Disclaimer: The characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, but the story is completely mine. Copying, whether partial or total, is PROHIBITED. Say NO to plagiarism. CONTAINS SEXUAL SCENES +18.
Beta: The Vampire Goddess
Song Recommendation:The Chase – SOHN
Chapter 2:
Iron
"You hold every word I say
Pulling every time I move
You cannot avoid it
You suffocate to see me hot
(…) You cannot avoid it…"
How could she contain the heat coming from her body? How could she fully describe it? It was impossible. He was so close and his smell was so intoxicating that I had a hard time staying calm. It was difficult to concentrate because his way of intimidating me was attractive, his shadowy presence pinned me to him. What the hell was wrong with me? I was so confused.
"Let me go," I ordered, facing him.
I wouldn't let any idiot with his influence bring me down, ever!
"What are you planning, Isabella Swan?" He inquired, tightening his hands around my head, palms on the wall. Do you think I don't know the kind of person you are? I swallowed and lifted my chin even higher. Edward Cullen wasn't playing, huh?
"You're just a stuck-up little girl who thinks she can take my mother's place just because she cajoled my father. Do you think I don't know what you want? Of course, our money! Get this inside your head you little cunt, the money that my parents have reaped, will not be taken away by their mistress." His voice was tremendously calm as he spoke; however, his nonverbal language was threatening to the point where I feared, not for my integrity, but for how hypnotizing it was in the face of his strength and countenance. He looked…well, he is powerful. He is so attractive and virile.
"I won't let you do what you want, you've entered a world you shouldn't have, and you have messed with the wrong person… Isabella," He pointed out.
He moved his head up and down the side of my body slowly, as if he was up smelling. I know he was intoxicated by either my aroma, or was it my mere presence? Because of the way he swallowed. He looked down curiously at how my shawl kept falling off my shoulders.
And what about the way he said my name in that rich, but velvet voice of him? Why was the way my name rolled off his lips generate this intoxicating effect? I was enveloped in his scent too, he was also clouding my mind with his closeness, I couldn't bear it, I had to get out of here before it was too late.
"Remember, Isabella, you've messed with Edward Cullen and I won't let you continue to get in the way," he assured, squeezing the wall, with each hand on one side of my body.
I looked at each arm beside me, breathing hard, I noticed he wore leather gloves.
"I'm not afraid of you, Edward Cullen," I replied, looking at him square on.
He smiled. Shit, he is really dangerous, but I'm not going to deny he's also attractive
"I don't need you to fear me," he whispered after a few seconds. Then He walked away, looking at me from head to toe as he gritted his teeth and frowned. He adjusted his gloves, put on his sunglasses and walked away, leaving me in the middle of the room with a tumult of emotions that were difficult to explain.
"You're a bastard," I muttered, clenching my fists as I felt the effect of his closeness leave me. She was not going to allow his intimidation, no matter how much he wanted her to feel that way.
"I knew you were going to be the most difficult, but I didn't think how much," I added, adjusting my shawl over my shoulders again.
I'm stronger than him, I can handle this.
But why were my knees shaking? I had to take a deep breath and swallow the feeling in my throat, staring at the ceiling. No, I wasn't afraid, it was something different.
When I controlled myself, I returned to the living room, maintaining my composure, as if I hadn't confronted Edward less than five minutes ago.
"Miss," Serafin exclaimed, coming towards me. "What happened?" He asked worriedly, I shook my head and he sighed.
"I need to see Carlisle for the last time,It's time to leave," I told him.
He nodded and offered me his arm, ready to take me there. Before we could take a step forward, I noticed that the press was waiting for us behind the immense security of the meadow, so I had to collect myself and keep a hard face, even though I felt as if I was dying to cry. I couldn't let them see me weak, they would eat me alive. We walked across the meadow and arrived at Carlisle's tomb, a place that, far from reassuring me, led me to experience the panic of being who I was today.
"Do you think he's capable of using and maintaining the power Carlisle has given me?" I asked Serafin, touching the flowers.
My camellias were placed under all the others, which somehow pained me, given its immense meaning and analogy to my total reality.
"You know you are strong, there is a reason why Mr. Cullen decided that you would be in charge of the entire empire…" he trailed off.
"I'm just a twenty-year-old girl," I stated, looking at him.
"Everyone underestimates me, as if they know where I come from." I added with disdain. Everyone thinks they know me, but they don't.
"We are not where we come from, but we are who we become according to our opportunities but also our talents. You know what you are capable of, I am also certain that Mr. Cullen would be very proud of you.
I sighed and thought about him, his encouraging look, his hand on my shoulder, the respect and fatherly affection he always gave me. Everyone thought I was the black widow, the unscrupulous woman who took a man from an already broken family.I'm the one whom they point the finger at, without knowing that behind closed doors, the relationship that the media wanted to show was nonexistent.
"I promise I'll do what you asked, Carlisle," I whispered, feeling the first drops of rain on my was only the beginning.
~TCOP~
I took a deep breath and looked around. Everything was grotesque but wonderful. Carlisle had given a life of luxury to his ex-wife and his children. The main house was a classic mansion with a neat and well-kept appearance. The main area was covered by different power brokers, who would not allow any non-family member to dare set foot.
Our car parked in the main area and I got out carefully, escorted by the power brokers themselves. I adjusted my terracotta dress, held my breath and took a step forward, taking the arm of Serafin, my eternal confidant.
"Press nearby, don't look at them," he advised me, urging me to continue.
I stayed tense, I wasn't used to other people harassing me for being who I was.
"Are you interested in the Cullen estate?"
"What will you receive for having married former President Carlisle Cullen?"
"Do you plan to remove the ex-wife to live in the Cullen home?"
These and other questions were fired at me from both reporters and paparazzi. How shitty and vain what they said seemed to me. Although I didn't blame them, no one knew what was behind all the situations I went through to get to where I was. It had all started at the most dire, complex moment of my life, when only I needed a job to make a livelihood. I was lost in it, I was just a girl of eighteen, who needed to do everything and anything to get out of the shit she had immersed herself in.
I was nervous. It was my first real job, a secure job I could handle without fear of unfair dismissal. The cleaning agency had asked me to prepare to carry out my task in one of the most important places in the state. I never believed that I would be the person who would get the privilege to clean the corners of the campaign offices of former President Carlisle Cullen. My colleagues had told me that he tipped well and was very friendly. I didn't believe it was true until I met him.
I approached with my broom and dustpan, looking around the place with quite a bit of surprise. I have never been to such a luxurious and fascinating place. Plus, everything was so clean that I didn't know where to start. It was like pouring water into the ocean: redundant and a waste of time.
"Welcome," a soft voice greeted me.
When I turned around, I saw warm and trusting blue eyes.
"You must be Miss Swan," he stated, setting his briefcase aside.
"It is a pleasure," he replied as he held out his hand to me. I took off my gloves as quickly as I could and shook his hand warily.
"Don't worry, I'm not made of glass," he laughed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he added, looking at me with warm blue eyes.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Cullen," I whispered meekly. He smiled and patted my shoulder with respect and chivalry, as a father would do to his daughter.
Former President Carlisle Cullen was incredibly handsome for an older man. The only thing I knew was that he was over fifty years old, and that his period in power was when I was just seven years old. I was not a woman given to politics. When I was eighteen, I had to leave my home at the request of my mother and stepfather when I shamed the name of their family for being impure and sinful. Because of this, I always stayed away from television, newspapers, or any media for considering it immoral.
"You can start here, my assistants and the campaign team are here frequently, so they get the room dirty quickly," He said with a sly smile.
One of the security agents announced our arrival, and after connecting with his headset, he received the order to allow us to enter. When we opened the front door, I again felt the shyness of my inner woman. The one I kept protected so that no one could hurt her. I had to control myself, not show that this was new to me. That I was just a small fish in a tank full of sharks, facing people with immense power.
The double door was made of marbled glass. Upon entering, I felt a coldness hit me, possibly because it was such a large space, or maybe it was the people who were inside who were not making a warm environment. There were photographs of the Cullen family, and it was inevitable for me to look closely at their smiles, especially Carlisle's. Was he unhappy in any of them? Possibly, not for his children, whom he loved dearly, but for being with a woman he did not want.
"Miss Swan," said a young, attractive woman.
She carried a folder under her arm and looked serene but undaunted. She was a beautiful woman. She had wavy blonde hair and high cheekbones, her body was lithe, but curved, and she was wearing an expensive dark suit. I recognized it because I had it too.
"My name is Tanya Denali," she smiled.
"Lawyer and family friend. I will be with them for the reading of the will. She invited me to enter.
I narrowed my eyes, she was the eldest daughter of Senator Denali, that arrogant man who was ogling me at the funeral. She wasn't here mistakenly, it's clear that both families are united by friendship.
"Nice to meet you, Tanya Denali," I said, looking right at her and shaking her hand firmly.
She looked at me, unscrupulous, cold, and distrustful. I went past her and continued my way into the house. Ignoring her was my weapon for the moment, her kind of intimidation did absolutely nothing for me.
I saw everyone gathered around the table, with the notary waiting for us. Esme Cullen was next to Rosalie, who maintained her cryptic expression. I did a once over around the room for a moment and from the looks of it, I was not well received, I felt all of their hatred, resentment. I am an outsider, so I could also feel their desire for me to get away from this place that was considered sacred to their family. I sat next to Serafin. We had to wait a bit for the reading, as some family members were still missing.
"I'm sorry," Alice exclaimed, entering the room spontaneously. It was unexpected that she smiled at us.
"Good morning, everyone!" She said.
She had been the only one that made me feel like I was welcome.
"Good morning," The hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the sound of his voice, the same voice that made me shudder yesterday for the first time.
I turned my hands into fists subtly under the table. I felt him looking at me. I would rather not play along, so I acted as if he didn't exist, which was extremely difficult. His footsteps could be felt from afar, he went far away from us and sood there still. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and saw his profile and immense, intimidating height. He was the only one of everyone in the place who made me tremble in a way that I couldn't explain.
"Good morning, senator," I said, courageously.
Everyone turned to look at me. He took his time adjusting his leather gloves with half-closed eyes. His green irises turned dark, and he lowered his attention to the curve of my legs, but the asshole didn't return my greeting. Not that I expected him to."Now that everyone is here, we can begin," the notary announced, drawing everyone's attention.
I forced myself to look, although I still kept my attention focused on his expressions; His eyes burned, and I could feel how he followed all of my gestures and my movements.
"I want to thank everyone present, Mr. Cullen would have liked to see everyone gathered to read his last words," he continued.
"I will proceed to York, July 30, 2018, I, Carlisle Frederick Cullen, hereby make public and declare that this document is my last will and that I am of sound mind, and legal age. I state that I am not acting under duress or influence of anyone, and that I fully understand the nature and the scope of all my assets and this disposition thereof. I hereby revoke all other wills and codicils that I have heretofore made jointly or individually…" The notary started.
No one said anything, so he continued reading,
"I hereby constitute and designate Edward Anthony Cullen as Executor of this Will."
Esme smiled and looked at Rosalie, while Edward smiled arrogantly.
"Along with Isabella Marie Swan," he added.
We gasped.
"I hereby grant the executor all powers and authority required or authorized by law, and especially that of supposition," the notary continued to read.
"My executors shall have full and absolute power at their discretion to secure, repair, improve or sell all or any of the property in my estate, whether by public auction or private sale, and shall have the right to permit any property in my estate to be in such terms and conditions. Conditions that will be in the best interest of my beneficiaries."
Why had Carlisle named me alongside… him? I didn't dare look at him.
"It is my will to bequeath to the persons named below, if he or she survives me by thirty days, the following properties
Everyone was quiet, and the tension in the room could be cut with a knife.
"To my firstborn son, Edward Anthony Cullen, I bequeath full control of my assets in my campaign offices, and the domiciles in Miami, Prada, Greece, and Italy."
I stopped listening as I stared at him, Senator Cullen gave a soft smile, although I saw no joy. I wondered if he was capable of actually feeling joy or any emotion at all.
"To Isabella Marie Swan, I bequeath the full power of my apartment in Manhattan. I live in her hands the presidency of my stock company, Cullen Association Inc., who, together with my son, vice president of the aforementioned company, will carry out all leadership and coordination actions."
I felt every gasp coming from the others, the surprise of bequeathing me the presidency was such that I felt the daggers of all the Cullens, especially his, as they looked at me. He would merely be the vice president, while I, on the other hand, would be the new president. I was barely twenty years old, I could not believe it. The senator knew that my power would be greater than his, was I able to hold it against him and everyone else? I didn't know the answer to that question…yet.
The notary continued naming the properties in my name, but I was not aware of it. I was intimidated by everything that Carlisle had left me. I was still Carlisle Cullen's wife according to the law and every member of his family. However, only I knew the true meaning of the agreement between us.
"As witnesses, we declare that we are of sound mind and of legal age to be witnesses to a will and that, as far as we know, Carlisle Frederick Cullen, the creator of this will, is of legal age to make a will, and is completely healthy and in complete use of his mental faculties, signed this will voluntarily and without undue influence or coercion. We declare that he/she signed this will in our presence, since we then signed as witnesses in his/her presence and in the presence of each of the other witnesses, all present at the same time." the notary continued, after declaring all of Carlisle's last wishes and requests, finally ending the reading of the will.
Esme Cullen stood up from her chair and held her chin arrogantly, looking at me with those watery, hurt eyes.
"Are you happy now?" She inquired.
"Please, Mother, not here," Rosalie pleaded.
"It's Carlisle's will," she stated, standing up next to Serafin.
She laughed and then continued crying.
"That's how it is, that fool made a will with a… little girl," she spat.
"I can't believe he stooped so low to frolic with a woman your age. You could be his daughter. You weren't as stupid as I predicted. She left with Rosalie, entering another room.
"I apologize for everything that's happened," Alice said, approaching me. "It hasn't been fair to you either." She commented.
"Thank you, but the truth is, I would rather not cause problems with you and your family. You have to stop approaching me at every opportunity." I told her sternly, she looked appalled and a little hurt.
"Don't worry, I already had them before," she stated, lowering her gaze. "See you soon?" She asked hopefully.
"I think so… maybe," I replied, not wanting to get her hopes up too much.
I looked at Serafin, urging him to leave. However, before I could do so, Edward was in front of me, glaring at me in such a way that I felt my cheeks heat.
.
"Go, Serafin, please," I , somewhat hesitant, nodded and left.
"Don't think it will be that easy to take over my father's largest company, Isabella Swan," Edward said, I swallowed.
"Carlisle's will is that, and he will have to accept it," A harsh smile managed to leave his expressionless face.
You're meddling in a very difficult territory and you know it. You can try, but there will always be consequences," he stated, squeezing his hands.
"Don't think that because you slept with my father you will have unlimited benefits and resources, Isabella, remember who I am. I swallowed again, overcome by the intimidation he provoked in me.
Sleep with his father! Ha! If you only knew, Edward Cullen, how wrong you are, you would bite your tongue before trying to tarnish the memories I have of your father. How dare you!
"Well, he found someone who is not afraid of power," I assured, knowing that that was not true.
"Excuse me," I walked past him, brushing his chest with my shoulder. I felt his breath and his perfume, which made me stumble lightly. I had to do this. Carlisle entrusted me with this for a reason, and I was not going to let him down, failing wasn't an option, not with everything that was on the line. .
Arriving at what would be my new home gave me various emotions. Carlisle had given me the opportunity to live in a huge, bright apartment that was perfect for me. It was as if he had set it up for my every need.
"Leave your suitcases there, please." Serafin ordered, taking off his coat.
"What do you think? Do you like it?"He asked, I smiled softly at him.
"It's… beautiful," I replied between sighs. "Did He choose it for me?" This time, it was he who smiled.
"Of course, Mr. Cullen wanted you to be in a place worthy of you. Serafin was the only one who knew that Carlisle adored her like a daughter.
"Yes, but in everyone's eyes, I'm just a whore who slept with him," I muttered. Serafin caressed my shoulders in a fatherly manner.
"Only we know what is behind that agreement. You are more than what they say. Don't let them get to you,"
"Thank you, Serafin. Do you think it's enough? Tomorrow I must show my face in the company, go there, occupy an office and be a president…the president of one of the most important companies in the country…no pressure there, right? What the hell had Carlisle been thinking when he decided that was the best course of action?
"If Mr. Cullen decided to give him that power, it is because he knows you can do it and improve every aspect of his business." Serafin stated with confidence, I needed more of that at the moment.
I walked forward, blending into the room. I touched the turquoise couch and chaise lounge, smiling when I noticed that he had brought some of my things before leaving this world.
"With him, I felt like my father was proud of me," I said.
"I'm not going to lie to you, I was always hesitant to do it, you know, agree to the contract and be his wife under the law, especially when I only love him as a father and respect him."
Serafin sat next to me, "Isabella, If he hadn't, who knows what would have happened?"
"Yes, and that's what made me decide to continue. Carlisle helped me when I had nothing, I owe him everything," I looked back at him.
"And I will be with you until the day I die, I promise you." He took my hand and kissed it, I smiled and hugged him.
~TCOP~
I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, looking at the imposing empire that everyone was talking about, the greatest stock company, Cullen Associates Inc. It was a honeycomb, with thousands of windows and several feet high, although "several" seemed very little to me. The name was high up in front of the building, imposing and majestic. "You look flawless today," Serafin smiled approvingly.
"you think?" I smiled as I ran my hands over my outfit, trying to ease some of the wrinkles that the car ride had created.
"You will be a heartbreaker," he winked at me.
I looked at my orange skirt, bright and cheerful. I wanted to break the seriousness of the place a little. It was tight, all the way to the end of my thigh. I was wearing a fitting white blouse, which matched very well with my beige blazer. My black shoes and bag were from the same brand and complimented the outfit perfectly.
I said goodbye to Serafin, knowing that this time I would be alone in a world of beasts. I went my way, my heels clicked on the pavement and then on the perfectly polished marble floor as I made myself known. Name?" —the receptionist asked.
"Isabella Swan, your boss," I said with a hint of annoyance in my voice, I spoke to her the way Edward spoke to me. She blinked, and stood up quickly.
"Very… nice to meet you, ma'am…" she said, her hand extended, I could see she was shaking.
"Can I enter now?" I said after I dropped her hand.
"Of course," she stated, motioning for me to continue my way.
I took a deep breath to calm my anxiety as I stepped into the metal box. I had to appear strong to all of them. I had to be imposing and for that, I had to conceal and don't feel to remove Senator Cullen from total authority. Would he be here today? For some reason, I hoped he was, I wanted him to see me here. He needed to understand that we were both playing this game, and I didn't intend to lose.
When the doors of the elevator opened, several eyes landed on me, checking who I was and why I had come to the private access of the company's highest authority.
"Good morning," I greeted seriously. Nobody greeted me back, how disrespectful of them.
"I'm Isabella Swan, the new president," I added. I smiled inwardly as I saw the disbelief on their faces. What could such a young woman be doing in such a position of power? It was unheard of.
"Good morning," they finally responded.
I made my way towards. the door to the presidency office, which was the one in the back.
"I'm Jessica Stanley, your assistant," A young woman approached, although she kept her distance from me.
"Perfect," I replied. "It is a pleasure to meet the new president," Jessica added. Sadly, I didn't know whether she was being sincere or not.
"Can I serve you anything?" She added quickly.
A tea, no sugar, thank you."
"Shall I add anything else?"
"Lemon," I finished. "Of course, one sugarless tea with lemon coming right up!" Jessica said and went on her way to get what I asked for.
When I walked into the office, I couldn't believe how big it was. It had floor-to-ceiling windows and a beautiful leather couch. As I scrutinized the room further, there were some decorations that did not agree with me, so I would immediately send the remodeling order. Hope Carlisle didn't mind, I wanted to keep some of it intact, but I also wanted the office to resemble me.
"Mr. Cullen!What a joy to see in the office today! an excited Jessica exclaimed from the hallway, I didn't notice I had left the door open. .I tensed up but hurried to stand behind the desk to appear to be admiring the artwork on the wall in front of me as I heard her footsteps approaching.
"Has she arrived yet?" He asked with his demanding but velvety, manly voice.
"Yes sir, this tea is for her actually," Jessica replied.
"Perfect," I heard him say.
I smelt his perfume before I saw him, when he entered my office I could feel the damn heat of his body as if he were standing beside me. I could feel him, the vibrations that came from deep within his being. I didn't know how to describe all the things he made me feel by just his mere presence… As I turned around, still holding on to the desk, I saw him centimeters away from me, looking intensely into my eyes and down my body. He swallowed uneasily as he gulped and with a small movement, he loosened his tie.
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