, one less thing for us to worry about."

They ate a few snacks before they were called back. This time Bella was relaxed and ready to answer the questions Suzanne would be asking. After a few quick words from Suzanne then they were back on topic and the story behind the whore's interview.

"Okay, now we know how you two had gotten married but not how you've managed to make it work."

Bella decided it was best if she answered that question. "Of course we wrote down a marriage contract and maybe it even helped that we didn't really know the other. There were no feelings involved. And yes, I do know what some people will say about this but it hasn't been that long ago when love marriages were unusual and not the other way around. In some circles these traditions are still very much alive. Well, let me tell you that it's none of their business and if people think that they have to tell us their opinion than I have to disappoint them, because we won't read one single letter or mail or however written comment," Bella said with a beaming smile and that surprised both Edward and Suzanne.

"Hm, I guess you're right about the arranged marriages. I know that my own parents didn't have a true arranged marriage but their families encouraged them very much. And I think it shows your strength that you don't care about people's opinions but that leaves the question why we didn't know about Edward's ..um, well affair."

Edward looked uncomfortable and Bella grabbed his hand and smiled at him before she turned back to Suzanne and answered her question. "You have to understand that we didn't know the other and had no romantic feelings for each other. Edward had been in a relationship when the arrangement was announced and they didn't want to split. I had no problems with that."

"What? Are you serious?" Suzanne cried out and stared at her unbelievingly.

"Yes, but because I hate to be in the spotlight, I only asked for Edward to be discreet and to respect me. I realize that a few will see it as cheating but I didn't and that is the only opinion that matters here. Of course, our relationship wasn't without problems and we argued sometimes but that was to be expected. Now I have to admit that it was naive to believe that our arrangement could work. The better Edward and I got along the harder it became for their relationship."

"That's correct," Edward said. "It was nearly impossible to manage both and sometimes I broke promises which put a strain on all my relationships. My family was very displeased with me and more than once I had to listen to their harsh words. Of course they were right and I did act like an idiot but it needed time to see that and luckily Bella was willing to be patient and wait. In the end I had to end my relationship. Yes, it wasn't a great situation but there were no secrets. I have not always acted as I should have, but I was honest."

"Hm, that's a far cry from the story that was published. How do you explain the differences?"

"Feelings were hurt and sometimes you want someone to pay for it but not everything is as it seems. It's not our story to tell but we're allowed to say that there was another person involved. Who made it legally impossible for Edward to marry his partner. She was still married and Edward had no idea of that."

Suzanne immediately straightened her posture and looked like a dog on the hunt. "Really? That wasn't written in the interview and I know that it also didn't come up during our research. How curious. Would you be willing give us the name of the man in question?"

Edward and Bella shared a quick look before they focused back on Suzanne. "Sadly, no," Edward said and smiled at Suzanne's disappointed face although she hadn't expected anything else. "We promised to leave this matter to him and we intend to keep it. It's his decision if he wants to go public or not, but he didn't want us to say more on the matter."

"Understandable," Suzanne agreed and closed this topic. After that she asked some questions about the pregnancy and soon enough the interview was over.

Edward and Bella were relieved when it was over and sighed, which caused Suzanne to laugh.

"Oh stop it, you two. You did very well and it wasn't that bad, was it?"

"No, but I'm still happy that we're finished. This isn't something I'm really comfortable with," Bella admitted.

"Yes, some don't like being the center of attention," Suzanne agreed, but then she smiled. "But I have to admit that you're good at it. Don't think that I didn't notice that neither of you mentioned the name Tanya Denali. I'm sure it'll piss her off. Impressive."

Bella tried to look innocent. "Why, that was just a coincident."

Everyone laughed at that and Bella would have loved to see the whore's reaction. But she didn't thought about that for long.

MaoC

When Mrs Hensley arrived at their house the next day she was smiling from ear to ear. Bella had never seen her so happy. She hoped that was beacause the reactions to the interview were satisfying.

"Good morning, Mr and Mrs Cullen," Mrs Hensley chirped. "I come bearing good news. Very good ones. First let me tell you that I loved the interview and couldn't have planned it better. Mrs Cullen, I have to say that I'm deeply impressed. You were just awesome and it seems that I'm not the only one who thinks that. The reactions to your interview are mostly good. Of course, there are some who are spouting off incredible rude and hurtful things, but we can ignore them. Most important is though that now people want to know who this mysterious man is and what his history with Miss Denali is. They're doubting her now and more than a few are calling her a gold-digger or other flattering things. I thinks it's save to say that her plan backfired. If she's doing another interview then she'll be asked about Mr Volturi. His lawyer called us this morning and congratulated us on a well done interview. If I understood him correctly then Mr Volturi plans to leak information of their marriage and the abortion. Oh, and the divorce agreement is already been dissolved. And Miss Denali has been informed."

"These are good news," Edward said. He looked very pleased. "You did a great job. I have to say you're worth every Cent I pay you."

Mrs Hensley seemed to grow a few inches as she heard that. "Thank you, sir, but I'm only doing my job."

"Nonsense," he disagreed. "I know when people are doing a good job and doing more than is expected of them. And you did that. By the way, do you know, if Tanya has already tried to contact us? As you know I changed my phone numbers and her numbers were blocked."

"Oh yes, she did try. I think Jessica's ears are still ringing from her screeching. She thought you would be at work this morning and tried it at the office. I would suggest that you don't answer the phone if you don't know the number or if the number is suppressed."

Bella agreed with this immediately. "Good suggestion, Mrs Hensley. Now please excuse me but the baby is dancing on my bladder," she admitted with a grimace and hurried out of the room. The laughters of Edward and Mrs Hensley followed her.

Mrs Hensley's predictions proved to be correct and soon most people were interested in Alec Volturi and the baby that Tanya had aborted because it didn't fit into her life. People were shocked and disgusted and while they didn't agree with Edward's actions and found both his and Bella's reasons for entering into a marriage flimsy, they were more interested in leading a witch hunt against Tanya. Tanya did give another interview and tried explain her situation and even paint her as a misunderstood and confused woman but that didn't work and if Bella's information was correct then Tanya couldn't show her face in public. Some small part of Bella pitied her but Tanya was responsible for this mess she was now in. And when she thought that the bitch had tried to push her then Bella thought that she deserved it.

To everyone's surprise the Swans had indeed stayed quiet but that didn't mean that they didn't have to deal with some … well, not so pleasant things. The friends of the Swans were shocked that they had quite literally forced Bella into her marriage, and that was something that not even the High Society could approve of such tactics.

Well, at least in public.

And that meant that very few were willing to be seen with them. Because of that the Swans had decided to take an extended vacation. It was rumored that they had left the country and wouldn't be back for few months.

Bella was very pleased by that and basked in the knowledge that her family wouldn't be anywhere near her when it was time for her to give birth. Now that the problems were dealt with, all that was left to do was to make sure that Bella got enough clothes for little Ella and to relax.

Yes, she was very happy.

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Hello my lovelies.

Well? What do you think? I thought it was a nice twist that Bella and Edward decided to fight Tanya with her own weapons.

I feel that this story is coming to an end soon. A few more chapters and I'm done. Strange feeling but I'm looking forward to new projects. But this time I will have a go at a Harry Potter story.

Please leave a comment and maybe a fitting second name for Ella. ...Just so you know, that was great-grandmothers name. Ella Luise.

Love, Nini