Bella
"Today, we celebrate having all of the Cullen Enterprise's family together in one building. This was a dream of mine and with hard work, dedication, and sacrifices, it is now a reality. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your professionalism during this hectic time. It wasn't ideal for me to become sick during this critical moment, but everyone chipped in and continued on. Hell, probably better than if I was around sticking my nose in everything," Edward said with a chuckle.
The crowd of employees laughed at his joke. It was hard to believe that all the employees of the company could fit in one place. The grand foyer, with its raised terraces, gave ample room for everyone. As much as I hated it, I was sitting on the stage with Jasper, Emmett, and Garrett.
Not only were the employees in attendance, but also state and local government officials. The taxes Cullen Enterprise would be paying to both local and state were going massive. Politicians wanted to keep Edward Cullen happy and in their state. I really didn't mind them other than the creepy looks I received when Edward introduced me to them.
Now the other guests, I wish we didn't have to invite. The bloodsucking vultures, the press. I understood it was big news to have a company like Cullen Enterprises move all their headquarters into one building. However, I didn't trust them.
We hadn't announced our marriage yet. It would be page six news after we leave for our honeymoon on Friday. Esme knew the editor and chief at the Times. A wedding announcement, along with a series of our wedding photos, were given to him. For the exclusivity of the pictures, he agreed to submit them at the last moment so no one would see it coming. We wanted to let the news die down while we were on our extended honeymoon.
Edward refuses to tell me where we are going or how long we will be gone. However, after the ceremony, he plans on pulling Garrett into his office. He wants him to step into his shoes until we return.
While Edward was recuperating, Garrett, with the help of Jasper and Emmett, had carried the load beautifully. So much so that Edward was seriously thinking about cutting his time back permanently. He stated he had worked hard all his life, and it was time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He assured me if I wanted to continue working as much as I had been, he would support me. I love my job and what I do, but I didn't think I would like it as much if Edward wasn't the one in the office next to mine.
Lost in my thoughts, I missed most of his speech. Until the group once again let out a laugh. As I looked up, I saw him looking at me, his green eyes so full of mischief. Damn it, what did he say? He gave me a wink before turning back to the crowd.
"Thank you again. Does anyone have any questions?" he asks, looking out at the crowd. Of course, every hand of vultures, sorry I mean the press, is up. Edward points to a male reporter. He asks about expansion in the import/export industry. Edward answers without missing a beat. The man is so knowledgeable about so many industries. I can't help but stare as he speaks. When he finally finishes answering the question, the reporter is visibly stunned. I knew how he felt.
Edward looks out and points. I follow his hand and cringe. It was the female reporter who asked about his girlfriend at the first press conference.
"Mr. Cullen, Tanya Denali of the Times. Sources tell us that you were married over the weekend to Isabella Swan, who sits on the stage behind you. Isn't she your "Executive Liaison" who worked for Newton Holdings until your hostile takeover less than three months ago?"
A gasp left my lips hearing her. How did she find out? I glanced over to Esme, whose lips were in a tight line. I looked up at Edward and saw his hand gripping the podium so hard his knuckles were white. I couldn't allow him to unleash his temper on the press over me. Without a second thought, I am on my feet and moving beside Edward. He looks down at me, his face marred with concern. I give him a smile and a wink. This bitch doesn't know who is messing with. Edward takes my hand and kisses the back of it.
I turn toward the press. "Tammy, I would like to answer your questions."
"It's Tanya, not Tammy," she says with a snarl.
I waved my hand at her, and the light of the camera flashes danced off my engagement ring, causing a prism of colors against the walls.
"Whatever. Edward and I were married this weekend in a private ceremony with our family and close friends. Judge Alice Brandon performed the ceremony in our home. The announcement and photos were going to be released Saturday exclusively to the Times, but since you have already announced it, we will pull the photos and announcement." I look back at Esme, who gives me a smirk. She knew the Editor and Chief of the times was going to be pissed. Tanya Denali's days as a reporter were number.
"And what about the fact you are eighteen younger than Mr. Cullen and you work directly under him? Were you a spy for Mr. Cullen at Newton Holdings?" Tanya asks.
"The age difference means nothing to us. Love is blind. I love Edward unconditionally as he does me. And to answer the ridiculous question about being a spy. Ms. Ditsy, you need to stop spreading lies. Our attorney would love a hefty lawsuit."
Edward chuckles at my last remark.
"The name is Denali not Ditsy," Tanya said her lips in a tight line.
"Thanks for correcting me. Dear, can you make sure we have the correct spelling for our attorney?" I ask Edward with a grin.
"Oh, course, my love," he answered, leaning in and placing a passionate kiss on my lips. I was lost in the kiss until I heard the room cheering and clapping. Edward pulled back and gave me one of his sexy as fuck smirks. Damn, my underwear is ruined.
"Ladies, Gentleman of Cullen Enterprises, I am pleased to introduce you to my wife, Isabella Cullen, who happens to be my Executive Liaison. If you haven't met her yet, you will. She loves getting to know everyone who she works with," Edward said.
The cheers go up and as I look at Tanya, I can see complete disdain on her features. The bitch better not start anything else.
"Now, all Cullen Enterprise family members, go enjoy the reception set up in the main lounge. Eat, drink, and have a great time because tomorrow we get back to work." Edward stepped away from the podium, his arm still wrapped around me.
We walk over to Carlisle and Esme. She reaches out and pulls me into a tight hug. "I am so proud of you," she said.
"I just can't figure out how she found out."
"Me, either. Oh, wait, I need to make a call," Esme said, taking out her phone and placing it on speaker. "Maxwell, Esme Cullen."
"Esme, how are you?"
"Not good. One of your reports just broke the news of Edward and Bella's marriage. Because of this, I am pulling all the photos as well as the announcement. I will be contacting another paper that will treat our news with the respect that we require," Esme said, giving me a wink. "Oh, and be prepared to hear from Edward and Bella's lawyer for a slander suit against your reporter."
"Esme, please don't do this. I'll fire the reporter."
"It is too late. Goodbye, Maxwell," Esme said, disconnecting the call.
Edward wrapped his arm around me and whispered in my ear. "And that is why you never piss off Esme Cullen."
I couldn't help but giggle at his comment.
"Well, that is taken care of. Why don't we go out to lunch?" Esme said.
"Bella and I have a meeting with Garrett, but we can go after that," Edward said. "Why don't you go up to our apartment and we will be up after the meeting?"
Esme nodded before giving us both a kiss on the cheek and walking away. Edward turned to me, his eyes darkening with desire. I knew what he wanted, but we had a meeting to attend.
"Let's go, Mr. Cullen," I said, smiling at him.
He took my hand and led me out of the foyer. As we walked down the hallway, I could feel his eyes on me, burning with a need that matched my own. I couldn't wait to be alone with him. The elevator ride was treacherous as I tried not to attack my husband.
We arrived at Edward's office. Garrett and Kate greeted us with a smile. Edward held onto my hand and walked behind his desk.
"Congratulations, you two. I knew you two had something special," Garrett said, grinning.
"Thank you," Edward said, squeezing my hand. "Garrett, I want you to take over my office for me."
Garrett's eyes widen. "You want me to do what?"
"Bella and I are going on an extended honeymoon. I have poured everything I had into this company, and now is the time for me to start enjoying life," Edward says and looks down at me, his eyes filled with so much love and devotion I had to make myself take a breath.
"How long will you be away?" Garrett asks.
"I want to show Bella the world, and when we return, I am not coming back full-time. We want to start a family right away, and I don't want to miss my children growing up," Edward says.
Garrett nods, a smile on his face. "I'm happy for you both. You deserve to take a break and enjoy life."
"Thank you, Garrett," I say, smiling at him.
"Of course, Bella. You two have a wonderful time, and don't worry about a thing here. Kate and I will take care of everything," Garrett says, patting my hand.
"Thank you, Garrett. We appreciate it," Edward says.
With plans in place, Edward and I left the office building and headed to our penthouse apartment. As soon as the door closed, Edward had me pinned against the wall, his mouth crashing down on mine in a heated kiss. I moaned, my hands gripping his hair as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth.
"God, I need you," Edward groaned against my lips.
"I need you too," I pant.
Without warning, Edward lifted me up, my legs wrapping around his waist, and he began walking through the apartment until we heard a chuckle.
I look over and see his parents sitting in the living room. How had I forgotten that we had invited them up?
Edward's parents, Carlisle and Esme, were sitting on the couch, trying to hold back their laughter at our obvious enthusiasm for each other. Edward put me down, and we both tried to compose ourselves, although I could feel my cheeks flaming with embarrassment.
"Sorry about that," Edward says, trying to act nonchalant.
"Don't be sorry," Esme says, still chuckling. "It's nice to see you both so in love."
"Thank you," I say, trying to hide my blush.
"So, we were just talking about our upcoming trip," Edward said, changing the subject.
"Oh yes, where are you going?" Carlisle asks, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.
"We haven't decided yet," Edward says with a grin. "We want to see the world, so we're thinking of going to Europe first and then maybe Asia or South America."
"That sounds incredible," Esme says, her eyes shining with excitement. "Carlisle and I also have some news."
"What, Mom?" Edward asks.
"We have decided to move to the city," Carlisle replies.
"That is wonderful, but why?" I ask.
"We want to be close to our grandchildren when they come along. Us living so far outside the city, we are afraid we wouldn't see them as much as we would like," Esme explains.
"This is such great news," Edward says, hugging both his parents. "Have you started looking for an apartment?"
"No. However, we do have a call into a realtor," Carlisle says.
I had a crazy idea. "How big of a place are you looking for?"
"We would like to have at least three bedrooms and baths. An open floor plan for the living, dining, and kitchen would be a nice neighborhood," Esme says.
My old apartment wasn't big enough, but if Felix did his magic with combining the apartment next to it, it would be.
Edward wraps his arm around me. "What are you thinking about so intently?"
"My old apartment is empty?" I say.
"But it doesn't have three bedrooms," Edward says.
"Yes. However, the apartment next to it is empty. If Felix can take down some walls and reconfigure the floor plan to meet your needs," I say.
Edward's lips turn in one of his sexy grins. "And this is why I fell in love with her."
