DISCLAIMER: The story doesn't belong to me; the characters are property of S. Meyer, and the plot belongs to Annalau Thank you so much for letting me share your story in English!

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Chapter 7

"What if she's right?" Jake asks. I get distracted looking at him and the sack hits my shoulder, I snort. "It may be true what she says," he continues. "Isabella is very young and if she doesn't want to lose her chance in college, it's logical that she'll resort to a thousand crazy things, it's very valid. I believe her."

"Let's assume you're right," Alec interjects. He too has just finished his boxing session and now removes his bandage. "Where did the large amount in her bank account come from? It's obvious she slept with Carlisle, got paid and the old man got stung by her. They're lovers."

I look at Alec defiantly and he doesn't lower his gaze.

"I don't understand your annoyance, Edward," he replies, "If they are lovers, it shouldn't matter to you.

"My irritation is that you claim something you don't know for sure," I reply sharply.

Alec shakes his head with a stupid laugh painted on his face and walks away towards the showers.

"Asshole," I mutter loud enough.

Jake guffaws as his fist slams into my side.

"What are you laughing at?" I scold him. "When are you going to learn to shut up? Damn it! Alec can go loudmouth on Marcus."

"Seriously, I don't understand why you've never put up with Alec. Maybe deep down you still hate him for being Charlotte's partner. Get over it, man."

"Charlotte doesn't interest me at all. She's free to do with her life as she pleases. The problem with Alec is that he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut. I'm sure he'll go running to tell his father, and Marcus will tell Aro. I don't intend to get that young lady in trouble either."

Jake remains thoughtful. I leave him to his demons, turn around, grab a towel and walk to the showers.

"Edward..." he calls softly, approaching me. "What about the conversation you overheard between Aro and Carlisle? What if Isabella is one of the girls they mentioned? If I were you, I'd find out what really happened."

I rub my beard, exhaling deeply.

"I haven't stopped thinking about it. I'm convinced there's a lot more to what I heard that night. And I know damn well where to start finding out."

Jake stops me by the arm.

"You're thinking what I'm thinking, aren't you? That girl has a lot to do with it."

"Yeah, she does."

"So why not have her around? You have the perfect excuse and it's Pat's tutoring."

I nod without mentioning that my excuse is to return her bag later this afternoon. My cell phone rings, I turn back to the locker and my lips tighten at the sight of Irina's name. Jake waves goodbye with his thumbs up.

"How are you, Irina?"

"How am I? Are you making fun of me?! You haven't spoken to me in a week. In a week!"

I move the phone away from my ear. I hate it when she gets impossible.

"You asked me not to look for you if I didn't have a ring with me, and I don't," I untie my ponytail and ruffle my hair in frustration as Irina begins to sob.

"We're done, Edward," she says, "It's over between us."

I sigh.

"If it's your decision, that's fine. I accept."

She ends the call between sobs. I put the cell phone back in the locker and step into the shower; the stream of water hits my face.

Maybe I should feel bad, but I can't regret anything. With Irina it was always like that: an uncompromising relationship. I have lost count of the number of times she has broken up with me and days later she looks for me. I hope this time she won't do it anymore, for her own sake and for my mental health.

Coming out of the showers I get dressed quickly because I know where I'm going.

Alec greets me with a nod as he sees me pass. I don't respond. I continue on my way to the parking lot. I climb into the van and the first thing that catches my eye is Isabella's small purse frolicking on the leather of the passenger seat.

I am annoyed to see it and as if the helpless bag is to blame I reluctantly put it in the glove compartment. Feeling better, I start my new ride which is over half an hour.

Of course I know where Isabella lives because her friend usually posts every little thing she does on her social networks. I, like a sick fucking stalker, have logged in again and again to Isabella's networks from her cell phone.

My internal dialogue is interrupted when I reach the indicated street.

«What the hell is Carlisle doing here?»

I park in front of the curb and get out without wasting time in the van, of course without hiding my displeasure at seeing my father with his mistress.

No sooner am I in front of them and Isabella throws herself into my arms. Surprised by her outburst, my body tenses, I don't know how to react. My hands still don't move from my sides.

"My love, you're here," her tone of voice is high and trembling. She is on the verge of tears. "Stay with me, Edward."

Confused. My arms react and wrap around her, she looks so fragile.

I need to comfort this delicate young woman somehow.

"I'm all yours," I whisper without thinking and also without taking my eyes off Carlisle as I allow my arms to protect her without hesitation.

The look on my father's face is one of total intrigue. His honey eyes never stop scrutinizing my grip on Isabella.

«Did they argue?»

He clears his throat.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asks, his sharp tone not going unnoticed. "What are you doing here, Edward?"

"Edward is my boyfriend," Isabella replies instantly, without hesitation. "I asked him to come and see me."

«I'm what?»

Startled I tilt my head looking for an explanation from her; I check that she is looking at me. Her eyes look pleading and full of fear. She is crying, a tear escapes running down her cheek I catch it with the tip of my finger.

She looks so vulnerable.

"Edward...?" my father squeezes.

"I don't owe you any explanations," I reply, my voice also strong. "What strikes me as odd is your presence here, in a college student building."

"I don't owe you explanations either" his brow keeps that vertical wrinkle, he is furious and can't hide his expression, why? "Miss, we'll talk some other time," he turns to Isabella, who hugs me tighter in search of... what do I know?

"We have nothing to talk about, sir," she articulates without looking at him. She keeps her face hidden between my chest, she is very warm and also very petite.

Carlisle snorts. I have rarely seen him lose his sanity and today seems to be that day, perhaps making a great effort to leave with his gallantry intact. Of course at no time does he take his eyes off me until his truck starts up and disappears down the street.

"Can you let me go now?" I ask. "Or are we going to go on all fucking afternoon like this?"

Isabella walks away, crossing her arms. A blonde stands between us with her hands on her hips, watching me grumpily. This is Jessica Stanley. I've seen her in Isabella's publications.

"Instead of coming to bother my friend, why don't you go and put your nasty father in his place?" the blonde demands.

"Jess," Isabella pulls her friend's arm, "can you take the stuff? I'll be there in a few minutes," the blonde protests, almost throwing a childish tantrum when the bags are pointed out to her on the floor. "Please."

Reluctantly and leaving a warning look on my face, the girl agrees to go upstairs with all those bags packed. I am tempted to help; however I remember that I am not on a courtesy visit. Nor am I interested in making nice with any of them.

"I'm so sorry for what I did," Isabella murmurs, earning my full attention. She is biting her lower lip as her fingers fiddle with each other, her gaze is on her tennis shoes. "I don't want you to get any ideas about me... I... it's complicated talking to you. Can I ask you a favor?" Her chocolate eyes are looking at me coyly. "Can you keep up the lie?"

"Why?"

"Because yes"

"That is not a valid answer." I modulated the tone of my voice even though at this moment I want to shout and force her to tell me the truth. "I want to know the reason for lying for you. Why should I do it?"

"It's no use telling you the truth," her eyes return to her tennis shoes. "You don't believe anything I say. You look at me as if you hate me and I don't even know why."

Three steps and I'm in front of her; I take her chin and make her look at me. This time I'm delicate and my manner with her is tender. I'm trying to gain her trust.

"A few moments ago you were trembling with fear, you were even crying. Suddenly you take refuge in me and say you are my girlfriend," I grimace. "What was my father doing here?

"You know."

"No, I don't know, I want you to tell me. What was Carlisle doing? Was he bothering you?"

"If you don't want to lie for me, leave it at that." She walks away, she walks to the entrance of the building, I stop her with one arm. "Don't touch me!" she shouts.

I raise my palm in silent apology. I remember my reason for being here and pull out her purse from the glove compartment, I show it and she smiles.

"Thank you!" Her eyes light up with happiness. "I thought I would never get my stuff back, my cell phone" she pulls out her smart device and starts looking at it. "I have a lot of missed calls from my friends and Ty."

I can't find a reason for the discomfort the mention of her boyfriend provokes in me. I ignore the angry feeling anyway and focus on her.

"Are you still interested in tutoring my son?"

Her smile fades, her mouth falls open. Her reaction is a funny one that makes me smile.

"Are you serious, Edward?"

I keep smiling.

"Yes! Of course yes! I'm ready to start classes today" she looks enthusiastic and keeps smiling, she looks cute when she does it. She blinks her long hair behind her ears and licks her lips. "Thank you for the opportunity. You won't regret it, I promise. I will make your son the best student of his generation."

She throws herself into my arms, in a warm and rather short hug.

"Tomorrow I'll be there after two in the afternoon," she smiles at me and runs into the building.

My smile fades.

I know exactly what I have to do. I dial Jasper Hale's number

"Cullen," he answers the first ring.

"I need a favor, Hale. Are you in town?"

"No, I'm not in Chicago. You know well that my residence does not matter, Cullen. I'm at your command, tell me."

"Listen carefully to what I'll tell you..."

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It's another day at the office and I'm about to go home.

"Are you leaving?" Dad asks as he walks in.

I rest my back against the back of my chair as he sits down in front of the desk. His angry gesture is hidden with a fake smile. The strange thing is that it's taken him all day to talk to me. I've been waiting for him first thing in the morning without any news.

"I didn't know you were involved with that girl," he mentions bluntly, while playing with some pens. "I thought you were still dating Irina. What happened with her?"

"We broke up," I answer curtly.

"Oh, and where did you meet Isabella?"

I narrow my eyes without taking my eyes off him.

"It's the first time you're interested in my love life."

"I worry about you, son," he holds my gaze, "and Pat too. I don't like the idea of my grandson living with any woman."

I inhale.

"I'm not a child or any teenager for you to worry about me. And about my son, he is happy."

His brow furrows. His annoyance is noticeable.

"Since you're here," I continue my charade, "I'd like to know where did you meet my girlfriend?"

He remains thoughtful, gasps nervously.

"It's just that... Well, you see the consortium offers scholarships. She was one of the chosen ones."

"Ah..."

"That's how I know her. She told you about me.

"I understand that the financial department of the consortium are the ones who administer scholarship amounts. Not that you had to go in person to find the students. And no, she didn't tell me about you. Should she had to?

Carlisle denies and stands up.

"I warn you that your mother will be coming to see you today," his change of conversation makes me doubt him more. "She doesn't agree that you're dating someone so young."

I mimic his posture and walk beside him, his hand resting on my shoulder. I shake his touch, annoyed by his closeness, maybe it's his phoniness. Jake meets me in the hall and stops me, letting Carlisle leave at last.

"Tell me everything," he presses as I follow my path out of the offices. "What does it mean that you're Isabella's boyfriend?

I look up at the sky; it's still grayish, at least it's not snowing anymore, although the cold is still biting deep into my skin.

"I have nothing to say. She made it up," I squared my shoulders and continued at a steady pace.

"Why not deny what she said? You have a choice, Edward. Why let a lie grow?

I stop in front of the van door and press the bridge of my nose.

"She has her reasons and I have mine."

"What do you mean? I'm not getting it."

"Jake, let me do things my way."

"What about the embezzlement that's going on? This is important too, Edward."

I shake my hand; I don't want to hear any more.

"I asked Hale to take over. When I hear back we'll talk."

Exhausted and not wanting to know anything, I get into the van. I need to get away. The drive is short when I get home.

I'm anxious.

"It must be exciting to have so many siblings," Pat chortles.

He's studying at the coffee table. I want to think he is because there are books and notebooks scattered on the glass surface. Isabella is with him, both kneeling on the cushions.

"Well, not much," Isabella mumbles with her eyes on the table, "I'm the oldest and believe me it's not very exciting. I'm always the one no one remembers. Renee is so absent-minded that she always forgets my birthday."

"Charlotte is not distracted, but I know Dad forces her to congratulate me, also to take me on trips with her. I wish I was old enough to avoid such fakery."

"Pat, I'm home," I announce so my son won't say more. They both stand up; my teenager runs to meet me."

"You're early, huh? That's good, Dad. Bella and I are studying."

I raise my eyebrows and he laughs. I start to tousle his hair and make him snort.

"Dad don't do this," with his fingers he tries to arrange his hair. "I'm not a child anymore."

I sigh.

"Hi, Isabella," I greet her with a smile.

She blushes and smiles faintly. This time she dresses more presentable, she even has makeup on her face. She seems to be trying to look more grown up.

"Hi. We're not done yet," she makes an apologetic gesture. "Is there a problem if we're still here or would you rather we...?"

"Oh, don't worry. You can stay here; I'll be in my room."

She nods.

I try not to make my presence uncomfortable and get ready to spend the rest of the afternoon in my room. I lie on the bed closing my eyes, my left hand settles under my pillow and my fingers feel the texture of another fabric; I drag it in front of me: it's Isabella's hat.

On impulse I leave the room in search of her. Pat has his headphones on and yanks them out when he sees me, pretending he's making notes.

"Where is Isabella?"

My son points to the doorway.

"She got a call that made her very happy and went out."

"Don't get distracted, Pat."

I head for the entrance; she's still on her cell phone, chattering away with a smile. I'm about to turn around and give her her space, but my feet get closer to where she is.

I really don't know myself. If I'm not stalking his networks, I'm doing it in person like a good gossiper.

"Then we'll see each other in the spring," she murmurs with a smile, "We'll live together Ty. We'll start a new phase as a couple."

I don't want to listen anymore; I walk back into the house with a slam of the door and Isabella comes in behind me.

The doorbell starts ringing incessantly Carmen peeks out of the kitchen, I stop her and tell her I'm in charge. Annoyed I open the door.

"Is it true you're dating a young girl?" Esme questions without saying hello and without letting me answer she enters the room.

I snort, walking behind her.

"Grandma!" Pat hugs her and starts kissing her cheeks making my mother laugh. "Look, this is Isabella. Bella to her friends."

My mother evaluates it for a few moments and turns to look at me. I know she's about to make a bad comment.

"Mom, let's talk," I take her shoulders and lead her into the second living room.

She breaks free from my grip and walks back in front of Isabella.

"Esme Cullen," my mother holds out her hand. "Your boyfriend's mother."

Bella's face flares crimson.

"What boyfriend?" asks Pat.

I press my temples.

I must give my son an answer.

Hello! Here we are again, I hope you like this chapter. Before I forget I'm going to answer a doubt: I've been asked if the story has a happy ending and yes, yes it does.

What did you think of the chapter? Do you think Carlisle will keep annoying Bella? Do you think Bella will move in with Tyler? How do you think Esme will react to the supposed girlfriend? I look forward to reading your opinions.

To those who commented all my special thanks: cocoa blizzard, acw1, Dulce Carolina, Ale Stewart, joshuasmom131, Pattsy1994, Rosemarie28, , mnnlisa