Chapter 4

Bella and Alice were comfortably dressed for sleep, resting under the covers, where they had always shared stories and secrets.

"So, this is how I met the infamous Edward Cullen," Bella had just wrapped up her recount.

Alice was still silent.

"Alice, what is wrong? You have been quiet all evening! Tell me, have you been taken with this flatterer?"

Her sister's eyes grew wide, "No!"

"Oh good, since here I was describing him as the least alluring man on the earth, and I would have hated to hurt your feelings!"

"No, it's not that, it's just that… it feels like it's more to him than that."

"Have you seen him? Yes, he is a pretty face, and maybe he is good at hunting, but in the end, he is no more than Gaston from 'Beauty and the Beast'!"

"What if he is the Beast?"

Bella remained thoughtful.

"Alice, do you see anything?" It had been a while, but her sister had confided into her one of her greatest secrets – the fact that she could see the future sometimes, some scenes as clear as daylight, and others blurry or fuzzy.

Alice slowly nodded.

"It's still kind of blurry, but it involves… you and Edward."

"Me and Edward? What are we doing?"

"Walking down the aisle."

Bella could not help it, but burst into laughter at this.

"Oh, Alice, you are too much sometimes! You know that would never happen, thank Goodness, and for many reasons! First, you are the one who is intended to marry him. Are you sure you are not pushing your own desires onto me?"

"Believe it or not, Bella, but don't mock me. I told you I do not like the man!"

"I apologise, Alice, it just that you caught me off guard. What can I see, the only man I want to marry is Jacob!"

Her sister huffed.

"Forget about it, Edward or not, you are going to marry someone great, not that… puppy!"

It was rarely that the girls disagreed and Bella decided to spare Alice the extent of her wrath, excusing her behaviour on the account of the insufferable man who had come to torment their tranquil lives.

*D*

The following day, Bella was summoned by her parents into the study. She knew nothing good could come of this, and was inclined to think Edward had told them about the unusual circumstances under which they met. She was prepared with fake tears and hollow arguments, but not for what was to come.

Her mother was silent for once and it was her father who started seriously, "Bella, we have called you here because we have some news for you. I don't know how to tell you other that… Edward Cullen has asked for your hand in marriage."

Bella's eyes almost went out of their sockets. For once she was speechless.

Charles sighed and murmured to Renee, "I told you she had not encouraged him."

Her mother was still looking at her with contempt, "I am not sure, Charles. You saw how he only had eyes for her during dinner. But to think she would do that to Alice…" her mother was shaking her head.

"I didn't do anything! And why do you make it sounds like it's already done? What was your reply, Father?" Bella asked with pleading eyes.

"We are not exactly in the position to refuse Edward Cullen anything, my dear," he murmured in defeat.

"But… it cannot be! I am too young, I am not of age! I did not come out into society, my elder sisters are still unwed, it is against all customs, unheard of!"

"We tried telling him all that, but he would not hear of reason. He even mentioned your coming into society could coincide with the engagement. He is also well-traveled and mentioned you are of age in most countries he has visited."

Bella felt she was losing the argument, if there was anything she could actually say about it.

"But I am engaged to Jacob!" was her last resort.

It was time for Charles' eyes to darken.

"Jacob Black, the stable boy? What is the arrangement you have? I have not heard of it," his anger was growing.

"Father, it is not to worry, but he was ready to propose to me once I was out. At least he had the decency of asking me first."

Renee gasped. It was the first time she had lifted her eyes from her handkerchief from the beginning of the conversation, "You and the stable boy? You want to refuse Edward Cullen for the stable boy?"

"He is not the stable boy. He has a name! And he is twofold more generous than that… leech!"

It was in this manner that Bella received the news of her engagement.

*D*

Meanwhile, Edward was in the living room, writing a letter to his mother. He had deliberately left the name of his future bribe out, only mentioning "the Swan daughter" and other similar expressions. He was certain that there will be another messenger from Renee Swan riding close by to his who will inform his parents of the whole conundrum.

As he was wrapping up, he felt satisfied with the result, thinking it was a good balance between optimism and vagueness. He was interrupted by the apparition of none other than his fiancée.

Bella seemed emotional, having just wiped out tears of sorrow. She decided there was only one resort left, pleading to the man himself.

"Good day… sir."

Edward smirked, "You do not need to be so formal, Isabella. We will be wed soon, within a fortnight I believe."

Bella tried to take in this piece of news with calm.

"I have come here because of that. I must ask you to reconsider."

Edward's eyes turned curious, and a hint of a smile was beginning to form.

"Is there something to reconsider? I believe you know the arrangement – our mothers have decided that I would marry into the Swan family, and this seems like it the best opportunity to make good of that promise."

"But you were promised to Alice!"

"Actually, there was no formality as such… Our mothers made the arrangement when they were young and unwed, therefore the fact that I turned out a single son and I have to choose among four beautiful daughters is just chance!"

Bella didn't like the way he had said 'choose,' but she tried to keep her temper.

"However, you must understand I am not of age to talk of marriage, even of suitors. I am only of 16 springs, and would like to spend more time in my parents' house. I am sure that if not Alice, Jessica or Lauren would be more than willing to…"

"I am not interested in any of them, my dear. I thought I was quite clear with your parents. They should have discussed all this with you," he seemed to lose patience.

"They have, but you have not discussed it with one person – me. Why didn't you ask me to marry you? And more importantly, why me?"

Edward strode two steps into her direction, but only touched her hand. "I did not believe our encounter was… suitable for such discussions. As to why you, you will understand soon when I will show you the passion I feel for you."

Bella's eyes darkened at his confession. He was only interested in her to fill the agreement between their families and because he desired her body.

"What makes you think I do not know of what you are speaking? I lost my innocence a while ago."

A/N: Thank you to everyone reading! Just wanted to say that I haven't given up and am ahead with chapters, will try to post the next one at the end of the week so we can all see Edward's reaction!