TWENTY EIGHT

"Wow the tomatoes are really growing," I water them with a smile.

My father watches me and scoffs.

"You've not managed to kill them," he pats my back, "it's nice to see the strawberries didn't die in vain."

"Oh shush," I laugh.

Three months and my life is worlds away from the one I left behind.

My father's home in Forks, Washington is the perfect private retreat. Cameras haven't found me, the world has moved on from me. Occasionally there's fake news but for the most part the focus is all on Edward. His people were furious by the way his family treated me. There were protests, riots. Someone even drove their car into a statue of his dad.

My father resented them. Even Edward.

He'd tried to reach out. But I wasn't ready. The hurt still so raw.

"What if we try plant bell peppers next?" I look at him.

My father scratches his chin, considering. "Bell peppers, huh? Could work. Might need to adjust the soil pH a bit." He squints at the garden beds, already planning.

I nod, grateful for his expertise. Gardening has become our shared language, a way to rebuild our relationship without dwelling on the past. Each seedling represents a small act of faith, a commitment to nurturing something new.

"I was thinking," he says hesitantly, "maybe we could invite Sue and Seth over for dinner this weekend. Show off your green thumb."

I tense slightly. It's been just the two of us for so long. But I see the hope in his eyes, and I realise he's been healing too.

"Sure, Dad," I say softly. "That sounds nice."

That's when the black car appears, a flag I had committed my mind to forgetting on it.

I watch as a security guard climbs out, opening the door of the back of the car. My breath catches as Prince Edward steps out, buttoning his suit jacket as he walks. His eyes catch mine.

My heart races as Edward approaches, his familiar bronze hair tousled by the wind. I feel my father stiffen beside me, his hand protectively on my shoulder.

"Bella," Edward says, his velvet voice sending shivers down my spine. "I... I had to see you."

I swallow hard, willing my voice not to shake. "How did you find me?"

He looks sheepish. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted privacy. But I couldn't bear it anymore. The distance, the silence..."

My father steps forward, his jaw clenched. "You have some nerve showing up here, after everything."

Edward's eyes flicker between us. "Chief Swan, I understand your anger. But please, I need to speak with Bella. To explain."

I touch my father's arm. "It's okay, Dad. I can handle this."

Reluctantly, he nods.

"I have a gun," my father glares at him.

"Dad," I groan mortified, "you can't continue to threaten my ex-boyfriends with your gun."

My father grumbles something under his breath but backs away, heading towards the house. He pauses at the door, giving Edward one last warning look before disappearing inside.

I turn back to Edward, my emotions a tangled mess. Part of me wants to run into his arms, while another part wants to slap him across his perfect face.

"You shouldn't be here," I say, crossing my arms.

"Come with me," he points to the car, "we need to talk in private. There are things I must tell you."

I hesitate, glancing back at the house where I know my father is probably watching through the window, his hand likely hovering near his holster. The thought almost makes me smile, despite the tension in the air.

"Edward, I don't think that's a good idea," I say, shaking my head. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it here."

He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture so familiar it makes my heart ache. "Bella, please. It's not safe to talk openly here. There are... complications. Things I couldn't explain before, but I can now."

His eyes, those mesmerising golden eyes, plead with me. I feel my resolve weakening.

"Five minutes," I concede. "We can talk in the car, but that's it."

Relief washes over his face as he nods, leading me to the sleek black vehicle. As soon as we're inside the car begins to move. I fight to not touch him.

"I don't know how to say this. It's going to hurt you," he looks tortured.

"Just say it," my heart pounding, I brace.

"I'm engaged," he whispers, "a woman named Cecilia. My father…"

The words hit me like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs. I stare at Edward, searching his face for any sign that this is some cruel joke. But his eyes, filled with anguish, tell me it's true.

"Engaged?" I manage to choke out. "When... how..."

Edward reaches for my hand, but I pull away, pressing myself against the car door. "It happened quickly. My father arranged it. Cecilia is from an old noble family, and the match will strengthen our alliances. I tried to refuse, but..."

"But what?" I snap, anger rising to replace the shock. "You're the prince, Edward. You could have said no."

He shakes his head, looking more vulnerable than I've ever seen him. "It's not that simple. There are threats to the throne, to my family. This marriage... it's meant to stabilise…"

"Congratulations," I interrupt him, "I hope you'll be very happy together. Stop the car."

Edward's face falls, his eyes pleading. "Bella, please. You don't understand. I had no choice—"

"Stop. The. Car." I enunciate each word, my voice trembling with barely contained fury.

To my surprise, the vehicle slows to a halt. Before Edward can say another word, I wrench open the door and stumble out onto the shoulder of the road. We've only driven a short distance; I can still see my father's house in the distance.

"Bella, wait!" Edward calls, scrambling after me.

I whirl around to face him, tears stinging my eyes. "What did you expect, Edward? That you'd tell me about your convenient political marriage and I'd just fall into your arms? That I'd be your dirty little secret?"

He flinches as if I've slapped him. "No, of course not. I came to warn you. I didn't want you to see the headlines."

"Headlines?" I repeat, my voice hollow. "So it's already done. You're already engaged."

Edward nods, his eyes pained. "The announcement goes out tomorrow morning. I... I wanted you to hear it from me first."

I laugh bitterly, the sound harsh even to my own ears. "How considerate of you. Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Bella, please," he reaches for me again, but I step back. "I never wanted this. I love you. I've always loved you."

"Don't," I whisper, holding up a hand. "Just don't."

We stand there in silence, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us.

"You should go," I say, turning away from Edward. "Your fiancée is probably waiting for you."

"Bella," he grabs my hand, desperation, "come with me? One last night."

I freeze, my hand still in his grasp. For a moment, I'm tempted. One last night with Edward, to savour what we had, to say a proper goodbye. But as quickly as the thought comes, I push it away.

"No," I say firmly, pulling my hand free. "That's not fair to anyone – not to me, not to your fiancée, and not even to you, Edward."

His face crumples, but I force myself to continue. "We can't keep living in the past. You've made your choice – or had it made for you. Either way, this is where our paths diverge."

"I never wanted this," Edward says, his voice breaking. "If there was any other way-"

"But there isn't," I interrupt. "And wishing won't change that."

I turn my back on him beginning to walk away, but he grabs me. Forcefully pulling me to him, crashing his lips to mine. One last desperate attempt.

For a moment, I'm lost in the familiar sensation of Edward's lips on mine, the taste of him, the way his body feels pressed against mine. It's intoxicating, and I nearly give in to the desire to lose myself in him one last time.

But then reality comes crashing back. I push against his chest, breaking the kiss and stumbling backward.

"No," I gasp, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "You don't get to do that, Edward. You don't get to kiss me and think that it will make everything okay."

His eyes are wild, desperate. "Bella, please. I am begging you. Don't turn me into this man."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stare at him, torn between anger and a deep, aching sadness. "Edward," I say softly, "I'm not turning you into anything. These are your choices."

"But they're not!" he insists, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "I never wanted any of this. The arranged marriage, the political alliances – it's all my father's doing. I've been fighting it, Bella. I've been trying to find a way out."

I shake my head, feeling suddenly very tired. "And yet here you are, engaged to someone else."

Edward takes a step towards me, his eyes pleading. "Come with me. We can figure this out together. We can find a way–"

"Stop," I interrupt, holding up a hand. "Just stop, Edward. There is no 'we' anymore."

"Don't let them trap me even further," he pleads, "help me."

"Love isn't always enough," I reply, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "I hope you find happiness. I have to go."

With that, I turn and start walking back towards my father's house. I hear Edward call my name one last time, his voice breaking. But I don't turn back. I keep walking, each step feeling heavier than the last.

As I approach the house, I see my father standing on the porch, his face a mixture of concern and anger. He starts to move towards me, but I shake my head, silently asking for space. He nods, understanding, and retreats back inside.

I make my way to the garden, collapsing onto the bench beside the tomato plants. The ones I've nurtured, the ones that represent my new life. I trace my fingers over a leaf, trying to ground myself in this moment, in this reality.

The sound of tires on gravel tells me Edward's car is finally leaving. Only then do I allow the tears to fall freely, my body shaking with quiet sobs.

I don't know how long I sit there, letting the pain wash over me.

"One more time?"

I hit send. It's 1am. I don't even know if he's awake. If he's still in the country. But I throw caution to the wind unable to make the nagging feeling go away.

My phone buzzes almost immediately, startling me. I fumble with it, my heart racing as I read Edward's reply.

"Where?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. No turning back now.

"There's a lookout. One hour."

I slip out of the house, careful not to wake Charlie. The drive is quiet. I park and wait. Eventually a car appears, he's driving. He's alone.

He gets out of his car and into mine.

"I wasn't sure you'd come."

"I… just because you're a prince doesn't mean your immune from texts from your ex," I whisper.

"I hate how you're referring to yourself as my ex," he shakes his head, running his hand through his hair.

I feel a lump forming in my throat. "What else am I supposed to call myself, Edward?"

"Mine," he offers.

"Your what? Mistress? You're engaged," I snap, "are you going to be a King with harem?"

Edward winces at my words, his face contorting with pain. "Bella, please. You know that's not what I want."

"Then what do you want?" I demand, my voice rising. "Because I'm having a hard time understanding why I thought that sitting in a car with my engaged ex-boyfriend at 2 AM was a sound idea."

He reaches for my hand, and this time, I don't pull away. His touch is electric, familiar, and it takes all my willpower not to lean into him.

"I want you," he says simply. "I've always wanted you. This engagement... it's a sham. A political move my father orchestrated. But I can't go through with it. I'm going to fight to get out of it."

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog his proximity is creating in my mind. "Edward, you can't just-"

"I'm abdicating," he interrupts, his eyes blazing, "I will not sit on that throne like this."

I stare at Edward, stunned into silence. Abdication? It's such a massive, life-altering decision that I can barely wrap my head around it.

"You... you can't be serious," I finally manage to say.

"I've never been more serious about anything in my life," Edward replies, his voice firm. "I've spent the last few weeks trying to find a way out of this mess, and I've realised there's only one solution. I can't be the king they want me to be, Bella. I won't sacrifice my happiness - our happiness - for a crown."

My mind is reeling. "But your family... the country... Edward, have you really thought this through?"

"My Uncle Carlisle. We have had lengthy discussions. Tomorrow my father believes a press release will announce my engagement. But it will instead announce my intentions to abdicate," he explains, "I want to be with you."

"Did you call Prince Harry or something?" I ask in shock.

Edward laughs softly, a sound I've missed more than I realised. "No, I didn't call Harry. But I'd be lying if I said his situation didn't influence my decision. He showed it was possible to choose love over duty."

I shake my head, still struggling to process this bombshell. "Edward, this is... it's huge. You'd be giving up everything you've ever known."

"Not everything," he says softly, reaching out to cup my cheek. "Not you. You're the most important thing to me, Bella. More important than any throne or crown."

I lean into his touch, torn between hope and fear. "But what about your family? Your father..."

Edward's expression hardens. "My father will be furious, of course. But I'm done living my life to please him. I've watched him manipulate and scheme for years. Carlisle can handle him."

He leans toward me, capturing my mouth with his. I let him kiss me this time. I sink into the feeling of familiar.

The kiss deepens, and I find myself melting into Edward's embrace. His fingers tangle in my hair as he pulls me closer, erasing the distance between us. For a moment, I forget about everything else – the engagement, the abdication, all the complications. It's just Edward and me, the way it should be.

But reality crashes back as we break apart, both of us breathless. I rest my forehead against his, my mind whirling.

"Edward," I whisper, "are you absolutely sure about this? There's no going back once you abdicate."

He pulls back slightly, meeting my gaze with unwavering certainty. "I've never been more sure of anything. I love you, Bella. I want a life with you, away from all the royal obligations and expectations."

I bite my lip, considering. "And what would that life look like? Where would we go?"

"Wherever you desire," he whispers, "My uncle would see that I still get my allowance. We could work and do private engagements. We can support the crown once my uncle takes it."

I undo my seatbelt, sick of talk and move toward him, climbing over the centre of the car into his lap. My mouth is instantly on his.

Edward's hands grip my waist as I straddle him, our kisses growing more heated and urgent. The cramped confines of the car only add to the desperate intensity between us. His fingers slip under the hem of my shirt, tracing patterns on my skin that make me shiver.

"Bella," he groans against my neck, "God, I've missed you."

I arch into him, drinking in the familiar scent and feel of him. For a moment, I let myself get lost in the sensation, in the rightness of being with Edward again.

Moving my arms, I slip my shirt up and off my head, returning my lips to his. There's nothing slow here. It's urgent.

Edward's hands roam my bare skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I grind against him, eliciting a low moan that vibrates through his chest. The windows are starting to fog up, creating a cocoon of privacy around us.

"Are you sure?" Edward whispers, his eyes searching mine even as his body responds to my touch.

In answer, I reach down and unbutton his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders.

Our remaining clothes are shed quickly, urgently. The logistics are awkward in the confined space, but we manage, driven by need and longing. When we finally join, it's with a sense of coming home.

Our movements are frantic at first, fuelled by months of separation and pent-up desire. But gradually, we slow, savouring each sensation, each touch. With pure power I bounce on him, slamming myself up and down his length like it's a dying wish.

"Fuck yes," I moan.

Edward's hands grip my hips, guiding my movements as I ride him. The car rocks slightly with our rhythm, the windows now completely fogged. I throw my head back, lost in the exquisite sensation of him inside me after so long apart.

I lean forward, capturing his lips in a searing kiss as I continue to move above him. My fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. Every nerve ending in my body feels alive, electric.

Our pace quickens, both of us chasing our release. Edward's hand slips between us, his fingers finding just the right spot to send me spiralling over the edge. I cry out his name as waves of pleasure crash over me.

I'm just a girl, fucking her ex in the car overlooking my small town. I feel normal. It only heightens the pleasure.

"Come on," I growl out.

The most incredible make up sex of my life. The anger, the hurt, the anguish unfolding between the both of our movements.

"I'm coming," I gasp out, "I'm… ohh mumhmmm."

"Come for me," he coaches, "that's it. You're doing so great baby. I've missed this. I've missed your pussy."

Edward's words push me over the edge once more, and I cry out as another intense orgasm washes over me. My inner walls clench around him, and I feel him stiffen beneath me.

"Bella," he groans, his fingers digging into my hips as he finds his own release.

We stay like that for a long moment, our foreheads pressed together, both of us panting. The reality of what we've just done, of the decisions we've made, starts to settle in.

I slowly climb off him, wincing slightly at the soreness. We dress in silence, the air thick with unspoken words and lingering desire.

"When we get out of this car, we get out united," he says in a commanding tone, "you're not getting away from me again."

I take a deep breath, meeting Edward's intense gaze. The weight of his words, of everything that's happened tonight, settles over me.

"United," I repeat softly, reaching for his hand. "But Edward, we need to be smart about this. Your abdication... it's going to cause chaos. We can't just run off together, as tempting as that sounds."

He nods, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "You're right. We need a plan."

"First things first," I say, my mind already racing. "We need to tell my dad."

Edward's eyes widen slightly. "Chief Swan? Are you sure that's wise?"

I can't help but laugh. "Edward, you're about to abdicate the throne. I think facing my father is the least of your worries."