Chapter 7

Hello Everyone. So this chapter was important to me, so I took some extra time in writing it.

Hi Nance: Will Jasper Fall in love with Alice? Wait and see! Sometimes Bella does speak in a condescending tone with Edward. But, I think for Edward that is a breath of fresh air compared to others he deals with. And so it might not always have the impact on Edward she is hoping for. Lol.

Hey Tulips at Twilight: Edward does love a good chase. His whole character thrives on that. Which is why I think he is after Bella. But is it love? Or just a good chase for him? If he gets Bella, will he truly be happy?

A Great BIG thanks to my Beta that helped me with the English and corrected my mistakes. I would be embarrassed without their help.

I wiped my brow. It was a hard and long day of work, but it was thankfully finally over. I picked up my shawl and wrapped it snugly around my shoulders.

I missed my sisters and could not wait to be home with them once again. I wondered how their first day went all alone at the tenement housing. I knew Alice was most likely there with them. I was so thankful to have her in my life. Strangely, I already trusted her so much. I slowly closed the door behind me and started to walk down the stairs.

"Leaving?"

I gasped as I whirled around with my hand on my chest. "Ed-Mr. Cullen," I breathed out. "I-I didn't see you there."

He smirked, "I can tell." He walked a little closer to me, his boots echoing on the hard floor. "I would offer you my carriage, but I know if there is the slightest bit of daylight, you will refuse."

I put my eyes down a little. "I would say, that is most kind of you Mr. Cullen, but I do prefer to walk. I have a bit of a journey ahead of me, so I best be on my way."

"I could walk with you. I believe the factory can do without me for the night." I smiled tightly as I searched for the words to respond, but none came. "I also enjoy walking," he said in a low voice, looking at me with hope that I would respond favorably.

I sighed. "Thank you Mr. Cullen. However, my family and I are going through some changes, so I would enjoy the solitude for now."

He turned away quickly. "Of course," he replied in a stiff tone. I could tell he was not pleased. "I would hate to disturb your private thoughts with my presence."

"Mr. Cullen, that's not what I meant. I-"

"Think nothing of it. It was a foolish thought that is now dismissed. Best be on your way as you said."

"Mr. Cullen," I called as he stalked away and disappeared into his office.

I shook my head in confusion. One moment he was hot, then he was so cold. Who could ever understand such a man?

As I made my way home, a fog began to roll in. The air was chilly and the wind grew colder with each step.

I had an uneasy feeling that someone was behind me. Perhaps it was because of the fog surrounding me, making it difficult to see. Or perhaps I was just being paranoid. I felt I was being watched. Every time I would turn around, however, there was nothing but an empty road behind me.

It was at this moment I had wished Cullen had accompanied me. I gasped a little as I heard an owl hoot loudly and suddenly flutter from a tree taking off into flight. Clutching my shawl closer, I picked up my pace. The sooner I was home, the better.

A twig snapped behind me and I whirled my head around to see no one was there. I picked up my dress a little and broke into a run, whimpering as I felt something invisible closing in on me.

I kept running, afraid to stop. Finally, I saw the tenement housing come into view. I slowed my pace some to catch my breath, holding a hand to my chest.

I swallowed hard as my nerves calmed. I had never felt that way before. I used to never be afraid to walk alone until Edward started making a big deal out of it. Maybe that's where the fear and paranoia was coming from.

"Hey Swan," came a rough voice. I turned to see a dirty man holding a long round object. My eyes widened as I shook my head a little. "You should learn to pay your debts."

"I have no debts to you, Sir," I said, backing away.

"No debts?"

"I don't even know who you are."

"You don't know who I am? You should. Perhaps a good beating will help you remember. You family stole from mine. Made promises. Now my children are starving. Can't get a job. Your family stole from me and I intend to collect."

I turned to run, but he grabbed the collar of my dress and pulled me back to the ground. "No!" I screamed. "Stop. Please."

"Be quiet you!" He slapped me across the face. I could feel my eyes blurring as his hands searched through my clothes.

"Please," I said in a low, weak voice. I felt his hands reaching for my money pouch. "No," I said. He yanked it off from around my waist. I could hear the sound of my money spilling into his hands.

"Not enough Swan," he said. "What else you got?"

"Nothing. I don't have anything," I said, trying to stand up, my head spinning with dizziness. He grabbed me by the neck.

"Now you listen. You've got to have more!" I shook my head. With that, he threw me to the ground again. I could feel him yanking and ripping my dress until it came off my shoulders. I tried to hold the fabric up as it started to slide down my arms. "Well, then. I'll just take what I can."

I tried to scream, but could not find my voice as I felt him lower himself onto me.

"Now, no trouble. Be good, and I'll be quick. You're nothing but a whore. A whore of a robber." I felt him grind up against me as he started to roughly kiss me while pinning my hands above my head.

"No," I gritted out through my teeth while turning my head this way and that. He pried my legs apart forcibly and I let out a small scream. I leaned forward and bit his ear, digging my teeth into his flesh.

"You bitch!" he yelled and then slapped me hard. So hard, I could not find the will to fight anymore. Whatever would happen, would happen. I could taste the blood in my mouth and feel the throbbing in my head.

"Get off her!" I felt the man's body lift from mine. "You scum." I heard the man grunt as he was thrown to the ground. The sounds of rough and swift movements followed as I struggled to remain conscious. Finally, I heard someone run away.

A gentle hand rubbed my forehead. The hand then scooped my head up slightly. "Miss Swan. Miss Swan. Can you hear me?"

The voice sounded so far away, like a dream. I felt his finger rub along the sides of my lips.

"Oh god. Miss Swan, you need a doctor." Something was draped over my cold, half exposed body. The stranger then lifted me into his arms with ease. He leaned my body into him, letting my head rest limply on his chest. "You are safe Miss Swan. Just hold on."

I could hardly speak as I drifted off into darkness.

"Miss Swan?" I felt a hand on my forehead. "Miss Swan? Can you hear me?"

I mumbled a little at the distant voice and slowly opened my eyes. My head was throbbing with pain as I squinted at the shape of a man standing over me.

"Please nod if you can hear me." I moved my head slightly up and down. "Good. Miss Swan, you experienced a nasty attack, but you will be alright. Just rest."

I opened my eyes to see Doctor Hale staring back at me with a reassuring smile.

"Doctor Hale," I said trying to sit up.

"No, Miss Swan." He put his hand on shoulder and pushed me back down. "You mustn't get up. You need to rest your body." I winced at the pain as I laid back down on the bed.

"What happened?"

"I don't know all the details, Miss Swan. I was told you were attacked by a vengeful man who sought to do due you great harm. Luckily, he was stopped before he could do further damage. I was summoned here to tend to your wounds. Besides some bruising that will need healing, in my opinion, you will make a full recovery."

I nodded slowly. "Who-who summoned your services?"

"The man that stopped your attacker. A Mr. Black." Black? Jacob Black? "He was very concerned about your well-being. When he was assured you would be alright, he took his leave." What was Jacob Black doing in these parts? He was Edward's right hand man.

I shook my head. "I'm sorry for your trouble Doctor Hale, and at such a late hour. You must be wanting to get home. I am sorry to have kept you."

"Not at all Miss Swan. I was just as worried as he was. I am thankful I was summoned and could also be assured of your well-being."

I half smiled. "Thank you. I will pay you for your visit."

"No need. Mr. Black paid me in full for tonight's visit, as well as for any other visits I might need to make in order to check your bruises." I was grateful, but he certainly didn't have to do such a thing. "Now, Miss Swan, just get some rest. Please rest. Your body has had quite a shock. And keep the cold cloths on your face. It will help with the swelling."

I reached up and touched my face, but quickly jerked it away due to the pain that caused. I could feel the swelling of my puffy cheeks. What I sight I must be.

Doctor Hale smiled. "I know it hurts, but trust me, you were right lucky Mr. Black stepped in. It could have been much worse. The swelling will go down with time. Just don't push yourself. You must rest."

I nodded. "Thank you," I said, weakly. I heard the sound of hurrying footsteps around me. It was Alice and she was holding a cup.

"Doctor Hale, care for some water?" He looked at her and smiled as he took it hesitantly.

"Thank you Miss-what is your name?"

"Oh. Miss Brooke. Alice Brooke."

"Miss Brooke. Thank you for the refreshment."

"It's the least I can do for tending to my dear friend. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't come."

"Think nothing of it," he said as he sipped some water. "As I said, when I heard the news, I was just as worried as you." He set the cup down on the table and smiled again. "Thank you again. I best be off." Alice rushed to grab his hat and promptly handed it to him. He paused for a moment and looked her over as he placed it on his head. "Thank you Miss Brooke."

"You are most welcome, Doctor Hale." She smiled in a small way.

"Jasper." He said with a grin. "My name is Jasper. Of course you can call me Doctor Hale, if you wish. But I-um" he looked around awkwardly. "Well, anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Brooke."

"Alice." She said. "My name is Alice. Of course you can call me Miss Brooke, but Alice is nice too."

"Alice." He said with a tight smile. "Well. Good night." He quickly opened the door and left.

Slowly I sat up, wincing in pain. "My sisters," I said, "where are they?"

"Shhh," Alice said, coming to my side. "They are asleep. I moved the beds around the corner. I didn't want them to worry. I told them you were working a little late. Oh Bella, I'm so sorry. What happened?"

"A man," I said. "A man came out of nowhere. He attacked me. Told me my family owed him a debt. He took my money pouch. I suspect he knows my father well."

"Your father?" I shook my head. I had not told Alice about my father, or my family name. She didn't know anything about it.

"My father. I never told you. My father is currently awaiting trial. He owes a considerable debt and is unable to pay it. He's fond of the drink, and apparently spent his time gambling. I knew nothing of the large debt until a few days ago when the authorities came to arrest him and our landlord refused to have us on his property any longer. That is why we moved here so quickly. My sisters and I needed a place to stay that would not judge us. I see we are not safe here either."

She placed her hand on mine. "Oh. What a dreadful turn of events. Terrible." She leaned in and hugged me. "It will be alright."

"I'm not so sure anymore. I feel every time I have some bit of good news in life, it turns out I'm wrong. Now look at me," I said trying to hold back the tears. "Look at what I have been reduced to. It's as if it's hopeless to ever think I should experience any good fortune again."

Alice gave me a stern look. "I know things seem bad right now, but you must concentrate on the good. You are alive. Your sisters are still with you. And thank goodness that man was there to save you."

"Jacob Black," I whispered.

She smiled. "Yes. That was his name. Imagine my surprise! When I heard a knock on the door, I thought it was you. And it was, but not as I would have expected. Turns out, Mr. Black had spoken to Miss Bree, that's how he knew where to take you. He carried you in and left promptly to call for a doctor. It wasn't long before he saw that you were well tended to. But, you say you know the man?"

"I do. What he was doing in these parts, though, I have no idea."

"I'll say. I scurried around searching for a chair decent enough for a man of his status to sit on. Living in a place like this, you hardly worry about entertaining such company," she half smiled. "If I had known we would have such company, I would have put on a better nightdress. How do you know the man?"

"He works for Edward Cullen. He is his assistant. I have no idea why he would be in these parts." Edward wouldn't send him to follow me, would he? But how else could I explain why he was near? Jacob Black, a man who, unless ordered to, never left Edward's side. Maybe it was coincidence? I shook my head. It seemed too perfect to be a coincidence.

"Edward Cullen?" Alice leaned forward. "Well, you mean, your boss?" I nodded. "Was he following you then?" I shook my head again.

"I don't know. Is it wrong to think so?"

She looked in thought. "Maybe. Maybe, you just have a guardian angel." She smiled.

I half smiled at her words.

Alice nodded. "Well, I think we can both agree, it was good that he was there anyhow. And thank goodness Doctor Hale came so quickly."

I smiled. "I owe Doctor Hale more than I can repay him."

"You know Doctor Hale as well?"

"Yes. He performed a surgery on my father's leg. He diligently looked after him and agreed to have me pay him off gradually. It seems my debt to him has grown."

"I see. He seems to be very fond of you. If you don't mind me asking, do you fancy that man? I mean, is he someone that you share an attraction with?" I laughed a little.

"No. No in the least. I mean, he is a kind and gentle man, but I do not have any feelings for him beyond gratitude."

"He is handsome, is all." She smiled. "And very kind. I could tell he cares a great deal for you."

"Alice. We share no intimate feelings for each other." She smirked.

"The moment he arrived, I thought, 'what a fine man.'" She giggled. "Not that I wasn't worried about you, of course."

"Oh, of course," I said, giving her a playful tap.

"But I don't regret meeting the man. He wouldn't give me a second glance, anyhow, I suppose. I'm sure he would never court me as he would a proper lady."

"You are worth more than ten of those fancy peacocks in town. Those so called 'ladies of wealth.' Trust me. He would be a lucky man if you even considered him worthy of your affections." She blushed a little as she pulled at a few strands of my hair in thought.

I smiled at her in a playful way and she immediately burst into a shy giggle. "I can't even imagine a man like him is single. He must have a sweetheart."

"I know him to be single. He has mentioned it before. And he is conveniently well off." She blushed.

"I mustn't let my imagination get the best of me. He is a proper gentleman, after all."

I winced again at the throbbing pain in my head, closing my eyes.

"Oh," she said looking at me with compassion. "Let me get another cold cloth for you." She hurried over to a bowl of water and squeezed out a cloth. Gently, she placed it across my forehead. "There."

"Oh, thank you." I said, enjoying the coolness. It certainly helped with the pain.

"Get some rest." I closed my eyes and rested. Alice blew out the candle and climbed in the bed next to me, wrapping her arms around me in a sisterly way.

I awoke with the most dreadful headache. My body ached all over. I reached up and touched my face. It was less swollen, but still hurt.

"Isa?" Mary said to me as she walked to my bedside. "Are you alright?" I forced a smiled.

"Yes. I'm sorry I wasn't here last night to put you to bed."

"It's alright. Miss Brooke put us to bed. She said you would be home soon. Isa, you have bruises on your cheek. What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just-I just fell on my way home. I-I had an accident. I'm alright now. Don't worry." I hugged her close. "I'm as good as new now that I have had a nice rest." Grace and Jane peeked out from around the corner. "Come here," I said motioning to them. They quickly ran over and huddled in close to me. "I'm alright." I hugged them tight and kissed them each on the tops of their heads. "Now, have you eaten anything?"

They shook their heads.

"I've got some bread ready." Alice said from the kitchen, "it's plain, but it's fresh and hot. Come on, come on," she said, motioning to my sisters. "Come eat."

"Go on." I said giving them a little push. They huddled around the table and started to eat the hot bread.

"Remember your manners," I said to them. They smiled and giggled a little.

"Thank you, Miss Brooke," they said in sync.

Alice poured them each a cup of milk and smiled as they ate. "You are most welcome."

"Thank you, Alice," I said, sitting up all the way.

"Of course. Nothing I'm not used to anyway. I do this work all day for my mistress. And her children are far less grateful. And cute." She smiled at my sisters again.

I stood up and stretched a little. "I feel like I have slept under a pile of bricks."

"Shall I send for Doctor Hale again?" She blushed.

"If you are so inclined." I smiled.

"Doctor Hale?" Mary said with a soft smile. "Doctor Hale was here?"

I looked at Alice and then at Mary. "Um. Yes. He was. Only to check on my health."

"Aww. I missed him. I should have liked to see his handsome face." She smiled as she put a piece bread in her mouth. Alice and I exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

A sharp knock at the door startled us both.

Alice went to the door and opened it cautiously. "Yes?"

"A Miss Swan?" A man said.

I moved as quickly as I could to the door, ignoring the pain. "I am she. Who is asking?"

"A letter Ma'am. I was sent to deliver it to you personally." I took the note from him slowly. I looked it over, but it was blank on the outside. Although it gave no indication, I had a suspicion who it was from.

"Thank yo-" I looked up, but the man was gone. Alice shut the door.

"Most strange," she said. "Who's it from?"

"I-I don't know." I sat down on the edge of the bed and opened it.

"Dear Miss Swan,

It was very unfortunate to hear about your recent sufferings. Jacob informed me. I expect you are home recovering, as you rightfully should be. As it were, I hate to add to your despair. But I feel you should know, it's just business. Miss Swan, you no longer are welcomed at my residence given the charges I have recently become aware are attached to your name. I will advance you a month's pay, but from here on, you are dismissed."

-Edward Cullen

My hands shook in anger as I could hardly believe the words in front of me. What was this? Was he truly the devil in disguise? My job was the one thing that kept us afloat. He could not take this one thing away from me. I could lose everything - what little I had left.

"What is it?" Alice asked, worried. "Are you alright?"

"I have to go." I said, standing up, moving to find something suitable to change into. I was still clothed in my work dress from the day before and it would need some serious mending.

"Where?"

"I have to go to work."

"But…you are in no condition. You should rest. Please. You must rest."

"I must go," I said, pleading with her as I got dressed. "I must," I looked her in the eyes, hoping she would understand.

Her eyes softened, showing me that she would not deter me any longer. "Take one of my shawls." She said with a nod. "It's chilly out today."

I kissed my sisters goodbye and hurried on my way. There was no way I would let Cullen do this. Business or not, I needed this work. I needed it at least until I secured something else. Surely, he would understand. How could he not? Even the devil negotiated. Right?

Perhaps it was my determination, or maybe my blind anger, that made my strides so fast. I arrived quickly at Edward's manor with his note still folded in my hand.

"Miss Swan," I heard Jacob exclaim as I entered the manor and proceeded to head up the stairs to Edward's office. "Miss Swan." He hurried to match my pace. "What on earth are you doing in today? The master was not expecting you."

"Yes, I know!" I half yelled. "I'm sure he gave you strict orders to keep me out, but I will not be deterred."

"Miss Swan. What are you talking about? Mr. Cullen knows what happened. He even said you would be home recovering today. I do not understand." He moved in front of me to block my path. "You do not have to work today. You are in no condition."

"Jacob. Please move. I must speak with him. And I will."

"The master is not expecting you."

"I do not care what he is expecting. I will speak with him now. If he wishes to be treated like a gentleman, then he should behave as such."

Jacob scrunched his face in confusion. "Again, I do not understand, Miss Swan. Mr. Cullen gave you leave to recover. I cannot see why such actions would incur your anger."

"He just forgot to mention that that leave was permanent, did he?" I held up the letter in my hand. Jacob's head tipped in disbelief as he looked at the note and tried to take it, but I moved it away.

"There must be some sort of misunderstanding."

"There isn't. I will speak with him now. Please inform him."

Jacob straightened himself. "Very well. I'll need a moment. Wait here." Jacob was gone for a few moments. When he returned, he carried a look of indifference on his face. I searched his face for any sort of emotion, but he was careful not to reveal anything. "This way," he motioned for me to follow. When we came to Edward's door, he knocked twice and leaned in close to the door. "Miss Swan is here."

"Enter," came the voice from the other side.

"You may go in, Miss Swan," Jacob said as he opened the door for me to enter. When I had walked in just enough, he promptly shut the door behind me, leaving me with the devil himself. Here I was. In his lair.

"Miss Swan," he said with an air of arrogance in his voice. "I hardly expected to see you. I suspected you would be home resting."

"How could I? Did you honestly think I would be able rest when I received such news from you?"

He was quiet as he sat across his desk staring at me.

"I am dismissed, am I? You will give me month's pay?"

"Yes. And yes I will. I was going to have it delivered to you, but since you have made the trip yourself, I will give it to you before you leave."

"I'm not leaving."

Edward smirked. "Are you not? Tell me, in what way is that your choice? Is this your home? Do you employ yourself? Do you have any rights that would allow you to choose not to leave?"

"Why are you doing this? You know how much I need this work. You know what it means to me. I have never asked you for charity. I have always been willing to work hard for you. Not once have I missed a day."

Edward crossed his arms. "Miss Swan. I think you feel this was some sort of vengeful scheme against you-"

"How could it not be? You say you are sorry for my misfortunes, and yet you add to them! You have always known how much this work meant to me. And yet the one thing I have, you seek to take away. There is nothing forcing you to make such a choice. If you made a decision to employ me, who would challenge you? And even if they did, they surely wouldn't be around for long because you are a vengeful man!"

I could see a smirk forming on his lips, which only caused more anger to rise up inside of me. "The answer to your question is no one, Miss Swan. No one would dare challenge me." He paused, leaning forward. "It's a matter of principle. Long held principles that I have built my business on. And those principles, as I have stated many times, are not built on sentiment, but on sound judgment. It is nothing against you."

I looked up at the ceiling, trying to hold back the tears of frustration and anger. "It certainly doesn't feel that way."

"Your father is a criminal. Family names matter. I'm sure I am not the first person to turn you away because of your circumstances. Your previous landlord will certainly agree with me on matters of principle. He would not have criminals on his property, and I will not have one working for me."

"You know I am not a criminal. I have nothing to do with my father's actions."

"Did that logic work with your previous landlord? Or maybe you should try explaining that to a new employer. Whether you accept it or not, Miss Swan, your name does have charges attached to it. How long do you think it will take for news to travel in this small town?"

Not long at all. But why should that matter? I was not a criminal and I deserved the chance to be able to provide for myself and my family. My father was the one going to jail. Not me.

"Please."

"Miss Swan. It is unfortunate. But I feel I have done all I can for you by simply advancing you enough money until you find other suitable work. I'm afraid there is nothing else I can do for you." A hint of anger graced Edward's face as his eyes lingered on my bruised face, but he masked it quickly. "I feel it will do you no good to stay here any longer, Miss Swan. If you have nothing else to say, I will have a carriage see you home."

I gritted my teeth as I sucked in a tight breath. "That will not be necessary. Thank you for the advance on my payment. Good day, Mr. Cullen. And goodbye."

"Goodbye, Miss Swan. Please shut the door on your way out." He looked down at some papers on his desk, and started to sort through them. I wanted to turn to leave, but my legs would not move. I could not accept this fate. I knew if I moved, it would be the end. How would I pay my rent? How could I feed my sisters? How could I take care of them?

"Mr. Cullen."

He stopped sorting through his papers and slowly looked up at me with a hardened gaze.

I took a deep breath. "You are a businessman. You negotiate. Especially when things are in your favor."

A ghostly smile flickered across his lips, as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Go on."

"Well. What if I-what if I worked for you fulltime as I have been doing, but only for half the payment you have been giving me? It will clearly be in your favor. From a business perspective, you would be getting more for your money. I would be happy to do the work for half payment, if you are inclined."

He chuckled. "No, Miss Swan. You are now asking me to be unjust. If I kept you for fulltime work, I would pay you for fulltime work. But," he stood up from his chair and walked around his desk to lean against the side of it. "You are right. I am a businessman. And I do negotiate, especially when I see profit for me should the right agreement be reached."

His posture was full of pride and loftiness as he studied me closely.

"W-What sort of agreement?"

"Suppose, I were to say that everything that brings you constant misery and worry can go away. Suppose I were to propose an arrangement where all your needs would be provided for in exchange for one single price."

"Which is?" I asked in a low voice.

"Well, that is entirely up to you Miss Swan. What would you be willing to give for the safety of your sisters?"

"You know I would do anything for them. I do not even consider my comforts when it comes to their safety, but I am not a whore, Sir. So if you are presuming that I would-"

He held up a hand with a chuckle. "Please, Miss Swan. There is no need for you to finish that thought. If that is what I wanted, I could have several and with far bigger bosoms."

I narrowed my eyes at the obvious insult, but held my tongue from any crude comment.

"Not a whore Miss Swan. I am in search of something more - well - more permanent."

My eyes widened. He could not honestly mean what I thought. No. Heavens no.

"By the expression on your face, I can tell you understand the meaning of my words. But allow me to say the words aloud in case you choose not to accept their meaning. Agree to be my wife, and all these worries you have will go away. I will make them all go away."

I shook my head. "No. No Sir. I can't."

"Why not? Is it because you have so many other appealing options?"

"You refuse to let me keep my job because of my last name, but you are willing to marry me? How does that make sense? You cannot be serious."

"Your last name would change if you agree to be bound to me. I would not joke about these matters, Miss Swan. Agree to be my wife and I will take care of all that ails you. All the worries that keep you up at night." Bound to him? Why did he have to put it that way? As if I was his prisoner.

I shook my head. "Have you gone mad? This is not right. It would not be right for us to just marry."

"Why not?" He smirked.

"Because you should marry for love. I want to marry for love. There are some of us in the world, Mr. Cullen, who still believe in love."

"Love is all well and good, but what about security? What about having a place to live? You cannot honestly think that the tenement housing is a suitable living arrangement. Certainly not for children. And suppose you reject my offer, do you really think people will hire a woman with a ruined name? A criminally charged name. If they didn't hire you before, they certainly won't now. And have you given thought to what might happen to your sisters? You have already suffered the attack of one vengeful man. Suppose they were to go after your sisters next?"

I stiffened at the thought of my sweet sisters. They meant the world to me. There was nothing I wouldn't do for them. "No."

"And if you fail to provide for them completely, you know what you will have to do. Give them up to an orphanage. Orphanages do not provide a decent childhood, nor do they guarantee the children are given to a safe home. With a sullied name, they may not even be adopted - just tossed out when they are of age."

"Please stop." I whispered slowly, putting my head down.

I could hear his boots echo on the hard floor as he approached and stopped directly in front of me. His curled finger reached up under my chin and tilted it up, letting our eyes meet.

"I offer security. Something you need in exchange for something I need. I need a wife."

"You cannot be in need of a wife! There are women who would marry you in a matter of moments should you make them an offer. It doesn't have to be me!" I yanked my chin away and looked away from his face.

"I need a wife that will not require much from me. I believe you would fill that role perfectly. Our marriage is not something to fear. You would be married to me, but you would still have your independence. And without feeling overly obligated to tend to you, I will be able to continue my business in peace."

"So, you just want to be able to say you are married? That's it? If you intend to not pay attention to your wife, why have one? It would be a sin before God."

He smirked. "God said to be fruitful. As a wife you would provide me with a child." There it is - the catch.

"What?"

"I have accumulated a well-established business and great wealth. I want an heir to pass it on to. My wife will provide me with a son. That is all I require. Other than that, you would be free to do as you please, within the confines of being a fine lady."

I was disgusted that he approached me like a business contract. Something that did not escape my notice: a son. He wanted a son. Why not just adopt one? "And what if I gave you a daughter. Would she not be cared for?"

"Of course I would care for all my children, Miss Swan. But, I would continue to bed you until I get a son."

"How romantic," I said sarcastically.

I heard him snort. "Look at me." I slowly met his gaze, his intense, stormy silver eyes staring back at me. "In return for this arrangement, I will clear your father's debt and provide a suitable home for him to retire in. What he does from there will be up to him. If you were my wife, that would make your sisters my responsibility as well. Therefore, I will also allow your sisters to be placed in a home where they will receive one of the best educations in being upstanding ladies, worthy of marriage. They will be introduced to art, literature, fine dining, painting, reading, and writing. They will be dressed well and taken care of. And the home is close enough for you to visit, should you choose to."

"My sisters would not live here?"

"No. But the home is close by. They may visit anytime, and vice versa. But I feel-"

"You feel! Do you have any idea how hard I have worked just to stay near them? And now you expect me to just give them up? You said all my worries would go away. How could I possibly sleep at night knowing my sisters live under someone else's roof? That someone else is raising them? That they can't see me every day? No. If that is one of your conditions, I do not accept."

"I do not think it would be appropriate for them to live under this roof while you and I are occupied trying to have children of our own."

"A baby hardly causes any trouble. As for it being inappropriate, I don't see how. It's not as if they would have their eyes glued to our chamber doors." He smiled again, but said nothing. "If you take me, you take them as well. Otherwise, my answer is no."

"Hmm. That is your only reservation, then? If I don't take you sisters, you refuse, but if I do accept them, you agree to wed me?"

"If my sisters are taken in, yes."

He raised one brow. "Done." A wide smile spread across his face. "I accept your terms." I breathed out a slowly. Did I just agree to be his wife? My brows furrowed. "I will provide for them with the utmost care. This will be a safe home for them. And my offer still stands to educate them as well in all the ways young ladies should be."

"Why would you do this for me?"

"It's just business. The business of marriage. It's a tradeoff, as we discussed before, in the carriage that night." He smiled. "Notions of love and romance are all well and fine, but I'm afraid they only exist in fairy tales, Miss Swan. When one grows up, these things becomes clear. Then you can accept marriage for what is it, an arrangement of meeting each other's needs."

"That type of marriage doesn't seem very happy."

He scoffed. "Happy endings? Those too are in fairy tales. I don't guarantee your happiness, Miss Swan. In fact, I wouldn't even attempt to do so. However, I can guarantee you will have a fine home to live in, food to eat, clothing to wear, and your father and three sisters provided for. You would not need to work ever again. As long as I am provided with a child, I am satisfied."

I thought for a moment. Then I looked at him. His silver eyes lingered on me in a lustful way. An image of him on top of me, panting shamelessly flashed in my mind. I closed my eyes and furrowed my brows while tightening my legs closed. There would be no love. There would be no intimacy. It would all just be business.

More images of him forcing himself into me flooded my mind. He would no doubt be a brute. He would slam me down on a bed and take me when he wanted, and how he wanted, knowing I was at his mercy. He would place his seed in me, and I would live with the shame having it grow inside me. I placed my hand over my belly.

Surely, he would not even care for my comfort. Giving myself to him would be a duty, part of the contact. At least until I became pregnant.

I had always imagined some dashing man would sweep me off my feet. I would fall in love with him and we would be blissfully happy. Together we would take on the world and raise a loving family. But not this. Not giving myself to a man who did not even believe in love. Who believed it was my job to provide children.

"Wait here," Edward said as he left the room. When he returned, he had a highly amused expression on his face. He stood by his desk, his hands behind his back. "Come closer please."

I walked towards him, stopping a few steps away, studying his posture. Very slowly, he pulled his hands from behind his back and set a small opened black box on the table in front of me. I looked at it and just about groaned with disgust. The only thing that stopped me was the ring's simple beauty. It was a silver ring, with an exceptional rich ruby red diamond with two shimmering white diamonds on either side.

"With this ring, I ask you to be my wife. To be Mrs. Cullen. You have agreed, but I ask you to reaffirm that answer by wearing this ring." I looked at it again and blinked twice. He took the ring out of its small box and held out his hand for mine. I looked at it, and then at him. I knew this would seal my fate. The start of my dutiful marriage life. I bit my bottom lip as I slowly lifted my hand and placed it in the palm of his. "Yes. I will marry you."

He closed his hand around mine and slid the ring onto my finger. "You will be mine from this day forward?"

"Yes. I will be yours from this day forward." His eyes beamed and glowed in triumph.

He smiled, as he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my lips. "You made the right choice Mrs. Isabella Cullen."

Then why did it feel so wrong?

So, here we go.

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