Chapter 13

EPOV

"Do you hear what you're saying, Edward?"

My father sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. Though he seemed calm on the outside, I could tell he was beyond livid. I single-handedly ruined everything he'd worked for.

"You won't marry Victoria? Why the hell not? Don't tell me you've formed silly notions of love in your head."

It was more than just some silly notion. I was in love, and regardless if Bella never wanted to see me again, I would no longer do either of us a disservice by marrying someone I couldn't stand.

I knew I was signing my fate at that moment; he would cut me off and take everything I'd ever known from me. I'd be broke, unless Carlisle was willing to keep me on, and even then, I'd make pennies compared to what I was used to having. It was worth it, though; anything was worth not feeling this fucking miserable all the time. All it took was Bella kicking me out to realize this wasn't the life I wanted.

"I hear myself loud and clear, Father. I met someone in New York, and, yes, I'm in love with her."

He rolled his eyes at me. "So you keep her on the side, Edward. You don't throw away everything we've worked toward just because you meet a broad with a good pussy! I bet she's young, too, isn't she? It's always the young ones that try to destroy everything."

I refused to give him any further information on Bella. I knew how he worked; he'd find her and try to buy her off, the same way he did with all the women he kept on the side. Who knew how many bastards my father had running around in the world. It made me sick to my stomach to think I'd treated Bella no better than he'd treated those women.

"I've made my decision. I won't marry Victoria." I stood from my chair, walking toward the door.

"You'll regret this, Edward!" he yelled after me.

He was wrong. I may have just given away millions of dollars and flushed my career down the toilet, but none of it was worth the price of my soul.

—

I sighed as I looked around my apartment. I had until the end of the month to move out. He hadn't said as much, but I knew my father would cut me off. He was a cold businessman and, if he didn't get his way, he was ruthless. My position as CEO of Masen Oil was long gone now; it had been as soon as I opened my mouth. I figured once my father got to Carlisle, that position would be gone, as well.

As I picked up my copy of the New York Times, turning to the classified ads, there was a loud, incessant banging on my door. I groaned and ran my hand through my hair before heading to answer it. This wouldn't be good.

"How dare you call the wedding off!" Victoria shrieked as I pulled open the door, pushing past me and into the living room.

"Please, come in," I muttered under my breath.

"If you don't marry me, you will lose everything. Daddy will never give you access to his rig, and your father will want nothing to do with you! You'll be ruined, Edward Masen!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I really couldn't care less."

"What is wrong with you?" she shouted.

"What is wrong with me?Are you serious? I've finally got my head on straight! You and I don't work, Victoria. Hell, we don't even sort of like each other, doll. I don't feel like settling for a subpar life anymore."

"You're insane, you know that, don't you? Who cares if we get along? We look good together, and between my family and yours we would be one of the most powerful couples on the East Coast!"

"You're not listening to me, so let me say it again; I don't care. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to apartment hunting. I've got until the end of the month to get out of here." I walked over to the door and opened it for her.

"I'm pregnant!" she shouted. That was what she considered a last ditch effort, I imagined.

"I'm sure the mailman will be pleased, Victoria. We haven't been together that way in almost two months. Now, please leave."

She stomped her foot, giving a frustrated shriek before she walked out the door. As I slammed it behind her, I was even more sure of my decisions now. That broad was beyond crazy.

—

I knocked on Carlisle's office door before poking my head in.

"Ah, Edward. Come in, sit down. I see you got the message from my secretary, then?"

I sat down across from him. "Yes, sir, I did, but I'm not sure—"

"I spoke with your father the other day. He was quite upset. You've called off your marriage and given up your eventual place as the head of Masen Oil?"

"I didn't give up the spot willingly, but, yes, you're correct. I assume my spot here is also null and void?"

"Why would you think so?"

"Carlisle, would you honestly want the black sheep of the Masen family running your business?"

"You're a damn good businessman, Edward, and I'd be a fool to not keep you. You got that team up and running better than anyone could have hoped for, and you've proven yourself time and time again. If you still want the position, it's yours."

"Is there any way the position can be based in New York?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel that this has something to do with the entertainmentyou found while you were there?"

"It has everything to do with her."

He sat back in his chair, smirking at me. "I'll see what we can do."

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