Disclaimer: I neither own Autumn of the Witch nor Twilight.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Four

Taking a few calming breaths, Bella slowly walked over to one of the comfortable leather chairs in the library, sitting down she tried to calm down her nerves. She couldn't allow her father to see her in her present state. She had just gotten off the phone with Edward who had enlightened her as to what the conversation he had with her father was about.

Not only had Edward informed Charlie Swan that they were getting married, but somehow, Edward had convinced Charlie that they had been having a secret affair for several months and that it was his primary reason for deciding to move from his Sicilian home to make him house in New York his permanent resident. He told Charlie that they had met when he first began discussing the merger and decided to keep their relationship secret so it would not interfere with the outcome of the merger.

If there was ever anyone who could make that story sound convincing it had to be Edward had used her acceptance of the offer he made last night to manipulate her into complying with this deal. He knew that she would have flat out refused his offer last night had he told her of his full plan. But by only telling her half the story, he made it easier for her to accept. And then he beat her to telling Charlie about it, and by getting to Charlie first he was able to tell Charlie about their 'engagement'. This way she could not back out of the deal. He knew that she would never do that to her father. He knew that after he built up all of Charlie's hope, Bella would not be the one to dash them by telling Charlie the truth. So here she was stuck in an engagement and soon a marriage with Edward Cullen a very manipulative Bastard.

Bella could not consider an alternative solution; there were none that would not ruin any chance her father might have of recovering his business. She had to admit that his plan was very brilliant and cunning and she would find it amusing or even praise his skill, were it not her who would be stuck with him for the rest of her life, or for as long as this farce of a marriage would last. She could almost cry at her misfortune, but she had to hold it together.

She would now have to go out into the living room and face her father and lie to him about meeting, falling in love, carrying on a secret relationship and now getting engaged to a man who the very thought of him made her blood boil with anger. Taking a deep breath and composing herself, she got up and left the library in search of her father who would no doubt want an explanation from her.

Walking into the living room she saw her father standing by the windows staring outside he seemed to be lost in thought.

"Father?" she called catching his attention.

"Isabella, my dear, is this all true?" he asked as he walked over to her, taking her hands into his.

"Yes father," she lied to her father, hating it but knowing that she had to do this for his sake.

"Oh, Bella, why did you not tell me? I didn't even know you met Edward when he was here for the initial negotiations. I know that we haven't been very close since your mother passed and I remarried. But I thought you knew you could tell me anything, especially something like this."

Bella bent her head, "I know I can always talk to you Dad, I know that even though we haven't seen eye to eye in the last few years that you are there for me." she replied, before she recited the story Edward had fed her. "The thing is that Edward and I want to spend so time together just the two of us, as we explored what we felt for each other.

"We did not want what was happening with the company to interfere with our relationship or vice versa. We also knew that not everyone would understand or approve. But now that we have decided to get married well we have to tell everyone, especially since Edward has decided to finance the company instead of taking it over."

Leading her to one of the couches, where they both sat down, Charlie remained quiet for a few moments before he gave a shake of his shoulders. "Oh, well if that's the way of it, there's nothing more to be said. What about Jake, I thought you two were still going out, you went out with him even yesterday and last night you told me you were going out with him. But seeing as he was here looking for you I can only assume you were actually with Cullen."

"I was, and I'm sorry I lied to you about that, it's just that after what happened in the library before I left and you not knowing about the true nature of our relationship I didn't know what to tell you. As for Jake, I know that this is a pretty messed up thing to do to him, but it would never have worked, not even if Edward wasn't in the picture."

"Well be gentle when you tell him. I can only hope he doesn't take it too hard. I really thought you guys were serious."

Bella shrugged. "I think it was simply a matter of familiarity, and us getting comfortable together, there was no real spark or excitement," she said, and now she was being honest.

"So you're really engaged to Edward Cullen?"

"Yes, really," Bella answered.

"And you are in love with him and he makes you happy?"

"Yes Father." Bella managed to look him in the eyes as she answered him, she would have to learn to lie about her feelings for Edward from now on.

"Ok that's good. I only hope this marriage is the right thing for you. You are still so very young and he's so much older and more experienced than you are, and he even has a daughter if I'm not mistaken, have you met her?"

"Not yet, she is in Sicily and Edward didn't want to bring her here until everything was final for the move. Besides she's only three Father. And I don't mean to sound rude but there is also a significant age gap between you and Renee and you two still got married. I love Edward and I want to spend the rest of my life with him, Daddy, he makes me happy." She lied to her father, because she knew if he ever found out the truth he would never allow her to go through with it and that would cost him his company and she could not let that happen.

She couldn't lose her father, he was all she had left after the loss of her mother and she was willing to do anything for him.

"Ok, I just worry about you. You are my daughter and I only want the best for you. Have you thought what marriage means? I mean—he's no inexperienced boy! And I have to tell you I just don't trust him, he's a ruthless man Honey." he moved uncomfortably, obviously finding what he had to say very difficult.

Bella drew away from him gently. "I know you will always see me as your baby Dad, but I am no longer a child, I'm an adult. I do know what goes on, you know. You have no need to worry about me, I know you don't trust Edward but trust me, everything will be fine." Said, not knowing if she was trying to convince her father or herself.

Charlie raked a hand through his graying hair. "Well, he'd better keep you happy, or he'll have me to deal with." He said as she gave her a small smile and pulled her into a tight, warm embrace.

It was around one o' clock when Millie knocked on Bella's door to inform her that Edward had arrived. Bella took a few moments to prepare herself before she walk down stair to greet her fiancé who she should be head over heels in love with.

When she made her way into the living room, she found her father, Edward and Peter all sitting down sipping drinks Mille had just brought in for them and pulling on cigars.

Her father was the first to spot her as she entered the room. "Bella dear!" her father smiled at her beckoning her further into the room.

"Isabella, my love." Edward said as he put out his cigar in the ash tray next to him and stood, with a crooked smile on his as he made his way over to her and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Bella was taken aback by this action for a moment, she had never been this close to Edward and having him in such close proximity did strange things to her body. When his lips touch her cheek she felt electricity and warmth spread though her entire body, starting where his lips had been and spreading. Ignoring it she greeted him, "Edward, darling, I'm so happy to see." She said the words feeling like bile in her mouth as she forced the most convincing smile she could muster on her face.

"I was just telling you father about how delighted I was to get this business settled so we can begin making wedding arrangements." He said as he led her over to the loveseat he was occupying before she arrived.

"So, have you two began discussing dates for the wedding yet?" Charlie asked looking and his daughter and her fiancé, his future son-in-law and a man who up to a few hours ago he considered more of an enemy than a friend.

Holding Bella's hand and looking at her with a smile spread across his face, Edward answered, "We actually already have a date."

"Oh, you do? When will it be?" Charlie asked.

"August tenth," Edward answered again.

"But, that's only six weeks away, why the rush? You are not pregnant are you Bella?" Charlie asked looking alarmed.

"Oh, God no, Dad, I start school again in the fall and Edward and I wanted to get married and settled into our home before classes start, which will be two weeks after the wedding." Bella said coming up with the best excuse she could find. This was the first time she was hearing the wedding date but was not surprised it was so soon, Edward had made it clear over the phone that he wanted it done as soon as possible.

"Speaking of school, how will you manage going to school in Massachusetts, now that you'll have a new husband and stepdaughter here in New York?" Charlie asked his daughter.

"Isabella will actually be transferring from Harvard to Columbia this coming semester. I already have someone working on the transfer." Edward answered for her.

"Ok, well it seems that you both have everything figured out. I guess all I can say is congratulations and best wishes to you both."

"Thank you Dad, that means a lot to us."

Renee chose that moment to walking in, having just returned from the salon. "What is going on?" She asked, her eyes focused on her stepdaughter and Edward Cullen who were holding hands as they sat together in the love seat opposite her husband who was in an arm chair and Mr. Cullen's assistant who was occupying another arm chair in the room.

"Oh, Renee dear, come and have a seat, we were just discussing Bella's and Edward's impending nuptials."

"W—what?" Renee asked, not believing what she was hearing.

"It would appear that our Bella has been secretly dating Edward for the past few months and they have recently gotten engaged."

The look on Renee's face was priceless; she was completely taken unawares by the news. So she had been right last night when she suspected that Bella had gone off to see Mr. Cullen. Only it wasn't for the reason she had thought. What would this mean for the shares that Edward had planned to buy? "Oh, well what does this mean for SWA?" she asked.

"Mrs. Swan I thought your first response to news of your stepdaughter's engagement would have been to congratulate her and offer your support. Not to inquire about business." Edward's reply was cold as his steely gaze bore into Renee.

"My apologies for my insensitivity, I was just taken by surprise. Congratulations to you both." Renee replied as she cowered under Edward's intense gaze.

"I don't mean to interrupt but lunch is ready, please feel free to make your way into the dining room." Millie called from the entrance of the room.

After lunch Bella accompanied Edward and Peter to their car. Peter entered the car as Edward stood outside with Bella.

"What the hell is this marriage deal about?" Bella spat the question as soon as they were alone. "You told me I would be your daughter's companion not your wife. I have no interest in marrying you."

"Don't flatter yourself into thinking I actually want you for a real wife. This marriage will only be real in the legal sense. What I want is a mother for my daughter not a nanny. If I needed a nanny there are countless agencies here that can take care of that for me, besides she has a care giver who will be with her throughout the day while you are at school.

"What Elizabeth needs is mother's gentle love and affection, someone to guide her. I would expect that you of all people should know how much a girl needs her mother—"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I meant that seeing as you also lost your mother, you would be able to understand what she needs. And like I said last night I have done my research and I know how good you are with young children. Everyone at the hospital you work has nothing but glowing recommendations about you. And most importantly the children love you." Edward explained.

Bella stared at him not knowing what to say to his explanation.

"You did a good job in there today, very convincing." Edward said as his eyes studied Bella when she did not reply to his reason for taking her as his wife.

"Well you were a pretty good actor yourself. If I didn't know any better I would think you weren't a completely unfeeling, manipulative bastard. But alas I know better."

"I almost forgot, I have something for you." He said as if she had not spoken at all. He fished into his pocket and produced a small velvet box which he handed to Bella.

Bella took the box and opened it to find a breathtakingly beautiful engagement ring. It had a white gold band with tiny diamonds running along the entire circumference and a huge round cut diamond in the center. She was captivated by its beauty and was certain this ring easily cost at least a couple million dollars. "Isn't this ring a bit extravagant for a marriage like ours?"

Edward took the ring from her and placed it on her ring finger, looking into her eyes he said: "I'm am worth billions, no one would believe that I gave my fiancé a less that eye catching ring to show the world that she is mine. This may not be a conventional marriage but the moment this ring went on your finger you became mine. To everyone except you, me, and Peter this marriage is real and we are very much in love, so you will act the part.

" I must warn you that I am not a man who shares what is his and as such I expect that you will be informing your little boyfriend that, whatever you may have had is now over." He said before turning and walking towards the car, "Oh, before I go, I'll be picking you up tomorrow at seven for dinner, dress nice, I intent to take you to meet my family." And he was in the car that pulled off, before she could even think of a response.

Bella sat on her bed as she reached for her cell phone dialing Jake's number.

He answered on the third ring, "Hello?"

"Hi, Jake it's me Bella, I need to talk to you. Do you think we can meet somewhere?"

"Yea, sure, do you have any place in mind?"

"How about the La Push Café, in say one hour?"

"Ok, I'll see you there." Jake answered before they both hung up.

Bella got to the café before Jake, so she decided to grab a table and order a coffee while she waited.

The table she chose was off to the side of the café, it was secluded enough to give them privacy but open enough that if Jake didn't take the news well, he would not be able to get violent. She doubted that it would come to that but it never hurts to be prepared. She was caught off guard enough for one day thanks to Edward I think I own the world and everything in it Cullen.

The waitress was just about to take her order when Jake joined her, so he gave his order as well, after taking a seat across from Bella.

"So, Bella I really hope you invited me here to tell me why you called me last night calling off our plans claiming you had a headache. Only for me to show up to your house to find out that not only were you not there but you told your father that you were meeting me. I'm really confused here Bella, what the hell is going on?" Jake asked clearly annoyed over the whole issue.

"Jake, you have to believe me, I'm so sorry about last night. When I called you I really had no intention of going out at all."

"Then what happened? Where did you go and why did you lie about it?"

"I went to see Edward." She answered.

"Edward? Who the hell is Edward?" Jake asked confused.

"Edward Cullen."

"Why did you go see him? Is this about the merger again?"

"No, I went to see him for personal reasons." Bella answered as she looked into Jakes eyes and saw dread and confusion staring back at her.

"What personal business would you have with Cullen, Bella?" Jake asked dreading the answer.

The waitress chose that moment to deliver their coffee and Bella waited until she left before she replied.

"Jake, I haven't told anyone this before today, I actually just told my father earlier. But about two months ago I met Edward when he and my father first began business negotiations."

"Bella, what are you trying to tell me?"

"Edward and I have been secretly seeing each other since then and we recently got engaged." Bella said, guilt written all over her face. She felt bad for doing this to Jake but also because deep down she was relieved to end their relationship, which made no sense considering the situation she currently found herself in. "I am so sorry Jake it was never my intention to hurt you."

"Are you fucking kidding me? We have been together for almost a year and you have been sneaking around behind my back with another man for over two months. And now you're engaged him. I guess this is why every time I so much as try to have a conversation about our future with you, you always get weird and change the subject. I can't fucking believe you." Jake hissed angrily. "How could you do this to me?"

Bella could see the hurt, anger and betrayal in his eyes. "I am so sorry Jake; I never wanted to hurt you."

"Then why the hell did you string me along for months while you were seeing someone else?"

"I don't know. I am so sorry; you have to believe that I never want to hurt you, I just didn't know what to do." Bella said as tears ran down her cheeks, she could see how much he was hurting and even though she realized that she didn't love him the way he loved her, she stilled cared for him and it hurt to know that she was causing him so much pain because of her 'betrayal'.

"I was actually planning on proposing. I had my eyes on a ring I was planning to buy. It's obviously nowhere near as big and beautiful as the one on your finger now." He said as he got his first glimpse of the ring on her finger as she wiped the tears that were streaming down her face. "But even though it was simple, it was still beautiful, I guess, it's a good thing I hadn't bought it yet, huh?"

"I'm so sorry, Jake," she apologized again as she reached out to touch his hand that was on the table.

"Don't, just—don't," he said moving his hands from out of her reach. "I need to go; I can't look at you right now. The mere sight of you just – I can't do this right now, I have to go." He said as he got up and left her there.

"Jake—" she called out to his retreating back, but he just kept on walking.