FOUR

BELLA POV

I spend most of the afternoon in a whirlwind, trying to get ready while not overthinking everything. Angela, of course, is buzzing around the apartment, tossing out fashion advice like it's confetti. She's never seen Edward, but she's been just as caught up in the idea of me having an actual date as I have.

"Okay, seriously, this dress is perfect," Angela says, holding up the floral chiffon dress I'd set aside earlier. "It's romantic without trying too hard. Plus, it's got that slit, which is like, hello—perfect for a date."

I slip into the dress, smoothing the fabric over my hips. The soft floral pattern feels dreamy, and the off-shoulder neckline adds a touch of elegance. I glance in the mirror and can't help but think that Angela might be right. It's pretty much perfect.

"You look stunning, Bella." Angela is grinning from ear to ear. "He's going to fall over when he sees you."

I smile, but there's a flutter of nerves in my stomach. "I don't know. It's just a first date."

Angela raises an eyebrow. "Please, this is practically a fairytale date. The guy shows up, helps you out with a creep, and now he's taking you out? You deserve this."

Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door. My heart skips a beat, and Angela gives me a quick once-over before sprinting to open it. I hear her stop dead in her tracks as she opens the door.

"Um… flowers?" Angela says, her voice suddenly a bit higher, like she's trying to keep calm. I peek around her to see Edward standing there, holding a bouquet of delicate pink roses. He's dressed casually, but there's something about him that always seems… regal.

"Hi," Edward says, his gaze flicking to me as his lips curl into a soft smile. "You look… incredible."

I feel my cheeks warm. "Thank you."

Angela, still holding the flowers, is staring at Edward. Like really staring. There's something about the way she's looking at him—like she recognises him, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, she quickly shifts her attention back to the bouquet in her hands, her eyes wide.

"These are… wow," Angela says, finally pulling her gaze away from Edward and back to the flowers. "I'll… uh, put these in some water."

She hurries off to the kitchen without another word, leaving me standing in the doorway with Edward.

I give him a sheepish smile. "Sorry about her. She's… excited for me."

Edward chuckles softly, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's fine. I'm excited for you too."

In the back of my mind, I can't shake the way Angela looked at him. Like she knows something I don't. But I brush it off as I grab my bag and step out into the cool evening air.

Edward leads me down a quiet Parisian street, his hand resting lightly at the small of my back as we walk. The evening air is cool, and I feel a sense of calm starting to settle in. I don't know why I was so nervous before, but now that we're together, everything feels easy, like it should.

We stop outside a charming bistro, its patio strung with fairy lights that cast a warm, golden glow over the small tables scattered around. There's something magical about it—the soft buzz of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the faint scent of freshly baked bread drifting in the air. It's intimate and relaxed, yet it has this undeniable Parisian charm that makes it feel special.

"This place is perfect," I say, smiling up at Edward as we step inside.

He grins, looking pleased with my reaction. "I thought you might like it. It's a bit off the beaten path."

We're led to a table near the window, where the flickering candlelight casts soft shadows across the tablecloth. The conversation flows easily as we settle in, ordering wine and some classic French dishes. I find myself relaxing more and more as we talk, especially when Edward starts asking questions about my life back home.

"So, child psychology," Edward says, his voice thoughtful as he sips his wine. "What made you decide on that?"

I smile, leaning back in my chair. "Honestly, I've always loved working with kids. I guess I just grew up wanting to make a difference for them. My parents were really involved in the community back home—my mother was a teacher and dad a police officer—and they always instilled in me the importance of helping people, especially kids. It just felt like a natural path for me."

He watches me closely, his green eyes warm and attentive. "It sounds like you were inspired from an early age."

I nod, feeling a pang of homesickness for a moment. "Yeah. My parents are still back home. They're supportive, but it's hard being away from them. I guess I've always had a soft spot for kids who've had rougher starts in life, you know? I want to be someone who helps them get through that."

Edward smiles softly. "That's incredible. It's not every day you meet someone who actually follows through on their childhood dreams."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Well, we'll see if I make it through all the schooling first. It's a long road, but worth it."

There's a moment of comfortable silence as the waiter brings our plates, the scent of freshly cooked food filling the air. Once we've both taken a few bites, Edward sets his fork down and leans forward a little, as if letting me into a part of his world.

"What about you?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. "How'd you meet your friends from the park? School?"

He smiles at the memory, though there's a hint of something else behind it. "It was… an experience, to say the least. My family sent me to boarding school when I was pretty young. That's where I met Emmett, Jasper, Alice and Rosalie. We've been close ever since. Boarding school was tough at times—lots of rules, structure—but it also gave me the best friendships I've ever had. We've all been through a lot together."

"Sounds like you guys have a strong bond," I say, intrigued.

"We do," Edward replies, his eyes flickering with nostalgia. "We all come from pretty different backgrounds, but that's what made it interesting. Emmett's always been the joker, keeping things light. Jasper's more serious, but when you get to know him, he's probably the most loyal person you'll ever meet. Alice is the logic of our group and Rosalie keeps us all on our toes with the fun."

I smile, enjoying the ease of the conversation. "I can see that. You all have this really close-knit vibe."

He nods, then tilts his head slightly, studying me. "And what about you? What's it like for you here in Paris? Being away from home, juggling your studies and this job?"

I pause, thinking about it for a moment. "It's… a lot, honestly. I miss home sometimes, but I love the independence. Working at Disneyland is a bit surreal, but it's fun. And the kids? They make it all worth it."

His smile widens, and I feel a spark of something—an unspoken connection—between us.

"I have to say," he begins, his voice softer now, "the way you talk about kids… it's beautiful."

I look down, a little embarrassed by the compliment. "Thanks. It's just something I've always been passionate about. I adore children. I look forward to having my own someday."

As I speak, I notice a flicker of something in Edward's eyes. It's gone in an instant, replaced by his usual warm gaze, but it leaves me wondering.

"That's admirable," he says, his voice gentle. "I'm sure you'll make an excellent mother someday."

There's a moment of silence between us, filled with unspoken thoughts. I can't help but feel like there's more to Edward than meets the eye. The way he speaks about his friends, his time at boarding school—it all hints at a deeper story.

"What about you?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. "Do you see yourself having a family someday?"

Edward's expression changes subtly, a mix of emotions crossing his face before settling into a thoughtful smile. "I... I'm not sure. My life is quite complicated at the moment. But who knows what the future holds?"

We lapse into another comfortable silence, enjoying the meal and the easy flow of conversation. Edward is easy to talk to—his questions are thoughtful, and he listens intently to everything I say. It's rare to find someone so genuinely interested, and I find myself feeling more at ease with him than I expected.

After we finish our plates, Edward smiles, leaning back in his chair. "Alright," he says with a hint of mystery in his tone. "I've got a surprise for you after dinner."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "A surprise? Do I get a hint?"

He shakes his head, his smile widening. "Nope, you'll just have to trust me."

As we finish up, Edward insists on paying—despite my half-hearted protests—and then we step back out into the crisp night air.

"So… where are you taking me?" I ask, feeling the excitement build again.

Edward smiles, his green eyes sparkling under the streetlights. "You'll see."

We walk for a while, the streets of Paris gradually becoming quieter, the hum of the city fading. Finally, we turn a corner, and I see a quaint, elegant sign hanging above a shop: La Maison du Chocolat.

I stop in my tracks, looking up at Edward with wide eyes. "Wait… are we really…?"

He nods, grinning. "Yep. I thought you might enjoy a private tour—and, of course, a tasting."

I blink, my jaw dropping slightly as I take it all in. "This might be the best surprise ever."

The moment we step inside, the warm, rich scent of chocolate surrounds us. The chocolatier, an older man with kind eyes, greets us warmly and immediately begins talking about the craft, the history, and the artistry behind their chocolates.

It's impossible not to be fascinated as we're led through the shop, learning about how each piece is carefully crafted, from bean to bar. I listen intently, but I can't help noticing how Edward keeps sneaking glances at me. Every time I look over, he's smiling, as if enjoying my reaction to all of it as much as the chocolate itself.

Finally, we reach the tasting portion of the tour, and the chocolatier presents us with a selection of decadent truffles and pralines. The array of flavours, colours, and textures is almost overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

Edward picks up a dark chocolate truffle and hands it to me, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ladies first."

I take it, biting into the rich, velvety chocolate, and close my eyes as the flavours melt in my mouth. "Oh my God," I say, half-laughing as I savour the taste. "This is incredible."

Edward leans in slightly, his voice teasing. "Good?"

"Better than good," I reply, grinning. "This might be the best chocolate I've ever had."

We continue tasting the different selections, comparing our favourites and laughing as we try to guess the more complex flavours. It's fun, lighthearted, and easy in a way I didn't expect. I'm completely lost in the moment.

"So," Edward says after a while, his tone shifting to something more playful. "How do I rank against the chocolates?"

I laugh, giving him a teasing smile. "You're definitely winning some points, but I don't know if anyone can beat these."

He grins, shaking his head. "Tough competition, but I'll take what I can get."

There's a warmth in his gaze that sends a flutter through me, and I suddenly realise how close we've become during the tasting. Our hands brush as we reach for the same truffle, and the small touch sends a spark up my arm.

We both laugh, but the moment lingers, and for a second, everything else seems to fade away. It's just me, him, and the soft glow of the shop lights.

After we finish the last round of chocolates, the chocolatier bids us farewell with a knowing smile, and we step back out into the cool evening air. The streets of Paris are quieter now, the city settling into the night. I wrap my arms around myself, still buzzing from the excitement of the evening.

"That was… amazing," I say, looking up at Edward. "I can't believe you planned all of that."

He shrugs, smiling as if it was nothing. "I just wanted you to have a good time."

I smile, feeling something warm settle in my chest. "I really did. Thank you."

As we walk side by side, the soft glow of the streetlights reflecting in the Seine, I can't help but feel like this night has been a dream—something straight out of a fairytale. And as I glance over at Edward, his auburn hair slightly tousled from the breeze, his green eyes still sparkling, I realise that I'm hoping this isn't just the end of a magical evening.

I'm hoping this is only the beginning.

I glance over at him, but he's looking straight ahead, his expression thoughtful. For a moment, it's quiet between us, just the sound of our footsteps and the faint hum of the city in the background.

He gently tugs on my hand, stopping us by the edge of the river. The soft light from the street lamps dances on the water, creating a scene that feels almost too perfect to be real.

"I have to head back home in a few days," he says, his voice soft but serious. "But I'd really love to see you again before I go."

My heart skips, and I meet his gaze, feeling that pull between us grow stronger. "I'd like that," I reply, smiling. "Where did you say you're from again?"

There's a flicker of something in his eyes—hesitation, maybe—as he nods. "Gestina. It's a small island nation. You've probably never heard of it."

I tilt my head, trying to recall the name. "No, I don't think I have."

He chuckles, nodding as if he expected that. "Most people haven't, especially if they live in the states. It's commonly known in Europe. But it's a place with a lot of history. Small, but… well, important in its own way."

I smile at how modest he's being. "Sounds fascinating. You'll have to tell me more about it sometime."

We make more small talk, the conversation flowing naturally as we continue walking. But there's something else building between us now—an unspoken tension, like we're both waiting for the same moment.

After a while, Edward slows down again, and I stop with him. He turns to face me, his expression softening as he steps closer. The air between us feels charged, and before I can think too much about it, he leans in, his lips hovering just above mine.

He closes the distance, our mouths moving together as if they're reuniting. Like they'd known one another in another life. Under the street lights he pulls my tight against him, leading the way. It's flawless. A slow, tantalising and mind spiralling kiss.

When we finally pull apart, I feel a bit lightheaded. Edward's eyes are bright, his smile warm as he looks at me. For a moment, we just stand there, neither of us wanting to break the spell.

"That was..." I start, but trail off, unable to find the right words.

Edward chuckles softly. "Yeah, it was."

We begin walking again, our hands brushing against each other until Edward takes mine in his. His touch is cool, but comforting. As we stroll along the Seine, the city lights reflecting off the water, I can't help but feel like I'm living in a dream.

"So," Edward says after a while, his voice thoughtful. "What do you think about maybe meeting up tomorrow?"

I nod, feeling a rush of excitement. "I'd love that."

When I finally make it back to my apartment, I feel like I'm floating. My mind is replaying the kiss, the way he looked at me, everything about tonight. But the moment I step inside, I'm snapped back to reality.

Angela is sitting at the kitchen table, her face illuminated by the glow of her laptop screen. She's in her pyjamas, hair thrown up in a messy bun, but it's her expression that stops me in my tracks.

She looks up from the computer, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Bella…"

I frown, stepping closer. "What's up?"

She turns the laptop toward me, and my stomach drops. On the screen is a picture of Edward—my Edward—and next to it, an article with a headline that makes my heart stop.

Angela stares at me, her mouth hanging open. "How the fuck did you manage to get a whole ass prince to ask you out, and I can't even get a guy to text me back?"

I just stand there, frozen, trying to process what I'm seeing. Prince? Prince?

Before I can even form a coherent thought, the room starts to spin, and the last thing I hear before everything goes black is Angela's voice.

"Bella? Bella!"