The Wedding Picture Chapter 11, a twilight fanfic

This story is un-beta'd. All mistakes are mine.

Chapter 11

Aaron

I had every intention of checking out a couple of Bella's regular places today but Aro called me minutes after eight o'clock this morning, damn near demanding that I meet with him today. If the old pretentious fuck wasn't so good at his job, I would've dropped his ass already.

Who the fuck does he think he was to summons me?

Once I did my research on Bella's attorney, Sean, I knew I had to up my game. He hasn't lost one case and from what I've been told by Aro, you can't take his easygoing demeanor for granted.

I'd never heard of him before the day the restraining order was issued. I had no reason to since I worked in corporate law.

For some strange reason, I thought I'd never have to concern myself with a divorce attorney when Bella and I got married. I meant what I said when I vowed, until death do us part. To me, that meant, we stayed together no matter what.

I knew I should've told her about my indiscretions once we started dating exclusively. But when she finally committed to me, I was like a teenage boy getting laid for the first time. What I normally did with other women didn't work with Bella.

She wasn't impressed when I wined and dined her like some of the others. I'd gotten us reservations at Alinea's, award-winning for the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler, three-star Michelin rating, and she kissed me on the cheek on her doorstep and went inside. I stood there flabbergasted.

I'd taken other women to less and their thongs came off when they saw my black card.

At first, I thought Bella was dating someone else besides me. She always seemed to be preoccupied, like she wasn't fully present when we were together.

I questioned myself on many occasions when I came home from being out on a date with Bella with blue balls. She made me wait four goddamn months before we had sex for the first time. I've never had to beg for pussy but that's what Bella almost drove me to.

She had me doing things for her that other women had done for me. And now… after months of proving to her that I could be a good husband to her, as much as I've invested in this relationship, she thought she'd simply walk away. I'm Aaron motherfuckn' Smith and no woman walks away from me until I let her.

Once I'd finally arrived at Aro's office, I entered the bank of elevators, pushing the button for the twelfth floor.

On the short ride up, I had to mentally prepare myself, since most times after our meetings, even after phone calls, I always needed a drink. It was barely after nine, much too early for that, even for me.

"Good morning, Mr. Smith," Aro's secretary, Jane greeted, me with a smile, as I stepped off the lift.

"Good morning." I nodded and returned her smile.

"Mr. Volturi will be with you shortly. Can I get you anything to drink?"

This had to be a fuckn' joke. He called me this morning insisting that I get here as soon as possible to make me wait.

"No, thank you." My smile was tight lipped. "Do you know how much longer he'll be?"

"I'm sorry—" she began before the intercom buzz interrupted her.

"Jane," Aro's baritone voice floated through. "Has Mr. Smith arrived yet?"

"Yes, he has." She replied.

"Send him in." His tone had a slight irritation in it.

Jane's gaze met mine as she gestured for me to go into Aro's office.

In a few strides, I stood in front of his door, took a deep, calming breath, and then opened his door.

"Good morning—" I couldn't finish my sentence because the scowl across his face caught me off guard.

"Mr. Smith, there's nothing good about it." His almost black eyes followed me as I sat down in a chair in front of his desk.

I had no idea what he was talking about, so I waited for him to continue.

"Do you know what I have in this folder?" He held up a thin, black leather document holder. He didn't allow me the time to answer. "Of course, you don't. You tried to hide it from me." He spat. "Didn't I ask you to tell me everything? You sat in that very chair for two goddamn hours but failed to tell me this." He tossed the folder down in front of him. "Explain yourself, Mr. Smith." His cold eyes bored into mine.

I fidgeted with my tie and repositioned in the chair. "Aro, I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Oh, I'm positive you know exactly what I'm talking about." His laugh had an edge to it. "You've already wasted enough of my time. Now, either you tell me every motherfuckin' thing, right now or get the fuck out of my office and find yourself another lawyer."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, as I rubbed my sweaty palms down my thighs. "Can I at least see what you have, there?" I jerked my chin toward his desk.

"Sure." He pushed the portfolio toward me.

I slowly opened it, with shaky hands. "Shit," I mumbled, looking at the first picture. My stomach dropped, too afraid to see what else he had. "How—" I stuttered over my words. "How did you get this?"

"You underestimate me, Mr. Smith." He smirked. "You're not the only one with people, son." He said sarcastically. "My resources are far beyond yours. You see, Aaron, I've been at this much longer than you. When you were running around with shit in your diapers, I was getting guilty clients off." He tilted his head to the side. "You're the only one that thinks he can run with the big boys." He laughed. "You're a peon, a wimp, that gets off on playing mind games with women. But—" he held up his index finger. "the beautiful Isabella Swan isn't one of your common brainless bimbos." He sipped whatever was in his cup. "Aaron, this is the last time I will allow you to tell me everything. As you can see, you can't hide from me. I have my ways of always finding out. Now, talk." His expression was deadly.

TWP

Three hours later I had finally left Aro's office, taking the elevator down.

I was annoyed.

I was vexed.

Aro knew more about me than I wanted him to. But what could I do? I needed someone like him in my corner.

My phone vibrated from my coat pocket. Whoever it was had been persistent since they'd been calling for the last hour or so. I refused to answer it because I didn't want to add to Aro's already fucked up mood.

I looked down at the screen but didn't recognize the number. Against my better judgment, I clicked accept. "Hello?"

"It's about goddamn time you answered my call!"

"What do you want?" My hand clenched my phone.

"What the hell do you mean what do I want? I need your help."

"What makes you think I can help you?" I spat.

"So, you're just going to leave me here?"

"Don't call me again." I disconnected the call and got into my car.

Althea

The court session had been a long, hard one, but I decided to call a recess at noon. I'd foolishly skipped breakfast and my stomach was growling.

More importantly, I had a phone call I had to make. I wanted to make sure I caught him before he left the office for the day.

I opened my desk drawer pulled out my phone and clicked on his name.

"Hello?" His tone was authoritative.

"Hi, James. It's Althea. How are you?"

"I'm good." He sounded lighter. "And you?"

"I'm well." I sipped on my iced tea in front of me.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" James teased, getting straight to the point.

"It would serve you and your partner's best interest if you took a trip down to 2700 South California."

"Why?" His playful demeanor was gone.

"You want to go. Trust me on this."

"Okay, I trust you. Who do I need to ask for?"

"Talia Campbell," I replied.

"Why am I asking for her?" He questioned.

"You'll know exactly why when you see her," I smirked. "Talk to you later." I ended the call and bit into my sandwich.

A/N: Thank you for reading, reviewing, and following this fun story. I appreciate all of the support and encouraging words.

Please review. I'd love to know what you think.

RECS

The Way I Wanted It, by iambeagle WIP

Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, by iambeagle WIP

The Sixteen II, by Ariel FanFicsr ForNerds WIP

Trice, by Ariel FanFicsr ForNerds WIP

Solace, by FanFicsrForNerds, Complete

This Is Where It Ends, by Hotteaforme WIP

La Bellissima, by StarryBlueEyes WIP

The Love of the Game, by DrivingEdward WIP

Operation: Light the Fires, by Katinki WIP

OZ, by Deb Drotuno Rotuno, WIP

Also… in honor of their one year anniversary date, June 16th, join NerdyLilDarlins Fanfic group reading and discussing a chapter a day with the phenomenal story, Taking the Horizon.