AN: I realized I never explained where the family was going, lol. Purely my mistake in my hastiness. I re-uploaded chapter one with a brief explanation, but in case you don't want to re-read, the Cullens are headed to Walla Walla, Washington (I LOVE saying this), to spend NYE with family friends, Carmen and Eleazar, who are stupidly rich and own a vineyard and wineries.

December 31st, A little after noon

Carmen and Eleazar's Estate, Walla Walla, Washington

When we finally rolled into Walla Walla, my face ached from smiling and laughing so much during the drive. The Jeep slowed as we approached a massive wrought-iron gate, which opened smoothly to reveal a long, tree-lined driveway winding through immaculately sculpted gardens. At the end of the drive stood a sprawling mansion that looked like something straight out of a movie.

"Holy fuck," I whispered, leaning forward to get a better look as we approached.

"Carmen and Eleazar do well for themselves," Edward said, smirking at my wide-eyed expression.

"No kidding," I muttered, still trying to wrap my head around the sheer size of the place. Edward had told me about their house before, but hearing about it and seeing it were two very different things. Thirteen bedrooms, twenty-seven bathrooms, and an absurd 28,000 square feet of luxury.

I suddenly felt like I should've worn something fancier for the car ride.

The Jeep came to a stop in front of the house, where a couple—who I was assuming was Carmen and Eleazar— were waiting to greet us.

They were both as picturesque as their home. Carmen looked effortlessly chic in a flowing white dress, while Eleazar was the picture of sophistication in a tailored suit. Esme had just pulled up in the van, and the Cullens who'd carpooled with her were climbing out, stretching after the long ride.

Edward glanced at me, his hand brushing lightly against mine. "What do you think?" he asked, his tone teasing.

I gave him a side-eye. "I think I might've accidentally walked onto the set of Crazy Rich Asians."

He laughed, leaning in to whisper, "Wait until you see one of their wineries."

"One of them?" I said, blinking.

Edward chuckled at my expression, his voice low as he leaned closer. "Yeah, one of them. They've got vineyards here in Walla Walla, but also in Napa Valley and Oregon's Willamette Valley. And they own wineries in Tuscany and Bordeaux too."

I blinked, my jaw almost dropping. "You're kidding."

"Not even a little," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "They're basically royalty in the wine world... brands in every upscale restaurant and specialty shop you can think of."

"That's… insane," I said, glancing back at the sprawling estate. "And they're just casually hosting twenty of us like it's no big deal?"

Edward shrugged, his lips twitching into a smile. "To them, it probably isn't. They're ridiculously down-to-earth for how successful they are, but yeah, their reach is pretty massive. Their Bordeaux winery has been around for centuries, and the one in Tuscany? It's won awards for both the wine and the architecture."

I stared at him, processing. "So, you're telling me I'm spending New Year's Eve with the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of the wine industry?"

Edward laughed, slipping an arm around my waist. "Pretty much. But don't worry, they're not pretentious about it. You'll see—they're amazing hosts."

I let out a breath, shaking my head. "No pressure or anything. Just hanging out with wine royalty in their multimillion-dollar mansion."

"You'll fit right in," Edward said confidently, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "Trust me, Bella. They're going to love you."

As we piled out of the Jeep, I noticed Carmen and Eleazar's calm, welcoming demeanor despite the fact they were hosting nearly twenty of us for New Year's. Granted, not everyone was staying the night—Makenna and Charles, along with Peter and Charlotte, had booked rooms at a nearby hotel—but it was still an impressive feat.

"Esme!" Carmen's warm, lilting voice echoed as she appeared, arms wide open, her grin wide and welcoming. "And Carlisle! It's been too long."

Carmen embraced Esme like a sister, their laughter filling the room as Eleazar appeared behind her. He was tall and broad, with salt-and-pepper hair and a friendly smile.

"Carlisle," Eleazar greeted, clasping hands firmly on his friend's shoulder, then gripping his hand in a firm handshake. "It's good to have you here again, my friend. You've been sorely missed."

Esme stepped back, smiling brightly. "We've missed you both so much. Thank you for having us."

"The pleasure is ours," Carmen replied warmly before turning to Edward and me. "And this must be Bella."

Her gaze landed on me, her expression so genuine and kind that some of the tension in my shoulders eased. "We're so glad you could come," she said, stepping forward to embrace me like we were old friends. "Esme was gushing about Edward's beautiful girlfriend, and I can see why."

"Come in, come in!" Carmen gestured for everyone to follow her further inside. "You must be exhausted from the drive. We've got rooms ready for everyone upstairs."

As soon as we stepped into the massive entryway of Carmen and Eleazar's mansion, I felt like I'd walked straight into an issue of Architectural Digest. The place was stunning—high ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and an enormous chandelier that threw soft, golden light over everything. It was elegant without feeling cold, and yet, it made me feel incredibly small.

I trailed behind Edward, my eyes scanning every detail—the sweeping marble staircase, the ornate art pieces perfectly curated along the walls, the fresh flowers arranged in crystal vases that filled the air with their delicate perfume. It was overwhelming and beautiful, a space that demanded appreciation. For a brief moment, I let myself soak in its warm elegance.

That is, until the sound of footsteps descending the grand staircase pulled my focus.

Two ridiculously attractive people appeared, gliding down the stairs like they owned the place. They were both in their twenties, practically glowing with that effortless kind of confidence that made people stare.

The guy had dark hair, sharp cheekbones, and this lopsided grin that screamed troublemaker. He stood there like he owned the place—or didn't care who did. The girl beside him had the kind of hazel eyes that pinned you in place, her posture so perfect it looked like she practiced it in front of a mirror. Together, they gave off serious wannabe influencers with rich-kid energy vibes, and I couldn't help but feel every bit like the underdressed tag-along in my travel-worn jeans and tired face.

"Felix! Maria!" Esme's voice rang out, full of warmth and familiarity as she stepped forward, a smile lighting up her face. Carlisle followed closely behind, equally enthusiastic, pulling Felix into a firm handshake.

My heart gave a nervous little flutter as I realized who they were—Carmen and Eleazar's children. My stomach tightened when my gaze flickered toward Edward, just in time to see his jaw clench for a brief second before he masked it with a neutral expression.

Weird. What was that about?

Felix's eyes swept across the group until they landed on me. His gaze was sharp, lingering just long enough to make my cheeks heat. I looked away quickly, pretending to admire an ornate vase on a side table. My heart thumped unevenly as I tried to understand why his stare had felt so… intense.

"Bella," Carmen's voice snapped me back to reality, her tone warm as ever. "Let me introduce you to my children. This is Felix, and this is Maria."

I forced a polite smile, feeling painfully out of place under their scrutiny. "Hi. Nice to meet you."

Felix returned the greeting with a smile that was a little too charming, his eyes once again lingering on me for a beat longer than I was comfortable with. Maria, meanwhile, had an effortless smile of her own, but her attention barely flickered toward me before honing in on Edward.

"Edward," Maria said, her voice soft and somehow both familiar and intimate. She stepped closer, her manicured hand brushing against his arm as she tilted her head. "It's so good to see you again."

Edward chuckled awkwardly, his smile tight. He stepped back just enough to break the contact, his discomfort subtle but clear. "You too, Maria. It's been a while."

I didn't miss the brief flicker of something—was it disappointment?—that crossed Maria's face before she recovered, her smile returning as if nothing had happened. My stomach twisted uneasily as I watched their interaction, trying to piece together what I'd just seen.

"All right, everyone," Carmen said brightly, her cheerful tone cutting through the growing tension. "Let's get everyone settled in their rooms. We're leaving at around eighty-thirty, so you'll have plenty of time to freshen up and relax. If you need anything, Gustavo's in the kitchen—just ask. He'll whip it up for you."

Edward reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as we followed Carmen up the grand staircase. I let him lead me, but my mind was racing. Maria hadn't so much as glanced at me again after her overly warm greeting to Edward, and Felix's strange intensity lingered in the back of my mind. And Edward… Edward had been off since they'd walked into the room.

I stole a glance at him, hoping for some kind of cue, but his face was carefully unreadable. That small knot of insecurity started to tighten in my chest. I tried to shake it off.

It's just one day, I told myself, forcing a smile as we stepped into our assigned rooms. What's the worst that could happen?

The room was gorgeous—soft beige tones, a king-sized bed with plush white linens, and a balcony that overlooked the sprawling vineyards. But even with all its beauty, I couldn't shake the weirdness in my chest.

Finally, I decided I couldn't sit with my thoughts any longer. I padded down the hall to where I saw Eleazar lead Edward to. His door was ajar, and I knocked lightly, pushing it open when I heard his muffled "Come in."

He was fiddling around in his overnight bag, but he straightened when he saw me, a grin tugging at his lips. "Hey," he said, his voice warm. "You're already bored of your room?"

"Terribly," I replied, leaning against the doorframe. "The view is amazing, but the conversation is seriously lacking."

He chuckled, motioning for me to come in. "Well, you're welcome to hang out here. I've got snacks that may or may not include gas station gummy bears and unparalleled charm to offer."

I stepped inside, flopping onto the plush armchair near the window. "Unparalleled charm? That's a bold claim."

"You tell me." He smirked before turning to lean against the dresser, his arms crossed. "So, what's up? You look… thoughtful."

I waved a hand dismissively, my voice light. "Oh, nothing much. Just mentally drafting my memoir: Bella Swan and the Model Ex-Girlfriend. Think it'll be a bestseller?"

His smirk faltered, and he straightened slightly, studying me. "You mean Maria."

"Yeah," I said casually, though my heart was racing. "I mean, she's gorgeous, Edward. Like, break-the-internet gorgeous. And she clearly knows her way around a designer dress. Meanwhile, I'm in jeans I've had since high school and a hoodie I definitely stole from you."

Edward crouched in front of me, his hands resting lightly on my knees. His lips twitched, but his gaze softened as he reached for my hand. "You're not seriously comparing yourself to Maria, are you?"

I shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's just… obvious, you know? If someone made a trashy movie about this weekend, she'd be the glamorous, vaguely intimidating ex, and I'd be the quirky underdog tripping over her shoelaces."

Edward tilted his head, his expression somewhere between amusement and frustration. "Bella, you're not the underdog. And you don't have to worry about Maria."

I hesitated, searching his face. "So… there is history?"

He sighed, threading his fingers through mine. "Yeah, we dated in high school. It was a thing for a little while, then it wasn't. They moved here, and we stayed casual when I'd visit in the summers. Nothing serious, nothing messy. It just… ended."

"And now?" My voice was quieter than I intended.

"And now," he said firmly, "I'm here with you. You're the one I want."

I wanted to let the words settle, but doubt lingered. "She's amazing, Edward. I'm not saying you shouldn't want to be with me, but I can't blame her if she still has feelings for you."

He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. "Bella, listen to me. I'm not interested in Maria. Whatever we had is in the past, and it's staying there. What we have? That's what I care about."

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch, letting his words chip away at the knot in my chest. "I'm sorry," I murmured. "I hate feeling like this."

"Don't apologize," he said softly. "But don't let her—or anyone else—make you doubt this."

A small smirk tugged at my lips. "Okay. But if she corners you later with some dramatic, heartfelt confession, I'm chucking wine at her. No hesitation."

Edward snorted, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Go for the hair, not the dress. That'll send a stronger message."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, fighting a grin. "Because I was thinking red wine. That way it stains and haunts her forever."

He barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "You're vicious."

"Only when provoked," I quipped, the knot in my chest loosening a little more.

Edward stood, tugging me up to my feet. "Alright, well, let's go find that wine just in case you need your weapon of choice."

"Wine and spite," I mused, letting him guide me toward the door. "A timeless combination."

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist. "Remind me never to cross you, Swan."

"Smart man," I said, leaning into him as we headed downstairs, my worries fading with every step.

...

A little bit later, the girls had devised a shopping trip. I had just retreated back into my room to grab something from my bag, when Alice barged into the room with Rose and Lauren in tow, each of them talking over one another about dresses, shoes, and and "the vibe" for tonight's party.

"Bella, you're coming, right?" Alice asked, her voice brimming with excitement as she flopped onto the edge of the bed. "You are not skipping this."

"I wasn't planning on skipping," I said, sitting cross-legged on the bed beside her. "But I wasn't exactly planning on needing a fancy dress either. I mean… I brought one, but…" I trailed off, thinking of the maxi dress I'd snagged from Ross. It was nice, but definitely not winery fancy. "It's not really… this crowd."

"That's why we're here," Lauren declared, grinning as she perched on the windowsill. "We'll make sure you find something killer."

"Trust me," Rosalie added, leaning against the doorframe like a model who'd accidentally wandered into real life. "You've got a squad of professionals. There's no way you're walking out of that boutique in anything less than an 'oh my God, who is she?' outfit."

I laughed, even as my stomach twisted slightly. Shopping with them sounded fun, but also slightly terrifying. I was still getting used to their level of confidence, their natural ability to walk into a room and own it. Meanwhile, I was more of a fade-into-the-corner kind of person.

Alice pulled out her phone, scrolling furiously. "I already have a list of boutiques. We'll hit the best ones first. Something sleek, maybe a little black dress. Bella's got great legs—"

"Alice…" I groaned, my cheeks heating.

She looked up, completely unfazed. "I'm serious. We're going to make you look amazing. Just trust me."

Before I could respond, Tanya strolled into the room, her oversized sunglasses still perched on her head like a crown. "So, we're hitting the shops?" she asked smoothly, taking in the scene with a raised brow. "Bella, you better be ready. These girls are relentless."

"Lucky me," I said dryly, though I couldn't help but smile.

Tanya tilted her head thoughtfully, her lips curving into a grin. "You know who'd love to come? Maria."

The air in the room seemed to shift. Alice's scrolling slowed, Rosalie straightened a little, and Lauren's grin dimmed into something more neutral.

"Maria?" I repeated, trying to keep my tone even.

"Yeah," Tanya said casually, as if she hadn't just lobbed a grenade into the conversation. "She knows all the best spots, and let's be honest—she's got an insane eye for style. If anyone can help you find something jaw-dropping, it's her."

Alice smiled politely, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's… not a terrible idea. She is a model, after all."

"Exactly," Tanya said, clearly pleased with herself. "Plus, she's basically family. No harm in inviting her along."

Rosalie turned her gaze to me, "What do you think, Bella?"

I hesitated, my pulse quickening. "Uh… sure. The more the merrier, right?"

Tanya's smile widened, oblivious to the tension. "Perfect. I'll go grab her."

The second the door closed behind her, Lauren let out a low whistle. "Whew. That's… a choice."

"A bold choice," Rosalie muttered, narrowing her eyes at the closed door. "

"Guys," Alice said, cutting them off with a sharp look. "Let's not make this a thing."

"I'm not making it a thing," Lauren said, holding her hands up innocently, though the glint in her eye suggested otherwise. "I'm just saying, if Maria shows up looking for drama, I'll be watching it like a Netflix special."

Angela, who had been leaning quietly against the dresser, finally chimed in with a smirk. "Don't listen to Lauren, Bella. You'll survive. And if shit hits the fan, just text us, like, a poop emoji, and we'll bail you out."

I snorted. "A poop emoji? That's the plan?"

"Hell yeah," Angela said, her tone dead serious. "It's discreet, universally understood, and, let's be honest, kinda iconic."

Rosalie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Or," she said, pushing off of the doorframe, "you could just yell something like, 'Oh my God, Maria, your hair extensions are showing.' That'll shut her ass up real quick."

Alice let out a dramatic gasp, her hand flying to her chest. "That's brilliant, and I fully approve. But if you really want to fuck with her, grab a godawful dress off the rack and ask if it's 'her usual style.' Bonus points if it's got shoulder pads."

Lauren cackled from her perch on the windowsill, nearly falling off. "Oh my God, do it, Bella. Grab the ugliest shit you can find and say, 'Maria, this screams you!' She'll either cry or combust."

"I'm not trying to start a war," I said, laughing despite myself. "I just want to find a damn dress without losing my sanity."

"Too late for that," Lauren quipped. "But honestly, if she gets too much up in your face, just say something like, 'You're so brave for trying to pull that off.' Passive-aggressive compliments are an art form."

Rosalie snorted. "Or, you know, just straight-up tell her to fuck off. But that's plan B."

Alice grinned wickedly. "Plan A is you looking like a goddamn goddess at this party, and Maria having to eat her heart out while you dance circles around her."

Over the past two weeks, I'd grown so close to Edward's sisters that it felt almost seamless, like I belonged with them all along. They were chaotic, hilarious, and fiercely loyal—a combination that left me both overwhelmed and completely smitten. "I'm starting to think this whole thing is just an elaborate setup to have me publicly ruin Maria's life."

Alice gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "How dare you accuse us of such a thing! We would never orchestrate something so petty."

Lauren snorted from the windowsill. "Speak for yourself. I would, and I'd make it look like an accident."

Rosalie raised an eyebrow, her smirk downright dangerous. "Accidentally tripping into her with a tray of wine sounds very on-brand."

Angela chimed in from her spot near the dresser, her grin widening. "I'd pay good money to see that. Like, Venmo you on the spot kind of money."

I laughed harder, my sides starting to ache. "You're all unhinged. Truly."

Alice linked her arm with mine, tugging me toward the door. "Maybe. But you're stuck with us now. Now let's go slay the shopping game and make Maria question every life decision she's ever made."

"Not too much though," Rosalie added with a sly grin. "We don't want her crying in the dressing room. That's just awkward."

Lauren piped up as we headed out. "Unless it's a single, dramatic tear. That I can handle."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop laughing, "Alright," I started. "Let's go find me a dress. And if I text the poop emoji, you better fucking haul ass."