a/n: heey =)

im sorry that this chapter took so long and actually its not all that good it was very rushed

im sorry but i promise you that the next chapter will be so much better

enjoy anyway

EC!0x

For goodness sake! Why? Why? Why? Bella thought as she hauled herself out of bed with an irritated groan.

It was the morning after Edward's return and she was dreading going to work. But she knew that if she didn't Edward would come looking for her which was the last thing she needed.

She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror as she brushed her teeth. Another morning she'd woken up alone. It was as though in the past four years everyday was the same. It was a boring and tiring routine. It was her daughter that brought something knew to her life. Everyday she felt her heart grow bigger for her daughter.

She looked back over her shoulder at her sleeping daughter before spreading the curtains open.

'Ness, honey? Rise and shine.'

She walked over to her daughter's bed and shook her gently.

Ness opened her eyes and sleep filled them.

'Hi,' she smiled. 'Go get your bath towels,' she said patting Ness's back.

***

Bella was greeted by an awaiting Jessica as soon as she entered through the door.

'Your coffee is on your desk. Your appointments have been restructured. And… what is the 411 with you and Edward?' Jessica looked like an eager little school girl as she sat on the edge of Bella's desk.

'Oh, I'm sorry, who are you again?' Bella asked as she settled into her desk.

'Spare me the drama.' Jessica replied, rolling her eyes. 'Dirt!'

Bella looked at her friend and shrugged. 'There is nothing to dirt about. We almost kissed, and that's it.'

'Your coffee is on your desk. Your appointments have been updated. And… what is the 411 with you and Edward?'

'Oh, I'm sorry, who are you again?' Bella asked as she settled into her desk.

'Oh…come on, Bella. Spare me the drama.' Jessica replied, rolling her eyes. 'Dirt!'

Bella looked at her friend and shrugged. 'There is nothing to dirt about.'

'Bella,' Jessica said pleadingly. Jessica first love was gossip but right now she looked more concerned about her best friend than anything. 'I'm your best friend. Tell me.'

Bella drew in a resigned breath. 'It was six or so years ago…and my dad was this big hotel owner. It started out as a family thing, and life was great. Well that is until Edward and his family entered the picture.

'Their hotel went straight to number one and my dad did everything in his power to keep his position which meant long hours in the office and lots of business trips. I never saw him much and when I did he was so bitter and it broke my mothers' heart.'

Bella turned to face Jessica. 'All I had and all I have now is my family,' she said licking her lips. 'I had to do something to save my family. Anything. And I – I went to Italy and I was going to take the Cullens on my own.'

'What happened then?' Jessica asked.

'I fell in love.'

'Bella…'

'No Jessica, it's okay. I – Can we not talk about this.'

Jessica nodded. 'Sure.' She assembled herself in her desk and launched herself into her work.

The day dragged on, Bella frequently glancing at the clock.

***

As the days went on Bella started to wonder what had happened to Edward. And when she started to stop caring he showed up.

He didn't bother knocking; he just stormed into Bella's small office and thrust an envelope on her desk.

Bella simply stared at the envelope he'd thrown at her titled 'Reneesme Swan' for a moment before lifting her gaze up to Edward, who was towering over her like a big frightening wall. Bella lowered her gaze down to the envelope again trying to figure out what to say but all the words running around in her head sounded banal.