Sorry! I know that took really long to update. Was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo busy. Really I was! And this chapter was pretty hard to write. Like I mean, really hard. I don't know how long I spent to write this chapter and how many times I edited it to make it make sense.

This chapter, be warned. It's pretty long and I admit, a little slow. But it's essential. This chapter takes you into what Edward and Bella is thinking at this time. Nothing but just their thoughts. If you were in that situation, you would have so many things running through your mind to. Hey, they are only human:)

Please be patient with me too because I have a tiny feeling I have alot of mistakes made this chapter since I kinda was so rushed through it and gone nuts with the amount of thinking I had to do. :( yikes!

Disclaimer - Don't own Twilight or any of the characters!

Playlist - Wonderwall by Oasis

I took a REALLY long time to decide what song I wanted for ths chapter. Finally, it came down to this. Classic - but the lyrics and the beat and rhythm of the song is just beautiful for this chapter :)

But I Don't Know How

Jacob's POV

"Sunday morning, rain is falling…" I hummed to the tune of Maroon 5 that was playing from the radio.

Billy had already gone out earlier so I was pondering over whether to allow Bella to sleep in or to get her up now. I glanced at my watch. It was still early, around eight or so. Maybe I could make it up to her by taking her out for breakfast today. But what if she wants to sleep in?

I made my way up the steps and tapped gently on her door. When I found the door unlocked, I opened it slowly and peeped in. Bella was sitting at her desk with her head tilted over her History text book.

"Hey, Bells. Want some breakfast? You haven't eaten yet and you've already started mugging!" I exclaimed, throwing her my best horror face.

"I'm not mugging! And yeah, I'll be down in a minute. I just want to finish this last chapter up," Bella nodded appreciatively.

I closed the door and went back downstairs. I began to wonder what I could do today with her. Should we go out and get the breakfast or should I just try cooking up something classic like eggs and bacon. I shrugged; maybe she'll figure that out.

I grabbed he newspaper off the coffee table, threw myself on the couch and began to read.

Ding, Ding, Ding

I looked up from the newspaper in my hands. I never realized we had this much visitors everyday ever since Bella moved here. I hopped off the couch and went over to get the door. I cursed silently under my breath as Billy had always delayed in putting a peep hole in the door. I was always not bothered to peep out of the window. I opened the door slightly and I raised my eyebrows in surprise when I recognized who it was.

"Good morning, Mr. Black. Is Ms. Isabella Swan available right now?"

I frowned at Jonathan, one of the servants that the Masens had, "Why?"

"Well, it's family affairs, sir. May I please speak with her for a moment? I am only following Mrs. Masen's orders."

I sighed. I couldn't fight with that so I held the door wider for him to come in, "She's upstairs in her room."

Bella's POV

I highlighted the final sentence at the end of the chapter in triumph. Finally I had finished another chapter, and without mugging. Maybe I would get through the finals like a breeze as I hoped. Once with the finals out of the way, I can concentrate on College. I sighed when I remembered Edward. I began to wonder if he would even invite me to his wedding.

Suddenly, another tap on the door came and I called, "Yes, yes, coming Jacob! I'm already done!"

When I scooted my chair around, I saw Jacob walking in with a glum face, "Bells, there is someone at the door for you."

"Who is it? Angela?" I asked as I tied up my hair in a ponytail.

"It's – um, someone from next door," Jacob said awkwardly.

I blinked, "Huh?"

Jacob shifted uncomfortably, "Well, I'll just leave then. He's waiting for you at the door. I think they want you to go over to their house or something…"

Once Jacob left, I lounged in my chair for awhile. It couldn't be Edward. He definitely couldn't see me this early. I tapped my cheek lightly for awhile. I always did that when I was trying to work out something. Finally, I got up and made my way downstairs. Somehow, Jacob had miraculously disappeared from the living room and now was watching TV at an incredibly loud volume.

"Hi…?" I shut the door behind me trying to drown out the noise that Jacob was making.

The smartly dressed butler in front of me nodded politely, "Good morning, Ms. Swan. Mrs. Masen wishes to have your company over for breakfast this morning."

My head was spinning. Did he mean Edward's Mum?

"Are you sure you got the right house?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. I am only following Mrs. Masen's request. May we proceed over?" he gestured to the stunning house next door.

I gulped, "Um, okay."

As we walked over, I could swear I saw Jacob peeking out from behind the curtains. I shook my head just thinking about it. But a million thoughts were raging through my head. Was I in trouble? Had they found out about me and Edward and they wanted to tell me to get lost now because I might be a distraction to him and his new bride?

I admired the landscaping of his front garden and the tiny little fountain he had. Everything about his house was so flawless. The brown wooden framed door that Jonathan opened for me to walk in was also worth to envy. I took off my sandals and walked in cautiously. Just then, a rather tanned young woman walked by and gave Jonathan a small nod.

"Mrs. Masen is already waiting in the living room," she said.

"This way, Ms. Swan," Jonathan led me through a corridor and then opened another door.

He nodded for me to go in. When I entered and Jonathan closed the door gently behind me, I found myself in a living room that had a woman with gleaming wavy auburn hair and familiar green eyes sitting on one of the couches.

"Hello, Isabella," the woman smiled at me.

When I just stood there, she motioned for me to sit on one of the sofa, "Please, sit. Don't be shy. I don't bite."

I laughed nervously as I sat down slowly on the chair, "Thanks."

She studied me for awhile before placing her pale hands neatly on the desk, "I'm Elizabeth Masen. Do you know Edward? He's in the same year as you in school. Are you acquainted with my son?"

The irony of it, I mumbled under my breath.

"Yeah, I know Edward…" I nodded.

She suddenly looked interested, "How well do you know him?"

I bit my tongue. I suppose the jig was up. She came here to either invite me to the wedding since Edward was maybe too considerate for my feelings or she wants to tell me that she thinks that I should leave her son alone. I was a big, big trouble maker for him.

"Reasonably well, I guess. Well enough to know that he's about to get married…" I admitted.

Elizabeth's face was a cross between amusement and surprise, "Really? Do you? What else do you know about that?"

I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. I think I really was in trouble but she's too nice to tell me off right here and now. I suppose I should just play along and keep myself toned down with happy memories of Edward in my head. I nearly rolled my eyes in frustration just thinking about it.

Suddenly, the door opened and in walked in two people. One was an older looking woman who hobbled along slowly while the other was a very solemn looking Edward. Because my back was facing the door, Edward didn't notice me at first and while he walked, he was looking down. Even when he sat down opposite, he still didn't look up. The older woman heavily sat down on a lone armchair at the corner.

I slowly answered to Elizabeth's question without looking away from Edward, "Not much, honestly. He told me nothing but I forced him to tell me a few things so none of it is his fault. Please don't blame him on -"

"We did not bring you here to interrogate you on what you know. I brought you here because I believe it is finally time for you to know what's really going on," the older woman's voice snapped from the corner.

Edward's head snapped up the minute I replied to Elizabeth. His eyes widened as he gazed at me. I could tell he was trying to figure out something but his face was just covered in shock. He remained glued to that position, just staring at me speechless.

I blinked at the older woman, "Sorry?"

Elizabeth shook her head disapprovingly, "Caroline, please."

Caroline continued, "Did you know that we were the ones who paid for your fees at school? Your name is placed under our family name. We registered you under us. We covered every single thing you could probably think of, child."

My head was swimming. That explained why I saw my student data under the name Masen.

I broke my gaze from Edward and looked at Elizabeth, "But why? I don't really understand what's going on."

Elizabeth explained, "Your father, Charlie and Edward's father were close friends. I suppose you didn't know this. A long time ago, both Edward and your father made a promise. It was a betrothal between their children. One was Edward, and the other was…"

She looked up at me, "You."

I felt like I was going to choke. How is this possible? Has she lost her marbles?

"Renee never said anything about this before," was all I could say softly.

"There was another contract made a few years after Charlie died in prison. It was that you and Edward were to never know about this until Edward and you turn eighteen. But I have changed it recently."

Caroline reached over to the tiny table next to her armchair and began to light a cigarette, "Your mother made a separate contract with Billy Black that if anything were to happen to her, you were to be transferred to stay with them until Edward becomes of age and you move in to stay in this house."

I didn't know what to say. For a moment I was silent. I couldn't bring myself to look at Edward who still remained motionless in his corner. I could tell Elizabeth was trying to make the situation lighter but I didn't hear a word she said.

"So…I'm going to be married when I turn eighteen in September?" I whispered finally.

"Yes," Caroline coughed after blowing out smoke from her cigarette.

"And this, betrothal. It can't be broken off?"

"No. From the day you were born, you were already promised to him. That's just the facts," Caroline said it plainly.

I looked up and I was trying so hard to fight my break down. From the corner of my eye, I could tell Edward's face was looking at me in horror. My eyes were shiny already and my vision had become blurry from the tears building up. Elizabeth's face was kind and gentle but even she could not soothe my burning throat away.

I said the first thing that came to my mind, "May I use the toilet?"

Elizabeth nodded quickly, "Yes. It's just down the corridor, first turn on the left."

I didn't know how it happened, how did I even get the strength to pull myself up but I did. I found myself clumsily stumbling into the corridor, shutting the door behind me. I knew Edward's gaze had not left my face once during that whole time. But I couldn't face it right there. Not with him watching me. I let the hot tears stream down my face and thanked everything for not allowing me to break into uncontrollable sobs. Finally, I found the door to the toilet and shut myself inside.

For a moment or two, I wondered if I should just cry pathetically here. But I decided against it. I had to be stronger than this, even though I knew everything that I had wanted was over. I couldn't even think about Edward. He was probably as reluctant as me. Who in the right mind would want to marry a girl like me? He clearly was shocked to see me there in the room when he heard my voice. It was over, everything was.

I leaned over the sink and washed my tear stained face. I dabbed my nose and eyes lightly to ease the redness and puffiness away. I cleared my throat. No matter what was going to happen from now on, I had to handle it on my own. Even though I felt like I had just lost everything in my life. I had to look at the positive side. I couldn't think of anyone else to get married to than Edward. No matter how much he actually didn't love me enough to go through with it, or his will power to not accept me as his wife, that was life. And it would hurt.

I took a deep breath and turned around to open the door. When I walked out, I realized I had just walked right into Edward who was waiting outside for me. I stared at his feet for a moment before inhaling deeply again and began to try and walk past him. But before I could, he caught my arm.

"You are eventually going to look at me, right?" He turned me around but I still didn't want to look into his face. I didn't want to burst out crying in front of him. Not now, not ever.

"They are waiting for us. We should go back." I could feel my heart thumping painfully – and this time, it was because it really was hurting.

A/N – Filler POV here. Later, it carries on from where Bella's POV left off.

Edward's POV

I had never experienced a time in my life where I had difficulty in swallowing my food. But I did during breakfast this morning. With Caroline impatiently sitting opposite me waiting for the time to past before she would finally arrive, it wasn't helping.

Elizabeth was sitting beside me trying to bring up a conversation but I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts to concentrate. The pancakes that she made felt rubbery in my mouth. I couldn't stop thinking about Bella. I had fought with myself to keep my hand from reaching over to my phone and calling or sending a text to her.

What was she doing now? How was she feeling? Would she move on easily from me? Did she believe every single word I said to her last night?

Would she still be my friend…?

"When is she coming? Who is bringing her over?" I asked humbly.

"Very soon. We've sent Jonathan to bring her over," Caroline said shortly.

Jonathan? Is he going to go with the Caroline's driver and drive over to pick her up and send her here? I wondered.

Caroline muttered, "I hope you will behave like how I expect you to today, Edward."

When I didn't answer, Elizabeth turned her wary eyes on me, "Edward, your Aunt just asked you a question. Don't be rude."

I shrugged, "I don't really have a choice do I? You know, I don't even remember the last time I was ever given that chance to decide for myself, Mum."

Before Caroline could tell me off again, Elizabeth sighed heavily, "You're going to be spending nearly the rest of your life with this girl, Edward. Make sure you keep that in mind before you do anything damaging."

I shook my head, "I've always been told I was going to be married to someone. I'm going to treat her exactly like how I had planned to treat my wife in future. It's not her that I'm against. Don't get me wrong here."

"I wish you would lose your hostility though…" she sighed again.

Just as I was about to answer, Hortense came in and announced, "The young little miss has arrived, Madam."

Elizabeth immediately stood up, "I'll attend to her "Are you coming along, Edward?"

Caroline interrupted, "He'll be there in a moment, Elizabeth. Clean up this table, Edward. Every man of this century now should learn a bit of household chores."

"Yeah, your version of little house husbands. I get it…" I groaned.

I made an angry noise under my breath and began to clean up the table, stacking up the plates together to bring to the kitchen and pass to Hortense as Elizabeth walked out. Caroline just absent mindedly made sure I didn't miss a spot when I wiped the table clean or swept the floor for any scraps that fell off.

When I finally put the final stack of plates away, I turned to Caroline, "Done."

Caroline slowly stood up, stretching her hunched back a little before nodding tiredly, "Time for you to meet the girl then."

It was then as we were walking down the corridor to the living room that I realized how incredibly nervous I really was. The facts that I was about to meet the girl I was about to devote the rest of my life to was sitting in my house, in the very room Caroline was just about to open. When I walked in, somehow I found it hard to look at the girl who had her back facing towards us. I chose to stare at my shoes the entire way to the opposite couch across her.

I threw myself down on the couch and tried to look as if the finishing on the floor was very interesting. I saw Elizabeth sitting beside me in the other sofa.

"Not much, honestly," a familiar voice said.

My heart suddenly stopped. I felt like I was frozen but I couldn't stop myself. I had to make sure I wasn't hearing things. My head shot up to stare at the girl with long mahogany locks and those beautiful brown eyes that had always captivated me. But all I could do was just gaze at her in silence. Am I dreaming? Surely my imagination can't be as creative as this.

She continued without taking her eyes off me, "He told me nothing but I forced him to tell me a few things so none of it is his fault. Please don't blame him on -"

"We did not bring you here to interrogate you on what you know. I brought you here because I believe it is finally time for you to know what's really going on," Caroline interrupted her.

Damn you, woman, I cursed silently.

"Sorry?" I heard Bella's voice full of confusion.

The conversation went on but I was so distracted by everything I couldn't hear anything Caroline was saying. I only managed to pick up a few lines here and there.

She finally looked away from me and asked Elizabeth, "But why? I don't really understand what's going on."

I wanted to run over, take her in my arms and ever let go. Maybe perhaps even take her away from here and we could run away together from all of this mess. But was this really happening? Could Bella really be the girl…? All this time…? I was lost in my own thoughts again.

Then, they were broken through once more when I heard Bella's voice softly saying, "So…I'm going to be married when I turn eighteen after Edward?"

"Yes."

"And this, betrothal. It can't be broken off?"

"No. From the day you were born, you were already promised to him. That's just the facts."

I gasped silently when I saw that Bella's eyes were shiny and full of tears building up. I could tell she was desperately trying to hold them back. She asked to use to toilet and she literally ran out of the room, shutting the door quickly.

"That went well," Caroline commented.

Elizabeth frowned at Caroline, "You shouldn't have been too blunt. She wasn't as prepared as Edward was. At least he knew he was going to get married. The poor girl doesn't know a single thing."

"Rubbish. She should be as strong minded as I think she should be. Both her parents are gone and if she can handle that, she can handle this. What's not to like about our Edward?"

I gritted my teeth, "May I please be excused?"

Before they could say anything else, I stood up and walked out of the living room. I closed the door softly to avoid Caroline from yelling me to come back and behave myself. I walked down the corridor towards the toilet that Elizabeth directed Bella to go to.

There were so many things that clouded my mind right now but the only thing I could think of was Bella. Was this really happening? I hope she would allow me to help her get through this. Maybe she could finally see how sincere I really was before all this. I had to prove that I could clean up this mess for her.

But as I stood outside the toilet, I heard soft sniffs coming from the other side of the door. It was tearing me in half to hear this way. Just as I was about to lift my hand to tap on the door, it opened and she walked out and right into me just as she closed it. But when she just stared at my feet in silence, I was beginning to feel worried.

Just before she walked away, I reached out to grip her forearm and turned her back to face me. But she still didn't look at me.

"You are eventually going to look at me, right?" I said softly.

But all she said was, "They are waiting for us. We should go back."

Bella's POV

I don't know how long I was there but it felt like eternity before Caroline had finally allowed me to leave. I wasn't complaining. I pride myself with patience and a pretty good listener. But what I was listening to was something that was ripping me to pieces in every single way.

Finally, Elizabeth and Edward brought me out of the living room back in the corridor again.

"Thank you so much for being here today. I really apologize for the amount of pressure and weight we had just added to you today. Truly I am eternally grateful for all the patience you had shown us today," she sighed as she held both my hands.

"If my parents had made it this way, then there's nothing more to be sorry about…" I admitted.

Elizabeth nodded, "I hope you can consider that you will be moving to live with us soon. I know it's all happening very fast."

I sighed, "Its okay. I understand how important this really is…"

Elizabeth finally smiled, "I hope to see you again, Isabella. You are truly one of the sweetest girls I have ever met."

She gestured to Edward, "Show her the way out, Edward."

It was awkward for me and Edward to be walking together side by side in silence. I can't remember when we had ever not talked when we are together. It was strange, no doubt. There were so many things I wanted to say to him. But I just didn't know where to start.

When we were outside, Edward asked, "Can I walk you home?"

"It's just next door, Edward. I think I can make it from here," I laughed slightly.

Edward didn't say anything for a moment before he suddenly looked at me intently through those smoldering green eyes once more, "Can we at least talk about what's happening right now?"

He took a step forward closer to me, "I'd really like to."

I closed my eyes for awhile before opening it again slowly and taking slow breaths, "I can't…"

"Why not?" he looked hurt.

I bit my lip but I finally decided it was no point hiding anything, "Look at me, Edward."

He arched an eyebrow, "I am, Bella."

How could someone so beautiful, so perfect and flawless like him could ever be meant for me? It was all a mistake and he will soon come to realize it too, I thought bitterly.

"No, I meant look at what I am. I have no parents, no financial stability without, clearly your family's support now. I feel like I have been using someone else's shoulder to lift me up all this while, which includes having to stay with Jacob. I meant what I said before Edward. I don't want to be like Renee, counting on someone else to keep me afloat…"

I paused for a moment to control my voice from cracking again, "All those things that I wanted to do, and everything I'm working hard for is all a very big part of me. Some small part deep down tells me that I want you to be part of that life too. God – I know that is so true."

Then I sighed, "But you can't have everything. I don't know what's going to happen now. But the last thing I want to do is to hope for you to accept me the way I am because it wouldn't be fair to you. I don't want to throw everything away now because of this but I don't have a choice either, just like you."

Edward's face was tilted towards me and in some small way, there was understanding in his eyes that were now gentle and soft.

"Bella, I…" he said but then he suddenly began to move closer, his face just inches away from mine. If I didn't act quickly enough, I would just crumble before him. Our foreheads were already touching and his eyes were burning right through mine. If everything that I heard today wasn't enough to really remove my dignity, his touch on me would.

"I really need to go now. I still have a lot of work to do…" I whispered just before Edward could come any closer. I hated myself. There he was right in front of me and I was so near to have the dream I dreamt every night to fulfilled and I pushed him away.

Edward breath blew in my face gently and it made my mind clouded as usual, "Please don't shut your self away from me. I can't force you to talk to me, but I would really appreciate it if you would come to me willingly…"

But even after I left and went back to Jacob's house, I knew I wasn't in any state to do any more work. Jacob had demanded to know what was going on but I had locked my door and told him that I needed to be alone. And I just did what any girl would do when the weight of the world fell on her shoulders.

Climb into bed, curl up under the covers and pray that you wouldn't wake up for a very long time.

Truth to be told, I didn't want it to be too cliche. It's the modern age! There isn't any fairytale ending here! Sadly :( But one reviewer recently I did agree with EC4me when in the review it said:

In the long run I think it's better that he's honest with her. I understand Edward has been raised that he has to do whatever his aunt says - most likely she controls all the money I guess - but what would be Bella's incentive for being forced to marry someone? Of course she's falling in love with Edward but if it was someone else couldn't she just say no?

I agree with you completely which is why this chapter is this way. Nothing is that simple so it takes time. Don't worry, it won't be dragging too long. I just want you guys to see what a strong foundation they really have in the end. Besides, in the original Twilight, Bella also was a little reluctant to marry Edward even though she loved him right:)

So er - READ and REVIEW:) Please do! Do it for an update! Haha:D

ps - Incase you didn't notice, on my profile I posted a link for a picture of their neighbourhood. Take a look :) I think you'd have a better picture of the place after you've seen it!

Twilight Cast

So, seen the promotional photos on Stephenie's website? No comment - really. They got Edward's clothes right though, they suited him. But just...what the hell did they do to Emmett's curls:(