Treacherous Chapter 3: Pain

A/N: Hey everyone! I just want to say thank you for all of the reviews! It really means a lot to me.

I hope you like this chapter! A lot of you wanted to see this story in Edward's POV, so every couple of chapters you will get his POV. This chapter will be a little darker and you will get a feeling of what Edward, the billionaire is going through. This story will contain some violence/alcohol use and depression. It's emotional for me to write about these topics mentioned above because my boyfriend was addicted to whiskey and went through depression. My aunt had manic depression. So to all of you with any of these issues I hope you get the help you need and that you recover.

Please let me know if you like this chapter and send me a review, you know how much I love them!

Beta'd by EdwardsFirstKiss

Xoxo

Jenn

You're sick of feeling numb
You're not the only one
I'll take you by the hand
And I'll show you a world that you can understand

This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn't work
Trust me and take my hand
When the lights go out you will understand-

Pain-Three Days Grace

Edward's POV:

I could see a dark figure coming towards me through the thick, misty fog. Even though the figure was transparent like a ghost, I knew who it was. My heart started to beat like a loud, thunderous drum as I started to run but panic started to overwhelm me like a tidal wave when my legs wouldn't move. They were frozen in place, as though they were ice cubes stuck in an ice tray. I looked behind me to see the figure coming closer and closer. I tried to look around but the fog hid everything from view, there was no one near. I was alone. I was trapped like an animal in a steel cage, and I knew the figure would get me.

"NO, NO! STAY AWAY FROM ME, PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!" I shouted through the blanket of fog.

"Don't be silly child I won't hurt you I love you. Now come with me."

I suddenly woke up and shot up in my bed. My sheets and hair were soaked with sweat. I started to rock back and forth so that I could calm my heart that was now beating out of my chest. I placed my face in my hands and sighed. I thought that as I grew older my nightmares would disappear, but instead they seemed to be getting worse. I had had the same nightmares since I was eight years old. Some of them included fog or that I was trapped in a cage, but all of them included that scary, cold figure. I looked down at a large, ghastly scar on my arm and cringed. I just wanted to leave the past in the past so I could focus on my future, but I knew that was like wishing for heat on a winter's day.

I got off the bed and put on my red velvet bathrobe and made my way downstairs. I glanced around my house or the dream mansion; I had heard people say throughout the city. Every day, I would see tourists or everyday travelers staring at my house. Even though, I knew why they were memorized by my living conditions, I wish I were just as memorized as they were. Even though, I liked my expensive cars, big screen TV and large mansion with a pool and hot tub, these things couldn't make me happy. I know I decided to live in this house because I thought it would be my escape from reality and the past. Even though I was able to escape for a while during the day here in my paradise, at night it felt as though I was in hell because I was alone. It also didn't help that I was now a famous male figure in this city, and everyone wanted to see me or go on a date with me.

I didn't mind the fact, sometimes it helped me to get past what had happened to me. But, I knew the girls and older women who threw themselves at me were just using me for my money. They didn't care about me, they didn't even ask. They just expected that I lived in a fantastic, perfect world, and they wanted to have it. I remember going out with this beautiful blonde bombshell, and, even though, her looks made my dick throb, her personality broke my heart.

"Oh wow Edward! Thanks for taking me to this expensive restaurant. I love expensive food. None of the guys I used to date could ever afford to take me here. Oh, I really want a Chanel purse and Jimmy Choo shoes. Could you buy them for me? Pretty please."

I laughed out loud as I remembered that date. It was one of the worst dates I had ever been on. I didn't know why people assumed that because you had money you were happy because that was far from the truth. I walked into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle full of prescription pills. I took two and swallowed each with a glass of water. I looked at the label and chuckled. Manic Depression? Now, why would I be sad? I'm fucking Edward Cullen, one of the richest men in the world.

I remember I was having a bad day. I was having one of my low days, and I didn't feel like doing anything. I just wanted to sit at home and watch TV like a normal person, but the girl I was dating didn't want too. She, like one of many thought because I was rich I had to always be happy and go out to expensive parties or restaurants.

"Hey Melissa, sorry I'm not really feeling well today. I'm not in the mood to be around people.. I just want to stay in and watch TV."

"Are you kidding me,Edward? You've been sleeping all day! How can you not be in the mood to mingle with famous people? I heard Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart from Twilight are going to be at the party tonight. C'mon, you're rich. Why are you so sad? I'mpoor, and I would love to be in your shoes."

Right? Who would want to be in my shoes? But because I had promised myself I would always be kind and warm hearted, I took Melissa to see her idols as I pounded back shot after shot of whiskey. Then the next day, I dumped her. I sighed again. I was so alone and even though I had been trying for years to find a woman, I was only able to find bitchy blondes. But what would happen if I found "the one?" What would she think about my past? She would probably run away. Maybe there was a way no one had to know.

Even though it was early in the morning, I could see cars slowly drive by to take a look at the house. I chuckled to myself. I couldn't blame them for looking. My house was one of the biggest homes in the city and because of my last name; it was also a tourist attraction. From the outside, my house looked like a fantasy land, but on the inside, it was completely different.

I left the kitchen and started to walk into the living room. This was one of my favorite rooms in the house because it had a huge, leather black sectional couch with a large screen TV. I loved art and history, so I had famous paintings everywhere on the walls. The silk carpets were from Egypt, and the elephant figurines sitting on my glass tables were from Africa. Even though there were possessions everywhere, they calmed me down because I had picked them out. I had chosen them, unlike this life of mine. I even had the room painted red so I could feel powerful and dominant which is what I wanted people to think, even though I felt far from it.

I didn't know how it all happened because as soon as I turned 14 years old, I left home in New York and started to live in Canada. I tried not to think about my family, but suddenly, my dad was always in the headlines. He had told me growing up that things were going to be different and that he was going to be successful. I knew my dad was an intelligent man, but I never believed him. Until he phoned me saying, he had moved to Laguna Beach and had started his own piping business, Steam Specialty. I was happy for him but didn't think too much of it. After three years, his business started to become well known and the name Carlisle Cullen was all over the news and internet. He was so successful that he bought Manulife, a popular insurance company, and a few small oil companies. He even bought the L.A Kings hockey team. Even though I was happy for my dad, I didn't want to think about my family, I just wanted to get on with my life and forget about the past.

But, when my dad called on my 25th birthday, I knew something was wrong. He called to inform me that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and wasn't sure how long he would live. I remember the conversation just like it was yesterday.

"Hi Son, I have prostate cancer and I can't take care of the business anymore. I know you don't want to hear from me, and I don't blame you. You will never know how I sorry I am for what happened. I wish I could go back in time and be a better father because you deserve it. But, I can't. I just hope you can forgive me and let me die in peace. So, I am asking from the bottom of my heart if you would be willing to take over Steam Specialty. It will be all yours. You can have everything, even the huge house in Laguna Beach. It will be great to live there because our building is just up the street. Please just take it, take it all! I would do anything if you would just take it. I know you will be a better Cullen and make the company more successful than it already is."

I remembered being shocked as though someone had squeezed my heart with their hands. I wasn't upset that my father was going to die. I was shocked that he wanted to give me his company. There were times when I had dreamt of being rich and owning fancy cars, but I hated the idea that it was his company. I didn't want anything to do with it.

"Umm wow dad, I am so sorry to hear that. But, I'm not sure if I want your company. Why don't you give it to someone else like that guy Aaron who is always in the pictures with you in the news?" I said.

"Please, Edward. I know I couldn't help you then, but I can help you now. Please let me give this gift to you so that you will never have to live like that again. Please be a better man than I was. Please, it is my last wish. If you take my offer, I will accept your hatred and you won't have worry about me."

I wasn't sure what to do. I still didn't want to take his company, but I remembered how my dad had tried, even though he had failed, he had tried. I sighed. I had no choice.

"Okay, dad I will do it."

So here I was three years later, sitting in his house with nothing but a bunch of Elephants that I could call my own. My father was still alive, however, his condition had worsened during the past few days and was staying at a hospital in Orlando. The nurse told me to see him because he would probably die in the next few months, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I wanted to change everything in this place, but I was just too busy. I remember getting six books in the mail which outlined my dad's company. My first day was busy, but I found I was able to focus on my clients and make deals. I was surprised that I was starting to like this job because it makes me feel superior, dominant and powerful. People looked up to me and asked me how to do things. Because I was almost a billionaire, I could snap my fingers and have a plane fly me to Hawaii. It felt nice to be powerful and to have my voice heard because my family had never heard my voice. It was also nice to have money; I could buy anything I wanted, even those fancy cars I had dreamt of. I realized since I was stuck in this position; I might as well use it to my advantage. So the more I worked, the more I covered up my past and let my work overshadow all the bad memories in my life. I also noticed the more I worked as the president of what I was allowed to change to E. Cullen Inc; I was becoming more aggressive, jealous and cruel like the figure in my dreams. I was confident and superior, and no would ever know it was just an act.

I remember punching a few guys in the face when I saw him on my girlfriend or punch a hole in the wall when a client's order fell through. It scared me that I was changing because I didn't want to. It was as though I was fighting a battle with angels and demons in my body. I didn't want to become like the figure, but the power was just too appealing. I knew this path was treacherous, but there was nothing I could do to stop it.

I was pathetic. I was alone, miserable, confused, hurt, angry, afraid, and I was a fucking billionaire.

I pounded back three glasses of whiskey and headed to bed, hoping I wouldn't have any more nightmares.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" I yelled as I punched the desk with my fist. "Why did Suncor cancel our order? WHY?" I yelled at Adam, one of my assistants.

"I'm sorry Edward…."

"We have to get them back! Do everything you can! I need some air." I said as I sighed and took the elevator down to the bottom floor. I walked outside and decided to treat myself to a Cappuccino at Starbucks, which was just across the street.

I was so angry and mad about Suncor that I didn't see her in front of me until I bumped into her and spilled the coffee she was carrying all over my suit.

I would have been more upset if it were a man but when I looked up, I couldn't believe who I was staring at. She was a goddess, and she was beautiful. The most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her long brown hair flew around her face like angel wings and her eyes looked like tiny, brown almonds which caused my heart to melt like chocolate. Her lips looked smooth and silky, and oh god, how I wanted to kiss her. I looked down at her body realized it was amazing. I could tell, even through, the shirt she was wearing that her boobs were nice and round. I could feel my dick getting hard. She was amazing, and I had to have her. I had everything else, why couldn't I have her?

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. Are you okay?" She asked.

"It is okay don't worry about it, love. I'm great now that a beautiful woman is standing in front of me." I said realizing that one of the good things about being an owner of a successful company was that I felt confident both at work, and around women.

"I am so sorry…is there anything I can do?" She asked as she saw the coffee stain seep through my suit.

"Oh, this thing? I have a lot of these at home; I was going to throw it out anyway…but there is something you can do for me, after all you did spill coffee on me." I said not caring about a stupid stain on my shirt, especially when there was a goddess staring in front of me, and my dick was aching.

"Of course, what is it?" She asked.

"Let me buy you another coffee, just a small one from Starbucks, no big deal," I said, hoping she would take my offer because right now I couldn't think of anything except her.

"Oh, excuse my manners, I am so sorry. I am Edward Cullen. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said feeling bad that I hadn't even introduced myself and that she probably thought I was crazy.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you, Edward. My name is Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella." She said as she shook my hand. Bella…what a beautiful name.

"What a beautiful name. So what do you think? Will you let me buy you a coffee?" I asked again, hoping she would say yes.

"Yes, I'll let you buy a coffee even though I ruined your suit." She said.

"Great answer, Bella, I would be happy to buy you a coffee, and besides I wouldn't want you to spend $10,000 dollars on a suit.," I said as I smirked. I don't know why I decided to come off strong or so egotistic, but I preferred being confident compared to who I used to be. This new me was better, and people seemed to respond more positively to me.

"C'mon let's go," I said as we headed to Starbucks.

"I haven't seen you around before. Are you new to Laguna?" I asked her as I took a sip of my coffee.

"Yeah, I just moved here today from Forks, I start in the business program at Soka University next month. I live in that apartment." She said pointing to a building down the street.

I was waiting for her to tell me about myself like all the other girls have done as though they knew all about my life. I was expecting her to ask me to buy her something nice. But she didn't.

"Well, I live in that large house on the corner. You may have seen it? My dad owned Steam Specialty, an oil company, and now he owns five other oil companies, an insurance company and the L.A Kings hockey team. My dad retired a couple of years ago, so now I'm in charge of everything." I explained, not wanting to get into details that my dad was dying, so I told her he was retired the same as I told everyone else. I knew that if I told her about my dad more pieces of my past would start to be revealed, and I didn't want that.

I could hear a phone vibrating. I checked mine and realized it was coming from Bella's phone.

"Oh, excuse me." She said as she grabbed her phone.

"Hi, Jake!" She exclaimed. What? Who was Jake? Did she have a boyfriend? No, she couldn't, she was mine! I deserved her! I had to have her!

"Yeah, please tell your cousin thanks, it is amazing. Everything is amazing even the view; you'll have to see it when you come down! When are you coming down?" All I could do was stare at her as I heard her talk to this guy. Why was I feeling jealous? Why was I feeling aggressive? I couldn't answer my questions, but all I just had to have her all to myself.

"I miss you too, Jake and yes, next weekend sounds great! I can't wait! I'll see you then, and I'll Skype you later this week!" She said.

"So who was that, your boyfriend?" I asked in a serious tone.

"No, just a friend in Forks," She said.

"Good Bella, because your mine." I wasn't sure why I had said those words and it made me shutter because it reminded me of the figure in my dreams. What was going on with me?

"Pardon?" She asked.

"Oh, I am sorry…I meant that I want you to be mine." I said quickly trying to save the situation. I just didn't know what it was, but she was doing something to me as though she was a witch casting a spell. I knew she was different and not like the rest of the women I knew, and I had to get to know her.

"I….umm..."

"Oh, Bella, I apologize if I'm being too forward. I just haven't met anyone like you before. There is just something about you that I find hard to ignore. How about we start over? Would you go on a date with me this Thursday to the Rainbow Room?" I asked knowing that I wanted to treat her like a princess because unlike the other girls, she didn't act like a princess.

"I am so glad you said yes, Bella. Here's my phone number. Can I have yours so I can text you all of the details for our date? I asked as I took out my iPhone so she could give me her number.

"Is everything okay? You don't have to go with me; you can say no." I said as I watched her stare at my phone. I hoped she wasn't rejecting me because I needed her.

"Yeah, I just don't have anything to wear." She said.

I was waiting for her to ask me to buy her something, but she didn't. So, I decided I was going to buy a dress for her. It was refreshing to be around someone who wasn't just about money.

"Oh Bella, don't worry about that. I will take care of it. Now, please excuse me. I have to get back to work, but I would like to walk you home if you let me?" I asked.

"Thank you, Edward that would be great."

So, I walked her home and ignored the other women who were staring at me as though I was a perfect, dreamy man, which was something I wasn't. We stopped at an apartment building where she said she lived.

"I'll see you on Thursday Bella," I said as I walked away.

I couldn't get her beautiful face out of my head. Not only was my heart beating out of my chest but I could feel my dick aching. Oh god, how I wanted this woman. I needed her, and I knew I would do whatever I could to make her mine. I knew being aggressive wasn't always good but it was better than being my weak old self. I quickly went to a clothing store beside my office building and picked out a blue sequined dress with matching blue pumps. Since I had gone out with so many women, I had a knack for knowing a woman's body size, and damn how I wanted to rub my hand up and down Bella's body. I wrote a quick note and told the clerk to deliver the dress to the appropriate address. I knew Bella would be surprised at the gift, and that's what I already admired about her.

I went back to work and spent the remainder of the day thinking of her. I even texted her asking if she liked the dress and told her I knew she would look beautiful in it. When she said, she loved the dress and shoes and was speechless, I knew she was different. In fact, I thought about her every minute and luckily I had no more nightmares. Instead, they were replaced with images of me fucking Bella in many different positions.

The days went by slowly as I waited for my date with Bella. I couldn't believe she had said yes and I couldn't wait to see her. Finally, it was Thursday, and my heart started to pound out of my chest. I was anxious and nervous. I texted her saying that I would pick her up at 8 o'clock in my limo.

I decided to wear a black suit and black shoes. I spiked my hair into the 'sex hair' look that I knew women loved. Then, I stopped at a floral shop and bought a dozen red roses. Finally, I was off to Bella's. I walked into the entrance of the building and went up to the apartment number that she had texted me a few days ago. I knocked on the door and when she opened it, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. She looked exquisite. The dress showed off her curves perfectly. Oh, how I wanted to kiss every inch of her body. My body shook with delight as I handed Bella the flowers.

"Wow, Bella you look so stunning…wow I can't get over your beauty….. these are for you." I said trying not to stare at her breasts that looked delectable.

"Thank you, Edward. You look very handsome yourself. Thank for the flowers and the dress and shoes. Seriously, you didn't have to do this." She said as she took the flowers from my hand and placed them in a vase.

"I know I didn't have to buy them, but I wanted to. Bella, you deserve the world, and I hope one day you will let me give it to you." I said. Then, I took her hand and led her to the white stretch limo.

"Wow, I have never been in a limo before." She said as she stared at the vehicle.

"Come, you will love it," I said as I led her inside.

Finally, we were at the restaurant. I helped her out of the limo and walked with her into the building.

There were tiny booths on one side of the restaurant and small tables on the other. They were all lit with white candles and large crystal lamps hung from the ceiling.

"It's so beautiful." She said.

"Not as beautiful as you, my love," I said not believing that the most beautiful woman in the world was on a date with me. For once in my life, I felt lucky.

"Bella, please get whatever you want."

I couldn't help but stare at her as she made her decision. She decided on chicken parmesan while I ordered a New York Strip with Mushroom soup and Caesar salad as appetizers.

"How is your meal, Bella?"

"Terrific. The food is amazing."

"I am glad."

"So, Bella tell me more about yourself. Are you excited for school to start?" I asked curious about this beautiful woman.

"Yeah, I am! I'm nervous, but excited too, I can't wait to start!"

"I'm very happy for you, Bella. That is amazing you were accepted into the business program. You seem like a very smart woman. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. I would love to teach you some of the knowledge I have acquired over the years. I would also love to hear about all the things you are learning, so I hope we have a second date." I said as I winked at her.

I watched Bella's beautiful body get up from the booth and go to the washroom. But I wasn't happy with the man who was staring at my girl when she came back. What was he doing? She was mine; no one was supposed to look at her like that but me! She was mine! I could feel my heart beat quickly as I stared at this man.

"Who was that guy?" I demanded as I started to shake.

"No…Nobody Edward, why?"

"Damn it…I shouldn't have brought you here for all the men to look at you like you're a piece of meat. Especially when you are mine and I should be the only one to look at your beauty." I explained realizing I had no control over my aggressive side anymore.

"It's okay, Edward. I'm here with you. Please don't worry." She said.

"So what about you? I know you told me about your father, but what about your mother?"

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. My mother? Why did she want to talk about her? I didn't want to. She was nothing; she didn't deserve to be talked about.

"She's out of the picture; I haven't seen her since I was ten years old…so do you have any plans for the weekend?" I asked trying to avoid this subject of conversation.

"Yeah, actually my friend Jacob from Forks is coming down to visit me. At first, he said he couldn't make it until next week, but he surprised me and said he can come this weekend!" She exclaimed.

"So Jake is just a friend?" I asked making sure she was mine.

"Well, we both liked each other at one time, but he wasn't my type, so here I am."

"Does he still like you? Do you still like him?" I asked as I placed my clenched fists on the table. I couldn't let anyone take Bella away from me.

"No, I don't like him, and no he doesn't like me." She said.

"Are you sure because I know how guys are and once they like someone it's hard for them to let go of their feelings," I said.

"Excuse me, but you don't know anything about him!" She exclaimed.

I do. Why else is he coming all of this way? He is coming so he can sleep with you?" I asked as my fists hit the table. The thought of someone sleeping with my girl sickened me, and I couldn't think straight.

"What? And here I thought you were gentleman but you are just like the rest! How can you be so rude and obnoxious? I think we're done here. Can you please take me home?" She demanded.

"Oh no Bella, I am sorry. I am sorry. I just got jealous…please stay." I said. What the hell did I just do? Why did I just ask like an ass? Why did I let my aggression and jealousy take over me? Oh god, how I wanted Bella to like me and now I think I may have ruined my chances. What the hell was my problem? I had a gorgeous girl at my fingertips, and now she was slipping away.

"No, Edward I think I want to go home."

I knew I couldn't change her mind, so I paid our bill, and we rode back to her place in silence.

As soon as I got home, I threw the elephants across the room and screamed as I watched the pieces fall to the ground. Why did I always fuck things up? Maybe my family was right maybe I was a fuck up! But I needed her, and I would do anything to get her back! I kept texting and calling her to say how sorry I was but she never responded. So, I drank some whiskey and fell asleep on the couch. That night, the figure in the fog was there to greet me.

I woke up angry and tired. I had gotten no sleep the night before, and when I saw that Bella still hadn't texted me back I thought I would cry. I needed her, and I had to do everything I could to get her back. I had not felt this way about a woman before and it scared me. I was not use to needing anyone especially a woman. But I knew I had to have her. I got dressed and popped more pills. Then, I told Adam that I had the flu and laid on the couch, which is where I stayed all day. What if Bella didn't take me back? What was I going to do? Would I have to live with a blonde princess for the rest of my life? I had never felt so alone. I felt there was no one that understood me or even knew me. I just wanted the pain to go away, and I just wanted someone to love me for who I was, and not for my last name, but it seemed like that would never happen. I was trying to battle the demons in my head, but I didn't think I would win the fight. I knew I was turning into her, and there was nothing I could do about it.

It was later in the night when I went to refill my glass of whiskey that I realized I was all out.

"Fuck!" I knew the beer stores were closed, but I need my alcohol. I decided I would go to a bar, and I knew just which one I wanted to go to. I got dressed and started to walk over to the bar. The restaurant on the top floor was busy, and I was going to go straight down to the bar when I saw someone familiar. I looked closely and saw Bella standing close to a guy by the pool tables. I instantly knew this guy was Jacob. What the hell was this guy doing with my girl? I was so buzzed I let my aggressiveness take over. I had to show her she was mine and that she wouldn't want to be with anyone but me.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HER?" I yelled throughout the restaurant.

"Who is he? Do you know him? Jake asked.

"Yeah…That's Edward. Jake do you mind waiting outside; I'll tell you everything later." She said.

"Are you kidding? I am not leaving you here with him?" He said.

"Please Jake, he won't hurt me, please let me handle this."

"I don't know you but you better not hurt her! I will be back in ten minutes." Jake said to me as he stormed out of the restaurant.

"What are you doing here?" She asked me.

"I thought you said you were just friends." I asked ignoring her question as I walked towards her.

"We are Edward." She replied.

"Why didn't you text or call me back?" I asked.

"I didn't call or text because I am still mad at you!" She exclaimed as she crossed her arms over her chest

"Oh, that's okay Bella because I am mad at you too."

"Mad? Why are you mad at me?" She asked.

I walked over to her.

"I am mad because you let some other guy put his hands on you. I don't know why you would do that when you have me. But, I guess I will have to show you why. Don't worry Bella; you will be punished for your actions. But let me make something clear. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE will ever be allowed to put their hands on you except for me. "I said.

Then, I pulled her face towards mine and kissed her hard.

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