Thanks for the support to the past update and for understanding about Double Deceit.
If anyone is interested in the summary/prompt of my new story idea leave a review and it will be sent to you as a reply. If there's quorum, I'll post after this story is done.
A Second Chance
16
Laurent's footsteps were silent on the creaky floorboards of Bella's old house, his eyes scanning the unchanged interior with a mix of nostalgia and purpose. The place was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the warmth and love that once filled its spaces.
As he approached the kitchen, he heard the rustle of paper and the soft clink of a glass being set down. Entering, he found James leaning against the counter, staring intently at a newspaper clipping. It was a photograph of Bella, her radiant smile captured at the Gala she had attended in DC.
"James," Laurent called out, his voice low and cautious. James startled, the newspaper fluttering to the floor. He turned to face Laurent, his eyes narrowing at the interruption.
"What are you doing here?" James demanded, his voice a harsh whisper. The tension in the room was palpable as Laurent stepped into the kitchen, his eyes falling on the newspaper clipping.
"I've been trying to contact you my friend, I invited you to spend Christmas with me and Irina, but you didn't come. I was worried,"
"I wasn't in the mood to celebrate,"
James' voice was tight with anger, his eyes never leaving the newspaper clipping on the floor.
Laurent picked it up, "She looks happy," he said, trying to keep his tone neutral.
"Yes," James said, his voice low. He stepped closer to Laurent, his eyes burning with a dangerous intensity. "I can't let her go, Laurent."
"You know it's over, James," Laurent said firmly. "You know what happened. You can't change the past. You need to move on," Laurent said, placing a hand on James' shoulder. James shrugged off Laurent's touch, "I'll never move on," he cried.
Laurent patted his friend on the back, he knew he was going through a tough time ever since the divorce was final. He became reclusive, he only went to work, and only because he knew he needed to take care of what was left of the business.
"What's this?" Laurent asked, looking at the box on the counter.
"That's Bella's Christmas present," James replied with a sigh.
Laurent's eyes widened. "You can't be serious, James!"
"I'd ordered before everything fell apart, it was a custom piece made just for her," James explained.
Laurent raised an eyebrow, "And what are you planning to do with it now?"
James' jaw clenched as he looked at the box, "I don't know," he said, his voice tight with frustration. "I just can't bring myself to throw it away."
Laurent picked up the box, examining it. "What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
James took a deep breath. "It's a bracelet," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "It's a tulip garden, gold plated with amethysts and crystals,"
Laurent opened the box, the sparkle of the bracelet catching the light from the kitchen window. "It's beautiful," he murmured, "but James, you can't keep holding onto this. It's not healthy."
James took the box from Laurent's hands, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know," he said, his voice cracking. "But every time I think of her, I just... I want to make it right."
"You can't force someone to love you, James," Laurent said gently. "And you definitely can't win her back with gifts. You need to let go, for your own sake."
James's grip on the box tightened. "I know, but it's not just about winning her back," he said, his voice filled with pain. "It's about making amends for what I did wrong."
"You need to work on yourself before you try and talk to her, you need to heal, James,"
Laurent's voice was filled with concern as he watched his friend's eyes well up.
"But she's all I think about," James replied, his voice cracking. "Every day, every night. She's everywhere I look."
Laurent sighed heavily, understanding the pain that James was feeling. He had been there before, and he knew it wasn't something that could be wished away.
They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of James' pain hanging heavily in the air. Finally, James nodded, his eyes still on the floor. "I know you're right," he murmured. "But it's hard."
"It is," Laurent said, clapping a hand on James' shoulder. "But you're not alone. We're all here for you, let us help you."
James nodded again, taking a deep, shaky breath. He looked up at Laurent, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Okay," he murmured. "Okay."
They decided to sit down and talk, James' kitchen chair scraping against the linoleum as he pulled it out and sank into it. Laurent took the seat opposite him, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees...
Just like they'd planned Bella had subtly let some of the staff from the office know she divorced almost four months ago. Now it was time to let everyone know they were a "thing". Bella was still apprehensive because she knew the news would spread like wildfire, but Edward reassured her that everything was going to be okay.
They had picked out their outfits with care, Edward was going to wear a three-piece suit that made him look like he'd just stepped off the pages of GQ, and Bella in a figure-hugging red dress that accentuated her curves. Edward had bought it for her, a gesture that she found both romantic and slightly overwhelming, considering the price tag.
"You look stunning," he said, his eyes lingering on her as she twirled in front of the mirror.
"Thank you," Bella said, her cheeks flushing. Edward chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Although I would rather stay here and have a repeat of this morning..." he said, leaning in to kiss her neck.
Bella's skin tingled with the touch, and she felt her body respond to his words. But she knew that they had to leave soon for the office party. She stepped away from him, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "We better get going," she said, smoothing down her dress and reaching for her clutch.
Edward nodded, his eyes still smoldering as he put on his jacket and straightened his tie. "Ready?" he asked, offering his hand.
Bella took it and together they left Edward's home and headed downtown to the Marriott Marquis Chicago as the party was going to be held at the Level 33 Premier Event Space like usual.
The elevator ride was filled with the electric anticipation of what was to come. Edward's hand was in hers, his thumb gently stroking her skin, sending shivers up her arm. Bella's heart raced as they stepped into the sleek, dimly lit room filled with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of champagne glasses. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, twinkling with Christmas lights, setting the stage for a night of revelry and celebration. The company always did this party and Bella had attended since she started working for Edward, but this year felt different.
The party was in full swing when they arrived, the air thick with the scent of pine and the faint hint of expensive cologne. The hotel had gone all out with the decorations, a mix of traditional and modern, with a towering Christmas tree in the corner adorned with red and gold ornaments, and a light show projected onto the walls. Bella felt Edward's hand at the small of her back, a silent declaration of ownership, as they made their way through the crowd. She felt a mix of excitement and dread, knowing that tonight would be the first time they'd be openly together in such a public setting.
As they approached the entrance, Edward leaned in and whispered, "Remember, we're going to tell everyone tonight."
Bella nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She knew this was the right step, but she couldn't shake the fear of what others might think or say. Edward's confidence was contagious, though, and she felt herself straightening up, ready to face whatever was to come.
They mingled with their colleagues, Edward's arm around her waist, his hand resting possessively on her hip. Bella felt the occasional stare, the whispers that grew quieter as they approached. She knew the rumors had been spreading, but she was determined not to let it ruin her night. They sipped on their drinks, shared laughs, and exchanged pleasantries, all the while Edward was watching her every move, ensuring she was comfortable.
Finally, it was time for the speeches and the moment they had been waiting for. Edward took the microphone from the party organizer with a knowing smile, his eyes locked on Bella's. He cleared his throat, and the room fell into a hush.
"Good evening everyone," Edward began, his voice smooth and confident. "As we come together to celebrate the end of another successful year, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge someone who has made the last part of my year incredibly special."
Bella felt her heart pound in her chest as he looked directly at her, his love and pride shining through. "Ms. Swan, could you come up here, please?"
With a deep breath, Bella made her way to the stage, her heels clicking against the floor. The room was a blur of faces, but she could feel the weight of their stares as she took Edward's hand. He kissed her knuckles gently, sending a jolt of heat through her body.
"Dear staff of Cullen Inc.," Edward announced, his voice ringing through the space. "Before any rumors start I want you all to know from me first that Bella Swan is not just an executive employee anymore, she is my girlfriend."
The room went still, then thanks to Alice a round of applause started, most of the attendees were shocked. Even though Bella made known her divorce, this reaction is what she was expecting. Edward waited for the noise to die down before continuing.
"I know this might be a surprise to some of you, but I wanted to be the first to tell you all," Edward said, his eyes never leaving Bella's.
The room erupted in applause, a few shocked faces in the crowd turning into smiles. Alice had done her part, ensuring that the reception was mostly positive. Bella felt a weight lift from her shoulders as the applause grew louder.
"Thank you," she said into the microphone, her voice a bit shaky. Edward squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Once the applause died down, Edward turned back to the audience. "Let's not let this news overshadow our main celebration tonight. You've all worked incredibly hard, and you all deserve to be recognized for your contributions to Cullen Inc. Let's raise our glasses to another successful year and to many more to come."
The room echoed with the clinking of glasses and cheers, as the partygoers turned their attention back to the festivities. The slight tension that had built up in the room dissipated, and the energy shifted back to the holiday cheer.
Bella felt Edward's hand on her lower back, guiding her through the throng of people, as they made their way back to their table. The warmth from his touch spread through her body, soothing her nerves. They sat down, and he leaned in, whispering in her ear, "You handled that beautifully."
The rest of the evening went by in a blur of conversations, congratulations, and laughter. Edward remained by her side, his touch a constant reminder of their bond. Bella felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. The whispers and sidelong glances didn't bother her anymore.
The night was filled with delicious food, festive music, and genuine camaraderie as Edward congratulated his staff on a year of hard work and success. His heart swelled with pride as he watched them interact, knowing that he had a team that truly cared about one another and the company they built together. He made sure to mingle, shaking hands, sharing laughs, and offering kind words to each and every one of his employees.
Later on they stood by one of the windows, holding hands, Edward whispering sweet nothings into her ear, she knew that this was where she was meant to be. And as they danced together under the mistletoe, she felt a sense of belonging that surpassed any gift or celebration. This was their moment, and she knew that together, they could conquer any challenge that the new year had to offer.
The morning of their trip to Chestnut Mountain Resort dawned bright and cold. Edward's parents were already up and bustling around the house, their excitement palpable as they loaded the car with luggage, skis, and baby gear for Alicia. Jasper and Alice had arrived early, their faces flushed with the excitement of the New Year's festivities ahead. Bella felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration as she packed the last of her things, knowing that she was about to embark on an adventure she had never experienced before.
The drive to Galena was filled with laughter and anticipation. Edward sat in the back with Bella, his hand resting comfortably on her thigh. They chatted with Alice about her experiences at the resort and the plans they had for their stay. Bella felt a thrill run through her at the thought of creating her own memories with Edward in this enchanting place.
When they arrived at the resort, the grandeur of the lodge took Bella's breath away. The massive stone structure was adorned with twinkling lights and evergreen garlands, exuding a warmth that seemed to melt the snowflakes that danced in the air. Inside, a roaring fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors and plush furnishings. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked cookies from the nearby confectionery. Alice had reserved a spacious suite for them, it separated into various rooms, so Everyone had their own space.
The first day was spent getting acquainted with the slopes. Bella took a beginner's class while Edward and Jasper hit the more challenging runs. Despite her initial apprehension, she found that she took to skiing quite naturally. Her instructor, a friendly older woman named Marge, praised her balance and grace. After a few tumbles and a lot of encouragement, Bella felt a rush of adrenaline as she glided down the bunny hill.
In the evening, the family gathered for dinner at the lodge's elegant restaurant. The candlelit ambiance and live music created a romantic atmosphere that made Bella's heart flutter. Edward pulled out her chair and whispered sweet nothings that made her blush, and she couldn't help but feel like a princess in a fairytale.
The meal was a delightful mix of flavors, from the tender roast beef to the creamy mashed potatoes and crisp asparagus. They toasted to new beginnings and shared stories of past New Year's celebrations, with Edward charming everyone at the table with tales of his childhood in Chicago.
The New Year's Eve morning was spent the same way, everyone was skiing, while Jasper and Alice took turns on the slope while the other watched Alicia.
In the afternoon, Edward suggested they take a break from skiing. "How about we go on a little adventure of our own?" he whispered into Bella's ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine. She nodded eagerly, and they set off on a trail away from the bustling slopes.
Their path led them through a serene forest, the tall trees heavy with snow that occasionally dropped to the ground with a soft thump. The cold air was invigorating, and Bella felt alive as Edward held her hand, leading her deeper into the woods. They found a secluded spot, a small clearing surrounded by evergreens, where the snow had been packed down into a perfect little cocoon. Edward spread out a blanket he had brought along, and they sat down, their breaths coming out in misty clouds.
He handed her a steaming cup of hot cocoa, and Bella took a grateful sip, the warmth spreading through her body. They sat in companionable silence, watching as the sky grew darker and the stars began to peek out from behind the clouds. Edward leaned over and kissed her, his cold nose nuzzling hers.
"I know it's not midnight yet," he said, his voice low and husky with desire, "but I want to start the new year with a promise to you."
Bella looked up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What promise?"
Edward took a deep breath, his chest expanding beneath his winter coat. "I promise to love you every day, in every way, for as long as I live. I promise to support you, cherish you, and protect you. And I promise to never let you go."
Bella felt her heart swell with emotion. "That's the most beautiful promise anyone has ever made to me," she whispered.
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. "And I mean every word."
Their kiss grew deeper, and Edward pulled her closer, the heat of their bodies fighting against the cold. Bella felt his hands slip under her sweater, his fingers tracing her waist as they kissed. She shivered, not from the cold, but from the intensity of her desire.
They stayed there for about thirty more minutes, and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the New Year's celebration.
After dinner, they ventured into the grand ballroom, where the New Year's Eve gala was already in full swing. The room was alive with laughter and music, the chandeliers casting a dazzling light on the dance floor. Edward took Bella in his arms, and they moved together in a slow, sensual dance that had every eye on them.
The tension between them grew with each passing moment, and Bella could feel the heat of Edward's gaze as it traveled the length of her body. His hand was firm on her lower back, guiding her in perfect rhythm with his movements. She felt a thrill at the thought of what the night would bring, knowing that they would soon be alone in their cozy suite.
As the clock struck midnight, the room erupted into a cacophony of cheers and confetti. Edward leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Happy New Year, my love."
Then they stepped out onto the balcony, watching the fireworks light up the sky above the mountain. Alicia cooed in her stroller, and Jasper and Alice shared a kiss. Edward took Bella's hand, and as the snowflakes kissed their cheeks, he leaned in and whispered, "Te Amo," before pressing his lips to hers.
The kiss was gentle but filled with promise, and as they pulled apart, Edward kneeled before her, the snow crunching under his knee. His hand reached into his pocket, and Bella's eyes widened in shock as he pulled out a small velvet box.
"Bella," he began, his voice steady but his hands trembling slightly. "I know we've only been together for a short time, but I've never been more certain of anything in my life. You are my soulmate, the one I want to spend eternity with."
He opened the box to reveal a ring that sparkled in the moonlight, an oval diamond centre and floral diamond halo engagement ring set in 18ct yellow gold.
"Will you marry me?"