I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.
None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …
Up next will be some flirty banter with Edward and Bella, signing of the contract and some drama with Alice and Edward. When will she learn?
Chapter Eight
Bella
"I've got good news for you," Jason Jenks said as he walked into my office in the publishing house, wriggling a manila folder with a wide grin. "I got you a lot more money for contract." He sat down, handing me the manila folder.
"You spoke with the new executive?" I asked, opening it up. I scanned the paperwork and gasped. "Holy crap! This is twice what was originally offered. How did you swing that?"
"I'm the shit," Jason smirked. "I also think that the director finagled more money for you. At least, that's what Paul said when I negotiated on your behalf."
"Edward did?" I breathed.
"Yeah. I also found out why Laurent passed this along to a new executive. When I spoke to Paul, he said that Laurent was diagnosed with cancer and it doesn't look good, hence Paul's involvement in the project and Edward Cullen's name coming into play," Jason explained.
"Will Laurent be okay?" I asked.
"The new executive didn't have that information, but Paul said he's looking forward to work with you," Jason said, giving me a sympathetic grin.
"I should send Laurent some flowers or something. Cancer sucks … it really fucking sucks," I breathed, rubbing my chest. Hearing that about Laurent made my heart hurt and brought back unpleasant memories of my father along with his death, thanks to fucking cancer. "Maybe I'll reach out to this new executive to get an update about Laurent …"
"I'm sorry about Laurent. I can do some digging, verifying his illness. Do you want me to do that?" he asked.
"No, thank you. I can do some digging," I replied, shrugging a shoulder.
"Let me know if you want me to check into the new executive. But, I have to know about the contract. What's your reply? Are you going to sign this?" Jason asked, pointing to contract.
I picked up a pen from my desk, signing on the dotted line and pushing it back to Jenks. "I am." I got up, making a copy of the contract, scanning it to my computer. With a flourish, I opened a new email, attaching the contract and sent it to Summit Studios. "Thank you so much, Jason, for your help."
"It was my pleasure, Bella," Jason grinned. "Just make sure you get me tickets to the premier. I've got to support my clients." He leaned against the door frame. "I'll send you my bill for services rendered."
"Got it, Jason," I chuckled. "I'll make sure to pay you once I get that invoice."
"Now, I'll let you get back to work. Are you going to start on the screenplay?" he asked.
"I need to finish up edits for my most recent novel," I replied. "I'm about done."
"Best of luck," Jason said, pushing away from door frame and left me to my work.
I turned back to my laptop, double checking that my email with the signed contract went through to this new guy, Paul Lahote. Making mental note to research Paul Lahote and his position with the movie studio. His name sounded familiar, but I wasn't sure if it was my memory or fear of my past. I also sent Edward a brief message, thanking him for his help with the contract.
With a smile, I opened the file of my latest novel, a romance novel based off a cross-country road trip. This novel was the last in the series. I needed to make sure that the book didn't suck and that it wrapped up the entire series without sounding corny or cheesy.
I was working on the epilogue when Jasper walked in with a couple of coffees. "I have Mana from heaven," he said, putting the coffee down.
"You seem happy," I replied, taking a sip of the coffee. "Thank you for this."
"No problem and I'm happy because I heard from Alice," he replied dreamily.
I rolled my eyes. "What did she have to say?"
"Well, she wanted your phone number," Jasper answered.
"You didn't give it to her, did you?" I asked, arching a brow.
"She may have the best pussy in the world, but I'm not an idiot," Jasper scoffed.
"Really, Jas?" I deadpanned. "Could you be anymore crass?"
"Sorry," he mumbled, sitting down across from me. "Alice and I had some insane phone sex." He had a dopey look on his face. "Even an entire state away, she entices me like no woman ever has."
"If only she wasn't a two-faced bitch," I mumbled under my breath. Jasper gave me an exasperated look. I sighed, "Other than the phone sex, what did she want?"
"She said she wanted to apologize to you for what she said to you," Jasper frowned. "She truly sounded remorseful and I think you should give her another chance."
"Jasper, I recognize Alice as a bully and I do not want to give her another chance. She made a snap judgment about me, assuming the worst. I had to do some awful things when I was trying to get away from my ex. I thought I'd … moved past that," I murmured. "And, Alice's harsh words, they cut me to the quick. She could kiss the ground I walk on, but I doubt I'll be able to move past it or believe that she's truly remorseful. She'll always see me as less than her because I was not brought up in Hollywood, with a silver spoon in my mouth."
"That's not true," Jasper argued. "Is it?"
"Really? Because that's what she insinuated when she was talking to her friend, Heidi," I said. "Now, I will give her the benefit of the doubt and if she's sincere, I'll consider accepting her apology. I doubt it, though. I'll always be less than her, not good enough in her eyes."
"But, you are more than willing to talk to Edward," Jasper said.
"Because Edward didn't look down on me," I explained. "He was kind and genuine. He treated me with respect."
"So is Alice. She's kind and genuine, after you get past her prickly, lawyerly exterior," Jasper quipped, giving me a sly grin.
"You definitely got past her prickly, lawyerly exterior by boning her," I sighed. "I'm not boning her. I like guys."
"No, you like Edward," Jasper said with a wry little grin.
"Jasper," I grumbled.
"That's my name. Don't wear it out," Jasper snickered.
"Okay, Pee Wee," I grumbled, rolling my eyes.
"Look, I know that you are dealing with some things," Jasper began. I arched a brow at Jasper with a scowl. "But, I think a relationship, either a professional one or more with Edward, would be a good thing for you." He settled back and sipped his coffee again. "Jason told me you signed the contract."
"I did. I sent it off to the new studio executive," I answered. "Once I get the payment, I'll give you your cut."
"Sweet! I've got a Tesla with my name on it!" he whooped. "Did Jason tell you why did Laurent step away?"
"He was diagnosed with cancer and this new guy, Paul, took over his accounts," I replied. "I have yet to speak with him, but we'll see. Anyway, I'm almost done with Maps. Like, I have just the epilogue left to edit. The end is in sight and I would like to cross this off my to-do list, sending it off to Kelly for one final once-over."
"Okay, I'll let you go," Jasper said. "What should I tell Alice?"
"Tell her to give me time. If she's truly sincere in her apology, she'll understand my need to think about it," I replied. "Perhaps the next time I go down to Los Angeles, I'll be in a better place to talk to her."
"That seems fair," Jasper nodded. He stood up, kissing my head and sauntering out of my office. "I'll talk to you later?"
"Hmmm, maybe," I said, my eyes back on my laptop to finish my edits. He chuckled, knowing that once I was in the zone and would ignore him until I was done with my job. It took me about an hour to finish the edits and send it off to another copy editor, Kelly, to double check that everything made sense. I checked my watch. I turned off my laptop, loading it into my satchel and I locked up my office.
I drove home, parking my monstrous truck in the garage. The truck was coughing and I knew I should put it out to pasture. Maybe, for the first time in my life, I'll be selfish. A new car would be nice. Perhaps a more economical SUV? I do like the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander, like Jasper has.
I walked into the café. Seth was inside working on his homework. I kissed his cheek and waved at Emmett. Sitting down at the table, I smiled at my son. "Do you want to stay down here while I make dinner?"
"Yeah. Uncle Emmett is better at math than you," Seth quipped.
"But, your papers are always top-notch because of my mad editing skills," I snorted.
"This is totally true," Seth smiled. "Speaking of which, I have a paper I need to write. Some persuasive paper or something. I need some help with my thesis statement."
"I'll definitely help you, kiddo," I said, standing up and smoothing my shirt down. "I'll call you when dinner's ready."
"Thanks, Mom," Seth replied, glowering at his math homework.
"Math never did anything to you, bub," I chuckled, darting upstairs. I changed into some more comfortable clothes, making our meal. I was putting some pasta in the water when my cell phone rang from its charger. I picked it up, grinning when I saw Edward's name. "Hello?"
"Congratulations, gorgeous," he sang. "It's official. I got the paperwork from Summit today that the project is a go."
"I also hear that you went to bat for me for more money on my contract. Thank you," I said. "I don't understand why …"
"Because, you're the author of the book, will be the person in charge of the screenplay and will have a very hands-on approach to this movie, Bella. I want you to be happy with the finished product," he replied. "Speaking of the screenplay, I could fly up to San Francisco next week, probably toward the end of the week."
"You really want to come up here?" I asked.
"I do, Bella," he said. "There's only so much I can do with emails, texts and phone calls. Besides, I'd love to see you again. In addition to seeing you, we can do some work on the screenplay. I've also never been to San Francisco. It's your turn to give me a tour of your hometown."
"I find that hard to believe," I snickered, stirring the pasta. "You've been all over the world, Edward."
"I have, but not San Francisco. Okay, well not outside the San Francisco Airport. I've been there on a layover when I filmed the vampire movies," he reiterated. "Do you want to me see me? I know I want to see you."
More than I probably should. "I would like to see you," I smiled, a blush spreading over my cheeks. "But, would you be pissed if I don't want my son to meet you yet? I'm very protective of him."
"No, Bella. We're just now getting to know each other. I want you to realize that you can trust me. I also understand your need to protect your child. He's your world," he said. "I know that you want to, but something about your past makes it difficult to do so."
I blinked a few times, shocked at how well he could read me. "Um, wow …"
"I hit the nail on the head, hmmmm?" he asked. I could hear him smile. "Look, Bella, you're in charge. You will always be in charge, as far as I'm concerned. We go at your speed. Anyway, I wanted to congratulate you. I also wanted to verify your email address. I want to send you a screenplay so you have an idea of what needs to be done for the movie."
"Oh, right," I said. I rattled off my email address through work and then, my personal email address.
"I'll send you that screenplay and I'll let you know when I'm planning on coming to San Francisco. My guess is toward the end of next week. I have some obligations for D-Day that I need to attend to. I'm recording a director's cut voice-over for the Blu-ray," he said, his voice deadpan. "It'll take some time."
"You sound thrilled to be doing that," I teased, checking on my stir fry.
"I hate my speaking voice," he grumbled.
"What? Why?" I asked. "You have a gorgeous speaking voice, so deep and resonant."
"I feel like I sound like Elmer Fudd," he snorted. "But, that has to do with a mild speech impediment I had when I was a kid. I used to struggle with my r's and I stuttered. I took acting classes to overcome that and well, the rest is history. I was bitten by the bug and …"
"A star was born," I teased.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," he retorted.
"I beg to differ, Edward," I snickered. "Your acting career gave you the means to begin your directing career, which has taken off like nobody's business."
"I appreciate that, Bella. More than words can say," he murmured, his voice soft and reverent.
"Anyhow, I'm about to put dinner on the table," I said. "I've got to call my son and get him upstairs. He's working with a friend of mine on his math homework. I'm not very good with numbers. X and Y are not my friends."
"Whoever said we'd use algebra and geometry in real life was smoking some bad drugs. It's a lie perpetuated for generations," Edward laughed. "I'll talk to you soon, Bella. And, congratulations again. I'm so happy to be working with you on your movie."
"Me, too," I smiled. "I'm looking forward to seeing you next week."
"I'll send you my flight information," he said. "Good night, gorgeous. Sleep well."
"Bye, Edward," I said, ending the call and leaning against the counter. I smiled, my heart stammering against my chest and butterflies fluttered in my belly. Just that short conversation made me … I couldn't even explain it. Everything about Edward Cullen drew me in. I know that I needed to be careful with my heart. It had been battered and bruised by Jacob and Billy, and destroyed by what I had to do in order to survive after I'd been kicked to the curb. Talking to Edward, I felt safe, alive, protected, and special. Shaking my head, I sent a text to Seth, telling him about dinner.
Ten minutes later, we were sitting at the tiny table in my kitchen and he was prattling on about school. I listened to him, but my thoughts were still focused on Edward Cullen.
Edward Cullen, Academy Award Winning Director.
Edward Cullen, former child actor.
Edward Cullen, the sexiest man alive, according to People.
What did I have to offer Edward Cullen?
Absolutely nothing but heartache and drama.
Fucking insecurities …
xx Blockbuster xx
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Date: 10/4/2021 7:45pm (PST)
Subject: Screenplay
Dear Bella,
You'll find attached a copy of a screenplay of my movie, D-Day, on this email. It gives you an idea of what you should do while writing your novel out as a screenplay. With that, we cannot include every single scene from your novel. I wish we could, but people usually don't go to six-hour long movies. I was pushing it with D-Day and that was almost three hours long. It also helped that nearly two-thirds of the movie was action and people really enjoy their gore.
Humanity … makes you wonder …
Anyhow, I really enjoyed talking to you earlier today. I was over-the-moon when I got word from Summit that you'd signed the contract. I'm excited to be working with you on a professional level, but to get to know you better and explore this connection we have as possibly more?
I can't stop thinking about you.
God, I sound like a creeper. I'm sorry. I'm not. It's just that I haven't been as drawn to another person as I am to you in my entire life.
Don't freak out. Please?
I know we talked a little bit about before that amazing, toe-curling kiss in your hotel room. I just … I don't want to lose this connection.
I'm the moth and you're the flame. I'm drawn to you.
I think I drank too much. (Just kidding, I'm totally sober).
Anyway, I wanted to send the screenplay to you and send you a brief message. If anything, I sound like a stark raving lunatic. I'm sorry. I also wanted to tell you a little about me. Kind of like twenty questions, but not … perhaps, you can share some information with me, too?
Three facts about me … Edward Anthony Masen Cullen
Yes, that's my full name. Anthony is my grandfather's name and Masen is my mom's maiden name, or my mom's mom. Both names are family names. However, I hate any sort of nickname for Edward. I hate Eddie the most. Ugh, no thank you.
I am a classically train pianist and have contributed a song to each movie that I've directed. I usually either play with the orchestra or I give the composer an idea that I have. They run with it and voilá … I'm a part of the movie score.
Finally, my favorite color is brown … a deep, rich chocolate brown with a hint of red. Like your hair. When I see brown, I think of warmth, strength and well, you.
And I'm being a sap. I never used to be this guy, but I like it.
I hope to hear from you soon. Your best bet is to email me since I get to be stuck in a recording studio for the better part of this week.
With all my heart,
Edward
PS ~ extra fact … I love anything chocolate. And seeing your hair and eyes, which are the color of the richest chocolate, makes me crave you.
And I'm a creeper again. God, I need to shut up or just send this. Maybe not … I'm such a mess!
Attachment:
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Date: 10/5/2021 9:36am (PST)
Subject: Re: Screenplay
Dear Edward,
You're not a creeper. Say it with me.
I.
Am.
Not.
A.
Creeper!
A little odd? Yes. Creeper? No.
Thank you for the screenplay. Seeing an example of what I need to do definitely helps. It's unquestionably going to be different than writing a novel. More of a challenge, that's for certain. I don't know how to write out stage directions, but I can do the dialogue and set up the scenes. Will there be help with the directions? Will you help me?
Also, I am drawn to you, as well. But, there's a lot more to me than meets the eye. My life has not been easy. Quite the opposite, to be honest. Since I turned eighteen, it's been a nightmare, to be honest. I don't want to get too entrenched in this relationship until you know the truth.
The whole truth.
I'm struggling with coming to grips with that of my past, my history. No one knows the whole story. At least, not until recently. I shared my story with one of my closest friends up here in San Francisco. I needed her help in order to make sense for my feelings for you.
I do have feelings for you.
Feelings that terrify me, honestly.
In my mind, I don't feel like I'm good enough.
For me.
For you.
For my son.
For anyone or anything in my life.
A lot of that has to do with my son's biological father and the series of events that began with that relationship. Things snowballed out of control until I landed in San Francisco several years ago.
Anyway, we can possibly talk about that and I can share with you my entire story when you're up in San Francisco. That's if you still want to come … I'll understand if you don't.
Um, to go along with your sharing … here are some facts about me.
My full name is Isabella Marie Swan. My mom loved the name Isabella and my middle name was my grandmother's name, on my dad's side. While Isabella is my legal name, I prefer to be called Bella because when I hear my full name, I think I'm in trouble.
I got my degree in English Literature, with a minor in Creative Writing from UC Berkley. I went to night school and worked my ass off to get my degree.
I was born in a small town, Forks, Washington. My dad was the police chief until he got sick with cancer. I left Forks when I was twenty-two, almost twenty-three and haven't been back since.
One more fact … I'm really drawn to you, as well, and I'm afraid that once you learn the truth about me, you'll throw me away, like everyone else in my life. I know that seems sad, but it's the truth. The only person who loves me unconditionally is my son, Seth.
I'm sorry. I'm babbling and I'm awful at this whole email banter thing.
I look forward to hearing from you soon, but will understand if you don't.
All the best,
Bella
PS ~ Like you, I also love chocolate. It's my one weakness. Any sort of chocolate, I'll devour it.
Your words … they made me melt. I don't know how to … I hope I don't disappoint you.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Date: 10/5/2021 10:15pm (PST)
Subject: Listen to Me
Dear Bella,
I don't know what happened in your life, but I will not 'throw you away'. The people who did that to you are assholes and don't see the beauty and wonder that is you. I'm so sorry that you had to deal with that, gorgeous. It also sounds like your son's bio-dad was a first-class douche canoe.
He deserves better.
You deserve better.
I want to be with you and get to know you, even if it's just as friends. I can tell you, with a hundred percent certainty, that I won't discard you because of your past. We all make mistakes.
I'm proof positive that mistakes do not define who you are.
I was arrested and I have a drug charge on my rap sheet. I was young, just over eighteen, and stupid and I wanted to try. So, I got high. I smoked some pot (before it was legal) and did some coke. I was arrested for a DWI and I spent six weeks in a rehab facility, which knocked down the charge to a misdemeanor. No one knows about that. According to my publicist, I was on a meditative retreat.
I haven't touched drugs since. Just say no, and all that jazz.
Does that make me a bad person?
No.
Just a stupid one, but I'm not going to let that one bad decision frame who I am today. I was eighteen and riding the high of my stardom.
I want to say more, but I think it would be better to talk to you. Unfortunately, my voice is shot. I'll try calling you in a couple of days after I suck down some tea.
I'll be dreaming of you,
Edward xx
To: Edward Cullen
From: Isabella Swan
Date: 10/6/2021 3:22pm (PST)
Subject: Throat Coat
Dear Edward,
I'm so sorry about your throat. When I was a kid, I used to get the worst sore throats and bronchitis. I'd sound like a pack-a-day smoker. My dad found this amazing tea that would work wonders on my throat. It's called Throat Coat. I'd make it with honey and it would just be so soothing.
Also, you're right in the that mistakes from your past don't make up your entire person. But, they do shape you. I don't think any less of you after you told me your secret. If given the chance, I probably would have done the same in your shoes.
I also promise to never tell anyone what you shared with me. I would never betray your confidence.
I have made mistakes, but I am loyal …
Anyway, I'd love to talk to you on the phone. When you're feeling better, call me any time. I get to watch my son run around on a basketball court for a couple of hours. He's got tryouts today. He'll find out if he made the team by the end of that. So, yeah, typing this on a phone … kind of sucks. LOL.
One thing before I go … I've dreamt of that kiss every night. Never in my life have I been cherished like that.
Thank you. For making me feel worthy. If even for a moment.
Kisses,
Bella xx
xx Blockbuster xx
Edward
Sitting on my deck, I read Bella's email and I could almost hear her despondency. She'd really been raked over the coals. Alarm bells were going off in my mind, but I couldn't find it in me to care. I wanted to be with her, consequences be damned.
I also wanted to call her, but my voice was completely shot. It was two days post my first recording session for the special edition Blu-Ray and my voice still sounded like ass. The tea that Bella suggested helped a great deal, soothing the rawness of my throat. I didn't sound like I was chewing on glass, but I was nowhere near ready to have a phone conversation.
My fingers were flying over my computer as I made arrangements to fly up to San Francisco to help Bella with the screenplay. As I was typing, verifying my flights and hotel reservations, my sister danced into my home. "Hello, brother mine," she chirped, carrying a bag from our favorite sushi place. "How's the voice?"
I held up a white board with my response. Does this answer your question?
"I'm sorry. What were you doing to make your voice so scratchy?" she asked, sitting down and pulling out our food.
I don't know, to be honest. I can yell with the best of them, but I think I used a different part of my voice to make that recording. This was the first time I've done that, I answered on the white board. The production company is giving me a couple of weeks to get better and then I'll go in to finish the rest of the film.
"That's good that they're working with you," she said. "I got the contract from Summit for the movie you're doing with that author."
"Her name is Bella, Alice," I rasped.
"Don't talk, Edward," she chided, sliding over the contract. "You're taking a pay cut. You deserve, at least, double than what they're offering."
I arched a brow. Clearing my throat, I said, "I took a pay cut so Bella could get paid what she deserved."
"She's a nobody," Alice scoffed. "What did you do?"
"Alice," I growled. "I thought you were going to give her a chance?"
"I am! I mean, I will," she huffed. "But, it shouldn't be at the cost of your career, Edward. This is the first time she's made a movie. She should not be getting your money."
"Alice, she's doing more than providing the source material. She's writing the screen play and will be a part, an integral part, of the creative team," I explained, coughing deeply.
"Stop talking, Edward Anthony. You're going to cause damage to your vocal cords," she chided, pushing a cup to me. "Some warm sake."
"I don't make money from my vocal cords," I scoffed, taking a sip of the warm sake. I wrinkled my nose, not enjoying the flavor or the tepid temperature. "This is not warm."
"Edward, really?" Alice argued. I rolled my eyes, filling up my tea kettle and preparing some Throat Coat tea as Alice drank my sake. "Okay, so, I was pissed when I got your contact from Summit. You should not have offered some of your money to Bella. She could turn out to be a dud."
"Or, she could be brilliant. I'm leaning toward the latter," I said, sipping a water while I waited for the tea kettle to boil. "Have you read the book?"
"Well, no," she shrugged.
"You should," I said, jogging up to my bedroom and pulling my worn copy from the nightstand. I'd read that book, Long and Winding Road, more times than I could count. I'd also purchased her other novels, devouring them as well. Her writing style was poetic, but with a touch of humor and a lot of poignance. Her first novel, the one we'd optioned to be made into a movie, was her best, to be honest. Not that her other novels were poorly written. There was a level of emotion present in Long and Winding Road that wasn't as prominent in her other novels. I walked back downstairs, handing my sister the novel. "Read this. Keep an open mind."
"Even if I got another email from that mysterious Bella hater?" Alice smirked, pushing her phone to me.
"Alice, let this go," I snapped. "I want this to work."
"This, meaning the movie or getting into that woman's pants?" Alice spat back. "That may not be a wise decision, Edward. She's used goods."
"This is getting fucking old," I hissed as the tea kettle began to wail. "I thought we came to agreement. Why are you so against her? Why are you taking these emails from an unknown sender as gospel?"
"Because they have information that no stranger would know," Alice said, opening up her satchel and pulling out a huge folder. "I know you told me not to, but I put our private investigator to work, finding information about your precious Bella. These emails have eye-opening information, Edward. Things that I cannot ignore. I'm sorry if you disagree with my methods, but I'm looking out for your best interests. Do you know she's a felon?"
I whirled around, scowling at her. "Are you for real? I EXPLICITLY told you to let it go. You just won't listen. How dare you invade Bella's privacy because of your need to prove me wrong! Are you happy that you succeeded in ruining our relationship for good? I asked you to let this go. I begged you, but you wouldn't. Instead, you dug in your Prada heels and used the private investigator. An investigator, who on more than one occasion, has found incorrect information."
"Edward," Alice frowned. "You're overreacting and your yelling is not helping your voice."
"I don't fucking care about my voice right now, Alice," I snarled. "I don't care about anything but the betrayal to our relationship. I've already removed you as my representation because I don't trust you. Not anymore."
Alice's eyes filled with tears. "You have to trust me. I'm your sister." She swiped her tears away. "I can't believe you'd chose her over me." She pushed the folder closer to me. "You should read this."
I picked it up, shocked at how thick it was but I didn't care. I stomped to my office and started tossing the papers into the shredder. Alice shrieked, clawing at me. When I was done, I looked at her coldly. "Anything that I want to learn about Bella, I'll hear that from her. Not some private investigator or some sleaze sending you emails," I whispered. I narrowed my eyes at her. "What would Jasper say if he knew you were digging around into Bella's past? You are still talking to him, right?"
Alice's face crumpled and she down heavily. "He told me to back down. He said that … that I was barking up the wrong tree," she whispered. "He was very protective of her and of her son. I tried to call him on having feelings for her, but he firmly pushed that he only saw Bella like a sister."
"You won't listen to me. You wouldn't listen to someone who is closest to Bella. What will get you to stop?" I pressed. "Did you look into the source of the fucking emails?"
"I tried, but it was heavily encrypted," Alice shrugged. "Our PI couldn't crack it."
"So, what does that say about the person sending the emails?" I asked. "They're the shady one. Not Bella." I looked at Alice, shaking my head in disappointment. "Alice, until you can pull your head out of your ass, I need some space from you."
"Edward," she breathed.
"No, I've asked you. Mom and Dad have asked you. Jasper asked you. Yet, you wouldn't let it go," I pushed. "If anything, use another private investigator and try to find out about the email sender. Use an actual computer expert, Alice. Because, that's the bullshit. How did they find you? Why were they insistent on sending these damning emails to you? What purpose?"
"I'm sorry," she murmured. She stood up and frowned. "Did I really ruin our relationship?"
"For now, yes. I can't … you need to learn to let things go, Alice. I love you, but right now, I do not like you very much. Give me some space," I said. She nodded with a deep frown. She left my office dejectedly. I stayed there until I saw her yellow Porsche pull away. I sat down heavily on my desk chair, looking at the filled shredder.
What was Bella's story?
And, who would be so hell-bent on saying defamatory things about her?
Not trusting my sister, I put in a call to Alec, my assistant. He had a friend who was a computer whiz. I asked him if he could have his friend contact me as soon as possible. I didn't have much faith that my sister was going to put in the work to find out who was sending those emails.
I wanted to know who was, no matter the cost.
Also, I prayed that she'd give me some answers when I flew up to San Francisco at the end of next week. I didn't want my sister's worries to be warranted. The only way that would happen would be to hear the truth from Bella.
A/N: Alice is such a pain in the ass. Just saying …
Up next, Edward will be visiting San Francisco. Will Bella tell her story to him? Leave me your thoughts.
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