We haven't talked about Edward since that evening. When we came back home after dinner, Mike reproached me of being distant.

"What happened to you, Bella?"

"What do you mean? Nothing happened to me."

"You're usually friendly with everyone and tonight you barely spoke a word. If I didn't know you, I'd say you hate Edward and Tanya."

I sigh, taking my shoes off and hanging my coat in the closet. "I'm tired that's all. I assure you that I have nothing against them. It's just I had nothing to tell them really, we don't have a lot in common."

Coming behind me, he pushes my hair to the side of my neck and unclasps the gold necklace he gave me for my last birthday. "I admit it, you have nothing in common with Tanya but I was sure you would have clicked immediately with Ed. You're so similar it's frightening" he laughs.

Instead of answering, I head for the bathroom. I can't have this kind of conversation with Mike. I know we're similar. Everyone used to tell me that. He's passionate, funny, impulsive and smart. I grab some lotion to remove my make up and get ready for bed while Mike still talks from the bedroom, probably getting undressed. "I think we should invite them over for a barbecue next weekend, what do you think? Maybe their children could come with them, and enjoy the garden."

It instantly made my blood boil. Having Edward and his perfect family for a whole day at home ? No way. It's one thing to meet him once in a neutral place but to let him inside our life is beyond my strength. I won't go on this road again, I paid enough for that years ago.

That night I dismissed the idea and Mike didn't talk about it anymore. He keeps on talking about Edward regularly like he did before but never suggests the invitation anymore.

As for me, I have been swaying down the memory lane since that night. For the past ten days, I have been spending every moment alone reminiscing everything that happened between us.

Unable to keep this to myself, I take my phone. There's only one person I can talk about this freely.

"Hello?"

"Angela, it's Bella."

We lost touch over the years except for the occasional text for birthday. It's not my fault or hers, it's just life.

"Wow Bella, it's been a while. How are you?"

"Its Edward, Angela. He's making his way back into my life."

"Well, we haven't talked to each other for months but one call and it's worth it, girl. Tell me everything."

I start to tell her everything, from the bromance of Mike and Edward to the dinner we had together and that awkward feeling it's gonna make my life burst again.

"Do you think he recognised you and deliberately acted as if he didn't know you ?" she asks.

"I don't know at all. He acted like it was the first time he saw me, but the intensity in his eyes make me think he knew exactly who I was. I mean, I haven't changed that much since then?"

"Well, apart from losing weight and dying your hair brown, not much. But maybe it's enough to make you a whole new person ? I don't know."

The person I was when I was 20 was definitely different to the person I am now. My short reddish straight hair is now replaced with long curly brown locks, and I lost a few sizes, being curvy instead of chubby and fat. But my face still looks the same and I'm sure someone I met in university or high school would be able to recognise me, even if I'm using my surname instead of Isabella.

"What am I gonna do, Angie?"

"I'll tell you what I told you years ago. That guy is big trouble. He proved it 15 years ago, and you paid for it. Do you want to endure that pain again ? I know the answer is no. So protect yourself. Stay away from him. After all, he's just a colleague to Mike, and I don't think he wants to reveal your past to Mike and his wife. You don't have to be in contact with him again. Let just Mike live his bromance at work."

We promise each other not to lose touch again and to see each other quickly for a lunch. After I hang up, and before leaving for the office, I check mes emails, seeing Mike sent me a quick note asking me to call him on his office line.

"Mike Newton."

"It's me, babe. You wanted me to call you?"

"Oh Bella, thank god, I forgot my phone at home I think. Can you check please? Maybe on the living room table ?"

I laugh, spotting the shiny device between two cushions on the sofa.

"I have it, you must have sat on it while drinking your coffee or something."

"You're a lifesaver, Darling. Would you mind stopping on your way to give it to me?"

I pout, putting it in my bag. "Mike, I'm already in a hurry, are you sure you can't do without it for a day?"

"Bella, please."

I clearly imagine his face, begging eyes and sheepish smile and he knows I can't resist this.

"Good god, I'm coming. I should be there in 30 minutes. You'd better be in your office to get this or I put it in the bin" I laugh, taking my car keys and coat.