With a heart full of confusion and uncertainty, my return to work was a much needed distraction. There was so much going on in my life, I couldn't untangle myself from the stress. My mother getting sent to jail, Ana moving in, Aro attempting to destroy the company, Emmett's betrayal and to top it off, maybe the most stress inducing part, I was pregnant. It was a lot to sort through. I still haven't completely processed it. I was hoping that jumping back into work would help get my mind off it all.
Since returning to work, Katlyn has been helping me decorate my office space. The room had been three white walls, with the fourth wall, nothing but crystal clear floors were a pristine match. I wanted to bring some of my own personal touches. I made an accent wall, midnight blue. Then filled the area with as much plant-life and greenery as possible. Photos of my family lined the walls. Excluding my mother. I was still upset with her. I didn't foresee that changing any time soon. But the rest of the family was there, Ana, uncle Charlie and his family, my father. All of the most important people in my life.
On my desk, sat a picture of the newest additions in my life. Edward and Katlyn. It was difficult to get Edward to pose for a picture, he wasn't the biggest fan of photos. It took a lot of begging to even get one. Katlyn on the other hand was more than willing. We had grown really close, a lot of the time it was Katlyn I turned to when wanting some motherly advice.
As I sat at my desk, finishing off the last of the reaper's lists, Katlyn was seated across the room, where Hecktor's desk sat. They were speaking privately to one another. I couldn't make out what was said, but I could practically sense the growing tension between them. Katlyn was acting as my guard today and since we had confirmed my pregnancy, Katlyn has been a bit overly protective of my safety. Especially around other reapers.
"I don't think you understand our position here. I'm not her boss. It's impossible for me to 'overwork' her. She is the one in charge of duties in this office." Hecktor said with an edge to his voice. His shoulders were slumped a bit. It was clear that he was a bit intimidated, but he didn't let it show on his expression.
"You need to start taking on more of a role. Lessen her workload." Katlyn hissed quietly as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Katlyn, that's not necessary," I sighed as I rested my head back. "If I have anything less to do, I'll only have an hour or two of actual work."
Katlyn scurried over to me with a look of concern. "I just don't want you to push yourself." The way she hovered over me, would have been appreciated normally, but I was in such a foul mood. I was annoyed. My hormones were out of control.
"Please, just," I paused before I said something hurtful. I forced myself to give her a smile. "I'm not feeling so well, do you mind getting me something to help with nausea?" It was a lie, but I just needed some time away from her constant watchful eyes. She was driving me insane.
Katlyn nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, is your medication still in the car?"
"Yeah, I should really remember to keep that on me."
"I'll be right back, don't leave this room until I return." Katlyn said with a serious gaze.
"I'll be right here, don't worry." I waved her on.
The moment Katlyn walked out of the room, I felt my body relax entirely. The room was finally silent. Hecktor was quietly clicking at his keyboard, his eyes remained on his monitor. I am thankful that he didn't attempt to chat. I just didn't have the energy to hold up a conversation at the moment.
Instead, I let my head rest on my desk. The bulk of my work was finished. The lists were emailed to Edward's team. I could take a little break. I felt exhausted. My eyes fluttered closed and I couldn't hold them open. By the window, I had installed an essential oil diffuser that allowed a light vapor of vanilla to permeate the air. It was very soothing, so much so I drifted off to sleep.
I wasn't sure how long I had been asleep, but I woke up with a racing heart and a feeling of fear. Quickly, I looked around the room, taking note of the subtle changes. The lights were off, there was a blanket draped over my shoulders and no one was in the room. I shifted upright in my chair, noticing a note had been left behind, along with the bottle of nausea medication I had sent Katlyn to get.
I'll be outside your door if you need me. It looked like Katlyn's writing. A pinch of guilt washed over me for a moment. I shouldn't have sent her away like that. She cared about me.
With a rub to my eyes, I flicked the lamp on at my desk and got onto my computer. I double checked my work and read my emails. There was a meeting highlighted in my email. Apparently there was going to be a big meeting in Edward's office, just before lunch.
I wonder if it had to do with Emmett? I wasn't present when Jacob broke the news to Esme, in regards to Emmett's betrayal against the company. But I imagine that she didn't take any of it well. Esme didn't strike me as the type of person to 'forgive and forget'. Even Edward was taking this hard. He and Emmett have been incredibly close for their entire lives. I found it hard to believe that Emmett was willingly going against Edward like this. There had to be more to the story than that.
I pushed myself up to my feet, suddenly feeling a sense of urgency. I wanted to head up to Edward's office before the meeting started. We didn't have a chance to speak much today and I was missing him desperately. I just wanted to see his face.
Katlyn was outside my door as I walked out. Wordlessly, she followed, just a few steps behind me. She kept her head down, but I caught her glancing in my direction continuously. Analyzing every inch of me. Her eyes lingered around my abdomen. I knew she was worried about me, but the intensity behind her concerns were overwhelming at times. It was something I planned on talking with her about. But now wasn't the time. The only thing on my mind was getting to Edward as soon as physically possible.
But as we approached the elevator, it opened, revealing Alice standing in a beautiful business suit. Her hair was pulled up and a sour look was on her face. As if usually was. But she seemed to be in an even worse mood than usual. As Katlyn ushered us into the elevator, Alice snorted.
"Isabella," She muttered curtly.
"Alice," I replied simply.
Our relationship still wasn't necessarily positive. She didn't like me. I knew that wasn't going to change. But at the very least, she acknowledged my existence. That was something, wasn't it?
"I'm surprised you were invited to attend this meeting." Alice snipped, not meeting my eyes.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"I was under the impression there would be a certain level of danger involved in this meeting. Since 'the grim', will be attending."
I felt the wind get knocked out of me for a second as my heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. I was completely unaware that 'the grim' had already been called upon. Esme had just heard the news of the plans against the company last week. She was moving quickly. Did Edward even know? And if he did, why didn't he let me know beforehand? I would have… dressed a little nicer. Or mentally prepared myself.
Katlyn noticed my anxiety and gently squeezed my shoulder. "Stay calm." She spoke quietly.
"I don't know. This is the first I'm hearing about any of it." I commented, attempting to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Alice clicked her tongue, appearing uninterested. "Whatever," That was all she said, before the elevator doors opened. She didn't hesitate to walk out, her heels clicking as she went. But surprisingly, she didn't move into Edward's office. Instead, she went straight into Emmett's empty office.
Emmett hasn't returned to work and it has been assumed that he wouldn't be, ever. Perhaps, Alice was claiming his office as her own.
Katlyn paused at the door to Edward's office, offering me a kind smile. "I'll be right outside the door." She reminded me.
I nodded to her with a grateful smile of my own, before moving into Edward's office. As I entered the room, I noticed two other men in the room that were seated in front of Edward. Their heads were lowered, so I couldn't see their faces. Edward snapped his head up, locking eyes on me with a furious expression on his face. But instantly, the hostility melted away, replaced with a crooked grin.
"Bella," His voice was smooth and gentle. "Come." He waved me over.
I did as he instructed, avoiding the curious sights on me from the two other men. They didn't comment, but I could sense their discomfort.
"I'm sorry for interrupting." I said quietly as I reached his side.
Edward tenderly pulled me into his lap, appearing pleased. His hands rested against my thighs and I felt his lips at my neck for just a moment, right under my ear. "Feel free to interrupt me any time."
I closed my eyes for just a moment, enjoying our close proximity. My body just relaxed into him. It felt like it's been an eternity since I've felt his touch. He breathed life back into me, with every touch.
There was moment of silence, before one of the men cleared their throat. "Should we… come back another time?" He spoke up.
"No, I'm well aware you have information on Emmett. And I want those details. Now." Edward barked, suddenly turning back to his previous aggression towards these two.
The men shrank back in their seats, fear covered their faces.
I gave Edward a look of disapproval, before turning to the men. "You aren't in any trouble. This is important. Please just tell us what you know." I said as calmly as possible.
This seemed to relax the men, but just slightly. They kept glancing towards Edward. But finally, one of them decided to speak up.
"I saw him last night. He was in the red light district. Completely wasted. But he was with some woman. They were arguing."
"What did the woman look like?" Edward pressed.
"Hideous, most gruesome woman I've ever seen." The man commented with a frown.
"She was familiar. I think I've seen her around the office before… but she didn't look like that…" The other man added, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Edward paused, gritting his teeth for a moment. "Any idea who she was? You said you recognize her."
The two men now fell silent, averting their eyes.
"Not gonna lie, she looked like Tanya, boss…"
At the mention of her name, I felt my blood run cold. With my emotions in total turmoil, there was nothing but pure rage coursing through my body. I was seething in silence. But Edward's quiet wince told me that he was well aware of my feelings at the moment.
Lightly, his hand moved to stroke my back. His lips pressed down to the top of my head. His actions chipped a little bit of my fury away, but I continued to brood over the topic of his ex-wife. I couldn't even stand to hear her name.
"I need the both of you to continue your investigation. If you have to, get in contact with Jasper."
Edward didn't speak of Jasper often. His best friend. And the man who had an affair with his wife. It was the ultimate betrayal a friend could do. I knew the pain and bitterness he felt was always more directed at Jasper than Tanya. I didn't know why that was. And I didn't have the heart to ask. Or maybe, I was afraid of hearing his answer. Did he not hold Tanya, just as accountable? I didn't want to know.
"Any clue on where Jasper is?" The one man said, raising a brow.
"I'm sure Alice has tabs on his whereabouts. Speak with her. She's in Emmett's office at the moment."
I wonder why Alice would know where Jasper is.
Both men bowed their heads in respect, before standing from their seats. They were careful to not look in my direction. They still appeared uneasy.
"Yes sir," They saluted.
"Dismissed," Edward grunted, lightly running his hands through my hair. The feeling sent chills down my spine. I watched with bated breath as the two men left. Finally, leaving us alone.
I turned in his lap, bringing our lips together for a sweet kiss. His hands moved to squeeze my backside. A dark smirk came to his face as he watched my cheeks turn pink.
"How's your day going, any nausea? Any pain?" He wondered, fluttering kisses down my neck.
I squeezed my eyes shut as he continued moving his lips down to my breasts. Just the slightest touch sent a mild discomfort to me. My breasts had been very tender. It was just another symptom of pregnancy that I was getting used to. "I'm perfectly fine. I wish everyone would stop worrying so much."
"It's hard not to. Carrying a child that may partially be a reaper isn't an easy feat. It won't be the same as a normal pregnancy. You have to be watched over, very closely." He murmured softly.
"I appreciate the concern, but it really is starting to bother me. I don't want to be monitored every second of the day. I love Katlyn dearly, but I don't think I can handle her being around so much. At least while I'm at work. I'd rather her be with Ana at home. Ana needs a lot of help during the day." I pulled away from him slightly, to look into his eyes.
His emerald orbs glistened with affection as he watched me. "That can be arranged. But I still want eyes on you while you're here. So, if not Katlyn, I'll find someone else."
I gave him my best pout. Hoping this somehow could convince him otherwise. It was almost hilarious when his expression faltered slightly.
"Just to stand outside of your office. Not to be in any kind of contact with you. Allow me that, at least." He said quickly.
Maybe that will be the best I can get.
"Fine, as long as I don't see them, hear them, or even know they are there. I don't want to be bothered." I allowed.
"You got a deal." His smile was so vibrant I found myself completely distracted. My heart skipped a beat for a moment.
It was nearing the time the meeting was starting. I could hear quiet chatter outside of Edward's office. But there were still questions I had about this. I had know idea 'the grim' was coming here. And I wanted to be brought up to date on the situation. I didn't want to jeopardize anything by saying the wrong thing.
"Can you fill me in on this meeting? Before everyone comes in."
Edward gave me a sheepish look. "Well, our company is receiving its annual review. 'The grim' always shows up for it. So, since we have some updates to the company, we need to run it past them. Our relationship, the pregnancy. It has to become public knowledge. 'The grim' has to know."
I swallowed hard. "Esme is coming to this meeting, isn't she?"
"Unfortunately. She has some details on the situation with Galen that she wants to address." He already knew why I had so much apprehension. I was terrified to see Esme's reaction to this pregnancy. I never wanted to be on her bad side. I saw what happened to others that angered her. There was no telling how she would handle this news. Especially since she is most likely in a poor mood, because of Emmett.
"I wish you would have told me soon." I frowned.
"I didn't want you to worry about it. There was no avoiding this."
"Still, it would have been nice to mentally prepare myself for this meeting."
He nodded with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, I just didn't want to burden you any further. There is a lot taking place behind the scenes. I'd hate to bring you additional stress. I've read that it isn't healthy for a baby, for the mother to be stressed." He offered a coy smile.
His words warmed my heart. It hasn't even been a month and Edward was already reading about pregnancy and trying to help me through this. It meant a lot that he cared. And wanted to be a part of this. It gave me the confidence that we can survive this.
Now the only question is if I can survive this meeting.
Sorry it took soooooooo long to update this! I'm trying to find more free time to write, but it's tough! Full time work, full time school, full time mom. It doesn't leave me with much time during the week. But writing is my hobby and it makes me happy. So, I'd like to plan more time to update my stories. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!