CHAPTER 24 - Project completion

BPOV

It was Tuesday... also the day circled in my calendar as - the last day of my super awesome project...

It's bittersweet, the sweet part is obvious, but the bitter part stems from the fact that I won't get to see Edward or Alice in the office anymore...

I was being so weird about this... it was crazy.

But life's great right now and I really can't and shouldn't complain.

I can't believe how much my life has changed in little over two months.

My weight was ever so slowly dropping. After the initial month or month and a half, things were progressing slowly.

Em warned me about that.. but he also had explained how weight is not everything and everyone has a different body. Setting goals is just meant to be helpful. Not precise.

But I wanted to be happy with my body... so I wanted to get through this... properly.

My morning was the usual day at the gym. I was making good progress and my body was getting toned.

There was no yoga class today, but Victoria was definitely there, and she was giving me the evil eye.

I found her sooo creepy. I tried to be nice to her, or at least maintain professionalism, but she always said or did something, that made me want to scream.

Like the other day she told me, after the yoga a session - "You honestly are trying too hard sweetie... just stop ruining everyone's day." I ignored her.

These things don't phase me anymore. But I have to wonder - what did I do to trigger her? I believe that despite all this, remaining cool, calm and collected was the best option.

Because other than her snarky comments, she had not done anything that would make me feel threatened or insecure... or for that matter uncomfortable. But it is getting on my nerves...

I mentally prepared myself to tell her off the next time - in a polite manner, and if she doesn't back off, then I'll definitely tell either Em or Edward.

After gym, a shower and a quick change of clothes, Edward drove me to my office, and since he had to come to my office any way, we just went up to the conference room together.

Alice, Mr. Volturi , Ange and Jasper were already there. The rest of my team would be briefed by me anyways, so there was no requirement for them to be here.

After some good mornings and hellos -

"I guess this is it guys... after today our campaign and its designs will be broadcasted, and though we part ways today, it's not over... we just hope that everything goes according to plan" I stated.

"It will Isabella. I have full faith. I assume we will mostly stay in contact over the phone now... since most of our work is done?" Jasper asked.

"Yes. Though we don't mind any of you dropping by. This is your campaign as much as it is ours. So feel free to stay in contact and offers criticisms. Our industry is built on feedback". I had to let them know this was not the end. It was just the start of a new chapter... in the same campaign.

Everyone smiled and/or nodded at that.

Just as everyone was starting to stand and leave, Edward said -

"Well it has been a great year, and an even greater campaign. I'm happy to work with this company and with the lovely as well as brilliant Isabella. Her designs and ideas, are truly beautiful... just as she is." Edward smiled my way, showcasing his pearly whites. I know he meant to look mischievous, but I was enamoured by him and his presence.

I blushed at his statement and mumbled a thanks. Everyone either smiled or laughed at that.

I was floored, at how such small things from this man, incited so many feelings within me.

I had to keep myself in check, because I hadn't yet spoke to Mr. Volturi... I know it was not against the rules or anything, but it was better to keep Mr. Volturi informed.

The only problem with that is what exactly do I tell him? Is Edward my boyfriend? Friend?

I didn't know... and till I didn't know, I couldn't possibly tell anyone else... right???

The rest of the work day was busy... I mean extremely busy.

After Edward, Alice and Jasper left, the team was focused on finishing up the project and going over all of it again, to see if we had missed anything or correct minor errors.

It was hectic, but I enjoyed this job... when Riley was there, this was the only place I felt truly safe and happy... so being here and doing this is everything to me.

My inner musings were interrupted by Ange -

"Girllll...! What is going on with you and Cullen... the energy was so high in that room, and I have never been more jealous, he's such a hottie plus I think he's a genuinely good person... like seriously, it's like he could only see you". She was rambling.

"Woah Ange... deep breaths. Honestly I really like him... but I do not know how I want to proceed... I mean after Riley... basically I'm taking things slow... and I want to see how I feel before pursuing anything..." I trusted Ange. So I I kinda told her a little bit of what I was thinking.

"That makes sense... but damnnn. Also you need to tell Aro, if there is anything between you guys... because I was blushing for you..."

"Yeah I will tell Mr. Volturi... if something happens and when I know that we are definitely together... you know what I mean..?"

"I get that... ok Bella... bye!! Ben is calling. We are going out tonight. But we will continue this later!"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head at her but said nothing. Ange was great. One of my closest friends at work. We had each other's backs.

On the other hand, I thought Edward and were pretty discreet... but I guess the tension and electricity we feel is palpable to everyone around as well.

This man was going to kill me... but I have to admit - this is one hell of a way to go...

Once I was done for the day, Edward picked me up from the office.

We made small talk in the car, about our day. Once we reached my place, I had to ask him -

"Do you want to come up Edward..?"

"No Bella..."

A/N:

Why did Edward decline? Is something off? Did something happen?

Hope you guys enjoyed this!