A/N: Thanks for all of your support so far! I'm thinking of writing one more chapter, maybe two. It depends on how the story evolves. Also, SPOILER ALERT: this chapter includes storyline spoilers for Diabolical Box. I found they conveniently fit into my story. Like, scarily convenient.

My friend is still not better. Well, she might be, but she's sick again. So once again, here's hoping her health improves :)

Also, I have not yet secured the rights to Twilight nor Professor Layton. And I probably never will.

"Time to go, my-" Edward stopped short, taking in Bella sitting with two unknown men.

"You must be Edward," Layton stood up and extended his hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

Edward grasped Layton's hand with a little more force than was necessary. Then he sat down, curiously looking at the young boy gazing at his wife. "Hello," he said stiffly.

"Now I must confess," started Layton, "that I am quite the puzzle aficionado. Yet one mystery eludes me. That is to say, why Bella likes you so much."

A flicker of emotion slipped over Edward's face, which quickly returned to an impassive stare. "Well, I'm handsome," he pointed out. "And I have liquid topaz eyes."

"True," admitted Layton. "But what does Bella see in you? What is it about your personality that draws her in?"

Edward struggled for a moment. Clearly, he had not given this much thought. "She smells like apples… I like apples."

"That's not a reason for her liking you. What else?"

"Well, I think you're just not experienced enough to understand our love," Edward said sorely, putting his hand protectively on top of Bella's.

"Yes, I feel my literacy does not help my comprehension here," admitted Layton, a hint of venom in his voice. "It defies all logical reasoning."

"I know, Professor!" Luke piped up, tearing his eyes away from Bella. "It must be that hallucinogenic gas from that mine in Folsense!"

"Luke, I believe you might be onto something," Layton said, his excitement audible in his voice. "Edward – are you wearing any jewelry? Particularly gold jewelry?"

"Why yes, said Edward," slipping off his bracelet bearing the Cullen crest and holding it up. "I've got this."

"Luke – I believe you can explain this now," Layton proffered.

Luke, eager to show off in front of Bella, eagerly launched into the answer. "Well, Bella, when we were in Folsense, we discovered this gold mine; a mine that had hit a pocket of hallucinogenic gas. This made everything seem like your preconceived notions of it. It was employed primarily… by a vampire."

"Hallucinogenic gas? What a cop-out!" Edward exclaimed.

"Shhh, Edward, let them finish the story!" Bella admonished.

"So Bella, when you were told by your classmates that Edward was hot. So that's you were so attracted to him. And then Edward, desperate for a girlfriend after 100 years of being turned down, jumped on the opportunity to finally have someone love him. That's why no one else but you can like Edward – you're the only one under the influence of his gas."

Bella snorted, but let the awkward phrase pass.

"So what you're saying, is that Bella only likes me because of some bracelet I'm wearing?"

"Effectively, yes," said Layton.

An awkward silence followed. Luke stared at Bella. Bella stared at Layton. Layton mixed his tea. Edward looked at the other occupants of the table, flicking his gaze from face to face.

Then Bella, in an uncharacteristic surge of courage voiced what her heart was saying. "Edward… I think your spell is wearing off… I think my heart belongs to another man now."

Edward stared in horror at Bella. Then, he soundlessly jumped to his feet and ran out the door, leaving the bell tinkling madly behind him.

A/N: Please do not review this. Nor fave it. Nor share it. I hate all of that.

Kidding! Please please please do any or all of the above!