A/N: New chapter again! Aren't I a genius? Anyways, the drama begins in this chapter! Hope you all enjoy it! And like I said, I got my ideas from Romantic Princess and Smiling Pasta so no wonder it looks a little like them! If you have any questions, shoot them my way! CPOV is Carlisle, of course. This chapter will explain many things and give you an idea of what sort a person Bella's biological father is like! Remember to always review!

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Lolly

THEY ARE ALL HUMAN.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse. I also do not own Romantic Princess or Smiling Pasta.

Odyssean Love

Chapter 4

Proposal

CPOV

My daughter and I have finally been reunited after seventeen years, and I am feeling beyond the meaning of the word 'happy'.

Seventeen long, hard, tiresome years of searching, when finally, news came from Forks that a possible 'Marie' was found. Of course, that girl was Bella. She looked almost identical to my late, and first wife, Elizabeth Masen. Her biological mother. But I was sure as certain that Esme would love her and care for her as if she were her own flesh and blood. I had no doubt in my beautiful Esme.

Now that Bella was with us again, it was positively time for her marriage plans. After all, she was already seventeen, only a few months to eighteen.

I had three possible suitors in my mind.

My three adoptive sons, Edward, Emmett and Jasper.

Emmett was twenty this year, only one year older than Jasper. And of course, Edward, who was eighteen. They were all in college at the moment, and my daughter would join them this year.

Emmett was a widely-known playboy to the media, and that would be unsuitable if he were to succeed me. Disgraceful articles and photographs of him were constantly gracing ungentlemanly and irrespective magazines and other public accessible medias. Although I make no comment of my knowledge of this to Emmett himself, I had always kept that little bookmark in my mind. My companies would lose the respect among the marketing society that I had built on my sweat and blood over the past decade if Emmett were to take over.

Jasper was a peaceful soul. He was certainly very responsible but I have always felt like he didn't have the … aggressiveness in him to stand up to the wild media. For lack of a better word, he was soft. He would be pushed of the markets very soon should he succeed. Jasper had always preferred to be by himself and draw and paint.

Edward. Out of the three, he was definitely the most suitable successor. I had seen potential in him since he was a child. He was highly dependable, and had an air about him that pressures the people around him to show a respect or somewhat of the kind. But one thought has always nagged me at the back of my hair, he was so stubborn. He has no idea what he could become, the great man he would become. If only he would give up his silly dreams about becoming a widely known musician, he would become what I had been; a great, successful businessman who is highly respected. It doesn't matter, sooner of later, he will bend to my wishes and succeed me.

Although all of the three suitors had their 'hobbies' and pastimes, one of them would eventually succeed me. Succeed all I'd owned. It was a heavy responsibility, but I knew that at least one of them would be able to take it. Edward was the man in mind. Perhaps he might be the youngest of the three; I see in him the most potential. He would make the companies bloom to its full growth. Once he had turned twenty-one, I would announce to the media that he would succeed me. A smile erupted on my face as I thought of how grand it would look. Of course, with my Bella at his side, as his proud wife.

Yes, Bella's wedding cannot be postponed any longer. I have waited seventeen long years for this.

Edward would marry Bella, and then succeed me. They would be happy together and have a few kids or two that I can hold before I am too old.

Life would be perfect. If only Edward would give up …

His silly little dreams. What would becoming a famous musician achieve? Entertain jobless people who lazed around all day?

I will not allow it. His talent will not go to waste.

After Aro has given me the report that Bella has gone to rest in her chambers, I sent out a maid to send Edward over.

I had important matters to discuss with him.

EPOV

I was practicing my piano in my chamber when a plain looking maid in blue and white scurried into my room, flushed.

"M–Mr. Edward Cullen sir," the maid stuttered as she stumbled within two meters of me. She was obviously intimidated by my presence. "Mr. Carlisle Cullen wants to speak with you."

I arched an eyebrow, bored. "Oh?"

"H-he said that he would be in t-the study," she went on.

What could Carlisle possibly want to speak to me about? I had no idea.

"Alright-" I looked at her crooked nametag "–Melba. Tell Carlisle that I will be there soon."

"Y-yes, sir," she nodded once as she scurried off again, head bowed.

I tidied myself and straightened my tie as I set off towards the study hall.

As I reached the large door of his office, I lifted an arm to knock when suddenly, the door opened wide.

"Master Edward," Aro greeted me, pulling on his business-like face.

I know in an instant that something was up. I nodded politely back. "Aro."

Aro led me into the study when finally, we turned around a bookshelf and Carlisle's desk came in sight.

"Mr. Boss, Master Edward is here," Aro informed Carlisle and then turned to take his leave.

"Ah, young Edward," Carlisle, my father figure, welcomed me.

"Carlisle."

"Yes, yes, my boy. You have met Bella already?" He asked.

Always straight to the point, I thought.

"You mean the new girl?" I shrugged.

"No, not the new girl. She is indeed Marie Cullen," Carlisle's friendly face transformed into a slight frown.

"But, sir, are you absolutely sure? We've had so many imposters before her. How can you be so sure that she is your Marie?" I argued, not wanting to believe what my ears are telling me.

"She is. She has the birthmark on her stomach. And she has Elizabeth's hair," he pulled out an ancient photograph from inside his woolen coat.

As I peered at it, I was shocked. The woman standing next to Carlisle, holding a small baby was identical to the new girl. Every feature, every line was perfect. The same ...

"It-it still can't prove anything," I pushed on. So what if they looked the same? So many people look similar.

"I did a DNA test. It matches," Carlisle answered. I was baffled: completely lost for words.

"S-sir … Don't be tricked …" Was all I could manage.

"Well, that is not a problem that should concern us anymore. Bella is indeed my true daughter. There is never a doubt," Carlisle started walking around the room. "Now, young Edward, I have come to talk to you about a proposal I have in mind."

I was silent. He continued. "Bella is seventeen now, eighteen very soon. And you yourself have just turned eighteen. I would like you to wed Bella."

He said it just like that; just ordered me to marry a strange girl that I didn't even know. He was so used to ordering people now that he didn't even give it a second thought. Never even considered my opinions; my thoughts.

"Carlis - "

He cut me off. "I know that you probably won't agree. Right now. But I'll give you time. I have moved Bella in the chamber next to yours, so you two can get acquainted. She is a lovely young woman. You'll like her."

Next to my chamber?

Yes, I might like her, although I don't see how that was possible right now, but I won't love her. I can't be forced to love a woman. I had always liked to make my own decisions about things. I would not wed an alien woman just because Carlisle told me to.

"Bu - "

"Edward, don't argue with me. Your dreams are silly, they always have been. Think about it. The man you would become if you follow the path that I have set for you!" Carlisle ranted on. "I have been informed that your new album have taken a dip in the entertainment market."

That struck a spot. I hadn't expected Carlisle to be informed about that part of my life. I listened on.

"So, think about it. Announce to the media that you are engaged to Bella Cullen, the daughter of I. Just think of how your new album would soar sky high." He had definitely stuck a spot. It was true. My albums have taken a dip ever since Mike Newton, my sole rival, has released his new album one week ago.

Carlisle's argument did make some sense. "Edward, I'll strike a deal with you."

Oh, so now he has stooped to bribery?

"Announce to the press that you will be engaged to my Bella. Stay in the entertainment business for two more years. Have your fun. And then step out and take over my companies. And marry Bella," he stopped walking and stared intently into my eyes.

It was probably the best bargain I could get out of him for now. Two more years … I knew that I would be bent to his will sooner or later. Carlisle Cullen always had his way in anything. I guess it paid off to be the richest man in the US.

Two years … It would be enough time to find a reason to break off with this Bella. I would make her despise me so much that she will go to Carlisle herself to break off our engagement.

This offer meant more time in the entertainment market for me. And my album will definitely shoot off the board.

Mike Newton, watch out.

It was a good deal. "Mr. Carlisle. I will agree. I will publicly announce my engagement to your daughter in a week."

I could practically see Carlisle jump in delight. "Of course."

He waved his right hand and Aro came in with a tray.

As he came closer, I realized that a contract was on it. Two contracts. Once for me, and one for Carlisle.

"Sign," Carlisle ordered, handing me a pen.

I took it hesitantly and started to read the contract.

Date: 29th February, 2008

I, Carlisle Cullen, agree to let my adoptive son, Edward Cullen, spend two more years in the entertainment business before he succeeds me. He will also marry my daughter, Isabella Marie Cullen, after the two years.

Sign, Carlisle Cullen

I, Edward Cullen, agree to succeed my adoptive father, Carlisle Cullen's, companies after two years in the entertainment business. I agree to marry his daughter, Isabella Marie Cullen, after the two years.

Sign,

Underneath it was the Cullen signature family stamp.

So … Carlisle had this all planned. The scheming man, I thought to myself.

I pondered about it for a short while before I slowly lifted my pen and signed the spot where my signature goes.

Edward Cullen

I dropped the pen back onto the tray and Aro exited the room.

"Well, my boy. You better start spending some time with your fiancée."

What happens now? How will Bella react to being made marry Edward Cullen? How will things turn out for them? Mike comes in once again! To know the answers, review! Don't forget to vote in my poll, it could do relate to you! Well, if you like my stories ...