(Bella's POV)
The house was in constant commotion. There were people to clean, and then following them the decorators, then the entertainers and finally the catering team. Everyone had been working for over an hour now. The decorating had gone on overnight so they could finish on time.
A pair of arms came around my waist and I turned my head only to see Jacob's bright smile. Seeing me he gave me a full kiss on the lips and I started to pull away, hesitant. Jacob was a nice guy but I only wanted Edward.
Just thinking the name made my eyes fill with tears.
I loved him so, so much, and yet, he didn't love me.
Jacob didn't notice my sudden change in mood and continued to watch happily. "Can you believe that in just two weeks we are going to be married?"
A small tear leaked out. I looked on wordlessly at the workers, choosing to ignore him, and a frown crossed his features.
"Fine, Bella, be like that. Just remember, Edward is gone and he's not coming back." Seeing I was not going talk now he continued. "Anyways, I only got a bit of sleep last night because of directing the decorators. Do you think you could look over everyone while I get some sleep?"
I gave a short nod and he went off.
I let out a sad sigh as I looked around. I couldn't believe that the engagement party was tonight. Then, only two weeks away, was the wedding. I could only pray for a miracle. Being stuck with a man I didn't love for life didn't interest or please me. Only Edward could.
One of the workers came over. "Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Swan, but this DVD fell out of Mr. Blacks luggage."
"That's fine, I'll take it." He gave the DVD to me and I looked over it only to notice the cruise's logo on it. What the heck?
I looked for something other marking to find out what it was for, and found nothing. A bit annoyed I decided that nothing would go wrong if I left the room for a while to watch the DVD.
I settled in my room after the DVD was popped in.
On the screen came a video of me getting on the ships with the Cullen's. Just seeing us all together all laughing sent a pang through my heart. But I was mesmerized. No matter how much I wanted to turn off the screen, I couldn't because what I saw was what I longed for now.
After I had watched for another hour I realized all the camera was doing was following me around. To me it looked like Jacob had hired someone to film my every move, so he would know what was happening to me 24/7.
Then it dawned on me. I could see what I didn't remember. I could see when Edward had confessed to me that he never had loved me, only Anna.
I decided to fast forward through it to see when me and Jacob started hanging out, then I would know Edward had told me.
Finally I was on the time for the last day, and Edward and I were still fine. So why were we separated now? I saw me and Alice go into the spa and then later on, me getting a note. Then me going into the music, Jacob coming out behind me. I watched the screen intently, realizing this was the turning point for whatever happened. I watched the whole scene play out as tears silently leaked out. Then came the point where I saw Jacob give me the drug and I became furious. This was his fault entirely!
The screen went blank. I whirled around to see Jacob, remote in hand.
He met my gaze straight on, his voice icy cold. "I hope you enjoyed the show."
I stood up and walked to him. "How could you?"
His eyes were elsewhere when he answered. "I hated Edward."
I became slightly hysterical at this point. "So? So?! What did he ever do to you? Why did you break us up? I have the right to know. Now."
An inhuman smile came over his features. "He always was better than me. Always did everything perfect. My own parents came up to me and asked me why I couldn't be like the perfect Edward Cullen. Nothing I did compared to him. I couldn't do anything to hurt him either. No wrong could be done to him." His eyes looked down thoughtfully at me. "And then you came."
I stayed silent and stared him in the eyes. He didn't look away.
"You were like an answer to my prayers. Finally! Finally, a way to bring him down. I watched the months pass as you guys fell in love. I still didn't act on my plan to separate you, I wanted to wait longer. Then my grandma decided it was time for me to settle down or else I would get disowned. Then I thought- why not hurt Edward even more by marring the girl he so desperately loves? And why not? My own parents loved Edward more than me."
The bitterness in his voice was obvious. "He never did anything though."
He let out a loud laugh. "I know, trust me, I know. Without even trying he passed me up. He didn't even want the love of my parents or girlfriends, yet he got it. I wanted my parents to love me so badly, yet they only wished for a different son."
I felt compassion well up before I could stop it. "I'm so sorry."
He gave me a sad smile. "Don't be. It's my fault I wasn't good enough."
I opened my mouth to get mad at him.
"Please, Bella, save it. I'll finish up the party. You just get ready." And with those last words, he left."
(Edward's POV)
I repressed a wince as Anna gave another loving squeeze.
"I'm so glad you could come with me, Edward. I was so busy this week with…" Her voice faded into the background as I searched for Bella.
Then I saw her.
She still looked sad, depressed even. Then, as if she knew I was looking at her, met my gaze squarely. Before I realized what was happening she had dragged Jacob over to us.
She gave me a tight lipped smile. "Congratulations, Edward. Anna told me the news."
I looked over at Anna to see her turn a shade lighter.
"What do you mean?" I asked carefully.
Bella shot a weird look at Anna. "Your own engagement, of course."
I stood still. "What?" I choked out.
Anna stepped forward. "Well, about that…"
"Anna and I aren't even a couple and in no way are we engaged." I said sternly.
Anna's face lost all blood and I heard her mutter something about needing to freshen her makeup.
Bella gave me a relieved smile. Just at the same time one of Jacob's friends came over and took him away, leaving only Bella and I.
Bella turned to me. "I need to talk to you privately, immediately. Follow me." She turned and walked off and I followed without thinking. Things were finally going to work out. Hopefully, at least.