BPOV

Previously...

But you know as they say what goes around comes around..."

What did he mean by that!?

This chapter...

I was confused...

He looked up at me - "Bella... I got what I deserved, the way I treated you the things I said..." his expression was pained.

"What do you mean Edward?" I asked him.

"Well I technically got what I wanted... the moment you walked out the door it basically confirmed to me at that time, that Aro was right and my determination to take him up on his offer increased exponentially. So I did just that. Almost immediately after you left I called him and told him that he was right and that he will have my unwavering loyalty." Edward sighed. "Little did I know, that that was exactly what he wanted."

I had a sense of where the story was going, but at the same time couldn't believe what I was hearing. At that moment he looked so utterly vulnerable.

"Edward... you don't have to continue. I don't -"

"No you need to know this." He looked right at me, as he spoke - "Aro wanted me to take up that position to hide the fact that he was involved in money laundering... apparently I was the perfect candidate to be used as a coverup since I was young and new to the company. It didn't help that I had a big ego and thought I could do no wrong. Aro played into that..."

He sighed and continued - "So when I took up the position I guess I wanted to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous... so I spent most of my time... out partying, drinking and dancing... the sad part is I still blamed you for my actions, especially since I could never sleep with anyone after you, I saw your face and heard your voice everywhere I went... I really thought I could get you out of my system by getting drunk... at least that's what Aro said... within three months that life became boring... I missed you. I thought I'll clear up my act and win you over. Aro never questioned my sudden change but he also never considered the fact that I would actually be good at my job and a quick learner on top of that. So when I found out something wrong was going on, I contacted him immediately..."

I knew where this was going, I couldn't help but feel sad but at the same time, he had it coming. But in the back of my head, I was hurting for this man... if only he told me this earlier, it would've saved him so much pain.

"He told me to back off... and suddenly I was no longer competent, but instead a person who had no clue what he was doing... I pieced it together, that Aro was the one that was depositing and withdrawing large funds from offshore accounts, doing god knows what. That's when I decided to contact the police..." he paused contemplating his own words.

"Bella... I had been fighting that battle for almost two years, and when I finally managed to come out of it with Aro being sentenced to a huge fine which was nothing for him, I had finally realized how over ambitious I actually was... after that lawsuit, I had to start from scratch essentially. When I did try to find you... it was as if you just disappeared, Renée didn't answer and Charlie just hung up... I even tried to visit you in Forks but Charlie didn't bother opening the door... so I knew I lost my chance, I lost my job, my love, my happiness and in a way my family... They were so pissed that I pushed them away and more importantly you away... you know how much you mean to them..."

That's news to me.

It also sounded like Edward was downplaying the situation a whole lot from the way he was talking.

"I lost my mind that day... with you and Ness... because I felt that either you didn't allow us to be a family or the fact that you could move on so easily... I've always been short tempered... believe me I'm working on it with my therapist... there are so many things I had... have to tell you... most importantly that you were right. I am most definitely selfish, I may have initially thought about our lives but I also had motives to grow in the company and become this huge and successful person... none of which made me think about us, rather just me..." he sighed. It really sounded like a burden was lifted off his chest.

"I know I don't have a chance anymore... but seeing you in my hoodie-"

"Wait! What!!?" What did he mean by his hoodie? "This hoodie belongs to Charlie!"

"No Bella... that's my hoodie I think I left at Charlie's the first time I met him. I had wondered where it went to but I figured I just lost it."

I was stunned!!! This was my comfort hoodie or rather still is and I don't -

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I should've figured that you wouldn't want my stuff. I'm sorry I shouldn't have insinuated... I should just go-" he stood up ready to leave.

"Edward wait." Oh my god! I don't know what I'm thinking or saying or doing - "I know it's been hard but maybe we are colleagues the least we can be to each other is civil." I saw his face drop, worse than before, almost like I just hit him in the face.

"But I'm truly sorry that you went through that. I am glad you're getting help as well. And honestly, we may start off as colleagues but we can be friends later... let's start with that." What was I saying!? I am so embarrassed and confused and can't even look at him right now! At this point my mind and my mouth are out of sync. I mean I'm glad he's getting help but should I give him a chance!?

However as I looked back at Edward's face I saw a smile I hadn't seen in long time. It seemed pretty genuine as well.

"Don't worry Bella I can deal with that. But I wanted to ask... about Ness." My face must've given some sort of indication because, he immediately added - "I didn't mean to rush you... I was just curious... sorry. Maybe some other time."

"Some other time works for me." I smiled at him scared of the future but unable to stay away from him "Let's eat I'm starving" I added.

"Agreed." He replied effectively ending the previously heavy conversation.

Maybe we would be friends someday but at this point I don't think I could stay away from Edward Cullen if I tried...

A/N:

Hey guys, this chapter is an insight into what happened with Edward, in those four years.

Do you think he's worth a shot? Or should Bella just leave him where he belongs... in the past?

Also I know it's been too long. Yes I actually did forget about this story but hey I'm back now. Please don't hate me. Sorry.

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter!