a/n: Hi all,

okay this is the next chapter of the Cullen Love-Child, it starts on the day of Bella and Edwards wedding. This chapter fits into the story just to ready you for the next chapter, so no major events happen.

:) x

The sun was shining brightly on Bella as she made her way down the beautiful material laid down on the grass towards the rose arch where Edward and Carlisle stood. She was grateful for the veil that covered her face. She couldn't control the tears that were threatening to erupt and ruin the eyeliner that Alice had applied a few hours before.

"Easy Bells, you're shaking," Charlie, who was more co-ordinated than she was and was marching rhythmically to Wagner's traditional march, whispered beside her.

Bella tried to compose her nerves and failed. She couldn't feel her legs but somehow she was still moving towards Edward.

As the name entered her head, her eyes, of their own will, wondered to his unreadable gaze. Could anyone else feel the tension between them? She wondered. The tension grew stronger the closer she got to him; by the time Charlie had halted in front of the arch Bella thought she was going to explode.

She never felt more alone than she did that moment as she watched Charlie's retreating back after he'd handed her to Edward. Renee had advised Bella not tell Charlie the truth about the arrangement; she'd said it would be better this way and Bella had agreed.

Bella's eyes scanned across the first row of satin-draped chairs and white blossoms, past Esme's hazel glance, past Jessica's blue-eyed gaze to find Reneesme's excited stare. And in that instant she knew that she was doing the right thing for her daughter. It made it less dreadful to vow herself to the one man she hated more than anything. The tears flowed down her face but to the attending guests they were tears of joy.

By the fourth day of her honeymoon Bella was now familiar with the daily routine. She'd wake up to the heat of Isle Esme and spend a few minutes in her big white bed in her big white room listening to the sound of Edwards movement in the room next to her own.. By the time she'd showered and dressed, Edward would have left on "business" to Rio de Janeiro. She'd find various activities to keep her entertained during the day and by the time she'd finished her evening meal she'd be ready to go to bed a few hours before Edward was supposed to arrive from the office.

Yes Bella knew the routine well so she was a bit surprised when the door bell rang midday. She hadn't noticed and any boats arrive on the island. It couldn't be Edward he had a key. So who could it be? Just to be on the safe side Bella grabbed a heavy metal pot from the kitchen on her way to the front door. She paused to take a few breaths before swinging the door open.

"Housekeeping." A petite elderly woman said in a heavy Spanish accent as she eyed the pot in Bella's hand suspiciously.

"Oh," Bella said feeling idiotic. "Of course"

"Where you expecting someone else?" the woman looked concerned.

"No." Bella replied running her hand though her hair. "I'm sorry but I've already taken care of the cleaning."

The woman took a few seconds to ponder that. "Is Mr Edward here?"

"No."

"You are Mr Edward's bride si?"

"Yes, how do you know I'm not wearing my wedding rings?"

The woman smiled. "I'm Maria. My late husband was a friend of Mr Carlisle's. They discovered this island together he helped Mr Carlisle build the house for his bride, Esme, your mother-in-law I presume."

"Would you like to come in?" Bella asked moving to allow Maria room to enter the house.

"Would you like something to drink?" Bella asked when Maria was seated in the main room.

"No, gracias."

Bella sat next to Maria on the big sofa. "You know Carlisle and Esme?"

"Si, I first met themduring their honeymoon. Mr Carlisle's bride was kind enough to help me with the cleaning. They stayed here for a very long time but they returned to America when Mrs Esme fell pregnant. They often brought their three sons here. Mr Emmett brought his new wife here for their honeymoon and so did Mr Jasper. I was starting to wonder if Mr Edward was ever going to find his novia." She paused to offer Bella a big smile. "You are very beautiful, muchacha."

"Thank you."

"Where is Mr Edward? You are one of the most luckiest girls in the world. Mr Edward is very handsome and has a kind heart."

Some of Bella's grief must have shown on her face because Maria asked, "Is anything the matter, querido?"

"It's…. complicated." Bella answered politely.

Maria nodded slowly. "I understand." She said giving Bella's hand a quick squeeze. "Well if you are not too busy I'd like to invite you to the mainland."

Bella gave Maria a quizzical look.

"There is this festival."

"A festival?"

"Si, a festival – a carnival. They'll be food and music and dancing. Have you ever been to a Brazilian Carnival, querido?"

Bella spent the afternoon on the beach with Maria and her daughter, Angela. It was the most fun she'd had since she'd accepted Edward's proposal, she'd just wished Reneesme could've been there.

Maria had driven Bella back to Isle Esme before sunset. So she was shocked to find Edward in the main room, with his suit still on but his tie on the floor and his collar up, anticipating her return. He was beautiful that it hurt to look at him.

"Where have you been?" he demanded rising to his feet.

Determined not to let this ignorant fool ruin her good mood Bella headed for her bedroom. "Out." She said over shoulder on her way there.

"You could've called or left a note!"

Bella stopped and turned around to face him. God! He was infuriating! "The way you call? Or leave notes?"

"You know that I am at the office."

"At least you could call to ask how I'm doing. I mean after all you leave me alone here on this island."

Edward couldn't look into Bella's eyes. The disgust that filled them was too much for him to handle. Those same eyes had looked at him with love and comfort.

She was beautiful, even more-so when she was angry. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her brows furrowed, eyes wide, lips parted, her breast rising and falling with every breath she took. If he bent his head slightly he'd be kissing his hot-tempered wife.

His wife…..

His woman….