A/N: This was my entry for last week's Fic Lab prompt on Facebook.

Prompt: Taylor Swift lyrics, "And someday maybe you'll miss me, but by then you'll be Mr. 'too late.'

ExB, BxS. Rated M.

MR. TOO LATE

I can feel the heat of your stare burning into my back, goosebumps pebbling my skin. I don't have to turn around to know it's you. Even after all these years of being across the country—away from you—no matter how much you destroyed me or after all this time, my body will always respond to you, even though I hate it. But that doesn't matter anymore or change anything because the wounds you left on my heart have never healed, and I won't ever forget that pain or forgive you.

I haven't stepped foot in this town in five years—ever since our tragic ending. The worst day of my life. When you ripped my heart out of my chest in the cruelest way, stomped all over it, and tore it to pieces.

Rosalie is the only reason I came back to visit. It's her special day, and I wouldn't miss it for the world—even if I had to face you. I've let you have enough power over me and allowed you to destroy me.

I feel a gentle tap against my shoulder, and I can't fight the shivers that run down my spine. I take a deep breath and steady my trembling hands as I slowly turn around to face you.

Of course, you have the courage and confidence to confront me as if nothing happened all those years ago.

I can see the jealous, possessive gleam in your eyes hiding behind your fake, relaxed smile. That certainly hasn't changed about you. From an outsider's view—someone who doesn't know the real you or the inner workings of your dark, manipulative mind; you seem charming and approachable, not as harsh, brooding, or intimidating as you used to look, but I know better. You can't trick me anymore. You'll never lose that edge no matter who you're fooling. I'm not that naive girl anymore that believed your lies and ignored your flaws and red flags even though everyone warned me that you would destroy me—they were right.

I finally found someone that treats me the way I deserve. Someone who doesn't disappear for months without a word, who doesn't stomp on my heart repeatedly and leave me a broken mess, and I don't have to worry about them being lead astray. Finally, a person that's good enough for me, and I'm good enough for them.

I romanticized our toxic love, thinking that our love was devastating because we loved too hard and cared too much. That our passion and need for each other was too much for our emotions to handle—but I realize that's not true. You can love strongly and have a healthy relationship. Love shouldn't have to mix with hate.

Your rich, deep, controlled, and powerful voice that resurfaces so many memories distracts me from my dark thoughts.

"Bella, it's been so long." You greet in a warm tone and with a kind smile, as if we're long-lost friends and things didn't end so violently between us.

"Hello Edward," I respond uncomfortably, my voice cold and distant. I dreaded this moment and hoped that you would avoid me tonight, but of course, I could never be that lucky. I won't give you what you want and show that you still affect me or have the slightest bit of power over me.

"How have you been?" you ask. Of course, you disregard my fiancé that has his arm wrapped around my waist, and the ring that shines on my finger; so extravagant that it couldn't miss your view. As discreet as you're trying to be, I can't miss the daggers you're glaring every time your eyes glance down at my hand.

I ignore your question and squeeze on tighter to the man standing next to me that saved me. I'm not going to indulge in your small talk.

I change the subject, hoping you can take the hint and leave us alone. "This is my fiancé, Seth," I state firmly.

You size Seth up as if he's your competition. I can tell from your arrogant grin that you think he doesn't stand a chance now that you're here, even though I'm wearing his ring. You think he's not my type and that he's nothing like you; little do you know that's why I love him so much.

There is a stark contrast between you both. Dark, warm, russet skin compared to cold, pale skin. Brown, inviting, honest eyes versus guarded, ominous, broken green eyes. Different body languages that are complete opposites, one that will protect you and keep you safe, while yours will tempt and destroy anything in your path.

At one time, you were the most appealing, breathtaking, gorgeous thing in the world to me, and now I want the complete opposite of you in every way.

"Nice to meet you," Seth greets warmly, his hand reaching forward to shake yours.

You nod your head and shake his hand, but you don't say anything. I can see the tightness of your clenched hand at the firm, competitive handshake you share.

Men.

I turn to Seth and place my hand on his chest. He doesn't know it, but his grip and touch is keeping me from falling apart. "Edward is a mutual friend."

Seth knows about a man that destroyed my heart before I met him, that took almost a year for Seth to repair. I never named names, and I don't want him to know that your the man responsible for breaking me.

You raise one side of your lip in a cocky, sneering smirk. "That's all I am now… huh? I thought we had a more interesting past than just mutual friends, don't you think, bumblebee?" You narrow your eyes as your voice takes a more sultry tone.

Fuck you.

Such a low blow for you to use your nickname for me that used to make my heart flutter, and now it repulses me. I can't believe I actually had some faith that you would be a bit more well-behaved after everything you put me through. That maybe you would have remorse and be happy that I finally found someone that treats me good and not want to fuck it up, like you did with everything else. But no, who was I kidding? Of course, you still want to ruin everything for me that doesn't revolve around you.

Seth gives me a questioning side glance as he squeezes onto my waist, confused by our confrontation.

I don't respond to you. I won't entertain this game of yours.

You break the awkward silence by finally turning your attention to Seth with a polite smile. "Seth, is it? Can I please have a moment with Bella? It'll just take a moment. I have to discuss something a bit personal if you don't mind." You transform into your manipulative mask of compassion and friendliness, hiding the ruthless predator beneath the charming exterior. That's how you draw your prey in. I would know better than anyone else.

No. Please don't leave me alone with him, I scream internally. But Seth can't read the discomfort in my eyes or body language, begging him to stay. I squeeze onto his hand, but he takes it the wrong way, giving me a soft smile, and steps away, leaving me alone with the hungry, big, bad wolf.

Seth is the opposite of you in that way too, which I usually love but can be frustrating, especially at times like this. He's too polite and trusting of others. Whereas you always have your guard up and would never leave me alone with another man.

You step closer to me, and it takes everything in me not to take a step back. "Really bumblebee, that's the man you want? That weak, little coward? I see how hard you're trying to act like I don't affect you anymore and that you're over me but quit lying to yourself. I know your body and responses better than you do. That boy is not enough for you," you hiss, your anger and dominance seeping through your words.

You're close enough to me that you wrap your hands around my waist, burning through the material of my dress. I place my hands over yours to pull them away, but you're too quick and cover mine with yours, trapping them against my hips. I'm too much in shock to look around and see if anyone is watching us—If Seth is watching us.

You lean down and purr in my ear, your lips brush against my skin, electricity running through my body. "I bet he doesn't fuck you like I do, make you scream and cum as hard as I did. No one will ever make you tremble and quiver the way you do around my cock. I taught you everything you know." You place a gentle kiss against my ear, a contradiction to the dirtiness of your words. As much as I'm repulsed, I hate how you still make my body respond like this, even though I will never admit it out loud. I'm speechless, frozen and my panties are drenched.

"I know I fucked up the last time I saw you, but you can't deny the connection between us. You're mine and you'll always be mine. I'm not letting you leave ever again, baby," you command, your grasp rough on my hips.

Dominance, control, possession, intimidation, manipulation—that's your thing. The old me would tremble and submit to you in an unhealthy way, but not anymore. I'm not that weak, fragile, lovestruck Bella that would do anything for you even if it shattered me.

"No." My voice firm and strong as I hold my head high and pry your hands off of me. "I'm not your little toy anymore, Edward. I'm over you. You weren't good enough for me, and I deserve more than you, and I finally found it. Seth is more of a man than you'll ever be."

I see the rage in your eyes, and your mouth opens to speak, but I'm not done and cut you off. "You know what? I waited and dreamed of this day for such a long time. For the day that you would finally realize that I was enough and how much you missed me, but now that this day is finally here, it doesn't matter anymore because it's too late, and I am so grateful that it took this long because I have never been happier." A smile lights up my face. I've never been more proud of myself.

"I'm not here to play your games. I feel sorry for the next woman in your grasp. Don't ever contact me again. Believe me, this time I will fight back, I'll ruin you like you ruined me." I hiss and glare at you with my hands on my hips, daring you to challenge me.

I don't know who I've shocked more—myself or you?

I have never seen you so stunned, so speechless. Your mouth agape and your jaded eyes wide. I bet you weren't expecting this outcome, didn't expect this of me. How does it feel being helpless and not having any control for once? That's how you've always made me feel.

I'm not falling for your lies or tricks anymore. I've grown up and know my worth, and it's more than Edward Cullen.

I have never felt more powerful as I turn on my heel, my hair swishing and dress twirling in the wind as I walk away from you and walk into the arms of a man that is better than you, and this time I don't look back.

As much as I would like to think this is the last time I will see you for good, I'm not naive enough to believe that this is the end for you. I know you, and you won't stop until you get what you want, especially when you can't have what you want. No matter how many times you use and dispose of me, I am never truly free of you, but I'm not backing down without a fight this time. You taught me well and made a monster—you just didn't expect for it to be used against you.