Part XXIII

I had dreamed of this day, I had prayed for it and now that it had come I didn't know what to do. Everyone was left with special orders. Hannah was very sad, we'd become great friends and I was returning to my home with my parents tonight.

I gathered all of my things, the things I had brought with me. The dresses and the jewels, mostly everything Jacob bought me, I left here. It was not mine. "Miss…Bella?"

"Yes."

"He asked us to clear the house by the end of the week. What should I do with the things left behind?"

I shrugged. "Do as you please. They are not mine, keep them, throw them away, I leave it up to you."

I asked for my things to be brought down and taken to the carriage. Before I left I said my farewells to everyone. "You all were very kind to me but Mr. Santillana will not be returning and I shall go back to my home. Good bye everyone."

My parents were surprised to see me there with all my things. I hadn't seen them in months and all of a sudden I was coming back home. "Bella where is you husband?"

"Mr. Santillana is returning to Spain alone."

"What is going on?"

I feared their reaction. "He had our marriage absolved."

"Under what claim?" My mother demanded.

"Our marriage was never consummated, mother. If I am not welcome here I will find another place to spend the night."

My father shook his head. "Come in Bella, you'll catch a cold."

"Father I am sorry for the way in which I have behaved but I will stand up for myself. I was always unsure of what to do, I never thought I would be happy but I knew you would send me away if I didn't comply. I don't place the blame on you but this was a mistake from the beginning and it has finally been repaired."

I retired to my old room. I slept surprisingly well. I was on the comfort of my own home. The next morning I was glad to make my own food and to serve myself and my parents. I knew very well that my mother was very upset with me. She didn't even speak to me. I changed into the clothes that I was accustomed to and began to walk with no real place in mind. I was looked upon with a hint of distaste. The rumor was that I was a whore and that I refused to fulfill my obligation as a wife. It was hurtful but I didn't care what others thought. I finally decided I would stop evading what was imminent. I approached the gates of the Haven House, the Duke's home. I was recognized immediately and was let in.

I waited in the foyer to be attended. It was Mrs. Elizabeth Masen. "Hello Miss Swan."

I wondered how she knew it all, because she knew why I was here.

She smiled. "My son handled the annulments himself. The Duke, I mean."

"There was more than one?"

"My brother, Nathaniel, had his marriage annulled as well."

"Busy past week for the Duke."

She nodded. "Your cousin is upstairs but I don't presume you are here to see me or her. I'll go get my son, the one you want to see."

I smiled. "I'll be here."

She went upstairs and within a few minutes she came down with Edward. "I'll leave you two alone."

"What are you doing here, dressed like that?"

I scowled. "This is the way you met me. I don't want to be dressed up as some toy, I don't suppose Jacob meant to treat me that way but he did. That's not the reason I'm here at all."

"What is?"

"With your bother's help my marriage was absolved."

His eyes lit up and he smiled. "Don't tease me."

"I'm not teasing you, it's true, I promise."