Summary: Isabella lived a perfect life with her husband until the abuse started. With the death of her mother, she may have just been given life changing gift: a way out. But with it comes a whole new world that she may not be ready to face. Maybe with the help of her green-eyed savior. Mafia, Crime, Abuse, Hurt/Comfort.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Stephanie Meyers owns characters but the plot is of my original work.

Enjoy!

Chapter 18: One Forward, Two Back

"A self-defense trainer?" I guffawed. "What the hell am I going to do with moves like that if I can't even stand on my own two feet?" I stood in Charlie office as we discussed a new subject that he brought up today.

He nodded his head as he sat in his chair, hands folded royally in front of him. "It will help with your coordination too, Bella," he said. "And it's vital knowledge for women, not just you, to know how to defend themselves in situations. I don't need to emphasize that enough." He gave me a pointed look.

"Even though Sam will be with me at all times?"

He nodded his head firmly. "You think that Esme can't throw a good right hook if she needed to? Or that Alice can't execute a roundhouse kick with perfect form? And just because Rosalie had a baby, she knows how to put a man to sleep with simple pressure point touches. If they know how to handle themselves in dangerous situations, so should you. Sam is your bodyguard, but he can't be with you twenty-four hours of the day. This is just for emergencies."

Considering how I agreed to make Charlie's life easier, I had no choice but to accept. It was a deal we made, and although I don't ever see myself throwing right hooks, I could use the training. Plus, he made it clear I had no say in this. A trainer was already scheduled to come to the mansion twice a week.

Suddenly, Charlie's phone rang and when he answered it, his whole demeanor changed. His lips set into a firm line, and he said, "Thank you, Jenks."

My ears perked up—this has something to do with James.

"What?" I asked after he put down the phone.

"James is in New York," Charlie said. "He seems eager to talk to me in person."

"Edward told me you pulled out of his company," I stated. "Why?"

"It's no brainer why," he rolled his eyes.

"I don't think it turned out the way you wanted it," I told him. "He's in New York because you took away his money."

"If I continue to take away his resources one by one, then he wouldn't be able to afford to send private investigators to find you," he replied.

The blood in my face drained. "He thinks I'm alive?"

"Your body didn't turn up after your disappearance," Charlie said. "If I'm being honest, if my wife supposedly disappeared into the ocean, I'd think something was up too. That doesn't necessarily mean James has the same track of mind, but we can't rule out that possibility altogether."

I nodded slowly.

"He's been busy, though," Charlie said. "Jenks has people watching him, and I hired two different people to do the same thing. Because Witherdale Industries had so many shareholders pull out of the company, he's losing money and fast."

"What about Caius?" I asked. "I'm sure his father is doing something."

"They have limited resources," Charlie shook his head. "James doesn't partake with my weapons business. Though I have word that he's been working with the Volturi for years to smuggle drugs in and out of the country."

"The same people that threatened Mom?" I gasped. When Charlie nodded his head, I sat back in my seat in disbelief. "What a small world."

It seemed almost too coincidental that I had married someone who was involved in illegal crimes like my father. And James worked with the Volturi while I was married to him, never knowing how it tied back to the reason why my Mom left Charlie. I couldn't believe what I heard, especially with the idea that James was still suspicious about my 'death'.

X

I was sad I hadn't heard much from Edward. After our conversation at the hospital, he left early the next morning for Greece. Something about some missing shipments and that he wouldn't be back for another couple of days. That was nearly a week ago, and since then, I was too shy to bring up the subject to Charlie. Today, I was going to visit Esme and help her with some cooking. The lack of activities I did these days bored me to death and the idea of spending time with Esme was better than watching movies all day. So when I arrived at the Cullens, I eagerly entered to find her.

One of the house staff directed me to the greenhouse where she was picking some of her herbs and veggies. Esme was by far the person who had accomplished all the goals I wanted to achieve in life. Her life seemed so peaceful and easy. She was happy, and I wanted to be just like her.

Of course, being a Cullen, her greenhouse put all the other greenhouses in the world to shame. It was crazy to think that she did this all herself. Alice said that none of the house staff helped with watering and trimming the plants.

"This place looks beautiful, Esme," I gasped as I entered.

She twirled around, much like a ballerina, and graced me with a blinding smile.

"Bella!" she rushed to hug me.

"Hey, Esme," I returned her embrace eagerly.

She pulled back and pursed her lips. "You look sad today," she noticed.

"I think it's because I'm bored," I lied. "I've been twiddling my thumbs all week."

She seemed to accept the answer. "Today, my zucchinis are finally ready, so I was thinking a traditional ratatouille recipe for the main dish."

Tonight, Rosalie and Emmett were bringing the baby over for a big family dinner. Esme tried to have one whenever she could, but it's been difficult since her sons were always away on business trips. So tonight, I guess we wouldn't be seeing Edward and I didn't want Esme to think anything if I asked her.

It terrified me how often I thought about him.

We spent most of the afternoon preparing the meal and setting up the table. Esme loved to cook and the menu for tonight was pretty extensive. When I realized she was making mashed potatoes, I snuck a couple spoonfuls. I realized then why Edward stole the bowl last time—it was heavenly. I asked Esme why she set the table for ten people and she just shrugged, saying that it was mostly for aesthetic purposes. I tried hard to push away my thoughts, hoping that Edward would occupy one of those seats.

Around seven, the family started arriving.

Carlisle didn't work with Charlie at FSC—they were only partners when it came to the illegal business. By day, Carlisle was a doctor, or more specifically, head surgeon. In fact, Carlisle owned portions of the hospital, such as the pediatrics wing, and he donated huge amounts of money to cancer research. And if their family couldn't be any more holy, both Carlisle and Esme funded cancer treatments for children who came from low-income families. This was one of the reasons why Esme was inspired to start her non-profit organizations.

Emmett owned multiple, exotic car dealerships and high-risers outside of New York City and Jasper owned more restaurants than I can count on both hands, as well as clubs and lounges. Edward, according to Alice, focused a lot of his time at FSC but he also owned some restaurants and clubs. All three of them owned rental properties, and, of course, worked very closely with Charlie. When I asked Esme about how she felt when it came to the illegal business, she said that she would never stop worrying about the safety of her boys.

When I saw Rosalie come in through to the kitchen, you wouldn't think that she was pregnant a couple of days ago. She entered, followed by Emmett, who was holding the baby carrier effortlessly in one hand. They looked so perfect together it hurt. I was surprised when Rosalie came and asked if she could help. Rosalie looked like the type of girl that hated to get a speck of dirt on her. Yet again, I misjudged the people in this family. In the short span I've known her, she was as humble as Alice.

"Don't give me that look, Bella," she laughed as she stirred the tomato sauce.

"Sorry," I exhaled.

"I'm not as high maintenance as I look," she said, reflecting my thoughts.

"I didn't mean to offend you," I apologized.

She gave me a smile and shook her head, "You didn't."

I couldn't help but think that she was only nice to me because I was Charlie's daughter. That any of the Cullens were nice to me because I was a Swan. My thoughts were interrupted when Emmett approached me with Annabelle. She was so tiny and so fragile that my breath picked up when I saw her.

"Time to have Auntie Bella hold you, Bellie," he said.

"Emmett, we're not calling Annabelle 'Bellie'," Rose rolled her eyes, and Esme giggled from the corner of the room.

Without waiting for a response, Emmett held his newborn child out and my hands instinctively reached to cradle her. One hand to support the head and the other to support the body, my mom told me once. Babies always smelled good, and Annabelle was no different. Emmett and Rosalie were both out-of-this-world beautiful, so it was no surprise that their child came out just the same.

Annabelle fussed at first, but soon, she snuggled into my chest, and her breathing slowed. She fell asleep in my arms, and I couldn't help but stare at her. She sure did luck out with being born into a family like the Cullens. Not just because she will be spoiled rotten but also because she has so many family members. These people will go to the ends of the world to protect her, and I found that I felt the same. Thinking of someone harming such a pure soul like hers made my blood boil.

"I was beginning to think you were scared of children," Rosalie said as she claimed the seat beside me. "But you fell in love with her too."

"She's not colicky that's for sure," I laughed quietly.

"Don't be fooled yet," Esme pointed at us with a wooden spoon. "She's only a couple of days old. Emmett was my loudest baby—threw tantrums left and right. And Annabelle shares part of his DNA."

"Mom!" Emmett feigned hurt as he brought he hand over his chest.

Rosalie and I laughed so hard that Annabelle woke up. She stared at me with blue eyes just like Rosalie's and her lips quirked up into a smile.

"Oh, Bella," Rosalie sighed contently. "She likes you."

Then as soon as she said that, Annabelle opened her mouth and threw up on my shirt. I gasped in surprise, and Emmett fell on the floor laughing. Rosalie took Annabelle from my arms and patted her back gently. Esme rushed over with some paper towels.

"I'm so sorry," Rosalie said as she tried hard not to laugh. "She just fed."

"It's okay," I said. "I'm surprisingly not disgusted."

"Go up to the second floor, and I'm sure you'll find something in Alice's old room. It's the third door on the left," Esme instructed.

When I crossed the kitchen to the grand staircase, Jasper was coming in through the front door. His eyebrow shot up in surprise, and his lip twitched.

"Ha, ha," I said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and headed up the stairs.

"Barf suits you!" he called after.

Not that I cared, but I was glad I wasn't wearing some expensive blouse that Alice picked out. I'm more terrified of Alice and how she would have yelled at me for ruining a designer fabric. I'm also glad that Annabelle was taken from me. As much as I fell in love with her, I was terrified of dropping her or bumping her head on something.

When I opened the door into Alice's room, I quickly rummaged through her closet. Considering how Alice was smaller than me, it was hard to find something that fit. A couple months ago, I probably could have, but that was back when I was malnourished and bony. In the end, I settled for a loose-fitting, sleeveless, royal blue blouse. I patted myself on the back for wearing one of the new bra sets and that it meshed well with the straps. I checked myself in the mirror before leaving.

I closed the door to Alice's room and headed for the staircase. I can hear Alice from below and the male voices chatting. The whole family was finally here. Just before I passed the door diagonally from Alice's, a tall blurry figure crashed hard into me, and I gasped. I felt myself falling, and I clenched my eyes as I waited for the impact.

Instead, I was encased in a pair of strong arms and a familiar electric buzz made my stomach flip. I opened my eyes, and I found myself staring into Edward's pair of sparkling green ones. My body was flush against his and the way he smelled made my body tingle. His hair was wet and droplets of water came down the side of his neck. I instinctively reached out to wipe them, and when I did, Edward closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. He clenched his jaw, and a low rumble came from his chest.

I quickly retracted my hands and felt embarrassed. He probably didn't like being touched like that. I wiggled under him to get into an upright position. He groaned, and his grip around me grew tighter, and I watched his face contort into so many different emotions. When I stopped wiggling, he kept his eyes clenched for a couple seconds and then they flew open. What I saw raging behind his eyes made my breath hitch.

I wiggled again—my second attempt to get out of our position.

"Bella," he groaned again. "Don't do that."

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I'm just trying to get up."

"Give me a second," he said. I cocked my head to the side, wondering why he needed time to release me from his grip. He didn't look like he was going to answer and sooner than I would have liked, he straightened up and backed away from me slowly.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes," he said gruffly.

I nodded my head and made for the staircase. When I saw that he wasn't following me, he said, "I forgot something in the room. I'll catch up downstairs."

"Oh," I said lamely and turned around before I could embarrass myself any further. Maybe it was better when he wasn't here…so that I wouldn't be an idiot with her nerves on edge at all times. Like I said before, I didn't know how to act around him. Mostly, I didn't know how I felt about him, but I for sure missed him.

"Bella!" Alice squealed when I stepped back into the kitchen. "I like the top!"

"Well, I hope so," I laughed. "It's yours!"

Recognition flashed in her eyes, and Esme explained what happened. Charlie came in the room and gave me a kiss on my forehead. Then he dashed over to the baby to play with her. I smiled at the image because I imagined that was how Charlie was when I was born. Family meant everything to him.

As we finished setting the table and the family moved into the dining room, Edward finally reappeared, and this time, he had Annabelle securely in his hands. The image of him holding a baby made it hard to swallow the lump in my throat. I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time, and I couldn't explain it.

I shook my head, and tore my eyes away.

My gaze happened to land briefly on Esme. Her head swished back and forth between Edward and me and I could almost see the wheels turning in her head, and a suspicious smile was forming on her lips. Next to her, Alice was whispering something in her ear, and I blushed at being caught. When they saw me staring at them, Alice wiggled her eyebrows and Esme flashed me a smile that said 'I'm innocent.' I shook my head at Alice, and she started nodding her head fervently. I know what they're thinking, but I couldn't disagree more.

Edward would never want me.

I'm damaged.

This chapter was edited by SunflowerFran. Thank You!

4/12/2018