A/N: Hello, dear readers! This is my first fanfic story, and I own all the mistakes. I've already promised a HEA, so go ahead and try this out.

WARNING- There will be some major angst in the upcoming chapters, but just keep in mind all will be resolved in time.

There will be some flashbacks in between and that's why I've added some dates at the top so that it'll be clear where exactly we are heading for the next ride.;)

Please take your time to READ and REVIEW this, so that I can learn from my mistakes and strengthen the points you like.

Beta'ed by EdwardsFirstKiss who I just can't THANK enough for her efforts with me on editing this story. She's the best thing happened to me on my journey with this story. 3

P.S. I love Deb Drotonu, and she's my favorite fanfic author. Imagine how lucky I got as she suggested me a beta along with some pointers for my story when I asked. :')

DISCLAIMER- All Twilight stuff belongs to Stephanie Meyer, but the plot is all in Kristie's evil mind. No copyright infringement intended.

Happy reading!

CHAPTER 1

BELLA

December 20, 2016

Walking amidst the dazzling snow, I was finding my way to 'Demoz'. It was the snowiest day of the season, and this Christmas was expected to be covered in a white blanket.

I still remembered the day four years ago when I met him.

He had changed my entire universe with a 180 turn. This snow was the blinding reminder of all those promises made on his part. Tears filled my eyes, but with every ounce of strength within me, I have maintained over the past two years I pushed my feet harder to get to my stop.

I reached the bar where I was supposed to meet my friends. A slow smile set on my lips as I imagined the shocked looks, they all would grant on seeing me. I quickly made my way through the crowd but was suddenly gathered in a pair of monstrous arms that knocked the breath out of me. It was followed by a shrill high-pitched shriek that was enough to reduce my anxiety.

"Bells! You made it." I looked up to meet the face of the dumb head holding me, who suddenly almost lost his balance by a smack to his head.

"You idiot, you will cut off her breath! Put her down," Rosalie spat in his face before turning towards me with an encouraging smile.

"Oww! What little faith you have in me Rosie. Oh Bellie pie, finally you've come out of your shell," Emmett, the said idiot, commented laughing obnoxiously and released me from his shackles. I just rolled my eyes at him but was immediately engulfed in the arms of a bouncing pixie. Wow! So much for hugging the shit out of me.

"Oh Darling, I have missed you so much," whispered Alice, my best friend aka pixie incarnate. Her husband, Jasper calmed her excitement and pried me out of her arms that earned him a grateful smile.

"Hey guys, it's good to see you again. I missed all of you, too," I smiled returning their warm greetings.

"So now, that you have finally decided to shower your presence upon us, let's celebrate the damn evening," guffawed Emmett throwing his arms high in the air. I can't help but smile at all of their familiar faces happy to see me here, but also concerned for me which marred their happy demeanor.

The last two years have been nothing if not doomed in isolation for me due to my own inability to pull myself out of my sorrows. Quickly drifting myself away from his thoughts I said, "Yeah! Of course, but it's my treat."

"Swwweeet!" cheered Emmett.

Frank, the bartender brought us our requested poison, and the conversation started to effortlessly flow.

"Bella, have you decided anything regarding the Seventh Street project yet?" Everybody let out a gasp as soon as the question left Em's mouth. Rose shot him a death glare which made him realize his mistake and all color drained from his face. "Oh Bells, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize..."

I cut off his apology with a wave of my hand, "Guys, it's alright. I can't cling onto that incident for my entire life now, can I? Em, I've just decided that I will submit my acceptance to the project and from there we will see how it goes."

All four eyes stared at me bewildered as if I had grown an extra head. At that moment I realized how much I have hurt them by wallowing in my grief. But maybe I can overcome it all now. Maybe I can break down the walls now that have surrounded me for two years.

I am Isabella Swan, and I work as a landscape architect cum Department Head for urban design in an architectural firm.

Emmett McCarty is my colleague and the head of the construction company our firm has ties with. He has excellent management skills and a sharp mind regarding all things about construction, but he has the heart of a kid. He lives with his fiancée Rosalie Hale, who is a well-respected lawyer. She is the calm to his super childlikeness. Jasper Hale is her younger brother who is an architectural engineer at the same firm where I work and is married to my best friend, Alice. Alice Brandon - or rather I should say Alice Hale now - is a fashion designer. I have known her since the sixth grade and we have been joined at the hip ever since. We grew up in a small town in Washington State – Forks, but after graduation, we moved to Rochester, New York to get our academic degrees from the University of Rochester. That's where we met Jasper and Rosalie.

Over the past four years, Jasper, Emmett, and I have been working for 'Cullen Architecture', one of the best architecture firms in New York and the surrounding area while Rose works as a prosecutor for the District Attorney's Office. Alice owns a boutique and has organized various major fashion events.

"Uh-huh," Jasper cleared his throat to break the silence. "If you are sure then we'll support you darling." His words pulled me out of my thoughts, and I saw everybody nodding in agreement.

"Thanks guys, I appreciate that," I smiled warmly, taking a sip of my drink.

"Hey Bella, come with me. I've to pee!" Alice chirruped already tugging at my arm. As soon as we left the group, Ali enveloped me in a fierce hug.

"Whoa! What is it Ali?" I asked straightening my clothes.

"Nothing, I've just missed you like mad. You know after Edward was gone you just...," she stopped at that seeing me wincing at his name. "Oh, I'm sorry Bella..."

"It's fine," I sighed. "Let's go, Ali." I said dismissing further conversation.

We returned to our group, but I was done for the night. "Uh, I should leave now. See you tomorrow at work, Em. Jazz," I smiled at them. "Ali and Rose it's relaxing to see you today. I'm glad we did this." We exchanged hugs and goodbyes before I turned to leave the bar.

But as I made my way to the exit, walking amidst the same dazzling snow, I realized how wrong I was.

Because I can never get over Edward Cullen.

Done with chapter 1. What do you think happened to Edward? I'd love to hear you in the reviews. Your words are my source of motivation.

Thank you for reading.

See you soon!

-K