A Second Chance
2
Bella stumbled through the revolving doors of the office building, the cool evening air of the city wrapping around her like a welcome embrace. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing through the lobby as she checked her phone for the time, 5:00pm. The rest of Thursday had been a blur of flights and taxis. On Friday she went to observe both companies and took notes of everything. Bella spent part of the weekend making plans and writing down questions to ask the employees. Today was spent working at two different companies, trying to get a handle on their marketing strategies. It was a struggle but she did it.
Mr. Cullen, her boss, was already waiting for her when the elevator doors slid open to reveal the penthouse. He was wearing a suit as usual. The man has always been good looking. He modeled for a magazine a few years ago, the photos caused a whirlwind because of how good he looked. She took a deep breath, "Mr. Cullen," she began, her voice slightly shaky.
"Mrs. Hunter, how are you feeling? How was the work day?"
Her eyes snapped up to meet his piercing gaze. "I've had better, Mr. Cullen," she admitted with a weary smile. "But I managed to get through it."
Mr. Cullen nodded, "Well, I hope tomorrow is more manageable," he said, gesturing towards the plush couch in the center of the penthouse. "Please, have a seat. You must be exhausted."
"Sorry, I should be serving you," she said. "Nonsense! You are my guest, Mrs. Hunter."
"Your guest? Employee you mean," Bella replied confused.
"Tonight, you are a guest," Mr. Cullen corrected, his voice firm yet kind. "Your work has been exemplary, and I want you to relax."
Bella couldn't argue with that. She let her bag slide from her shoulder, the weight of the day's documents and her laptop hitting the floor with a thud. She sank into the couch, feeling the tension seep out of her body. The penthouse was dimly lit, the windows casting a soft glow from the city lights outside. She took a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the room - the high ceilings, the abstract art on the walls, and the faint scent of leather and expensive cologne.
"This is my penthouse after all," Mr. Cullen said.
"Your...your penthouse?"
Mr. Cullen nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Mrs. Hunter."
Bella was appalled, she had never been in such a luxurious space, let alone been invited to stay in one. Yes, the company books great hotels for stays, but nothing compared to this place. The penthouse was more than just a place to rest her head; it was a statement of power and success. Why didn't he tell me where I was staying? The employee at the lobby didn't mention it either.
"Shit! I'm probably staying in your bedroom!"
Mr. Cullen chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And that's okay, I can stay in one of the other bedrooms."
Bella felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment. She hadn't even thought about where she'd be sleeping. "Mr. Cullen, I can't stay here," she protested. "It's too much."
"Nonsense," Mr. Cullen said, his voice low and soothing. "You've earned it. Besides, it's just for a few nights. Think of it as a small token of appreciation for all your hard work."
Bella's protests dwindled as she looked around the room again. It was true, she had been working tirelessly, juggling projects and deadlines. A few nights in this penthouse seemed almost too good to be true. "But what about dinner?" she asked, her stomach giving a traitorous growl. She hadn't gone food shopping yet, she'd been ordering takeout.
"Already taken care of," Mr. Cullen assured her. "I've made reservations for us nearby. We leave in thirty minutes. I want you to debrief me so I can help out," this is one of the reasons why everyone liked working with Mr. Cullen, he is a hands-on boss.
Bella's stomach growled louder at the mention of food, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought of not having to find a restaurant in this unfamiliar city. "Thank you, Mr. Cullen. That's very kind of you," she said, trying to ignore the sudden knot of nerves in her stomach.
After a quick change into more comfortable clothes, they left the penthouse. The city was alive with the sounds of traffic and distant laughter as they walked to the nearby restaurant. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the weariness from the day and focus on the task at hand.
Inside, the restaurant was dimly lit with candles flickering on each table, casting a romantic glow over the white linen. The scent of garlic and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Bella's stomach rumble even louder. They were seated in a cozy corner booth that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Mr. Cullen leaned back in the booth, his eyes focused on her as she spoke. She launched into the details of the workday, explaining the challenges she faced at each company and the potential strategies she had come up with. Her voice was animated, her hands gesturing wildly as she painted a picture of marketing magic.
But amidst her passionate recount, Edward's gaze kept drifting away from her eyes and towards her neck, where her pulse fluttered against her skin. Bella had changed into a simple black dress that fit her nicely, and her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders. She had a touch of makeup, which only served to enhance the natural beauty he had always noticed but never allowed himself to fully appreciate. The dim light of the restaurant played with the shadows on her face, highlighting her high cheekbones and full lips.
As the conversation deepened and the wine flowed, Bella found herself sharing more than just work details. She talked about her aspirations, her fears, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with her personal life. Edward listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. The conversation flowed easily, and the tension of the day melted away like ice in a warm drink.
After dinner they passed by one of Bella's favorite stores and she remembered she needed more toiletries.
"Mr. Cullen, can we stop here for a quick second?" She asked, pointing to the well-lit storefront.
He nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a brief moment before returning to the street. "Of course, Mrs. Hunter. Take your time."
Bella ducked into the store, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She grabbed a basket and went around the aisles looking for what she needed.
Mr. Cullen roamed the aisles too, keeping an eye on her, but keeping himself out of the way.
Bella took her time, grabbing a few more items she hadn't anticipated needing. When she reached the counter to pay, the cashier looked up at her with a gentle smile. "Good evening," she said.
"Hi," Bella replied, placing her items on the counter. The cashier scanned and bagged her items quickly.
"Your total is fifty-four dollars and fifty cents," she said, Bella paused, realizing she had forgotten her wallet at the penthouse. "Oh no," she murmured, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Mr. Cullen stepped up behind her, "I've got it," he said smoothly, placing a few items on the counter. She nodded gratefully, her eyes meeting his briefly before dropping to the floor. The attendant rang him up, he paid for the items and handed Bella the bag with a smile.
"I'll pay you back," she said blushing when they were back outside.
"No need, but if you want to I won't stop you," he replied.
Back at the penthouse, Bella couldn't shake the feeling of his gaze from the store. She felt exposed, like he could see right through her. She made her way to the bathroom, her thoughts swirling like the steam rising from the bathtub. She slipped out of her clothes and into the water, letting it envelop her in a warm embrace. The scent of lavender filled the room, and she sighed in contentment as the heat began to seep into her bones.
Her hand glided over her skin as she applied the hydrating body oil, each touch sending a shiver of pleasure through her body. She felt the tension of the day unravel, her muscles loosening with every stroke.
The soft light from the moon danced across her body as she lay on the bed, Bella's breath grew shallow, her eyes half-closed as she began to explore herself. Her fingers traced the curve of her breast, teasing the sensitive peak until it tightened into a hardened bud.
With a gasp, she slid her hand down her stomach, her skin slick with oil. She reached the apex of her thighs, feeling the heat radiating from her core. She parted her legs slightly, her heart racing as she slipped two fingers inside. The feeling was heavenly, the warmth and wetness of her own body enveloping her digits.
Bella's eyes closed, and she bit her bottom lip as she began to move her hand in a slow, rhythmic motion. Hers was the only touch she has experienced in months.
The sound of her own breathing filled the room, mingling with the distant hum of the city outside. She felt a flush of heat spread across her cheeks, but she couldn't resist the urge to give in to the pleasure building within her. Her eyes slipped shut as she worked her fingers in a slow, steady rhythm, her mind wandering to strong hands and images of a man grunting in her ear. It was intoxicating, and she didn't want to let it go. She spread her legs wider, her fingers going deeper into her wet pussy.
With each stroke, the tension grew tighter, coiling in her stomach until it was all she could focus on. Her breaths grew ragged, and she could feel her orgasm approaching. Her body quivered, and she arched off the bed as the climax washed over her in a wave of pleasure. She bit down hard on her bottom lip to stifle a moan, her eyes squeezed shut as she rode the peak. The world around her fell away, leaving only the pulsing sensations that coursed through her veins.
Finally, she stilled, her breath coming in gasps. She lay there for a moment, panting, before slowly opening her eyes to stare up at the ceiling. The moon's glow had shifted, casting a different pattern of shadows on the wall. Bella felt completely satisfied as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle another day. As the days passed, however, she found her thoughts straying to James, the man who had once been her everything. It deeply saddened her that their relationship had crumbled, and it seemed he didn't even notice. It was as if he had moved on, leaving her in the dust. The pain was a dull ache in her chest, one she tried to ignore as she threw herself into her work.
Two days later, Bella sat across from Mr. Cullen at the sleek dining table, a spread of breakfast options laid out before them. He had prepared the meal himself, which was surprisingly comforting. They talked shop, going over the reports she had compiled and the observations she had made during her time at the two companies.
As they finished their meal, Mr. Cullen pushed his chair back and stood up. "Mrs. Hunter, I have something important to discuss with you," he said, his tone serious.
Bella's heart skipped a beat. What could be so urgent? She watched as he disappeared into an adjacent room and re-emerged with a manila envelope. He placed the envelope on the table between them and slid it towards her.
"What is this?" she asked, her voice a whisper.
Mr. Cullen leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Open it and see,"
With trembling hands, Bella picked up the envelope and pulled out the contents. The first paper she saw made her heart drop into her stomach - a divorce petition with her name at the top. The sight of the document sent a shockwave through her, the words swimming before her eyes.
"What is this?" she choked out again, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Cullen's expression remained unreadable. "It's a divorce petition," he said calmly. "I've taken the liberty of preparing it for you."
Bella's hand trembled as she set the envelope down, the paperwork seemingly burning her fingertips. "It's merely a draft, you can change whatever you want. The asset division section is blank, but I'll make sure you get whatever you list on there,"
Mr. Cullen's voice was steady, a stark contrast to the chaos storming inside her. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock. "What are you saying?" She whispered.
He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm saying, Mrs. Hunter, that you'll be divorced by the time we return to Chicago, or were you planning on going back to him?"
Bella's hand shot to her chest, her breath hitching in her throat. "What? No, I..." she stuttered, unable to find the words.
Mr. Cullen leaned in, his gaze intense. "You deserve better, Mrs. Hunter. You told me about the way he's been neglecting you. You showed me your bruises, you can't be with someone who dares to lay a hand on you. This is your chance to move on, to find happiness."
Bella felt a tear slip down her cheek as she stared at the divorce papers. It was all so final, so overwhelming. Maybe this was her way out of the pain, a chance to start anew. "Can I have some time to think about it?" Wednesdays were usually her days off.
"Take all the time you need," Mr. Cullen said, his voice gentle. "But know that I'm here for you, no matter what you decide."
Bella nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She had to talk to someone about this, so she decided to call her parents. She retreated to the quiet of her bedroom and dialed their number, her hand shaking.
"Hey, Mom, Dad," she said, trying to keep her voice steady as she heard their concerned voices on the other end. "I've got something important to tell you."
The line was silent for a beat before her mom spoke up. "Bella, are you okay?"
Her voice wavered, and Bella took a deep breath before launching into the story of her week. She told them about her assignment in New York, she recounted the long days of work and the comforting evenings in the penthouse. And then she told them about the divorce papers.
Her parents gasped in unison, the shock evident in their voices. She heard her mother's soft whisper of "Oh, Bella" and her father's firm "What a son of a bitch."
"I know," she said, her voice cracking. "But it's complicated."
"You are not going to talk it out?" Her mother asked. "I'm tired of talking, Mom, the last few years have been rough. I know I didn't say anything about it before, but I can't keep doing this anymore. Putting his hands on me was the last straw."
"Show me!" Her father demanded.
Her mother gasped, "Bella, did he really hit you?"
"Yes, it was last week, just before I left for New York," she replied, her voice heavy with the burden of secrets untold. "It was bad. He grabbed my arms and shook me," she said, showing them the bruises that had started to turn green and yellow. Edward made her take pictures before they started changing colors.
Her parent's disbelief and anger grew palpable over the phone line. "Why didn't you tell us sooner, sweetie?" her mother asked, her voice trembling.
"I thought I could fix it mom, I thought it was just a phase, that he would snap out of it I guess."
Her father's voice was firm and protective. "You don't need to fix anything, Bella. You deserve to be treated with respect and love. You need to file that divorce."
"Okay," Bella replied.
"Please don't tell him where I am," Bella requested. They didn't know she'd turned off her phone's location. And she's only using the funds in her personal account, not the joint one she has with James.
Her parents assured her they would keep her whereabouts a secret. The call ended with her father's stern voice saying, "You do what you need to do, we're behind you."
With trembling hands, she pulled out her laptop and opened a spreadsheet. She listed all their assets—the house, the cars, the bank accounts. The cold, hard numbers stared back at her, a stark reminder of the life she had built with James.
Her finger hovered over the print button. The thought of confronting James with evidence of his own cruelty filled her with a strange mix of fear and empowerment. The printer whirred to life, and the pages began to fill with the stark reality of their crumbling marriage.
As the final page slid into the tray, Bella felt a knot in her stomach. These weren't just numbers and photos—they were the shattered pieces of her life laid bare. She gathered the documents and placed them neatly in a folder, her heart pounding in her chest.
With a deep breath, she approached Mr. Cullen, who was working at his desk, the soft click of his keyboard the only sound in the otherwise silent penthouse. She handed him the folder, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I've made a list of our assets," she said. "And I've printed out some account statements. I also included pictures of the bruises James gave me last week."
Mr. Cullen's gaze flicked from the folder to her face, his jaw tightening at the sight of her bruises. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Hunter," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine concern. He took the folder and set it aside, giving her his full attention.
"It's Bella now I guess,"
Mr. Cullen nodded solemnly. "Bella," he said, correcting himself. "I'll take care of this," he assured her, tucking the folder under his arm.
With a sense of relief, Bella decided to take a walk outside. The city was alive, a stark contrast to the quiet penthouse. She needed to clear her head, to breathe in the crisp air and let the sights and sounds of New York wash away the heaviness that had settled over her.
The streets were a blur of people and taxis as she wandered, her thoughts racing. She found herself in Central Park. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease from her shoulders as the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled her nose. The distant sound of children playing and couples laughing helped to soothe the ache in her chest.
Four hours later, as the sun dipped below the skyscrapers, casting the city in an orange glow, Bella made her way back to the penthouse. The elevator ride up felt longer than usual, her heart racing with anticipation of what Edward might have done.
When she walked in, she found the penthouse just as she had left it, except for the empty wine bottle and two glasses on the coffee table, suggesting he had taken a break at some point. Edward looked up from his laptop, a serious expression etched on his face.
"I've taken care of everything," he said, gesturing to the documents neatly arranged before him. "The papers are drawn up. You'll have everything you're entitled to. I've also included a restraining order, just to be safe."
"He bought our house, it's in his name," she told him.
Mr. Cullen nodded. "Don't worry, Bella, I've included that in the petition. We'll make sure you get your fair share."
"I don't want the house, I just want my part of the funds in the joint account and a chance to get my things out of the house,"
Mr. Cullen nodded. "We'll work on that," he said as he started to type again.
She'd gone to the store so she started making some dinner. While he put the final touches on her divorce petition.
Over dinner Edward told her his sister would be the one representing her, and that as soon as she signed the papers James would be served and the process would begin.
"Will it take long? What if he doesn't want to sign?"
Mr. Cullen's expression remained calm and collected. "We'll deal with that when the time comes, Bella, but he doesn't have much of a choice. He laid his hands on you, he's done."
Bella nodded, the reality of the situation finally starting to set in. The knot in her stomach loosened slightly, and she felt a spark of hope ignite within her. "Thank you, Mr. Cullen," she said, her voice still shaky.
"I think you can call me Edward," he smiled.
"At least in here," he clarified.
The divorce petition was finalized the next day. Bella knew when James was served the papers and restraining order because he called her.
"What the fuck, Bella?" he screamed through the phone. "You're really going through with this?"
"Yes, James," she said firmly, her voice steady. "I am." The line was silent for a moment before his voice crackled with anger. "You bitch! You think you can just leave me like this?"
Bella swallowed the lump in her throat, her grip on the phone tightening. "I'm not leaving you," she replied evenly. "You left me a long time ago, James."
"What are you talking about?" James' voice was a mix of rage and disbelief.
"The way you treat me, the way you've been neglecting me," Bella replied, her voice gaining strength. "The way you put your hands on me. I can't do this anymore." James' response was a string of profanities and threats, but Bella remained unfazed. She had made her decision and was determined to see it through.
"Just sign the papers James," she said firmly before hanging up the phone.
Was Bella's decision hasty? Why did Edward take the liberty to draft the divorce papers?
Thoughts on the way she felt while they where dinning (or about that scene in general) Thanks!