CHAPTER 42: London West Hollywood

Edward has been blowing up my phone for the last three days. But I just can't bring myself to talk to him yet about the situation we're in, or rather, the situation he's in with Tanya. Things were starting to get better between us and then he hits me with this news. Actually, Candice Monroe did, Tanya's partner in crime. She certainly made sure I knew about it.

I may have fallen right into her trap, but I deserved to know and it hurts that I didn't hear it from Edward directly. Although, I suppose I can't completely blame him. He was probably blindsided by the information just as much as I was.

Still, there's so much to take in and I need time to wrap my head around everything I've learned.

Alice has also been such a great friend throughout this ordeal. Edward's blowing up her phone, too, no doubt hoping she'll crack and try to get me to talk to him. I hate having Alice take sides between me and her brother but she doesn't like the situation he's gotten in so she's more inclined to stay by my side.

The daily deliveries of flowers and apology cards attached to the bouquets aren't helping me deal with the circumstances either. We can easily open up a flower shop in Alice's warehouse studio with all the different varieties scattered around in glass vases. As long as they don't interfere with Alice's work space she actually enjoys the colorful garden the place has turned into.

Edward's even delivered roses. I know he's allergic so he's most likely made Emmett or Rosalie choose whatever flowers are available to deliver. It makes his apology so impersonal and makes me feel like a petulant child like all this is not enough.

And it's not.

"Bella?"

"Huh?" Alice snaps me out of my pouty thoughts.

"The garment," she says, pointing with her head to the garment bag draped over my arm.

"Oh, yes. Here you go."

"Are you sure you don't want to take the rest of the day off?" she cautiously asks.

The Hobbit suggested I take a few days to myself but I declined because I refuse to sulk in my misery at her condo. I thought keeping busy with work would help, but I guess I'm still easily distracted, wondering if Edward's as miserable as I am and if he's been spending his time with her because he's sure not spending it with me. The thought makes me grumpier.

"Sorry, Alice," I reply quietly. "I know I haven't been doing my job very well lately."

"Bella," she places a comforting hand on my shoulder. I can tell the pep talk is coming. "I know it's been hard for you and quite a shock—believe me—but I don't want you to ignore what's happening."

"What do you mean?" How can I possibly ignore what's happening?

"You're such a strong person and I know you can handle this, but I don't want you to pretend it's not bothering you."

"I'm merely processing things…"

"I know," she smiles sympathetically. "Just make sure you deal with your emotions and not keep them bottled up. It's better to let it all out and deal with it, no matter how hard it is, rather than pretending it's not a big deal."

"But it is a big deal," I scoff. Is she serious? It might not be the end of the world but it feels pretty damn close.

"I know sweetie," Alice is still trying to keep her voice soft and calm, "all I'm saying is that if you need to vent…I'm here for you."

"I'm fine, Alice." I force a smile that I know isn't as convincing as I wish it was.

"Okay," she nods with a half-smile and leaves me with some of the other tasks she's asked me to finish.

I know Alice is trying to be as unbiased as possible and I'm not trying to get her involved in what's going on with me and Edward. But right now, she's really the only person I have in my corner.

Even Jacob I haven't said anything to. A part of me is waiting for the news to reach Forks and have him call me to find out what's going on to prompt me to actually talk about it. The television and I currently have a love-hate relationship. I haven't turned on the flat screen at Alice's condo or the radio to keep my emotions in check.

Jacob doesn't watch a lot of television, besides the sports channels, so I have a feeling Renesmee will be the one to tell him of my latest drama—either by flipping through the entertainment channels or reading about it in some tabloid magazine at the grocery store.

Every once in a while when I hear the intercom buzz, my heart rate spikes thinking it's Edward come to pay me a visit at work to talk to me. But when I see one of Alice's clients walk in, I feel relieved but also strangely disappointed at the same time. Am I not worth fighting for?

To avoid looks and quiet gossip when Alice is doing a fitting with a celebrity, I make myself scares. I'm sure word has gotten around that I work for her now and the thought of others talking about what's transpired between Edward and I makes my skin crawl.

It's really no one's business but ours. However, I've learned dating a celebrity like Edward Cullen comes with the territory. In no way would I have realized just how precious one's privacy was until a small town girl like me got hurled into this world of prying eyes and nosy people who get paid to know all the details about your personal life. I bet the media can dig up things about me that even I don't know about.

Looking out the window into the busy streets of Los Angeles, I wonder why Edward hasn't made an appearance at Alice's studio. This is the perfect place to catch me, knowing I wouldn't skip work to dodge reporters asking for a statement on our latest status. There have been a few paparazzi people lurking around, but they've kept their distance and no one's attempted to approach me, so I try to go about my normal routine as if nothing's out of the ordinary.

Not even the fact that my boyfriend is having a child with his ex-girlfriend—or, supposedly having a child with his ex-girlfriend. Either way, it sounds bad. Should I even consider we're still a couple?

Of course I still care about Edward, but my feelings for him are clouded with so many other emotions that it makes me uncertain about what I want now. The fact that Tanya's pregnant and how it can possibly be Edward's changes everything.

Which one of us is now the home wrecker? Me or her?

I shake the awful thoughts from my mind because I am in no way to blame for what's happened. If anything, I feel like the innocent bystander. The past few days has also felt as if my life is flashing before me. I see everything happening to me and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

It's like watching a reality show. Just when you think you know what the outcome is going to be, the producers surprise you with a twist that makes you gasp either with joyous surprise or speechless shock followed by angry emotions.

The only difference is…this isn't a realty show. It's my life.

"Bella."

The voice through the intercom surprises me. I must have not heard it because Alice has answered the buzzing ringer.

"Hey, Rose. It's Alice," she replies.

"Can you let me in?"

Rosalie? What's she doing here? And why is she asking for me? What have I done now to upset her? Whatever it is, I really don't care. She can yell and try to intimidate me as much as she wants but I'm not cowering this time. Too many people have tried to make me feel small and insignificant—but no more.

Edward's publicist enters the metal sliding door and walks up to us with leisure determination. She has a pad folio in one arm, almost like Jane, Aro's assistant, and wastes no time getting to the point.

"I need you to come with me," she says point blank.

"What?" I blink at her.

"What's going on Rose?" Alice asks confused. She stands beside me in a protective manner.

"I need Bella to come with me."

Her tone makes me feel like I'm being arrested for a crime or something. Is she going to handcuff me if I refuse? I doubt Rosalie is against it if she really wants to get her way.

"I still don't understand why?" I tell her.

She sighs, briefly rolling her eyes. "I'll explain once we get to the London West."

"London West?" I raise an eyebrow. We're going out of the country?

"London West Hollywood," Alice explains further. She must have read my mind. "It's a five star hotel."

Now I'm utterly confused. Why does Rosalie want me to go to a hotel with her?

"Look, Bella. I know you don't have much reason to trust me given how we don't always…see eye-to-eye on things." That's putting it mildly. "But, if you still care about Edward and want to remedy this situation you're in—you'll trust me on this."

I look to Alice for some sign of approval that I should do what she wants. She gives me a short nod and a supportive smile. "Go. I'll be fine here."

"A-are you sure?" I ask skeptically.

"Yes."

I I I

We arrive at London West Hollywood, a very posh five star hotel. It's modern and luxurious. I feel like I shouldn't touch anything because the place looks like an expensive showroom. These people sure do know how to pick their hotels. It's definitely an upgrade from the last hotel I stayed at in Forks.

Rosalie hasn't said much on the car ride and being in the car with her is awkward enough. We zip past the concierge desk and straight into the elevator that leads us to one of the suite floors.

"Here," she hands me the key card she uses. "This is yours."

"Mine?" I examine the plastic reader.

The elevator doors open without her acknowledging my confusion. "Come."

My question still unanswered, I hesitantly follow her down the hallway and into the massive room.

All I can say is, "Wow." The living room itself has to be at least 800 square feet if not more, with oversized sofas and a dining table.

"Make yourself at home." She casually throws what looks like a food menu on one of the couches at me and proceeds to leave.

"Wait!"

Edward's publicist slowly turns to face me with an eyebrow cocked in my direction.

"You still haven't told me what I'm doing here? And it seems like you're expecting me to stay in this room tonight. If that's the case, I don't have any clothes with me. And this area is too expensive for me to buy anything that I can afford without going bankrupt. I'd also really like to know what's going on. If not—I'm walking."

It's high time I put my foot down. I'm tired of being pushed around by everyone and kept in the dark all the time. Everyone always thinks they know what's best for me, but really, it's what they think is best for Edward and his career. I'm starting to feel like some kind of casualty in his life.

There's also no way Rosalie can keep me here against my will, no matter how intimidating she gets. It would be called kidnapping.

"Look…" she takes a step toward me. I can't help but take a step back not knowing what she might do to me. Gagging me and tying me to a chair comes to mind. "Would you rather stay here in this nice room, fully paid for, away from the paparazzi—or would you prefer to have them plant cameras at Alice's condo and her studio so they can track your every move?"

"What?" They can't do that. Can they? Isn't that illegal?

"I've heard from a very reliable source that the media wants to catch you in some violent act or fit of rage with this whole Tanya debacle and they'll go through whatever means necessary to do that. This news is on the radar of every tabloid and entertainment television known to man right now. Even if it means spying on you or invoking you into throwing something at them so they can spin the story for their benefit, they'll most likely do it."

After not know how to respond to what she's just told me, I nod quietly. It all sounds so crazy. Has it really gotten that out of control? I know I've been trying to live in my own little bubble, removing myself from the realities of how much this is affecting our relationship, but I'm shocked at how far it's escalated.

Rosalie spins back around and continues her walk to the door. "I'll send Alice with a few of your things later tonight. Have her camp out here with you if you like. Just try not to do anything reckless until then."

Reckless? Me? "Why are you doing this?"

She stops and takes a deep breath before facing me again, her strawberry hair bouncing gracefully. "Because Edward asked me to."

"Oh." But, of course.

"And because…well, I'd rather see your happy ending with him than with Tanya. She knows better than to step less than three feet near me." The disgust in her voice is clear although I can't see her face. At least Rosalie is on my side, even though she's really rooting for Team Edward.

I sigh and slump myself on one of the oversized couches after she's gone. It's very comfortable. This suite is enormous, much bigger than any of the other suites and large rooms I've stayed in. Since I'll be staying here until who knows when, I decide to wander around and see what my current living situation has to offer.

There's a king size bed in the room with a work desk in the corner, two full grand bathrooms with mosaic tiling, a dressing area with mirrored closets, and two private terraces that the paparazzi can't see or even climb to. My favorite is the wet bar brimming with essentials. I vaguely wonder if Rosalie knew I'd need a drink to relax my nerves after being blindsided into making this trip.

Everything is oversized with fancy linens and a marble coffee table. Looking at the other amenities, it appears that I also have access to dine at The Breakfast Table prepared by the culinary team of Gordon Ramsay. Mr. Hell's Kitchen himself. Wow.

Checking my watch, it's only fifteen past ten. I'm surprised how fairly early it still is when it seems time has flown by since Alice and I headed to her studio this morning. But then again, we did arrive at the warehouse at seven a.m.

Glancing at the breakfast menu, I'm suddenly famished. I don't want to eat here alone in the room so I decide to check out the restaurant downstairs. If Rosalie expects me to stay here, then I expect her to let me indulge in the hotel's food and room amenities. She also didn't say I couldn't leave the room, only that I don't do anything 'reckless,' whatever that means.

I I I

The restaurant has light occupants eating their breakfast dishes and drinking their coffees. I'm the youngest one here with older couples who look like they're enjoying their vacation. I spy a table with middle-aged men in expensive business suites drinking Bloody Mary's, which makes me wonder what they could have been up to last night.

The hostess sits in me in a quieter part of the restaurant near the window, scattered away from the other guests, which I appreciate. I'd rather not draw too much attention to myself if the media finds out I'm here. Even though I think snapping pictures of me eating should hardly qualify as a scandalous act. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry.

After the waiter drops off my iced water, my face is deep in the menu—there are so many choices! My stomach wants to try everything and it dawns on me that I haven't eaten any real food in the last few days. I've just had no appetite. The stress that is currently surrounding my life gives me little to no motivation to eat anything other than a granola bar or two.

"May I join you?"

My eyes go wide with panic, glancing up and down the menu but not reading any of the words written in it. Slowly shifting the menu downward so I can see his face, I hide my flushed cheeks.

"Umm…" I say quietly, half my face still half covered.

"Please?" he smiles with a hint of a plea in his voice. I want to get up and run and picture myself doing so in my head but I'm frozen in place. I must look like a small, scared animal to him.

"If you must."

"Thank you," he half-smiles, briefly glancing down at the tablecloth. He looks slightly disappointed that his appearance isn't as well-received as he had hope. And why would it?

"What are you doing here, Edward?"

I'm finally able to get it together and close the menu, setting it down quietly, not taking my eyes off his.

"You won't take any of my calls," he frowns.

"Anything besides water for you, sir?" The waiter is back with another iced water and menu, unaware on how awkward things are at our table. I want to say it's unnecessary as Edward won't be staying long, but I hold my tongue.

"The Moscato Butterfly Kiss," Edward answers with a polite smile. The what?

"From Chile. A very good selection, sir," the waiter nods with his head. His name tag says his name is Thomas. "I'm assuming you'll be sharing the bottle?" He glances at me then back at Edward for confirmation, his face impassive.

"Yes."

"Perfect. I shall be right back."

"Isn't it a little too early to be drinking?" I raise an eyebrow at him after the waiter has left us. "And a whole bottle?"

He gives me his sexy crooked grin that I've missed and merely shrugs. I try to remain cool and composed in his presence. "It's well into the evening in some places. And the wine is only given per bottle. You'll like it—it's a sweet wine."

"So you're a wine expert now?" I ask with a small, disbelieving smirk.

Edward looks amused by my comment. "I've dabbled a little in different kinds while I was in Europe and Spain—on family trips."

I know what he means but my brain takes it differently. I shake off the unwanted thoughts and clear my throat, sitting up a little straighter. "You still haven't answered my question."

"I thought I just did?" He cocks his head to one side, rather curiously.

I can't tell if he's being obtuse or just messing with me. "The first question I asked you."

A fleeting smile appears on Edward's face. "I thought I answered that one, too," he murmurs.

"Here you are, sir. Madam." The waiter returns at the wrong time, setting down two wine glasses and the bottle of the Moscato Butterfly Kiss in front of us. A very interesting name as I read the label. He also shows the bottle to Edward before pouring us each a glass. "Do you also know what you would like to have from the menu?"

Thomas, our waiter, takes an iPad out of his front apron pocket and looks to me. I scramble to look at the menu because I forgot the name of the meal I want. I've never seen many restaurants that use electronic devices that take people's orders, but of course Gordon Ramsay's restaurant would. After he enters in my order, Mr. Tech Wiz sets his attention on Edward. The buzzed cut man looks polite enough but still remains poker-faced.

Working here, he probably sees celebrities at this hotel all the time because he doesn't appear star-struck at all by Edward. But, from my experience, most of the squealing usually comes from women when they see the actor. Or maybe he doesn't even know who Edward is? If that's the case, I'm glad because then he won't know who I am—and not that he needs to.

Edward doesn't bother looking at the menu in front of him but knows exactly what to order. Does he stay here frequently? Thomas nods again and heads off to the kitchen.

"Try it," Edward raises his glass at me, wanting me to pick up my own. I'm surprised we didn't get carded, although we're of drinking age. Maybe it only happens at normal restaurants and cheap bars.

I sigh and hold my glass in the air like his. He toasts his with mine and takes a slip, regarding me cautiously. I do as he does and enjoy the sweet, cool taste down my throat. "It's delicious."

Smiling, Edward takes another sip and looks somewhat relieved. "I'm glad you like it."

"Although I doubt we can finish an entire bottle before lunch."

"Want to try?" his grins mischievously at me. I can't help but roll my eyes and smile back.

But I have to remember to not let his charms distract me from the real issue at hand. "Stop trying to evade my question."

He frowns again and the dark cloud hovering above our heads is back.

"Bella…I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too," I reply, unable to look at him as I say these words. It's true I've missed him but it doesn't change the current situation we're in. "But I hate having to complete for your attention."

"You're not, Bella," he says exasperated. He reaches over the table and squeezes my hand that's still holding onto my wine glass. "Please just have some patience and faith in me—in us. What Tanya is doing might just be some big scam so she can keep me at arm's length...and it's selfish. Quite frankly, I'm not sure if she ever really loved me." Edward looks sullen by his sudden revelation and it tears at my heart. "I think it was more so what I was able to offer her socially and financially, that's why she wanted to be with me."

"I don't think that entirely true. I'm sure she did love you," I respond quietly. How could she not genuinely love this Adonis god? By no means is my heart thawing for this woman, I just cannot fathom Tanya not having any real feelings for him. Edward's a great catch. I can still hardly believe someone like him has given me the time of day.

"Maybe in the beginning…but a lot has changed since we first met. She and I have both changed and seemingly going in different directions with our careers. She enjoys the spotlight and while I do, too, I like to still feel normal when I can and do normal things people our age do like...go to the movies, surf, have barbeques with friends…without having to smile for a picture all the time or be escorted out the backdoor."

I understand Edward's wish for normality in his life and it's hard with the type of career path he's chosen for himself. I know he loves what he does and he's so talented that I could never ask him to give up any of it for me. It's too selfish of me to ask. We're from two different worlds colliding.

"I'm trying to understand, but I don't like her still being in your life, Edward."

There. I've said it. If she can move away, preferably to Siberia, I might hate her a little less. But even relocating doesn't make her pregnancy magically disappear.

"I know," he nods understandingly. "I don't either. But I'm not a heartless man, Bella."

My beautiful Adonis looks torn, not knowing what to do or who to please. And I know he can't please everyone. But who really is more important? Can I ask the man I love to abandon his would-be child so we can be rid of his ex-girlfriend who's done nothing but made my life miserable?

I always see on entertainment shows those messed up relationships celebrities have when it comes to infidelity and how some of them even have secret second families, and it's disgusting. Do we fall into this category somewhere? I hope not.

Our food arrives but we barely touch either of our plates. I've drank more in my glass than what is in front of me. Edward eventually manages to eat everything on his plate, taking a big swig of the remaining wine in his glass. We still have half a bottle left and I'm feeling a little lightheaded.

We skip out on dessert and ask for the bill to be charged to my room. Thomas looks for the room number Edward gives him and searches for it on his iPad. I shouldn't be surprised that Edward knows my room number. If Rosalie arranged it, why wouldn't he?

"Mr. Cullen?"

"Yes," he nods, confirming.

"Thank you for dining with us."

We both politely smile while Thomas leaves as he's done serving our table.

"Cullen?" I ask Edward curiously as we stand. "My room is under your name?"

"Of course. I'm the one who booked it. And technically…it's my room," he smirks.

I roll my eyes. Rosalie has led me to stay in his room, this entire time thinking it was a suite booked for me and only me. I should have seen this coming. Did Edward plan on us sharing one bed? Living together under one roof like everything is perfectly normal? I don't think so.

Stalking out of the restaurant, feeling upset about being tricked, I don't wait for him. He quickly catches up to my quick strides, guilt and panic flashing in his green eyes. He's holding the half drank bottle of Moscato the restaurant let us take back to our room with the cork firmly in place.

"Bella, wait, please," he pleads. "It was the only way I could get you in one place long enough for us to talk in private."

I stop abruptly and glare at him. He's taken aback, stopping unexpectedly so he doesn't bump into me. With a cautious look on his features, Edward blinks a few times trying to anticipate my next move.

"You didn't have to trick me," I glower and spin back around again toward the elevators.

"I know and I'm sorry."

Edward still keeps up and stands quietly next me while we wait for the elevator doors to open. There are so many things running through my mind and I'm trying to process one emotion at a time. Right now, anger is what I feel. And I'll probably stick to that for a while.

He stands a couple of feet away to give me distance. In my given state who knows what I'm capable of doing if he gets too close. I'm not opposed to throwing the nearest object at him either if I see something I can grab and hurl at him.

The doors ping open and we both step inside. I let Edward insert his key card in the slot to give us access to our floor. My arms folded in front of my chest, I set my lips in a grim line so he knows I am not in a talking mood. His presence doesn't bother me as much but arguing at the moment in an elevator is not something I want to do. The point of being here was to stay low key and if I explode at him now, I'll blow my cover.

Glancing at him from my peripheral view, Edward's sulking like a child. Well, what did he expect? It doesn't seem like he's thoroughly thought this through.

Once the elevator doors open to our floor, I fish my key card from my pocket and let myself into the suite, not bothering to keep it ajar for him. He stops the door from closing all the way with his hand and walks inside, setting the wine bottle on the counter.

I disappear out on the private terrace and let the cooling breeze hit me. It feels good during this time of day and kind of therapeutic, being in the fresh air. I can hear Edward slowly making his way toward me. But I pretend not to notice him.

"You can't ignore me forever, you know," he says softly behind me. His proximity is unnerving. I want to step away but I can't since I'm already practically leaning against the guard rail.

Rolling my eyes, I turn to face him—but before I can get a word out, his lips are on mine.

Author's Note: Thank you for your reviews. Stay tuned!