EPOV

"I really think Bella should lead this project." I told Mom, "I already talked to Big Pa."

Bella was really good. She ramped up pretty quickly and I could not see any reason why she wouldn't be a good fit for this. I felt that she liked and wanted to work on challenging projects that would give her an opportunity to prove her merit and I couldn't see any project better than this for her to get started at Cullen Inc..

"I thought you wanted to work on this." she said.

"Yeah, I wanted to, but I think this would be a really good project for her to get started here." I said.

"So you're trusting her that she's going to deliver this?" she asked.

"Yes, I don't have any doubts about that." I said, "She's good."

"It's so refreshing to see you trusting someone so easily on one of your ambitious projects," she smiled.

"I think even if she's new here, she has proved what she is capable of." I said.

"Of course." she smiled.

"Okay, so do you agree with me on this?" I asked.

"Yes." she said, "I know she's good. She has all it takes to lead this project."

"Cool." I said.

"But I hope now you realize that mothers are always right." she smiled, "I think you can understand now that you wouldn't be having this confidence in your partner if you had married that drummer, what was her name... God, I can't even recall her name! "

My blood boiled as I heard that. Look at that arrogance!

"You really don't have to bring Angela into this." I said.

"Oh right, Angela!" she said, "So do you see what would have happened if you had married her? Either you'd be at some of her stupid gigs, or you might be in the middle of the divorce proceeding because I honestly couldn't see how that was ever going to work! Bella is your true partner in every sense! I'm glad you're realizing it now."

"I wish I could wipe that smile off your face." I said, "If Bella wasn't my wife and if she had all it takes to lead the projects, I'd still have recommended her!"

"Sure." she smiled again.

This woman was so arrogant! There was no way I was going to let her win!

"Do you know what your problem is?" I said, "You think what you believe is always right, but sadly it isn't. You say that Bella is my true partner in every sense. Well, I'd say that she's a good partner I'd have got out this business deal that is our marriage! But sadly, that is all we have. There's nothing more."

"I know that." she smiled, "And I still think that's the best for you. Whatever you're missing in your relationship, I'm sure that could change. I already see some changes in both of you."

"Well, I'm not sure what you're seeing." I said, "But nothing is going to change for us, and just because of your ego, your son and also your daughter-in-law are going to have the pathetic, loveless marriage life. I'm sure both of us could have found love somewhere else."

"We will see." She smiled again.

No way!

There was no way I'd let her win!

There could never be anything more between Bella and I.

And the positive thing was, she also really didn't have any expectations from the relationship in terms of romantic or emotional aspects, so we were all good.