A/N : Hey guys. Thank you to all those who marked my story as favorite or liked it enough to follow it. Also thank you for taking your time to read it. So here is the next chapter waiting to be devoured by its lovely readers. Hope you enjoy it. Again please focus on the dates to understand it better.

Thanks to EdwardsFirstKiss for editing this for me. It means a lot. :)

(UPDATED: Jun 9, 2017)

And as you know SM owns all twilight related stuff but this plot is mine.

CHAPTER 2

BELLA

I dragged myself into my apartment and locked the door. It was good seeing all my friends, but the night proved to be a whirlwind of emotions to me. Taking out a bottle of wine from the refrigerator, I filled myself a glass and made my way to the window. I sighed rubbing my face. It has been two years, but I was still the same, yet totally different. My life has taken the worst turn, and I was unable to get over it. I took a sip from my glass and looked out into the hustle and bustle of Rochester, finally allowing myself to drift back four years ago, when my soul had came alive for the first time.

December 13, 2012

"Urrgghhh.. I quit Ali! What's the use of a Post Graduate degree in urban design when I can't even get a god damn job? I mean, it has been months since we graduated, and here I am 'a jobless pathetic mess." I whined in frustration to my bestie Alice. She had recently completed her internship in fashion design and was now a renowned owner of her own boutique. She had come from old money, but damn me if she was not a talented soul.

"Oh, sweetie you know this isn't the end. Something much better and beyond this world is waiting for you," encouraged Miss-ever-the-optimist.

"Yeah of course, aliens are waiting in the wings to offer me a job," she giggled as I rolled my eyes.

"Bellsiee...," she started but stopped as her phone started ringing. "Hello Jazzy, tell me you grabbed that job!" She let out a high pitched squeal at her boyfriend's answer- which of course must have been a ' yes', seeing the intensity of her reaction- that I thought had at least, shaken some windows. I continued to listen to her one-sided conversation. "Oh baby, I am so proud of you... No, she didn't... Uhhmmm... Yea? Ohh that would be great.. When? OK I will tell her... Love you too."

I smiled at her affectionate greeting. Alice was the only person I had in my life, except for her boyfriend Jasper and his sister Rosalie. But Alice was like a sister from another mister and if anyone deserved love and happiness, it was her. My birth parents had left me in an orphanage, as soon as I was born, the reason which is unbeknownst to me. I was told this information by Mrs. Marie Swan (whose surname I have chosen to adopt) who was present that night and witnessed my turn over. She was an older woman in her sixties and like a mother I never had. I was a quiet child and never chit chatted unnecessarily. She accepted my desire for silence and always took care of my needs. She was the one who arranged books and transportation so I could attend school. She died when I was twelve and soon thereafter, I was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Newton who ran a foster home. They initially seemed to be good people but eventually became mean. I don't know the reason but it must have been due to my inability to interact with other people. I was miserable but my only ray of sunshine was Ali, whom I had met in the 6th grade. Her parents adored me and sometimes helped me with certain necessities, which the Newton's failed to provide. My solace came in the form of an acceptance letter to the University of Rochester with a full scholarship. And that's how we found our way to Rochester.

"Guess what Bella! Jazz got a job at Cullen Architecture!" My eyes widened at her words. Cullen Architecture was the most reputed architectural firm in all of New York state making a profit of billions of dollars each year. People just killed to get a job there. "And you are gonna deny this, but they are in immediate need of a landscape architect for their latest project as it is quite a big one. This is a fan-fucking-tastic opportunity, Bella."

I was out of my seat before the words left her mouth. I grabbed her shoulders and questioned her for details. Apparently Jasper has referred me for the position and I was called for an interview with the CEO, the next day.

Channelling my inner-Alice I squealed in excitement.

December 14, 2012

"Documents?"

"Check."

"Wallet?"

"Check."

"Pen?"

"Check."

"Lipstick?"

"Check.. Wait.. What? Why do I need a lipstick for an interview Ali?"

She shot me a Don't-fuck-with-me-look and said, "I am the fashionista not you!"

"Is 'fashionista' even a word?" wondered Rose absently, doing my hair. Both of them had decided to make me presentable for the interview, giving Alice the chance to play Bella Barbie.

" Rose, please don't take Bella's side and let me do my job." I looked at Rose and we both rolled our eyes at our friend's antics as they each resumed their work.

"Now you're perfect sweetie." Alice clapped happily.

I had to agree that she had done a great job. I was dressed in a black, knee length, tight skirt with black sheer stockings and a navy blue top, which complimented my pale skin. My legs looked a mile long in the heels she had put me in, and I loved them. My dark brown hair was pinned up neatly in a bun and there was a little eyeshadow highlighting my brown eyes.

"Wow you look great Bella," Rose complimented. I thanked both of them as they wished me luck and left the apartment I shared with Ali.

My appointment was scheduled at 11 o' clock with Mr. Cullen. It was quarter to eleven as I stepped out of the cab and came face to face with the sign 'Cullen Architecture'.

The building was old fashioned but designed with graceful lines. It was constructed of red colored bricks and there was a logo in blue with the letter 'C' on the top. An elegant figure was engraved below the logo. I made my way inside and was shocked to see the contrast. As old school as the building looked on the outside, on the inside it was equipped with modern machinery and furniture. The side walls were glass and the floor was an expensive marble. Gathering my thoughts I walked towards the reception desk and was greeted by a dark brunette.

"Umm..Hello. I am Isabella Swan and I have an appointment with Mr. Cullen."

She made a show of checking her computer and then told me to wait for him in the office.

I walked down the hallway and stopped in front of the office, the brunette had pointed out earlier. I twisted the knob to open the door. The room was empty, just as the brunette had said, so I took a chance to observe my surroundings, closing the door behind me. The room was painted white and had black furniture. A floor to ceiling window showed the outside. Beautiful paintings lined the wall and many trophies and mementos were arranged artistically on shelves, which were also full of books.

The click of the door brought me out of my musings and as I turned, I was met with the most beautiful pair of green eyes I had ever seen.

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-K