Hello everyone, another update. Not too long a wait. Enjoy and don't forget to review.

Disclaimer: Not mine.

EPOV

It had been the longest day of my existence. Considering the fact that I had been on this earth for over a hundred years, this was not a mean feat. I had expected it, yes. However, was it truly necessary to do it like that? Truly? Of course not. They wanted to punish me. I had lost. They had won, they were taking their prize. It was only fair. I could accept it, to a certain point. However, they had hurt Bella, and that I could not accept quite so easily. Seeing her, so upset at the things that were being said about her, the rumours being spread, was such agony that it rivalled that of the Change. She was ashamed of herself, as if she had done something wrong. She hadn't even had the opportunity to tell her mother, and now the entire town of Forks knew. I just wished that they had done something else. Something else that affected me, but only me. This had hurt her, badly. The thought of her in any kind of pain made my undead heart ache. I wondered briefly what would happen if she ever found out about the bet that had brought us together in the first place. I had told her Emmett and Jasper's announcement was due to their non-existent anger with me. Those were the conditions of the bet. I never thought for a second that I would actually fall for her. How very foolish of me. Edward, who is so very cautious, has fallen in love with a human girl. I couldn't bear the thought of her finding out, knowing about the bet. She would hate me. She would never forgive me. My existence would be pointless. No! She will never find out, I vowed to myself. Never.

How very deluded I was.

BPOV

I was so nervous. I was going to Edward's house, for the very first time. The excitement even managed to take my mind off the fact that everyone knew I was married. The stories floating around the school about us were becoming steadily more absurd. I was pregnant, a slut, a mail-order bride, we were part of a cult, it was some sort of prank, it was ridiculous. Did they have nothing else to talk about? Could they not leave us alone? It had gotten to the stage where I was afraid to go into the bathroom, in fear of being ambushed.

Edward led me to his car at the end of the day with a sigh of relief.

''I'm so glad that is over.'' He breathed. His entire body slumped against the wheel and his mouth formed an easy smile.

''Me too,'' I laughed, the sight of him setting me off. His arms slid over my shoulders and we drove in comfortable silence.

As we arrived at his home, I felt my jaw drop open. That was not a house. Not even the word mansion justified what it was. It was gigantic, massive, enormous. Edward looked at my expression and laughed.

''I suppose that it would have that impression on most people,'' He said.

''Just how rich are you?'' I said breathily. He laughed once again.

''Please, come in.'' He said with an overly-exaggerated bow. He took me gently by the arm and directed me to the front door.

As we walked I could feel the anxiety bubbling inside of me. Edward's arm around me reassured me somewhat. We entered the house into a large entrance hall. It was beautifully decorated, as I expected. Suddenly, a smiling, beautiful woman was embracing me.

''It's such a pleasure to meet you, Bella!'' She exclaimed. An equally attractive man followed and gently pulled her arms from me. It was extremely unfair that all vampires looked so exquisite.

''Let the poor girl breathe, dear.''

''I am Carlisle,'' He said to me. ''And this is my lovely wife, Esme. We are Edward's parents.'' He extended his hand and I shook it.

''It's lovely to meet you both.'' I replied.

Suddenly, Alice bounded down the stairs.

''BELLAAAAAAAAAAAA!'' She shouted. ''Yay, makeover!''

Those words struck fear deep inside of me and I looked at Edward pleadingly for help. He simply smirked, shook his head and stuck his tongue out at me. Traitor!

Three agonising hours later, I was finally allowed to leave Alice's room. I shuddered. It was horrific. She had done my hair, make-up, and nails. She made me wear a tight, royal blue dress with matching heels. Heels that were trying to kill me. Did Alice Cullen not get the memo saying that I was the most clumsy person in the world? She was scary, for a girl of her size. I guess that was because of the fact that she was a vampire.

''Alice,'' I said. ''Can I put my own clothes back on now?'' She looked appalled and shook her head fervently. I sighed. We approached the stairs, and more importantly, in these heels, my imminent death. Surely enough, I had just placed one heel-clad foot on the first step and slipped. I became airborne; I think I actually did a tumble or two. A whoosh of wind later and I felt myself land safely in Edward's arms. Thank god for super speed!

''Are you ok…?'' Edward's voice petered off and the concern in his eyes turned to something completely different. Alice snorted. A gust of wind later and we were in what I assumed was Edward's room. I didn't have much time to look around though, because Edward promptly pinned me against the wall and kissed me until I felt dizzy. I had to pull away for air and Edward's lips travelled to my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

''What brought this on?'' I asked breathlessly.

''That particular shade of blue is very becoming on you.'' He replied, then reattached his lips to my own with renewed fervour.

Perhaps Alice's 'make-overs' weren't so horrific after all. I would definitely be keeping this dress. I wondered whether Alice had anything else in this particular hue. Anything. If so, she would not have it for very long. This was my last conscious thought before Edward lay down on top of me and let out a sound that made my insides melt to butter.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Should she find out about the bet in the next chapter or the one after that? Let me know in a review! I will update ASAP.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Don't forget to review!

Xxxx

Kate.