Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you're excited to read the new chapter! And I hope you all have a great week!

Chapter Ten (Edward's POV)

I sat the box on the counter and loosened my tie, avoiding her eyes. I didn't really want to talk to Tanya right now. I wanted to eat the desserts and go to bed or something. Honestly, I wanted to do anything but talk to Tanya.

I sat across from her at the counter, putting the box beside me. She stared at me, her big blue eyes once having a powerful hold over me, now did nothing. I used to be so attracted to Tanya, but now she did nothing for me.

"Well, go ahead," I told her, annoyed that she had somehow gotten into my house.

She took a deep breath, "I really miss you," She stared, "I know, that you said you don't feel the same, but that can't possibly be true. I mean, a year ago you were texting me every day."

"And you told me to fuck off," I reminded her.

"Yes I know," She started to snap then softened her tone, "I know I did. But I've been regretting it ever since. And I'm sorry—,"

"Weren't you dating that one guy?" I asked, "Whatever his name was. You told me you loved him, and you wanted to be with him, so why the hell are you doing this now?"

"I was wrong about him." She shook her head and put her hands on her arms, "Very wrong. I thought he was a nice guy. I thought he was nicer than you, because he never ran around on me, or forgot plans. But you never hit me."

"Wait, he hit you?" I asked.

"A couple times," She shuddered, "He was a bastard."

"What's his name again?" I asked.

She shook her head, "It doesn't matter Edward," She smiled slightly, "I can tell you've grown up. Since you've taken over for your father, you've just really matured."

"Are you interested in me because I took over for my father? Now I'm the head of the family and you're looking to slip in?"

Her face turned red, "Absolutely not! How could you even say that!"

"Because I can't help but think back to our relationship and remember that you were always particularly happy when I was blowing money on you. And god forbid I didn't buy you the most expensive shit on your birthday or holidays."

"I wasn't perfect then, I know I wasn't," She snapped, "But I've grown up. And there are things that mean more to me than money. And you mean more to me than your money. I just want you; I don't want your money."

I shook my head, "Tanya, we always start this way. But I just can't do it anymore."

"We can try it," She begged, "I really care about you. I still love you and I just know we were meant to be together. Please Edward," She grabbed my hands and held them tightly, "I love you. I want us to make this work. I know we can be great together."

I sighed, then slowly pulled my hands away from hers, "Tanya, I'm sorry. I just don't feel that way about you anymore."

She was quiet for a few moments, "Is there someone else?"

"No, but I just can't force myself to love you," I threw her words that she said to me so long ago back at her, "I just want to be friends. Can you accept that?"

She was silent for a few minutes, "Have you met someone else?"

"No Tanya, I haven't met anyone else," Lie. "I just want to be friends with you."

She sighed, "Alright. I guess I can accept that. I'm sorry."

"No Tanya, I'm sorry," I said, "Do you want me to drive you home? I didn't see your car."

"I'll just call and Uber." She said as she stood.

"No, let me drive you. It's the least I can do."

"Edward please," She said, now looking up at me. Her eyes were filled with tears, "I just want to leave okay?"

I nodded, "Okay. I'm sorry."

She nodded and walked out of the front door with her phone in her hand. I sighed and sunk back down into the stool.

Even though Tanya and I didn't make a great couple, I still felt badly about hurting her. I knew she was going to tell her sisters, and then I'd feel the cold shoulder from them. It didn't really bother me, but it was quite annoying.

I groaned and grabbed the blue box Bella had given me. I wanted to take my mind off Tanya being here and having that painful conversation.

It smelt heavenly when I opened it. There was a mix of all kinds of desserts in the box. I was excited to dig in. I grabbed the first item, which looked like an éclair, and took a bite.

As I was enjoying my bite, the front door opened. I knew it wasn't anyone dangerous; my front door was passcode protected, and only my family and I had it. I was, however, tempted to grab my gun and just shoot some warning shots at their feet. I wanted to just relax.

Alice and Jasper walked into the kitchen.

"What was Tanya doing here?" Nosy Alice asked immediately.

"She wanted to talk about getting back together." I said with an eye roll.

"Are you two back together?" She asked.

"No, I don't feel anything for Tanya. I don't want to get back together with her," I said.

"Good," She sat in the stool, "When you two are together you're a disaster. And with my wedding right around the corner, I'm not looking for anything to ruin it." She said.

"Well don't worry."

"So, I have information on Isabella." Jasper said, putting a manilla folder down on the counter.

I growled, "And didn't I tell you not to tell anyone? Why in the hell would you blab to my nosy, annoying sister?"

"Hey!" Alice gasped, "I am not annoying. I'm concerned and caring you stupid jackass."

I rolled my eyes at her and she stuck her tongue out at me. We weren't the most mature.

"I'm sorry, you know how Alice is," He joked. She slapped his arm, "I can't keep things from my future wife."

"Well, next time please respect what I tell you. Unless you want me to kick your ass."

"Understood," He said, "But, I did some digging and I found some great things. I even printed it off for you, so you could read it yourself and I didn't have to tell you."

I nodded, "Thank you."

"So, you like Bella," Alice said, "Why?"

"I'm not discussing this Alice," I said, "And I would greatly appreciate it if you didn't discuss it either."

"I just want to know," She said, "The last girl your liked was Tanya, and you two were insane together."

"This is different from Tanya." I blurted out without thinking.

Her eyebrows raised, "Oh is it now? Well, this is certainly something. I wasn't expecting this."

"Ugh, get out of my house." I snapped, "I want to be alone, get out!"

"Hey, hey chill out," Alice said, "We were just stopping by to give you this. We're going to Anna Marie's."

"Have fun." I said, hoping my tone expressed that I wanted them out.

They left which I was happy about. Now, I just prayed that no one else bothered me and I could enjoy my night.

I grabbed a bottle of scotch and a glass, then opened the file Jasper had given me. I was excited to read about Bella.

The Next Day

I arrived at Elizabeth's a little early than I should have. I wanted to make sure I got the usual table my family used when we were doing business. When I walked in, the host stood a little straighter, recognizing me.

"Mr. Cullen, it's so good to see you." He smiled, "How can I help you?"

"I would like the usual table please. I'm meeting someone here in about thirty minutes."

"Of course. We'll have it ready before then. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"That would be all. And my friend and I will be discussing business, so please tell the waitress not to hover. We'll call her over when we need her."

"Of course," He nodded.

I stood against the wall and waited, checking my watch every so often. When Aro walked in, I got up from the wall and walked over to greet him.

"My, my, my," He said as he looked me over, "You've certainly grown into quite the young man haven't you?"

I shook his hand, "A few inches here and there."

He chuckled, "I can see. Is our table ready? I've worked up quite the appetite."

I looked over at the host who nodded at me. He led us to the table closest to the back. Whenever we did business at Elizabeth's, we always had this table. It was farther away from the other tables and the waitresses knew not to come by every ten minutes asking how things were.

As soon as we sat down, he asked what I would recommend.

"Well, the seafood menu is very good. But my favorite is the steak. It's Kobe beef, so delicious."

He nodded as he looked over the menu, "I've always wanted to come here. Perhaps bring my wife, she adores these upscale restaurants. But I never felt as though I could just stroll in."

"Don't be ridiculous Aro, you're our friend. You're welcome at any establishment of ours." I smiled.

His smile matched my own, "I do certainly feel welcomed now," He said, "Please, remind me. This restaurant was named after your grandmother?"

"Yes. Elizabeth was my grandmother's name. And my grandfather's first and favorite wife. She died prematurely after my father was born."

"Ah, such a tragedy. I remember your grandfather. He was quite a nice man. You're named after him correct?"

"I am," I nodded, "My grandfather died a few days before my birth and my father decided to honor him by naming me after him. So, technically I am a junior. I do wish I had gotten to meet my grandfather. I've heard wonderful things about him."

"I met him when I was about twelve. That's when our families declared peace and when I met your father as well. I remember him being very nice, and somewhat intimidating," He chuckled.

"I've heard that as well." I said, "Do you know what you would like?"

He looked down at the menu for a moment, "I think I've decided."

I waved the waitress over. She jumped from her spot and hurried over.

"Hello, gentlemen, what can I get for you?" She asked.

"I'll have the Kobe steak. Medium rare. And bring me a bottle of scotch please. The good stuff." She nodded as she wrote it down.

"And for you sir?"

"I would like to try the salmon and a wine that'll pair nicely with it."

She nodded, "I'll bring that right out."

She had filled up our glasses with ice water before darting off into the kitchen.

"So, Edward," Aro said as he took a sip of water, "I'm very curious as to why you called this meeting."

I cleared my throat, "Well, Aro, I know that this is probably rude of me to ask for a favor, being as that I haven't introduced myself as the head of the family properly—,"

He waved his hands dismissively, "It's alright Edward. I imagine things have been difficult for you. I heard about your father's heart attack last year. I'm sure you've been preoccupied with that, and then taking over the family affairs. So no offense taken."

"Thank you for understanding," I smiled, "But, about this favor. It's going to sound completely insane; I know. But, if I recall, you have a few businesses dealing with security and protection right?"

"I do."

"And from what I've heard, your companies are the best." I said.

"Now, now," He chuckled, "No need to flatter me."

I snorted a little, "Well, there was something that I wanted to have protected. Both secretively and obvious if you could."

"Of course, Edward," He said, "What is this place?"

"There's a new business that opened up on my street, Bloor." I said, "A bakery. And I wanted to have the place rigged with a top notched security systems. I also wanted the cameras to be linked to my phone and my computers. If that were possible."

The waitress came by with our food and our drinks. She set everything down on the table then walked away quickly. Even though it was only a second, my stomach was twisting. I prayed that asking Aro for this favor wouldn't bite me in the ass.

"I can absolutely have the place set up with the best security," He said, "That's not an issue. But I would like to know why."

I shifted somewhat uncomfortably, "Well, it's kind of a long story—,"

"I have time," He said as he took a sip of his wine.

I took a deep breath, "It started with the owner shooting one of my men in the leg. I had sent them to the bakery to shake the owner up a little, well, it turns out they underestimated her because she was a woman. I ended up going there to scope the place out and… the woman there… I just… don't want to leave her unprotected." I looked down at my plate; my ears felt hot.

"Ah," He said, "So, you're worried about the girl."

I nodded, wanting nothing more than to cover my face, but I didn't want to look so weak in front of Aro.

"Are you feeling strongly for this girl?" He asked.

"Aro, please," I pinched the bridge of my nose, "It's embarrassing enough that I'm asking for this favor for a girl I've only spoken to a few times. I just hate looking weak."

"Oh Edward," He said, "It's not embarrassing, nor does it make you look weak. You know, I remember your father falling hard for your mother. In less than a month he had proposed to her. Of course, she rejected him at first, which in hindsight was probably the best idea as they were so young. So please don't be ashamed of who you love or for loving at all," He said, "And I will make sure the girl has proper security. She'll be protected."

I sighed in relief, "Thank you for understanding," I said, "And I know that this security you're giving me isn't cheap. But I know the girl won't take it if it's too expensive. So, I was hoping to present it to her as a spectacular deal or something. Make it really cheap and I'll make up the difference. I'll pay for it myself."

"How low should I charge her?" He asked.

"Like fifty bucks a month or something. I know your systems usually cost over a thousand, but like I said I'll pay the difference."

He nodded, "I'll send my men out there tomorrow to talk with the girl. We'll have her bakery secure in no time."

I smiled, "Thank you, Aro. I really appreciate this."

"Of course," He smiled, "Now, I received Alice's wedding invitation. I'm looking at possible gifts for her, what do you think she'd like?"

Okay, so I realized I've forgotten to explain how Tanya was able to get into Edward's house. Edward's home is pass coded and she remembers all of the codes. It's not a very exciting explanation and I should've remembered to include it, but yeah, I'm a bit of a ditz. I hope you do like the new chapter though! Leave me a little review and let me know what you think!