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Chapter 23

It was a bleak Thursday, a quarter to three in the afternoon. Edward had been a nervous wreck all day, unable to do anything at all. He couldn't focus, couldn't sit still, couldn't do anything but sit around being anxious as fuck.

Carmen put a hand on her nephew's shoulder. Her warm voice soothed him temporarily as she handed him a cup of Peruvian black tea.

"We should leave in about fifteen minutes, son." His uncle's statement broke him out of his haze.

Edward nodded and sipped his tea, the rich taste engulfing him.

Fifteen minutes seemed to last a lifetime, but soon enough Edward found himself in the passenger's seat of Aro and Carmen's Escalade, driving to the courthouse. He felt sick to his stomach.

— IOFP —

Isabella Swan was rattled. Her mind was all over the place, hands trembling when she applied a layer of mascara to her lashes in an attempt to look a little more awake. She hadn't slept a wink last night, the events of today on repeat every time she closed her eyes. Why did I agree to do this?

"Babe, you alright?" Rosalie peeked inside the bathroom, hair ruffled and cheeks a little puffy. Her blonde friend, too, suffered from sleepless nights, especially since she was the one who endured Bella's nightmares the last couple of days. Bella didn't even have to ask, Rose just showed up on her doorstep with a duffel bag on Sunday.

Bella shrugged, her phone vibrating at the same time. Alice. It seemed as if everyone was worried about Bella.

I'll see you in the courthouse, Bell. You can totally do this. Kisses!

"Alice?" Rose asked, smiling. Bella nodded. "I'm so glad I was the first one to offer my services. We really did need the girl time, B. It's been far too long since we had some one-on-one time together." Rose was right, as usual. She turned on the shower, testing the temperature of the stream before peeling the sleep shirt off her head and stepping under the water. The girls had never been shy around each other, and neither one of them had a problem with nudity.

"Don't take too long, Beauty Queen. We have to be there in an hour," Bella said. She could hear Rose yell something in return, but didn't understand, too preoccupied.

— IOFP —

Inside the courthouse, it was a whirlwind of men and women in expensive-looking suits and suitcases. Loud heels echoed throughout the building, making Edward feel a little anxious.

"Ah, Edward." Vernon Mills held out his hand for his client to shake. Mills had been the Cullen family lawyer for at least a decade, assisting Carlisle Cullen through each and every hardship. Little did he know then he would represent his only son in the trial against Carlisle and his wife's murderer. "How have you been holding up?"

Edward gave the attorney a weak smile, his eyes heavy and tired. He didn't know how to answer, but Vernon was fine with that. He could tell Edward wasn't doing all too well, which was to be understood, given the grave circumstances. Mills was determined to do everything in his power to get this bastard behind bars. He'd do whatever it took to prove to the jury he was more than guilty. When Vernon was studying the case, he felt relieved. Hunter had a substantial record, his name more than well-known at the Chicago Police Department. Vernon hoped the jury was awake and attentive, so they'd see the obvious. He also hoped they wouldn't be persuaded by James Hunter's good-looking facade.

"Let's get you inside; you're early, so we can go through my arguments again." Mills put a reassuring hand on Edward's back as he led him into their appointed courtroom. It was still empty, the rich wood cold-looking, the room vacant and strange.

— IOFP —

Around the same time, Isabella Swan stood outside the Chicago courthouse. Fidgeting nervously, her fingers tightly entwined with Rosalie's. The two women waited for their third friend to show up while Rosalie took a deep drag of her cigarette.

Alice showed up two minutes later, hair up in a ponytail, bangs slightly shorter than usual. She was in all-black, flared leggings and a cropped T-shirt with a blazer over it. "Fucking traffic," she mumbled, joining her best friends on the top of the stairs.

"You good, babe?" Alice asked Bella.

Bella nodded absentmindedly, hoping the time would fly by and the day could finally be over. After today, Isabella Swan was able to leave James Hunter where he belonged. In the past.

"Ah, Miss Swan." Cecilia Jones walked up to the trio, dressed to kill—or impress—in an impeccable pantsuit. A fucking power suit in canary yellow with black patent pumps. "Are you ready, sweetheart?" She talked to her client in a way her mother used to. If Bella were honest, that was exactly the reason she hired Mrs. Jones to defend her. Jones' hair was the same shade of caramel as her mother, Renée's, was.

"I guess," Bella stammered.

"Prepare yourself on seeing him again, okay? It won't be easy, but having you on the witness stand will make it so easy for us to convict him."

Bella understood. She swore not to let James intimidate her.

The women entered the courtroom in silence. Rose and Alice sat down on the bench closest to the front, and when Bella lifted her head, she almost choked on her breathing. He was here. She hadn't seen him in over two weeks, and he looked tired but so handsome it hurt. Her choices hurt. She regretted them the second she'd made them. Seeing him now only amplified that feeling.

Edward's eyes seemed to smolder, burning through her as he looked back over his shoulder and saw her. He'd hoped she'd be here, but he didn't allow himself to expect to see her in the almost empty courtroom. His heart rate picked up when he laid eyes on the beauty. Her hair was in a messy braid down her back. He could tell she'd slept in it. Bella's usually sparkling brown eyes were dull, tired, red-rimmed from crying. She also looked like she'd lost some weight, her black jeans a little more baggy around her thighs, a thick sweater swallowing her dainty frame.

Bella took a deep breath that came out shaky. He looked sad… Making him feel sad made her feel like an awful person. She looked down, away from his piercing green gaze.

"Excuse me for a minute, Vernon," Edward said to his legal advisor. The blond man nodded, giving him a little wink.

Alice's blue eyes drifted to her best friend, but Bella kept staring down as she stood next to Cecilia. "Mr. Cullen," she greeted him. Even the sound of his dress shoes tapping on the floor made Bella's heart beat a little faster. She didn't know where to look. This was their first interaction since she broke up with him. She thought about all the shit she caused, ignoring his phone calls and pretending like he didn't exist. She felt so guilty she couldn't even look him in the eyes.

"You've got another ten minutes, Bella. Feel free to talk in the hall, if you want." Cecilia tucked some curls behind her ears, manicured fingers clutching the manilla file in her hands tightly. She walked away from Bella and Edward, sitting down at her own table after shaking hands with Edward's lawyer. The third table was still empty, and Bella swallowed a lump in her throat at the thought of James sitting that close to her.

"Please, Bella," Edward breathed. Even his voice was sad, his usual timbre corrupted by endless nights with little to no sleep. She couldn't fathom denying him. Not now. Not like this. Not in person.

She nodded before she followed Edward to the hallway and leaned against the laminated wall in the corner by the window. "I'm sorry," she croaked. "So fucking sorry for everything I've done."

Edward's gaze softened even more, melted jade jewels pulling at her heart. Her aching heart. It was an ache only he could soothe.

The way Bella stared up at him made his head spin; it'd been over two weeks since he'd seen her eyes in person. He was sad to see the visions in his head didn't do her justice at all.

"You didn't do anything." He shrugged, hands in the front pockets of his dark slacks.

"I broke you," she sobbed. Bella couldn't hold back her tears anymore, let them flow freely, showing him she was genuine. All her teardrops whispered silent I love you's to him. If only he could hear them.

"You stitched me back up, babydoll," he whispered.

Her heart fluttered at his nickname. She'd missed hearing it. She'd missed him, hearing him, seeing him. But most of all, she missed touching him. Sparks ran through her fingertips as Edward pulled one hand out of his pocket, the path of his fingers trailing along her jawline. "I need you," he breathed, a desperate edge to his voice.

"I miss you," Bella confessed.

"I love you, Isabella Swan." Edward shook his head, shoulders slumped, brows furrowed. He felt like none of his words could make her come back to him, erase these past weeks, bring her back.

For old time's sake, and for her heart, Bella took a deep breath before she looked Edward in the eyes. They were so beautiful, deep and rich. "I love you, too."

There was a beat of silence, both of them staring into each other's eyes. It was two lovers coming home again, the presence of the other alone making their broken hearts beat as one again. Bella leaned in to Edward's touch, his long fingers familiar as he cradled her face in his hands.

"You're the reason I agreed to step up as witness against James, Edward," Bella started. She took Edward's hand off her face and into both of hers, reveling in feeling his skin on hers. "I need to fix what I've done wrong."

"You didn't do anything wrong, baby," Edward said. "I can't stand here and let you apologize for his actions. What happened was a matter of wrong time, wrong place. It could have happened to anyone. I'm just sad you thought it wise to leave me like that. You can't let him control your life like this, Bella. He's out of your life, and you should be able to move on."

Bella scoffed at Edward's words. She thought he'd be angry with her, but he was just hurt.

"Talk to me, please." He sighed. "Don't run away, baby."

"I can't do this knowing you're mad, or that you blame me in any way. I only want the truth now." Bella bit her lip, a little anxious for his answer.

"Baby, I couldn't be angry. I have no reason to be, you made everything better, not worse. I'm so grateful to have met you, and I just wish you'd come back to me."

"You want me back?" she asked, her voice small and eyes a little more alive.

"Of course… I just told you I love you. How could I not want you back? You're selfless, your heart as beautiful as your exterior. I can't believe I wasted so many years not knowing you. I've never felt this alive. Ever."

"But we're so different," Bella mumbled. "I mean… my ex is a fucking criminal. How much more white trash can you take?"

Edward chuckled at her statement. "Baby please, stop putting yourself down. You couldn't be white trash even if you tried. Trust me. You're fucking perfect."

"What are we supposed to do now?" she asked, exasperated.

"How about we put what happened behind us? And you talk to me next time something bad happens. So you don't run?"

He was so sweet her heart melted. Bella felt herself nod. "I'd love to try, yes."

"Please kiss me, babydoll. For good luck?" Edward asked, a little insecure. He hoped she wouldn't turn him down. Bella cast her eyes down a little, a hint of color rising to her cheeks as she bit back a smile.

"I'd love to."

They moved closer to each other, closer to the wall. Edward leaned in, putting one leg in between Bella's as he tilted his head down. She looked at him, longing heavy in her heart. She couldn't believe they were about to do this; that she was getting another chance. That he was giving her another chance. Her breathing hitched as his body touched hers. Hands traveled over her arms, up to her neck before he cupped her cheeks. Edward couldn't wait any longer, pulling her up, neck straining but compliant. It had been too long, and they needed each other.

Lips touched and the air seemed to catch fire around them, a sharp zing in the air as they became lost in each other. A soft moan escaped Bella's lips as she pulled him tighter to her, his hard chest crashing into hers.

"Bella, it's time to go inside." Blonde curls pulled them out of their little bubble. They parted with a gasp, hearts pounding and cheeks aflame.

"Oh, fuck." Scrambling to her feet, she hastily straightened her top.

— IOFP —

A wave of anger soared through Edward's veins when the judge ordered to bring out the defendant. His hair looked like shit, too long and falling into his face, sides too long to be fashionable. Bella looked away from stark blue eyes. James was cuffed, hands clasped together as he sat down next to his lawyer.

The trial was tedious and pure textbook. Edward knew his attorney was pulling out the big guns. He felt confident there was no way James was going to walk out of here unscathed.

The minute she heard her name, Bella's head snapped up, breathing shallow and chest heaving. Her face felt so hot she thought she was on fire, everyone's eyes on her as she stepped up and sat down in the witness stand. Swearing an oath was easy, because she'd never lie for James Hunter again. Never in her fucking life.

"Since you and James were a romantic couple, you know him pretty well?"

"I do, Your Honor."

Just like that, there was a trip down memory lane. Bella felt proud for the way her words came out. She wasn't stammering or stuttering, instead she sounded confident and strong. The judge and Edward's lawyer asked her questions about James' past; his drug use, his aggressive behavior.

"You fucking bitch!" James had to be contained by two guards. His face was so red, his eyes so angry it almost made her tremble. "You're a fucking liar! Whatcha think, I'm just gonna take you back after this?"

"Silence!" the judge ordered.

"I don't want you back. I want you out of my life, and I want you to pay for what you've done."

The armed guards kept a close watch on James the rest of the hearing. It was easy for the jury to make up their mind, finding him guilty of involuntary manslaughter and for his drug dealing and abuse. He'd be locked away for thirty years. There was a weight that fell off Bella's shoulders as soon as the judge convicted him. This was it. The happy ending to her tragedy-loaded former relationship.

— IOFP —

"What happens now?" she wondered, gazing up into deep green eyes. They looked more vibrant than ever.

Edward grinned cockily. "You're taking me home with you, babydoll." He grabbed her by the hand, enjoying the stares they got from passers-by. Bella, on the other hand, didn't like it that much. She felt vulnerable, judged by strangers who compared her to the perfect specimen of a man next to her—suit and tie, shiny shoes, while she was in jeans and a sweater.

Once they took a cab to Bella's shop, leaving Alice and Rose to ride together, they walked upstairs in silence. Edward noticed the place seemed emptier immediately, only hers; perfect. There was a rumpled up blanket on the couch, a few empty mugs on the kitchen counter, the smell of her perfume lingering around.

"Come cuddle with me." She took his hand and led Edward to her bedroom. He seemed a little confused when she opened the glass doors, slid the curtain aside and let herself fall down onto the plush mattress of her bed.

"You moved rooms?" he asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed cautiously.

"Yeah, when Alice and Jasper finally moved out I got to come back here. I only use the other room for painting now. It's so much better now that I have a little more space." Bella smiled.

Edward watched, dark hair sprawled on the pillowcase, sheets folded over in half. Even entirely clothed she was a temptation. He took off his shoes, crawling up the bed as Bella held out her arms, inviting him in for a hug.

"Fuck, I've missed you, babe," she whispered.

"Don't ever run from me again, okay? Talk to me next time. We can figure it all out together." Bella nodded. Edward chuckled as he spotted the canvas propped in between her dresser and the wall. It was a painting he knew all too well. "You kept it?"

Bella stared at her portrait of Edward, the one she made while he was asleep in her bed.

"Of course. I couldn't get rid of it. I love you too much."

"Someone should paint you some time," Edward remarked. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. It's like you're a snowflake: unique and beautiful. One of a kind."

Bella felt herself melt at his words. "I love you so much," she mumbled, snuggling up against her boyfriend.