"No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater...The love we have for each other is bigger than these small differences. And that's the key. It's like a big pie chart, and the love in a relationship has to be the biggest piece. Love can make up for a lot."

- Sarah Dessen (This Lullaby)

Edward P.O.V.

Beads of sweat were trickling down the side of my face as I ate. It was pretty safe to say that I was nervous. Very nervous. All because of the petite brunette eating her mushroom ravioli opposite to me. It didn't help that her leggy blond friend was intimidating as hell.

Who I expected to come tonight as the top of DanMarie was some old lady who knew more technical terms than how to hold an actual conversation. The last person I thought to appear was Isabella Swan. My high school ex-girlfriend. The girl that I made sure to fall for me, all for a bet; for a rest house. The woman who would have been the mother of my child.

I involuntarily winced at that thought.

"Is something wrong?"

Well, the truth, Isabella babe, is that yes, you are a bet.

The voice came out harsh and I assumed it was the blond. However, when I looked up, I was met with chocolate brown eyes. My eyes glanced to the blond, Rosalie, but she was simply eating her carbonara fettuccini. I looked to Bella again and saw that she was expecting me to answer.

"Nothing. Everything's fine." Lie.

Absolutely nothing about tonight was fine. My thoughts were everywhere, my emotions were high and I was about just ready to piss myself.

When Bella spoke earlier, I swore that the voice was familiar but didn't put too much on it. However, when I turned around, I was met with a big surprise. At first, I thought I was imagining things because no way was the woman in front of me Isabella. But then I looked at her eyes and saw that it was the very same one I kept seeing during my last semester of high school.

It really was her.

Three cheers for us since we fucked only four months after I made the bet. Your cooperation is well appreciated.

At the realization, my heartbeat sped up.

The years that have passed had been kind to her. I always thought that Bella was pretty in high school. But seeing her now, it was pretty hard to look away. She had grown into a stunning woman. The kind of woman that demanded attention and heads to turn.

Her brown hair was longer, thicker and looked so damn soft. Her skin was still as pale, yet she looked more alive. Her eyes were still wide and brown as chocolate. Her curves were filled out nicely, coming off in the right way. And though she was petite, probably around 5'6', it suited her just fine. More than fine, actually.

I know I said that I took a break from ladies for a while but I never said that I won't appreciate a beautiful woman when I see one. Bella was most definitely fit in the beautiful category.

My thoughts were causing me to space out a little but it wasn't long until I was snapped out of it. We had finished dinner and now proceeded to do what we met up for; business. The tension momentarily slipped as our table became serious.

For over an hour, the three of us talked about the pros and the cons of the gadgets, the details, the contract making, the process and basically everything we needed about the project.

Throughout high school, I was already aware of how smart Bella was. Being with her here now though, listening to her talk about these complicated topics like the back of her hand, I was winded at how truly brilliant she is. This right here is her destiny; being someone who achieves success easily.

"... and that's really about it."

My eyes scanned the papers in front of me again, memorizing the concept and nodded my head. Celer would be a hit among the masses, no doubt.

"Alright." I extended my hand while I dropped the folder on top of the table. "We've got ourselves a deal?"

Bella stared at my extended arm for a really long time. It was getting awkward. I was about to pull it away when she gave a tight lip smile and slipped her tiny hand inside mine. "We've got a deal, Mr. Cullen."

I grimaced a little. "Bella, please. Call me Edward. Carlisle is Mr. Cullen, not me."

I feel pity for you, Edward.

She rose a brow. "For the sake of business etiquette, I would like to continue addressing you as Mr. Cullen." Rosalie looked like she was stifling a smirk, her violet eyes were shining mischievously. Bella pulled out her credit card and before I could protest, she gave it to the waitress at standby.

I sighed and though I wanted to argue, I concluded that the only thing that would cause is an argument. So, instead, I just smiled and thanked her. Not five minutes after, the waitress came back and returned the card with a receipt.

Bella turned to look at me as she gathered her things and Rosalie cleared the table. "Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Cullen. Good evening and drive home safely. Until next time."

As she and her friend began to stand up, I started to panic. I wanted to talk to her. No, I needed to talk to her. To apologize for the past. Anything. My body reacted faster than my brain. "Bella, wait."

I saw her freeze as did her friend. She turned her head to the side and looked at Rosalie. The blond sighed and got out of her seat. With one last icy glare in my direction, she left the room. Then slowly, Bella looked up and met my stare. She stood up straight and raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I – I, could we have coffee sometime?"

"What for?"

"I'd really like to talk to you."

"We've been talking for the past hour."

"Bella."

She sighed, irritated. "No."

Before she could walk away, I shot out of my seat and grabbed her arm. "Please, Bella. I really have to talk to you."

I really hope karma gets to you one day. You deserve it.

Bella turned around. Her eyes collided with mine. "What exactly is there to talk about? You are my business partner and I am yours. We have the details of the contract listed and meeting dates have been agreed on. Is there anything we missed, Mr. Cullen?"

I was getting desperate. I didn't know why I wanted this so much. Maybe because I wanted to appease my guilt. Or maybe because we needed proper closure. Or maybe I want to start this business deal on the right foot. Or maybe, just maybe, there was another reason that I couldn't admit to myself just yet. But I really wanted to make this right. I decided to just blurt out the truth.

"Yes. We didn't talk about what happened in the past."

Usually calm brown eyes were suddenly clouded with anger. I gulped. Bella stood frozen before snatching her arm from my grip. "There is nothing to talk about."

"But I haven't asked for your forgiveness yet."

She laughed, humourless. "Why bother? It's not like you'll get it."

I held in a grimace. Definitely deserved that. "Bella, I really am sorry. That – what I did to you back then – Shit, it was the biggest regret of my life. I am so, so, so sorry, Bella."

Something flashed in her eyes before they were masked with her neutral look. "All in the past, Mr. Cullen. Let's not dwell on it anymore, yes?"

Hope filled me. "So I'm forgiven?"

Bella looked at me like I had grown another head. The hope that started to grow quickly deflated. "Are you for – Didn't you just hear what I – " She shook her head. "No, Mr. Cullen, you are not. But I'd rather not think about the past. Rest assured everything is forgotten."

"But you wouldn't be able to forget completely if you don't forgive. And well, you'll see me a lot and –"

"Mr. Cullen, with all due respect, I don't want to see you. A lot." Ouch. "In fact, I'd much rather prefer that we make the meetings minimum."

Ah, fuck. She really didn't want to give me a chance. But to be honest, I was selfish and was man enough to admit that I am desperate for her forgiveness. Before I could speak, however, Bella turned to leave. "If that's all Mr. Cullen, I really have to go. There are people waiting for me at the moment and it's getting late."

People were waiting for her? Boyfriend, perhaps?

It wasn't any of my business but before I could even open my mouth to start asking for another chance to go out, Bella was out the door.

Defeated, I went back to the table and sat down. I ran a hand through my hair, a habit I had when I was frustrated, and let my mind wander to possibilities on how to approach Bella.

No matter what, I was determined to deserve forgiveness from the girl I had single-handedly broken six years ago.

I hope your damn rest house was worth breaking my heart.

Bella P.O.V.

The following day found Dan and I heading towards my old home at around ten in the morning.

Yes, all the way in Forks. With the purpose of visiting my old man. He better appreciate it.

Don't get me wrong. I was damn terrified about going there. What if people noticed me? It is a small town. What would they say about me? Would they make up stupid rumors? Not to mention I had the younger replica of my godforsaken ex-boyfriend right beside me.

I was now very close to the Swan residence and so far, no one batted an eye our way. Of course, this may have something to do with the fact that both of us were in a car... but, whatever. I was still terrified.

Last night didn't go as bad as I thought. In fact, I'd like to think that I did a pretty good job at handling Edward. Okay, so I flat out rejected his attempt at making amends but for Christs' sake, I was actually going easy on him. If I had my way, the father of my son would have been in a bad, bad place right now – mentally and physically.

So, yes. Masen – er, Cullen had it easy. Lucky for him I was born with tact and manners. Curse Renee and Charlie's good parenting in that department.

Rose and I only got to talk about Edward in the cab where I had vented and told her all the violent thoughts that ran through my mind for the whole evening. I think we scared the cab driver a little bit because I caught him once looking at us through the rear view mirror, looking worried. I would have laughed if I wasn't a little pissed.

When we arrived back to Jasper's apartment, I was surprised to actually find my son asleep. Alice had left as well, saying that she had early morning work the next day.

I was telling the twins about my plan to treat Dan with some ice cream tomorrow for being a good boy that night when Jasper confessed that he allowed my son to play Call of Duty. In his defense though, it was either let the midget play the violent game or talk about where babies came from. I understood the need the diversion. But I wasn't pleased.

Nevertheless, I had let it go.

We went to bed after that, clearly having a long night.

Earlier this morning, I had invited Rose and Jasper to come with Dan and I to my father's place, but both siblings declined. Jasper had a case that was due in court in a couple of days and he wanted to get everything settled. Rose, on the other hand, wanted to do some shopping.

"Besides, I think you wouldn't want an audience when Charlie realizes who your baby daddy is."

I grimaced at her words, but reluctantly agreed. Charlie didn't even know that Edward and I had dated back then. He'd be in for a surprise, no doubt.

Seeing my house again for the first time in six years made some hair on my arm stand. Nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks and I had to get my breathing even. Dan looked at me worriedly for a second but when I told him that I was okay, he smiled his little Edward smile and went back to playing with his toy cars.

I saw the cruiser on the driveway and thanked my lucky stars that Charlie was home. I didn't even think about him not being there today but I am glad that he is.

For a few minutes, I gave myself a pep talk. Quite childish, but boy did I need it. Dan had kept quiet and just stared at the house, looking a little excited. For what, I'm not sure. But as long as my little monster's happy, it's okay.

Nodding my head to myself after my little pep talk, I got out of the car and opened Dan's door as well. Hand in hand, we walked towards my father's home. After one last deep breath, I knocked on the door.

Seconds later, I heard footsteps and not long after, the door opened.

But I wasn't greeted with my father's face.

"Sue?"

The woman who opened the door looked shocked for a second before looking nervous. "Bella, what a pleasant surprise."

I looked at her suspiciously. "Yes, I thought I'd surprise Charlie but it looks as if I'm the one who's in for a surprise."

Before she could respond, a little voice joined the conversation. "Are you my grandpa's wife?"

Sue looked down and noticed the little boy in my hand. She must have noticed the similarities with the father because she looked shocked. "Bella, is that Ed-"

"Babe, what's taking so – oh." Cue the croo croo moment. Charlie looked at me with wide eyes. Sue was looking at Dan, looking highly intrigued. Dan was looking at the floor, a tiny blush covering his cheeks from the cold weather. And me, well, I was looking at the floor like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Looks like we're going to have a really long lunch.

Author's Note:

Okay, just to make it clear! Though Edward finds Bella extremely attractive, he is not in love with her. Not right away. And he has no intentions of dating her at the moment. The only reason why he practically begged for them to go out was so he could grovel for forgiveness. That's it. No romantic intentions whatsoever. Alright?

Also, about the random Italics in Edward's POV, if it wasn't clear enough, those are all memories. He remembered their exchange of words from long ago at the sight of Bella. Damn regret much, huh?

Lastly, I want to apologize for the very late update. Something happened at home and I'm now gadget-less. The only reason why I was able to post this chapter is because I was almost through with this when it was confiscated and my mom gave me some work with the laptop and thus, I had the chance to finish it. I'm starting on the next chapter now and hopefully, I can put it up faster.

I also want to apologize for this chapter. It wasn't good and I personally was not contented with it. Hopefully, the next one will make up for the lack of thrill on this one. Haha. Until next time!