A Second Chance
9
"Edward, I want to tell you something," she started.
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "What is it?"
"I want to tell you what inside the white box,"
Edward looked confused but intrigued, the tension between them had shifted into something else entirely. "The one from your basement?"
"Yes," Bella said with a nod. "I wasn't sure if I wanted you to know about it, but now, I think I'm ready to talk about it."
"I'm listening," Edward said. Bella took his hand and after a deep breath she started talking.
"Shortly after James and I got married my period was late and I was very excited because I thought I was pregnant. I took several tests and some came back positive, others negative. I know I should have gone to the doctor, but I didn't." She started telling him. Edward's heart started beating faster as she started telling him something he felt was very important to her. She was opening up to him like never before. He remained silent, he didn't want to discourage her.
Bella took a breath and continued, "One day I was passing by a store and I went into the baby section and I stupidly bought some things. I hadn't had my period for several weeks and I got my hopes up. I was scared to go to the doctor, because I wanted it to be true." She took another breath before continuing. Edward stayed quiet as he did not want to interrupt her, he wanted to hear what she was telling him.
"When I told James about my suspicions, he wasn't very happy with the idea. We'd just gotten married and we were just adjusting to living together, we didn't have a house, we lived in a small apartment. He said it wasn't the right time. A couple weeks later I got my period, that's when I went to the doctor to make sure it was just my period. The doctor said it was a chemical pregnancy..." She cried.
Edward held her hands trying to give her comfort, when what he really wanted was to close the space between them and hug her.
"It's okay, Bella," Edward said as he handed her his handkerchief.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Are you sure you want to continue? You don't have to tell me everything right now," Edward told her in an attempt to calm her down, but Bella decided she was going to tell him everything.
"I'm okay," she said, taking a deep breath.
"The doctor said that it could have been because of the stress of the wedding and the move. He said it happens to many women, and that I should be fine to have children in the future. He told me not to let that experience deter me from trying again. He reminded me that he would be with me every step of the way when I decided to try again. I went home devastated and went to James for comfort. He told me that everything was going to be okay, but that he was glad I wasn't pregnant because again "we were not ready". After that he asked me to use a better form of birth control and we dropped the subject. Every time I tried to talk to him about it, he would change the subject or say that he wasn't ready. I guess it is a good thing because look how we ended up," Bella reflected.
"That's what's inside the box, the things I bought for that baby that I thought I was going to have but was just a trick from my body, it was all in my head." She added, Edward remained silent.
"You know when you asked me if I had fulfilled all my dreams I lied, Edward. Yes, I love my job and I love working for you, but I want to have a child. I needed you to know that, I don't know what your position is on this but I want a child," she said, another tear falling down her cheek.
Edward's eyes searched hers, his gaze comforting, "Bella, I had no idea," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"I know, I didn't tell anyone. I just couldn't," she replied, sniffing and dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief.
Edward's mind raced. He'd never thought of Bella in that light before. Their relationship had always been purely professional, but now, the thought of her holding a child, their child, filled him with a warmth he hadn't felt in years. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking.
"Bella, I understand," he began, his voice soft and sincere. "And I appreciate your honesty. It's a big decision, but if that's what you truly want, who says you can't have it?"
Her eyes searched for him, hope flickering within. "Do you mean that?" Edward nodded, his expression earnest. "I do." He paused, stroking her hand gently.
He took a deep breath and began to speak. "Bella, fifteen years ago I had a fiancée. Her name was Kate. She was everything to me, but she died in a tragic accident. She was studying to be an architect, the firm she was interning for cut corners and used faulty materials. She was doing an inspection and the building she was in collapsed. There were many injured, but Kate and ten more employees were fatal victims. Her family and I sued, but that didn't bring her back."
Bella's eyes widened with shock, she had never heard this before. "Edward, I had no idea, I'm so sorry," she murmured, reaching out to place her hand on his arm in a comforting gesture.
"It's alright," he said, his voice a little strained. "Kate was my first love and we talked about children all the time. We had so many plans. After she was gone, I threw myself into work, it was easier to focus on something other than my pain." He paused, looking into the distance, lost in his memories.
"But you were with someone else, I remember her,"
Edward nodded, "Yes, Maggie. We were together for a few years, but it didn't work out. She only wanted me for my money...But that was on me, she was a mistake."
Bella's heart ached for Edward, she had never seen this vulnerable side of him before. "You don't have to tell me more if it's too painful," she offered gently.
He took another deep breath and continued, "But you see, Bella, I've never forgotten Kate, and I never thought I would ever want to start a family again. But watching you, seeing your kindness and passion for life, I can't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, it's time to consider the possibility... If you accept me that is."
Her heart fluttered at his words. This was not a conversation she had ever expected to have with Edward. He had always been so stoic and focused on his work. But here he was, opening up to her in a way she never thought possible. She felt a mix of emotions, and something deeper she couldn't quite put her finger on.
"Edward, I've always admired your strength," she said, her voice quivering. "But knowing this about you, it just makes you more…I don't know… human to me I guess."
He managed a small smile, appreciating her kindness. "Thank you," he murmured.
They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of their revelations hanging in the air. Bella's hand remained on his arm, a silent offer of support. Edward looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time in years, he saw something other than his loyal employee. He saw a woman, the woman he wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
"You're different, Bella. You're real, you're strong, smart, and incredibly kind." Edward's voice was gentle as he comforted her.
They spent a few more minutes in silence enjoying the night. Bella felt lighter after telling Edward her wish. She was surprised to hear about Kate as she knew Maggie since she had seen them together at a few university functions while she was doing her bachelor's degree. Edward and Maggie broke up five years ago, just before she started working for him. Edward took this time to enjoy her closeness and warmth, he wanted to kiss her again, but was going to wait for her to initiate.
They lost track of time, it was almost midnight when they returned to the hotel room.
"I think we should get some rest," Bella suggested gently, Edward followed her. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked, she gave him a small smile. Even though their conversation had been rough, Edward was happy with how things were going between them. Once inside their room, they started to get ready for bed.
When Bella emerged from the bathroom in her pajamas, she found Edward already in bed, reading a book. She approached him and hesitantly spoke.
"Could you lay down beside me, Edward?" she asked.
He closed his book and set it aside, the question hanging in the air between them. Edward studied her for a moment, unsure of what to say.
"Are you sure, Bella?"
But the raw emotion in her eyes told him she needed him right now, so he complied, sliding into her bed beside her. She was warm and soft, and Edward felt his heart skip a beat as she nestled into the crook of his arm.
For a while, they lay there in the quiet darkness, listening to each other's breathing. Bella felt Edward's comforting presence beside her, and it was as if a weight she'd been carrying for years had been lifted.
"I've slept alone for three years, Edward, I just wanted some comfort," She admitted.
Edward nodded, understanding her more than she knew. He'd been there too, lost in the abyss of solitude. He had been alone for five years, after Maggie he didn't think he would find anyone else, he wasn't looking for anyone else until last year when his feelings for Bella bloomed.
He instinctively leaned down and kissed the top of her head, the gesture surprisingly tender.
"Goodnight, Bella," he whispered.
"Goodnight," she replied, her voice soft.
"Do you want me to take you home?" Edward asked Bella as they walked to his car at the airport.
"No, I think I should stay with you tonight," she said, looking up at him. "If that's okay?"
"Full experience?" He asked, Bella nodded, biting her lip.
"I said all weekend, that's why I packed."
Edward closed the passenger door and led her to his home, which was in a residential area near the office.
"You can stay in this room," he told her, opening the door to the biggest guest room.
"My room is down the hall," he pointed.
"Okay," she said with a nod.
Bella walked into the guest room, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar space. It was neat and well-appointed, like the rest of Edward's home. She set her bag down by the bed and slipped out of her shoes, feeling the coolness of the hardwood floor against her feet. The bed looked inviting, and she couldn't resist the urge to crawl in. She changed into something more comfortable and curled up under the covers, feeling the weight of the day's revelations finally start to leave her body. Her mind was still racing, but she knew she needed to rest.
About an hour later Edward knocked on her door, but she didn't reply. He cracked the door open and saw she was asleep. He smiled and decided to let her rest. Edward watched her for a moment, feeling a swell of affection he hadn't experienced in years. He didn't want to disturb her, so he silently backed away from the door and made his way down the hall to his own room.
Once in his study, Edward sat down at his desk and pulled out the small notebook he kept hidden. He wrote down his thoughts and feelings about Bella, about the baby she had hoped for, and the future he never thought he'd consider again. He wrote about Kate and the pain that still lingered, and how Bella's strength made him believe in the possibility of happiness once more. He knew that this was a delicate situation, and he didn't want to rush into anything. But he also knew that he couldn't ignore the feelings that had been growing inside him.
He decided to make a list of pros and cons, weighing his desire for companionship against the potential risks of opening his heart again. On one side, he wrote 'Bella' and 'New Start'. On the other, 'Fear of Loss' and 'Work Complications'. He knew that mixing business with pleasure could lead to disaster, but he also knew that Bella was unlike anyone he'd ever met. She was perhaps the woman who could complete his life.
Even though she was asleep it was still early, so he set his plan in motion.
—
"Where are we going?" Bella was intrigued, Edward asked her to dress comfortably.
"You'll see," he told her as he kept his eyes on the road.
"I have a question," Edward said after a few minutes.
"What is it?"
"Why did you say you're 25 when your birthday is in two weeks?" He asked.
Bella's eyes grew wide with surprise, she hadn't expected him to remember such a small detail.
"I just rounded it up for effect," she said, biting her lip. Edward laughed as she blushed.
"No, but seriously, our age difference doesn't bother you?"
"Not in the slightest," he said smiling.
Bella sighed and noticed they were near the sushi restaurant they had gone to earlier in the week.
"Edward, where are we going?" She asked.
"It's a surprise, Bella," Edward said with a hint of excitement in his voice.
After about ten more minutes they arrived at their destination, Lincoln Park.
Edward had hired a picnic service to set up a romantic surprise. As they approached the spot, Bella's eyes widened at the sight of the elaborate setup: a plush picnic blanket with an assortment of gourmet cheeses, fruits, breads, and a chilled bottle of white wine, surrounded by curtains and twinkling fairy lights. There was also a bouquet of her favorite flowers, tulips, placed gently in the center of the blanket.
"Edward," she breathed, her voice filled with awe.
Bella couldn't believe what she was seeing. The way the lights danced around the picnic setup was like something out of a fairytale. The smell of freshly baked bread and the faint scent of tulips filled the air, making it feel even more magical. She looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Thank you, Edward," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. He took her hand and led her to the picnic spot, helping her sit down.
Bella was surprised and completely elated when she saw everything. The meticulously arranged picnic looked like it had been plucked straight from a magazine spread. The fairy lights cast a soft, warm glow across their faces, and the smell of the freshly baked bread filled her nose. It was more than she could have ever imagined.
Edward poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her. She took a sip, the cool liquid sliding down her throat and warming her from the inside out. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts.
He began to serve them, placing a few cheese slices and grapes on a small plate for her. "Bella, I know this isn't much, but I wanted to do something special for you," he said, his voice earnest.
Bella took a bite of the cheese and smiled. "It's perfect, Edward. Thank you."
They ate in quiet contentment, the sounds of the park serving as their background music. The occasional distant laughter of a passing couple or the rustling of leaves in the light breeze filled the air. The wine loosened their tongues, and they talked about their families and their fears.
Edward leaned over and took her hand. "Bella, I know this might be too soon, but I have to tell you something."
Her eyes searched his, and Edward felt his heart pound in his chest as he saw the hope and anticipation in her gaze. He took a deep breath and spoke. "Bella, I know that we've only just started to explore what could be between us, but I want you to know that I'm willing to try. To see where this goes."
Bella felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. "I'd like that," she said, her voice a little shaky.
They ate and talked, the food a delicious backdrop to their conversation. Edward listened intently as Bella spoke about her family, her dreams, and her fears. He shared stories of his childhood, his parents, and how he had truly felt after Kate's death. The wine flowed freely, and with it, their words grew more earnest and sincerer.
The afternoon grew cooler, and Edward pulled a blanket over their laps. Bella leaned into him, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. The warmth of his body was comforting, and she felt safe with him. The conversation drifted to lighter topics, like their favorite movies and books, and their shared love for Italian cuisine. They laughed at each other's quirks and stories, and Bella felt a deep connection forming between them that she hadn't felt in a very long time.
As they finished their picnic, Edward reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was so intimate, so tender, that it sent a shiver down her spine. She looked at him, and in his eyes, she saw a spark of something more than friendship.
The last of the food had been packed away, the wine bottle stood empty between them. Bella looked at Edward, and Edward studied her face, looking for a hint of what she was feeling. He saw something there, something that made his heart skip a beat—it was hope.
The park was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, the distant hum of the city a gentle reminder of the world outside their little bubble. Edward leaned in, and Bella met him halfway. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss that spoke of unspoken promises and new beginnings.
It was a moment that neither of them had anticipated, but it felt as natural as breathing. They broke away, smiling shyly at each other, and Edward knew that he had made the right decision in bringing her here today. Bella felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't felt since James. She knew that this was different, Edward was different. He was kind, and she felt safe with him.
They sat for a while longer, holding hands and watching the sunset. The air was filled with a gentle anticipation of what was to come. As the sun set Edward suggested they head back to his home. Bella nodded, not quite ready for the night to end but understanding that they had the evening and tomorrow ahead of them. They gathered their things and Edward helped her to her feet. As they walked back to the car, hand in hand, Bella felt a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had a future worth looking forward to.
Thanks for the support you have given this story. Double Deceit should update sometime this week, hope I do it justice.