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 27

"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly. "I realize I have no business regarding your previous relationships…It's just … I got curious hearing about it from Esme. She didn't tell me anything because it's your story to tell. If you don't want to tell me, I understand. I'm—"

"Bella, it's okay," Edward reassured me. "I said I was going to be an open book and I'm going to keep that promise."

I nodded slowly.

"She was the first and only girl I've ever loved," he said, and my heart throbbed painfully in my chest. "We met in high school, and we were together for almost eight years. As much as I loved her, our relationship was by no means perfect. She and I both had our faults, and it added to our increasingly growing number of problems. Of course, it wasn't until our relationship ended that I came to terms with these things. And the only reason it ended was that Jessica died."

I gasped.

"Even though Jessica had everything handed to her since she was born, she wasn't content," he said. "I was there when she battled through bouts of severe depressions. She suffered through a lot of mental health issues, and no matter how many times she went through therapy, she'd find herself cutting or overdosing again. She depended a lot on me to be her distraction. A part of me recognized her dependency wasn't healthy, but I loved her too much to say no.

I tried very hard to be there for her, but it got especially difficult when I dove deeper into Uncle Charlie's businesses. You yourself are a witness to how demanding the job is, twenty-four hours in the day is never enough. The relationship started turning truly sour when Jessica would go through manic episodes—she'd scream and destroy things—begging me to stay home from a trip. I would tell her that everything was fine; that I would come home soon.

Then she started using her own body as a weapon against me, knowing how it would hurt me if she cut herself or threatened to commit suicide. Her threats were real, considering her frequent trips to the hospital, and I would always give in to her demands."

He looked up at me with sorrow in his eyes, a sad smile tugging at his lips.

"I loved Jessica," he said. "You're hearing the worst side of her. For a long time, I imagined spending the rest of my life with her. She was materialistic but never took her upbringing for granted. She and I went to college together; she was smart, and driven for success. She grew up in this world, with all the glitz and the glamor but she wasn't vain. She had a lot of friends but never cared much for having an extravagant social life. More often than not, like Alice, she had friends who only took advantage of her family and their money."

"That's so sad," I said, hurting for her.

"Remember when you asked me what happened between Jacob and me?"

I nodded my head.

"His father, Billy Black, was close friends with Uncle Charlie. He, unfortunately, passed away a couple of years ago from a heart attack. Jacob took over Billy's role in the business, along with Sam. They both managed the security team and performed incredibly important duties. Jacob and I were once close, best friends to a certain standard."

"I did not expect that," I said honestly.

"We also grew up together," he said simply. "He knew about a lot of the things that went on behind closed doors, with our families working closely together for decades. We all went to the same schools, hung out in the same crowds. We got in a lot of trouble together during our teenage years, sometimes with the law but mostly with our parents. I mean, we were boys. We did a bunch of dumb things like pulling pranks and smoking weed somewhere in the woods. Most of all, I trusted Jacob, with my life."

"…But?" I sensed it coming.

"Jacob knew how important Jessica was to me," he said. "He was a witness to a lot of her problems, sometimes even driving the car as we rushed her to the hospital or another rehab center. He had voiced his opinions multiple times but also respected that I loved her. With that, when I went away on an extended trip with your father, I trusted that he'd keep an eye on Jessica. This was during the time she had just come out of the hospital, having been put on a forty-eight-hour suicide watch. I was incredibly worried leaving her alone for such a long period of time. He promised to watch her."

Oh no.

"But one night, I got that call from him saying that Jessica was being rushed to the hospital again," he said sadly. "She managed to get in contact with one of her friends, who happened to be her dealer as well. Jessica overdosed on heroin and meth. Over the years of constant abuse with those drugs, I guess her system finally gave out, and she was pronounced dead upon her arrival at the hospital."

"I'm so sorry," I said, tears prickling at my eyes.

"I blamed Jacob," he said. "I entrusted him with her life; someone who was very important to me. Despite her flaws, Jessica was a good girlfriend to me. She understood my role in the family business, stayed faithful, and loved me just as equally. My friendship with Jacob became estranged, borderline hateful at times. Even to this day, I must admit, I find it hard to trust him."

His turned his shining green eyes to look at mine, and he smiled sadly.

"Over the last couple of years, I've finally come to understand that I couldn't have done more for her," he said. "Jessica had her demons, and in the end, she lost the battle. As much as I loved her, told her how beautiful and perfect I thought she was, it wasn't enough to make her love herself. And that's how it's supposed to be, Bella."

My heart sank.

"You're supposed to love yourself, first and foremost. Jessica failed to see the things we all saw in her. That's what made it difficult for her to accept herself, to let others love her, and to live a happy life. It took a long time for me to move on from her death, and an even longer time before I stopped blaming myself, and Jacob. But our relationship will never be the same."

There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.

"You said you were ready to try, but instead of focusing on learning to love me…you needtolove yourself first."

My throat closed, and my tears fell.

"It's hard, Edward," I whimpered.

"Baby, I know," he said. "But we'll get through it together. The important thing is that you're going to try. And by doing that, you won't let him win."

I took a deep breath and smiled at him. He brought his thumb up to wipe my tears, and I leaned into his touch.

"So exquisite," he whispered.

"One more thing," I remembered.

"Anything."

"Don't close up on me when you talk about my dad's businesses," I said. "And I don't mean FSC. I mean the weapons, the gambling, everything."

"If it means that much to you…"

"Yes, it does," I sighed. "If you want me to open up about things that bother me, the problems going through my head, you have to do to same. If something happens at work, I want you to tell me about it. You share my problems …. with my mom, James, and whatever screwed up issues I'm having. You carry all of it on your shoulders. I may not know much about your businesses or your roles, but I'm going to try my best to understand."

He smiled sadly.

"I promise," he said. "Open book."

X

I tossed and turned all night.

I gave up after a couple of hours and wandered around the house aimlessly. I opened door after door, most of them being empty guestrooms. It pained me to think about Charlie being alone all these years; how difficult it must have been to come back to an empty home. On the west wing of the mansion, I walked straight into a nursery. My breath hitched, and my whole body froze.

It was as if I went back in time. This room was furnished over two decades ago, with what were now, vintage toys and decorations. The wall was painted a now, faded pastel pink, with a white, pristine-carpeted floor. The crib was made of thick dark wood, with a white veil cascading over it. I touched the books neatly arranged on the shelves; the classic story time tales. I picked up the brown teddy bear with a pink bow around its neck and smelled it. There was a purple rocking chair tucked in the corner and beside it a nightstand with more books. When I sat down on the chair, I realized they were actually photo albums.

And I could swear my heart stopped beating.

The first photo in the vinyl album was of my mom, the youngest I've ever seen her. In her arms was a white bundle of….me. She was sitting in this very same rocking chair, with Charlie standing behind her. A look of adoration was etched on his face, and I even laughed because the mustache wasn't there.

I flipped to the next page and laughed again. This time it was a picture of Charlie, his shirt stained and wet. He was holding a baby bottle in one hand, and a crying baby in the other.

"Bella?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. Charlie was standing at the door.

"Charlie," I breathed out in relief. "You scared me."

"What are you doing?" he asked, approaching slowly.

I shrugged. "I couldn't sleep," I said. "I was just wandering around."

"You found your nursery," he chuckled.

"I can't believe this was mine," I said incredulously.

"Who else?" he laughed.

"I just thought…"

"Nothing has really changed since your mom left," he said. "I still have all of her clothes, and other things. I never touched the nursery, because it was the only thing closest to you."

"I'm sorry," I choked out.

"Don't be," he said. "Your mother made her choices."

"Is it all right that I'm looking around in here?"

"Of course," he said. "You don't ever have to ask." He came closer and saw the photo.. "When that was taken, it was my first time trying to feed you. I didn't screw the top on correctly, so when I tried to put the bottle in your mouth, it just exploded. You cried, and I wanted to cry. Renee took a photo."

I laughed again, harder.

"What was Mom like when she lived here?"

"Strong and kind-hearted. Selfless, albeit a terrible cook, but a wonderful mother."

"She was," I whispered.

"She's the person who shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the terrible things I've done in my life, she still loved me wholly."

"I wish she told me about you," I said. "Before everything that happened. I wish I had been here with both of you. I wish I grew up with you. But knowing why she did it, I don't and can't resent her. I just miss her so much."

Charlie placed his hand on my shoulder, and we both smiled. "Me too."

"Also," I said slowly.

"Hmm?"

"I…think…I'm…I'm starting to have feelings for…"

"Edward?"

I gasped. "Uh huh…"

His mustache twitched. "I saw it from a mile away," he said.

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be?" he said. "If I'm confident leaving my empire to Edward, why would I feel any different about my daughter? I trust Edward, and I trust he'll keep you safe."

"You don't think I'm moving on too fast?"

"I think you think that."

"Touché."

"Bella, do what makes you happy," he said. "That's all I could ever ask for. I'm in no position to tell you who you can and cannot date. I lost that privilege a long time ago."

I gave him a pointed look. "I still care about how you feel; you're my dad."

Charlie grunted awkwardly.

"Well, all right then," he said. "So, I have permission to rough up the kid?"

"Permission granted," I said. "Just don't scare him off. I kinda wanna keep him."

He laughed. "I'll leave you be," he said.

"Thanks…Dad," I smiled.

He grunted again as he shifted from one foot to the other.

"Have a good night, Bella."

"Goodnight…" I said.

I watched him walk out of the room, but not before he gave me another glance. His eyes were glassy, and he smiled widely at me. He must have just come from work, seeing as he was still dressed in his suit. He also looked awfully tired.

With one final look, he turned and walked out.

Glancing down at my hands, I held the picture of my parents.

"Mom, I hope you're okay wherever you are," I cried softly. "I think I'm okay now; it took me a while…I'm not going to lie. It's like a rollercoaster, but the ride finally ended. Charlie…I mean, Dad…He's great. Sometimes I get jealous thinking about how the Cullens grew up with him, and I didn't. But, if that had happened, I wouldn't have had all those years with you. You never had any shortcoming as my mother, and you did your best until the very end. I think you can rest now: I'm okay, and I'm safe. Also, I found someone. I'm still scared, but it all feels different with him. I want to win. I'm not going to let James dictate my life anymore. Love is the only way I'm going to heal; not just by loving someone else, because Edward is right. I have to love myself.

I miss you, Mom..."

XX

"Hey, Sam?"

"Yes, Ms. Swan?"

"I don't think I ever properly apologized for…the other night."

"That's all right Ms. Swan," he said sternly.

"I really am sorry," I said. "I promise to behave from now on."

I saw him almost smile in the rearview mirror.

Beside me was a basket and we were on our way to FSC. I gathered up as much courage as I could to get up this morning and follow through with my plans for the day.

"If I could just have one request," I said. He glanced at me before nodding. "To make this easier, could you please call me Bella? I mean I've had nicer taxi drivers than you."

He covered his laugh with a cough.

"I just don't want to feel like a prisoner being transported from one prison to another," I explained. "And I don't like the Ms. Swan thing. I told Tammy to stop calling me that because it just doesn't sound right. And family doesn't call each other Miss something or Sir something. Plus, I've never been called Swan before. I've always been Marie—oh my God."

"What?"

"I have word vomit," I said as I buried my face in my hands.

This time, Sam let out a hearty laugh.

"I will call you Bella," he said as I looked up. "If you wish."

I sighed. "Don't let me babble like that again."

"I think we've all grown fond of it around here," he said.

From there, it was a much nicer car ride. It didn't have the usual awkward and tense atmosphere. I actually saw Sam smile for the first time since I met him. And he was an interesting person to talk to as he talked about his wife Emily, and their two children. I talked about how I was adjusting to this new life, and before I knew it, we were pulling up to the building.

He carried the basket for me as we rode the elevator. He gave me another smile before he left me standing in front of Charlie's office. I had cleared it with Sam this morning, asking if he knew what Charlie's schedule was like. Charlie was supposed to take a lunch. After hearing about it from Tammy, I knew he didn't actually eat.

I knocked.

"I'm busy," came his response.

I opened the door and peeked in, "So, should I just give the meatball sandwich I made for you to Sam and the other guys?"

His head shot up, and he smiled.

"What a surprise," he said as he waved me inside.

"I'm just coming in to drop you off some lunch," I said. "I woke up pretty early and spent all morning with Tammy making food. She said this was your favorite."

He eagerly opened the basket and pulled out one of the sandwiches. "Three?"

I blushed a mad red.

"Uh…"

Charlie smiled knowingly.

"He's also taking lunch," he said, sitting. "Thanks for this, sweetheart."

"Of course," I said. "I'll see you later, Dad."

This time, it was Charlie's turn to blush. I walked out of his office before we both turned the permanent color of a tomato. I waved hello to some of the people I recognized and eventually reached Edward's door. This time, I wasn't confident walking in.

I mean, he and I already established some sort of relationship-ish…

I paced.

I didn't call him this morning to make sure it was okay. When I saw his text message, all he said was good morning. I didn't even get to respond because I got busy in the kitchen. Plus, does he even like meatballs? On top of that, what if he was in there with someone else? Like a coworker or…or…

"Ugh," I groaned and started to turn away.

Then the door opened.

"Bella?"

I turned to find Edward standing by his door with an adorable curl in his eyebrow. "Hi," I managed to say. "I was going to ask if you wanted…I mean, I came here to bring Charlie lunch. I also came here to ask you…Ugh, I don't know why I'm so nervous."

"You brought me lunch?" He asked, pointing to the basket in my hand.

I felt my face heating again.

"It's stupid, huh?" I asked. "You probably already ate."

"No," he said, a slow smile creeping on his face. "I'm actually famished,"

He ushered me into his office and instructed his assistant to decline any calls until his lunch hour was over. When he dug into the meatball sandwich I had brought, his eyes lit up, and he moaned. "Wow, Bella," he said. "That's really good."

"I can't take much credit," I said. "Tammy showed me how to do it. It's Charlie's favorite. I felt like surprising you both. Plus, I had a nice talk with him last night, after you dropped me off at home."

His interest was piqued.

"About what?"

"About my mom, mostly," I said. "And you."

He nearly choked on the bread. "About me?" he guffawed.

I laughed, throwing my head back and slapping my thighs. His reaction was exactly what I expected. "Did Charlie say anything to you this morning?" He shook his head, still speechless. The half-eaten sandwich was now forgotten. I, on the other hand, started peeling away my wrapper and took a bite. "You're right; it is good."

He came around the desk and knelt in front of me. "C'mon, Bella. Be serious."

"I am," I giggled. "This sandwich is seriously delicious."

He gave a playful scowl. He took my hand and pulled it gently away.

"Fine," I said. "Charlie knows you're my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?" He stilled. "Charlie knows I'm your boyfriend. Am I your boyfriend?"

"It seems so silly to say it out loud, huh?" I mused. "Cause you're so Edward Cullen and calling you my boyfriend sounds so high school." I could feel another case of word vomit coming. Especially with the way he was staring at me, I couldn't help it. "You're Edward Cullen, future CEO of FSC and then you're Edward Cullen, mob-boss-in-training. Calling you my boyfriend doesn't fit in your vocabulary. There should be an adult word for it. Manfriend. Man-lover?"

He cut me off by placing a peck on my lips.

"I like it," he said. His smile was ethereal. "I'm your boyfriend."

Maybe some fluff next. But this story is going to speed up pretty soon.

Let me know what you think. Nice you see you all!

Thanks Fran! Always keeping up with my tardiness.