As the door closes behind me, a choked sob escapes my lips, before slapped my hand over my mouth and run to my car.

I quickly turned the car and drove to my house before I immediately parked the car inside my garage, sitting there for a few seconds as my tears fell.

My mind goes to everything that Edward told me, and I feel more tears fall down my face.

"What do you mean it was your fault? Edward, what happened?" I asked concerned, leaning forward to place my hand on his and squeeze gently.

I watched as he sighed, reaching up to run a hand over his face, "I- I knew I was adopted. That didn't matter to Siohban and Liam Callaghan, they loved me, cared, and protected me from the moment they got me out of that group home at the age of two." He finally says.

I nod, "What happened, Edward?" I finally asked.

He remained silent as he stared at me, an unfathomable expression on his face as he stared blankly at me.

"My biological parents are alive and well… they are living here in Seattle." He says quietly, yet evasively.

I frown in confusion, but remain silent as I watch him, allowing him to gather his thoughts, and hold onto my hand like his life depended on it.

"I found out I was kidnapped when I was two, from a park. We were out one day, at the park, and my mother took us out for a walk, it was only supposed to be a walk, and she wasn't paying enough attention, I wandered off and they never saw me again. They spent their entire lives looking for me, everyone has. It's why I told you earlier that I have an adoptive brother, because I can't seem to connect with them. I felt alienated." He says.

I nod, and squeeze his hand, trying to keep myself calm, "This must be difficult for you."

He nods, "It is, now, let me explain why I feel responsible for the deaths of Siohban and Liam… it was just after high school when I found out that I was adopted, I- I, sort of, spun out of control. I got in with the wrong crowd..." He explains.

I blink, "I don't understand." I say.

"This crowd… wasn't just a little wanna-be, poser gang. They were a part of the Chicago syndicate—the lower level of this syndicate. Sold drugs, distributed small amounts of arms and other weapons alike… committing small and petty crimes, you get my point. I was on my way to working up those ranks." He says, staring blankly in front of him, his voice held no emotion.

I nodded and blinked in response.

"Siohban and Liam found out, they went ballistic and changed me to a private school. They tried everything to get me away from those people but they always found me and I went back to doing what I was doing. I managed to hide it for almost a year, until everything changed. I suddenly got an interest in snipers, and managed to make quite a name for myself…" He trails off.

I feel my hand tighten in his, as his squeezes back.

"On the night my parents died, I had just offed someone from a rival… and they found out it was me… the accident had happened before I could do anything. We were on our way home from the store. Maggie, my little sister, Siohban, and Liam were all killed." He says, as his shoulders begin to shake slightly.

I feel as if I had been socked in the stomach, as I stand up, take the two steps to him, and pull him into a hug.

"Aro Vincenzi, my biological mother's older brother was in town that night, he was driving by when it happened, and stopped to help. He recognized me, pulled me out of the car, and drove me to a private clinic without anyone realizing I had been there." He whispers, thickly.

I tighten my hold as he sobs into my chest, running my fingers through his soft hair, scratching his scalp gently, holding him until he calms down enough.

"How did your parents find you?" I finally ask.

"My uncle called them to inform them. They verified it was me because of the birthmark that is on my jaw. My father has the same mark on his jaw, he just- he just grows his beard." He replies thickly.

I nod, "Are you still a part of the syndicate gang thing?" I asked, hesitantly.

He pulls away slowly, taking a deep breath before he looks into my eyes, "Bella, I was born into it." He says.

I feel as if cold water has been dropped over my head. I close my eyes and take a calming breath before I ask the question, unsure if I want to hear the answer.

"Who came earlier?" I finally ask bracing myself.

"My father and older brother, and they are demanding I join them." He informed me.

I don't know how much time has passed by the time I shut the car off, and head inside my house, pressing the button for the door before I do.

I immediately dropped my bag onto the wicker basket that I placed there specifically for dirty clothes.

I stripped to my undergarments, slipping on my silk robe before padding to my kitchen.

I was about to make myself something to eat when I noticed how dirty my house was. This led me to rush clean the first floor of my house, before eating a bowl of oatmeal. Once I was sure that everything was in place, I made my way to the guest room, and climbed into the bed, setting an alarm before nodding off.

After the nap, I did a quick workout, before hopping into the shower and getting ready for dinner with Mateo.

After doing the aftercare on the tattoo, I put some tattoo balm on my back, as best I could, before slipping on my panties, and sliding on the deep blue off-the-shoulder, slit, asymmetrical sequin bodycon dress.

Once dressed, I proceeded to do my hair, curling it before running a comb through it, and pinning one side to it.

After my hair was done, I began to do my makeup. Meticulously apply a dark shade of red matte lipstick, a dark black eyeliner, and do a smokey eye before putting on some stud earrings, and a tennis bracelet, and stepping into my stiletto heels.

I took one last look at myself in the mirror of my hallway before making my way down the stairs, to the hall closet to grab my black trench coat, and walk out the front door.

I had asked Bree the week prior to renting me a driver for this night.

He was waiting for me as I made my way out of my house.

I slowly walk down the driveway, smiling in thanks as he opens the door for me, allowing me to slide in before he closes it.

I kept my eyes on my phone as we passed Edward's house.

The ride to the restaurant is quiet and stressful.

I thank the driver once he parks in front, getting out to open my door before he leaves to park the car.

I draped the coat onto my shoulders before I walked into the restaurant. The hostess is standing at the podium, looking down at the leather reservation book.

"Good evening, name?" She asks.

"Good evening, The name is under Swan." I say.

She looks down before her eyes widen and she grabs something before leading me to the reserved table by the window.

I sigh as I follow her wordlessly, and sit down slowly.

"Your guest called earlier and said he's running late. He'll be here soon though as will your waiter" She informs me before I can even ask.

I nod in response. "Thank you." I say.

She nods, as she places a menu before me, and leaves, heading back to the front.

I only smirked as the waiter arrived at the table.

"Good evening, welcome to Stefano's. Are you ready to get your drinks? Or may I offer you a suggestion?" He asks.

"Yes, I'd like the Chateau Margaux Grand vin 1996, please," I told him.

"Ma'am, you realize that that wine is sold by the bottle?" He asks.

"Did I ask? Get me the bottle." I responded clipped.

The waiter nods and goes to get me the bottle, returning flushed as he uncorks it and serves me a glass.

I pretend to be looking at the color before taking a sip. Holding back a groan at the amazing taste.

"Can I get you an appetizer?" He asks.

I nod, before placing the order and turning to look out the window.

Clearly, I was still upset, yet I knew I had to. Shoving back any thoughts of Edward, or his past,

This meeting was to venture into the technological aspect of security, this company was semi-known, but we're struggling to remain afloat. This meeting was about them selling it to me.

The only problem was Mateo and his grubby hands.

On top of being late, he fucking can't seem to comprehend the concept of personal space.

I had already moved away twice, if I had to do it again I was going to stab him with my fork, deal be damned.

"I thought we could talk about another matter. Us for example." Mateo says suggestively as he moves to touch my leg.

I smack away his hand again. "This is not a social visit, Mateo, I am giving you a chance, take it before I have my lawyers do it the other way," I told him.

"Okay, convince me." He says smirking.

I smiled tightly and moved out of Mateo's touch.

"Right... as I was saying before Mr. Cromwell. We would both benefit from this. We both know that your company is having financial difficulties, this is your chance to benefit from the situation and come out on top." I told him tensely.

He nods as he reaches for me once more.

My cell phone begins to vibrate as I take a sip of wine.

I sigh and pull out my phone, holding up a finger.

Pookie: Tell him to stop touching you.

I tense as I read the message, my head snapping up and looking around, suddenly feeling anxious.

"Is something wrong?" Mateo asks.

I shake my head and place the phone on the table next to my drink. "No, of course not." I reassure.

As I do, Mateo reaches over to run his fingers behind my hand.

"As I was saying, if you agree you get a commission, and upon signing you receive an extra hundred thousand," I say.

My phone vibrates again, and I sigh and reach to grab it as Mateo's fingers linger on my skin.

Pookie: I mean it, he is touching something that doesn't belong to him.

I rolled my eyes at the message before turning back to Mateo.

"The company would benefit greatly, all the employees will of course have to reapply but after they pass all security measures, everything shall be set. For those that don't they get a nice severance package before they leave." I say as the phone vibrates once more.

Pookie: I mean it, Isabella. The clock is ticking. Do it before I do.. I promise you my way isn't going to be nice.

I swallow hard and put the phone away, jumping slightly as I look up to see Edward standing behind Mateo with a smirk on his face.

"Good evening." He says, as his eyes bore into mine.

I can feel as the temperature of the room rise, but I shove that away and narrow my eyes at him.

This motherfucker!

Mateo jumps up slightly as Edward walks around the table to me.

I sigh, before slowly getting up. up to greet him. He gives me a smirk as he leans in to kiss my cheek, "Good evening. Mateo this is-" I began to say before Edward interrupted.

"Edward Cullen. Her fiancée. Pleased to meet you." He cuts in, extending his hand towards him, "Please excuse me for interrupting your meeting, I just couldn't help myself, I missed her too much." He adds looking at me.

A spark of recognition flickers in Mateo's eyes, as he sputters, as Edward turns to stare at him. "Yes, well, yes… we don't mind at all. We were just about to-to conclude." He stumbles, paling as he looks over at me.

"Could you excuse us for a moment? I need to speak with my fiancée, in private." I politely say before walking past Edward in the direction of the back rooms.

Author's Note:

So, there it is.

What do y'all think Edward's next move is? Perhaps an ulterior motive... hm. We shall see. Hope y'all enjoyed it.