Chapter 19

I walked side by side with him in silence. A stronger breeze caught me off guard, making me shiver. He responded by holding me tighter. In my hurry to leave the party, I hadn't worried about the combination of sand and high heels… half an hour later, though, it gained a significant importance. My teeth were chattering no matter how strongly I tried to keep my mouth tightly shut. It didn't help that I stepped into an unexpected little stream that flowed lazily, snaking across the sand to the sea.

"Why do I always find you in situations such as these?" Edward said, lifting me into his arms, carrying me bridal style.

"Hey!" I protested.

"How you managed to survive until the age of twenty-five is always going to be a mystery to me. I believe you were very fortunate to make my acquaintance," he dared to tease.

"I didn't find myself in this kind of situation before I met you!" I huffed, a little annoyed, but not only at him, since I found his warmth comforting.

"And I find that hard to believe…" he pressed.

After a few steps, I stopped fighting him. He wasn't letting me go easily and even though I didn't want to admit it out loud, he was trying to help me. I rested my head against his neck, my arms encircling him for leverage while forcing myself not to over think about the intimacy of the gesture.

"What? No clever counterarguments? No kicking or yelling to put you down?"

"Edward…" I warned in a terse voice.

"I'm still mad at you, you know? Your and Alice's little stunt almost killed me with worry… and you should fire Greta Masterson… the nerve of the woman! She didn't tell me where you were. And why didn't you fly in Henry's private plane? It's yours now…"

"The nerve of the woman, to keep her employer's privacy, how could she?"

"Sarcasm doesn't suit you," he scolded me.

"Maybe if you tried to be less bossy and… full of yourself I could reconsider my ways."

"It's not my fault if I have a healthy amount of self-assurance."

"We're having a little bit of a language barrier here… I'm sure what you call self-assurance in England is what in America we refer to as…"

"Don't finish that sentence," he scolded me. "Stop fighting me! I'm the one entitled to be angry today, not you," he said, his voice rising.

"I'm really sorry… I didn't mean to worry you…"

"Liar," he whispered.

In a way I was lying. I didn't think much about how he or his family would feel about Alice's absence. I assumed they wouldn't be too bothered by the fact… To be honest I thought she needed protection from them, they were the ones who caused her the most pain. Those who are closest to us are the ones who hold the most power against you… I think I bonded easily with her because of that. And for a moment, I tried to convince myself that the man who was with all chivalry carrying me in his arms and who saved me from a certain death, couldn't possibly have done the things he had, namely, to keep this wicked secret about his own brother taking advantage of his baby sister, a man who dated two women at the same time… a man who took much and gave nothing in return.

But had he not stopped me from making love in the cottage the other night when he knew I'd regret it later?

I was trying to defend what my principles found indefensible. I started to panic about what I knew that meant…

"Why are you so quiet?" he asked, concerned.

"Just thinking…"

"Don't over think this, please," he said inhaling deeply, while kissing my scalp. "I'm trying really hard not to," he whispered.

When we got to firm land, he gently put me down and I melted inside. He was definitely making it difficult to hate him.

"I suppose you want to walk from here," he said a little hoarsely, in his thick British accent.

"Thank you."

As we stepped into the light of the front porch stairs, heading back to the party, I glanced in his direction, and realized he had lipstick on his lips… my lipstick.

"I think you might want to…" I said brushing my thumb against his lips. He chuckled, knowing instantly what I meant. Our eyes locked for a moment and I saw a devilish glint in his eyes.

"I don't see why you bother when I have every intention of kissing you again," he said wickedly.

He leaned in slowly, giving me the time to refuse him, but that night I just couldn't bring myself to care about consequences. He kissed me gently, almost adoringly, to the point of almost driving me away. He sensed my discomfort and stopped, leaning his forehead against mine and looking at me straight in the eyes, studying me, waiting... He laid one last kiss on the tip of my nose and smiled brightly, content with whatever he saw in my eyes.

"Edward?" a female voice asked, clearing her throat behind me.

"Good night, Lady More, you have some serious explaining to do. I'm so mad at you I could strangle you!" Edward scolded his sister, with little enthusiasm, without letting me go.

"Luckily for me your anger seem to have been somewhat sidetracked," she smirked.

"You have a little something here…" she said pointing to his lips.

Don't blush, don't blush, don't blush!

I reddened like a tomato.

"I think I'll leave you two to talk," I said, trying avoid them. I needed some space to think; his proximity was somewhat toxic.

He's not your shining knight, walk away now.

"Stay!" Alice asked.

I stepped away from his embrace and squeezed Alice's hand reassuringly.

"I think you need some privacy. Alice, we'll talk later…"

"Ok, but I still get to share the bed with you, right?"

"What are you talking about?" Edward asked, a little sidetracked.

"Bella's dad has the cutest little house, and we're sharing a room," Alice explained. "I'll meet you inside. Thank you for everything," she said squeezing my hand as I brushed past her. I gave her a small nod and went back inside.

I encountered a few old friends on my way back and took a few minutes to talk about little nothings. That was the only moment of the night that gave me a sense of normalcy. If the word got around about my inheritance, people would start to treat me differently, I knew. I feared that moment.

For now, I'm just Bella, and that thought was strangely comforting. I was having a hard time adjusting since I didn't know what 2010 had in store for me.

"Hey, where have you been?" Jake asked in my ear while hugging me. I didn't realize he was there until it was too late to get away from his hold.

"I went outside for a bit…" I answered vaguely.

"I didn't get my New Year's kiss," he said huskily and leaned in to kiss me. I turned my face so his lips met my left cheek. He looked at me questioningly while I awkwardly tried to get away from his constricting arms.

"Happy New Year, Jake."

"I thought we were good…" he said while caressing my face.

"Don't," I protested. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but really, we're friends… just friends." I emphasized the word "just."

"My feelings towards you never changed…"

"Mine either. This…" I hesitated, "this just… it doesn't feel right. I care about you and I love being around you but I can't … cope with a messy relationship. We need to keep it simple."

As I started to walk away, roaming the room with my eyes, searching for Rosalie and Emmett, Jacob grabbed my hand tightly, trying to convey some non-existent extra significance to his plea.

"I'm sorry, stay." His eyes were soft but demanding.

I hated that he was trying to guilt trip me into doing something I didn't want to. He knew me well enough to know I could cave like I, not so proudly, did before…

"Fine," he persisted, changing his strategy, "I'm not really sorry, but I think you should stay anyway, the night is young and we can still have fun. I want you to tell me all about your upcoming residency and..."

"I'm really tired," I interrupted, "a lot has happened over the last few days and I just need to head home. I had a good time, thanks for inviting me."

"You're dismissing me? Bella, what's wrong?"

"Jake, I'll call you in the morning, I promise."

"Bella, is everything ok?" Mathew asked, coming out of nowhere. I was too unobservant that night.

"Yeah, I was just saying goodbye to Jacob. Can we go now?" I asked him.

"Certainly," he nodded.

"Bella, who is this guy? Your dad called me to let me know you were bringing some friends but I was expecting to see Angela."

"This is Mathew, he's a new friend."

"It's nice to meet you. Bella invited me and John to come. Both our families turned their backs on us," Mathew said a little theatrically. Jacob smiled wildly at what his words implied and shook his hand with enthusiasm. I could almost picture the neural connections being made as he assumed that Mathew and John had come to the party as a couple. I chuckled at the thought… my mom would be so devastated if that were the case.

We stepped away as he signaled John to get the car.

"I think I deserve a raise after that performance," he teased, smirking.

"I'll keep that in mind, especially since you're going to need it to pay the medical bill you'll be charged after sleeping on my dad's couch." That erased the smirk off his face.

Edward and Alice were standing in the same place I had left them, neither of them looking too happy, but apparently neither of them backing down. As they saw me approach they made an effort to conceal whatever argument they were having.

"I'm going home, Alice. I'm not sure if you want to stay. Emmett and Rosalie are still here, somewhere…"

"Great, I was just telling Edward about how tired I am. I could use some rest. I'll take a ride with you, if you don't mind."

"Sure," I answered her.

Edward was looking intently at my every move, urging me to talk to him.

"Edward," Alice said, breaking the spell, "where will you be staying?"

Why did she ask that?

"I didn't exactly make arrangements, given the circumstances," he stated without taking his eyes off me. Mathew, who was behind him, rolled his eyes at me, understanding clearly where that conversation was heading.

"Bella, do you think he could stay at your place?"

"It's my dad's, and no, I don't think he'd be comfortable. I mean Mathew and John are already sleeping on air mattresses. I'm sure he'll find a decent enough room in Port Angeles. Seth actually used to work there at a bed and breakfast. I'll just go back inside and see if he can get you a reservation."

"No, thank you, I have to go back to Seattle. I have an early flight tomorrow. I have a business meeting on the 4th, one I believe you are supposed to attend as well."

I looked at him, clueless, since I had no idea what he was talking about, but somehow that affirmation reminded me of where we stood.

"Have a safe trip. Alice," I turned to her, "I'll wait for you in the car. Bye, Edward."

"Take care of yourself. Things are just beginning to get complicated. I'll call you."

Three months went by and he never did. The meeting he was talking about was cancelled the following day because I wasn't ready for it. Apparently Edward owned about 5% of Henry's Pharmaceutical Company. The justification given for the cancelation was that I wasn't feeling well enough to start working so soon after Henry More passed away. Edward knew better – I just wasn't ready.

I nearly had panic attacks every single time I walked into a room full of crows inside. I called them crows because they all wore dark suits and every word uttered by them was a harbinger of how I was condemned to fail. There were rumors surrounding me and the mysterious inheritance. I seldom attended any of the board meetings, allowing myself to be represented by someone else. Professor Walker, my tutor and the person I learned to trust the most, always refused to represent me or even accompany me publicly, for he feared our connection would weaken my position even further, considering the scandal he was involved in a few years back. I had to fight to be respected, as everyone saw me as the little gold digger who managed to fool a dying old man. I'd like to say I was over all that nonsense but I'd be lying if I did.

I was pressed to leave my job in the hospital, but I refused. I was also pressed to move into a new house, and was forced to face the fact that I needed to. My security team claimed they couldn't guarantee my protection if I kept living in the apartment I co-rented with Angela. John threatened to quit and I just couldn't take that risk. By the end of my second week of residency, when I was arriving home after being at the hospital for over 30 hours, I crossed the street distractedly and nearly got hit by a car. Mathew had to jump over me and we rolled onto the pavement together like in a bad movie…except it was real. Luckily we got away with only minor injuries. The car didn't stop and it made me suspicious; I mean, wouldn't you stop if you nearly ran over someone with your car? That notion really scared me and I moved that same day, much to Greta's delight.

Inevitably I had to tell Angela why I was doing so and invited her to move in with me to my new place. She refused, but reluctantly ended up agreeing to let me pay for my share of the rent, at least until she found someone else. She was the only one who knew at the hospital I had two very demanding jobs. I worked 80 hours a week at the hospital and in my free time I was tutored by Professor Walker, who had moved with Martha to Seattle to help me. The little free time I had, I spent at their place sometimes learning but mostly despairing. It was hard… I wasn't progressing as I should in my private lessons and I was feeling a little behind at the hospital as well. I felt like everyone was progressing faster than I was.

Sleep deprivation became the worst as the weeks passed. Emmett and Rosalie chose to go back to Sydney, but I barely noticed the difference since I had so little time to spare. Apparently money didn't solve anything in my family.

I'd seen my dad who, by the way, refused to quit his job, only a couple of times since the New Year's Eve flop. I did manage to get him to accept a new fishing rod and a little boat.

The only one who was on cloud nine was my mother. I still had to make a serious effort not to let that knowledge get to me… she made everything all about her. I agreed when she asked me to move out of Forks. Considering all the damage she could have done in my dad's life if I forced her to stay there and admitting that she would destroy the one place where people saw me only as little Bella, not as Dr. Swan, not as a billionaire heiress, unpolluted, I caved and bought her a house in Miami. I even arranged an allowance for her every month if she agreed to find another job. Emmett barely spoke to me anymore because of that.

"You're an enabler," he said. "Good luck."

My mother accepted my offer quickly, but three months later she still didn't have a job and I am sure that she never looked for one. She also bought a convertible without warning me, and reached her credit card´s limit in record time. The first time I paid her credit card bill; the second, I told her I didn't have that amount of money. She doubted my word, considering everything else I had given her, so, long story short, she bought herself a ticket and went to England to meet my uncle Thomas to figure out how much exactly I had inherited.

In December, Thomas had asked me for my mother's contact information, saying that he would love to meet his niece, and I genuinely thought that my uncle would be a good influence on her. That was the last time I acted like a naïve fool around Renée.

She abused his hospitality for a couple of days until she heard that I owned More Park. That's when she packed her bags, went there, and havoc was unleashed – It was a disgrace. No one knew Dr. Swan's mother, so evidently she didn't even put a foot in the Park, let alone the house. Only later that day, the incident was reported to Greta. I had to admit, she tried to call me but I deliberately ignored it. She talked to everyone in town, claiming it was preposterous to be treated this way. Consequently, I received a phone call from Alice, who was extremely worried about the entire situation and what it was doing to my already shredded reputation, warning that some damage control was needed.

I called my uncle Thomas who was doing his best not to lose his temper.

"Bella, it's not your fault," he said after I apologized for the tenth time.

"It's that I should have known better."

"How could you have prevented her from coming? Really, my child, I am very glad you took so much after your grandmother since, God forgive me for saying this, but I think your mother took after your aunt Jane."

I had to laugh at his comment. I kept close contact with my uncle, mostly through e-mail since he was making an effort to keep up with the young, as he called it, and I knew he wasn't the judgmental type… The only time I heard him speak ill of someone, it was about James, and my grandaunt.

"Well ,how long do you think she's staying?"

"I don't know. I hinted I was going to spend a couple of weeks in London. I needed to go there anyway, so why not now?" he sighed.

"You do that. She's been calling me nonstop for the last couple of days. I've been a coward and really don't want to deal with her right now. Uncle Thomas, what should I do?"

"Honestly, I think God is putting your good will to test. You should probably call her. I feel so selfish asking you this. I tried to talk with her but even though she smiles and nods, I know she does whatever she wants. It's really frustrating," he huffed.

So there I was, with my life completely upside down, three months after the great reveal, flying to London for the weekend, to attend some charity event Alice forced me to on Saturday, and while I was at it, force my mother to get back home. Greta was having a hard time controlling the publication of news about 'The Heiress of Lord Henry More.' My mother's behavior was just the last straw.

"Bella," Greta gently called me, interrupting my musings, "there's a bunch of paparazzi at the airport waiting for you. It seems that your mother gave an exclusive interview to a paper that should be published on Sunday."

"What does it say?"

"It's not very favorable to you," she affirmed softly.

"How bad is it? I'm not sure I want to read it. Can you prevent it from hitting the stands?"

"I'm not sure."

"Don't mind the costs and do whatever it takes. I don't care anymore."

One hour later, Greta was back with good news. "It's done, it won't be published."

"How much?" I asked.

"Two million pounds. But I had to promise that your first exclusive interview will be theirs."

"As long as I can see the final text before it's published, I'm ok with it. Book my mother a flight to Miami. I want her on a plane soon after I land. I've had enough of this nonsense. She has to understand what she's doing."

"Bella, she knows. Don't let her manipulate you."

"I'm supposed to stay at Alice's in London. Can you call her and ask her if it's ok with her for Renée to meet us there?"

"Of course, I'm sure Lady Alice will be more than happy to help you."

"Meanwhile I'll call my mother."

I dialed her number, and she picked up almost instantaneously.

"Hello, Isabella? You're finally returning my phone calls. To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you too important to talk with your mother right now, since you're the Heiress of the Century? I had to come to England to find out. Dear Lord, you're a billionaire and you're being petty with my credit card bills. I never expected that from you… owning a home like More Park and forcing me to live in a hut…"

"A hut? You consider the house I bought you a hut?" I chuckled humorlessly. "Mom, you'll find that after the way you´ve insulted me, a five million dollar home with all expenses covered and 50,000 dollars monthly for your personal expenses is generous. Considering that I ended up paying for that ridiculously expensive car you bought, you have to admit that spending nearly six million dollars in three months on your mom, who couldn't care less if you nearly starved to go through med school by the way, is anything but petty."

"You'll never let that go, will you? You're only paying for this because you know I should be the one inheriting everything! It's the way you find to ease your guilt. I have every intention of spending what's rightfully mine and you won't stop me."

"You're insane! I'll be in London in a couple of hours and we'll talk about this. There will be a car waiting for you at Uncle Thomas's home. Be ready."

I disconnected the phone in fury, holding back tears I refused to shed. My mother was completely out of control and it was something that happened at my own design.

As soon as I landed I went directly to Alice´s home to solve that issue.

When she opened the door, she hugged me tightly.

"She's already here," she whispered. "I'll give you some privacy. She's in the library. Miss Masterson," Alice said, turning her attention to Greta, "let me show you where you'll be sleeping."

I entered the library without knocking.

"There you are, finally. You must have had a blast hiding me this all this time. Three months! You had three months to tell me the truth!" she shouted.

"I told you the truth, I just wasn't specific about the amount of money involved."

"I know everything, the whole sordid story about your grandmother and that bastard child."

"That child was your sister…"

"I know, and that makes me the rightful heir. I'm going to fight you in court for this."

"On what grounds? That child buried in More Park was born dead, she didn't have a birth certificate and she died years before you were born. You can't even prove she is indeed your sister."

Her eyes grew darker and cold as she realized that it was absurd to even try.

"I want what's mine! Even Aunt Jane agrees with me!"

"Of course she does… You already have more than you deserve. Emmett was always right about you! You're the kind of person that makes your own son move to a different continent!"

"You'll regret what you've done to me, starting tomorrow," she laughed.

"What, the article? Nothing is being published tomorrow."

"You're lying…" she shook her head in disbelief.

"Mom, don't you love me?" She didn't answer. "Why are you fighting me like this? How much is your love worth? How much do you need?" I yelled. "Did I ever fail you as a daughter? Didn't I always do my homework? Didn't I always clean and cook for both of us? Didn't I spend the whole time by your side when you were in the hospital after Phil beat you up beyond recognition? When Phil took all your money, didn't I give you all my savings to pay for an attorney when you filed for divorce? Didn't I do everything in my power to have you and Emmett back on good terms? When did I not defend you in anything? The worst part is that I'm already feeling crappy because when I did those things for you, I wasn't expecting anything in return… But this? This interview you gave… this trip to England… it's the last straw, you're driving me crazy! I haven't had the courage to read that article because if I do I know it will make me sever all ties with you. You're my mother and you were supposed to love me unconditionally! Who the hell are you and what have you done with my mom?"

"It's good to see that you still remember I'm your mother. I love you; I'm just not very fond of what you do to me. Always posing as Saint Isabella. You know what? I know better!" she spat.

"Is money all that matters? If I give you an extra five million dollars will you forget I exist?"

Her eyes turned up to meet mine at that last question.

"That's less than I deserve."

"That's all you will get from me. In exchange, you'll sign a contract where you will be legally obliged to keep your distance from me and my family, if they wish, and you will agree to abstain from any public comments about me to anyone."

"I'm not agreeing to this," she responded quickly. But I'd seen the glint of greed in her eyes at the mention of five million dollars.

"You can walk away from this house with enough money for a lifetime or you can walk away empty handed. It's up to you."

"I was paid 100,000 dollars for that interview you didn't like. I can make your life a living hell; I'll let the world know who the real Isabella Swan is."

"I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this. You're clearly mentally disturbed; I think I need to consider having you committed to a psychiatric clinic."

"I'm not crazy!"

"I'm sure I'll find someone who disagrees and who would be more than willing to help me. They were so helpful at the newspaper today…"

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm giving you the chance to walk away from this."

"Ten million," she whispered.

"What?"

"I said I want ten million dollars."

"I offered five, it's non-negotiable. You will be escorted to the airport now, and you'll receive word from my lawyers on Monday."

"This is not over…" she threatened.

"It is, since I'm giving up all hope on you. This number," I took my cell out of my front pocket, "will be disconnected. You will have no way to contact me directly. I also changed my e-mail accounts. I wish you well, good luck."

"You're really dismissing me, Bella?" she changed her strategy and started crying.

"Why are you doing this to me? Why?" She started to cry profusely, manipulatively.

I stood up and walked away, leaving the door open behind me.

"I regret the day you were born!" she yelled. "You ungrateful brat!"

"John," I heard her plead when he entered the library to escort her out. "Let me go. You can't do this! Bella?"

And that's how my mother was dragged out of my life.

I exited through the back door and asked Mathew to get the car. For the first time in years I felt the urge to make a confession.

"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned."