Previously in Chapter 21

Chapter 22

3rd POV

"Why would his ex be invited? Are any of your ex's here?" Bella asked Edward.

"Um… I don't have ex's per say."

Bella narrowed her eyes at him understanding his meaning. He just has numerous past sexual partners.

"Anyway, look, I feel like this is a plot against Maggie. I mean has she not endured enough? Parading his ex in front of her at their engagement party? This situation is messed up. Do you know what Maggie told me last week when I went to see her? She said she overheard Marcus tell Liam that he needs to find someone who can give him children. Children by blood. It's the 21st century people adopt all the time. Why does it have to be by blood? She was just shot three weeks ago." Bella said angrily.

"Babe lower your voice people are starting to stare. Look I don't know what Marcus is doing but let's take a chill pill and wait it out. Hopefully Marcus has a good reason for what he's doing. He's normally the nice one out of my father and uncle Caius."

Edward chose to keep quiet about Liam's need for biological children. Edward needed them too. A head position within the family could only be passed down to a biological child. Liam would have to have one to keep his position as a made man. Children, wives, it was part of the gig. Men who had families were more respected in the organization.

"Edward do you know how to use a bow?" Bella asked randomly.

"Uhh. I've never used a bow, no. But I'm sure I could learn. Why?"

"There is this unity ceremony that I wanted to preform at our wedding. So, there is this circle covered in fabric that you pretty much soak in lighter fluid. The man and the woman light their arrows on fire and shoot the them through the circle which then lights the circle on fire. It's supposed to represent everlasting passion in the marriage. I always thought it was really neat and different."

"It sounds really cool. Do you think it's safe?"

"Well that would depend on you, and if you're a good shot."

Edward just laughed.

"Yeah baby I think we will be just fine. I'm an excellent shot." Edward said cockily.

"Oh really? I guess we will have to see about that." Bella said grinning.

"Challenge accepted." Edward said bring the champagne flute to his mouth as he smirked.

Edward's fun was diminished as he looked over to his cousin and saw Marcus approaching Liam with Astoria in tow.

"Babe grab your glass and let's go visit Liam and Maggie."

Bella noticed what Edward had seen and stood up from the table while grabbing her glass.

(((Okay important READ THIS: when you see this * sign and then a name followed by it, it will be that individual persons thoughts. The rest will be in 3rd person. I'm doing this so you get multiple points of view without retelling the same chapter a million times.)))

*Edward- Marcus is stirring up some shit having Astoria here. Liam was obsessed with her until she said she wasn't ready for marriage yet and then they split. I don't know what has gotten into Marcus he is usually the peaceful one. This seems like something Caius would do.

Bella and Edward walked over to where Maggie and Liam were sitting and watched as Marcus walked up with Astoria.

Liam turned and his eyes got wide as he saw his first love on the arm of his father.

"Liam look who showed up. It's Astoria." Marcus said with a smile.

"I can see that. Hello Tori hope you're doing well." Liam said with a forced smile.

*Marcus- Finally! Everything is going according to plan if this doesn't work I don't know what will.

*Astoria- This is so awkward. I shouldn't have come. I owe Liam a lot. He lied for me and told everyone we split because I wasn't ready for marriage. I would be ruined if everyone knew that I had gotten wasted and cheated on him with his cousin.

*Liam- what the fuck is she doing here? I'm going to murder my fucking father. Maggie and I are trying to move forward we don't need this bullshit.

*Maggie- Who is this woman? At least Liam doesn't look thrilled to see her.

*Liam- that's it. I've had it.

"Father can I have a few words with you?" Liam asked Marcus while standing up from his chair.

*Bella- this is like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

*Edward- Maybe I should take Liam's gun.

*Astoria- I need to get the hell out of here while my reputation is still intact.

Edward, Maggie, Bella and Astoria watched as Marcus and Liam left the room.

"Well congratulations on your engagement." Astoria said smiling slightly before turning her heel and hauling ass out of the ballroom.

"Does anyone know who that was?" Maggie asked confused.

"That was Liam's ex fiancée Astoria."

"What?! His ex fiancée? He's been engaged before me? And she was invited here? To our engagement dinner?" Maggie blurted out looking toward Edward, expectantly awaiting answers.

Edward threw his hands up in surrender to Maggie's ire.

"I promise Maggie I'm just out of the loop as you are."

"Well I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being out of the loop. I'm going to get some answers. Maggie said, standing up from her chair and walking toward the room Marcus and Liam entered.

Edward jumped in front of her effectively stopping her from entering the room.

"What are you doing Edward? Move out of the way."

"I don't think you should go in there yet. Let them finish talking and talk to Liam once he gets out."

"Liam doesn't have the answers I seek. I want to talk to Marcus. Now, move please." Maggie commanded. She reached behind Edward for the doorknob.

"Wait Maggie. Just let them finish talking, and then you can talk to Marcus but interrupting them is…"

"Okay. Okay. You're right I should wait until they finish." Maggie said cutting Edward off. She backed away from the door and watched Edward breathe out a sigh of relief as he walked away from the door.

"Like I would give in that easily." Maggie whispered under her breath.

As soon as Edward was far enough away from the door she ran for it and faked Edward out as she made it to the door. With her hand on the doorknob she looked back at Edward.

"You should of known better."

She walked into the room and found the room empty. A big half moon shaped dark oak table with tall medieval chairs were placed in the center of the room. Various large paintings and red velvet drapes covered the walls. Two large plastic tarps were laid out on the floor on both sides of the table. No Liam, No Marcus. Edward was right behind her followed by Bella, Rose, Emmett, Victoria, and James, who had just been informed by Bella about the events leading to up to this.

"Oh good. You're all here."

Everyone froze at the voice and turned toward the door where Caius, Carlisle, Marcus, and Liam stood.

"We have some things to discuss. Maggie we would like to start with you first. Please everyone find a seat."

Everyone found a chair with Marcus, Caius, and Carlisle facing the young couples from the straight side of the irregular shaped table.

(((Imagine a D the fathers are sitting here -D everyone else sitting here D - )))

"Maggie I am fixing to offer you something that won't be offered to the other ladies. This has never been an option to any Cullen bride before. I would be willing to let you go and write you a check right here right now for 5 million dollars all you have to do is take the check and leave." Maggie was too shocked to talk and reached out as Marcus slid her a check for five million dollars. Maggie stared at the check with tears glossing over her eyes before she found the will to talk.

"What is so wrong with me that you would pay me to leave? Why do you detest me?"

"Child I believe you are confused. This is an opportunity for you to start fresh. With a dowry like five million dollars you could still have almost any husband of your choosing despite your unfortunate accident. But I have heard that you know of Liam's need to have biological children. Should you stay with Liam make no mistake he will have a child."

"Why does this matter so much? So since I can't have a child I would have to let my husband impregnate another woman?"

"You don't need to know why it matters. But yes Liam would have to have a mistress. I don't like it myself and I know Liam does not want that but it is what it is."

Tears poured from Maggie's eyes thick and heavy. She looked at Liam and sobbed. Passing the check back to Marcus she whispered, "make that out for cash."

Gasp sounded from around the room. Ashamed Maggie sobbed harder and clung to Liam's jacket.

"I love you Liam. But I can't watch you have a child with another woman. Please forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me…"

Liam looked deep into Maggie's eyes through her tears and kissed her lips. "Maggie love, there is nothing to forgive."

Liam stood up from the table with moisture in his eyes and grabbed the rewritten check from his father and helped Maggie out of her chair.

"Come love, I'll take you home."

I'm going to be straight with you guys. I wrote this tonight and it just kind of poured out me. I'm as shocked as you are. But before you start hating on me... remember this is a story. Things can change in the blink of an eye. So stay tuned! I won't give you any spoilers but I will say I had another path for Maggie but this one is so much better. I've had writers block for a while trying to figure out what to do with Maggie. I love Maggie and I identify with her. Also yeah Marcus was pretty cold right? But he's a mafia leader. He is supposed to be cold. Somewhat. Remember he's the nice one. Lol. You guys have been waiting for the Mob aspect of this story. Well dearies, it's coming! Part 2 of this chapter should be up soon. I haven't even started on it yet. You have what I have. As soon as I finish I post it for you. Just remember that when you're wondering when the story will be complete.

^Insert shameless review begging here.^