(EPOV)
My phone conversation with Marcus had my blood boiling. I wanted Charlie Swan’s blood, to be the one to finish him for good. The man had caused my love emotional scars that would forever be imprinted into her brain, on her heart, and encased throughout her soul. One’s that she will spend the rest of her life trying to forget. I owed this to her, to be the one to carry out this act. Marcus didn’t understand why I had to be the one to do this, he didn’t know about Bella, and I’d like to keep it that way, for as long as I could.
When he all but demanded that he would take care of the job, I completely lost it. My voice roared and I slammed my fist into the bookshelf, causing books to scatter around the room; not knowing that Bella had entered the room, moments before. I heard her sobbing, quickly spinning around, just in time to see her slide down the wall, hugging her body tightly.
I hung the phone up on Marcus immediately, throwing it down, and rushing across the room to Bella’s side. I dropped to the floor, cradling her quivering body to my chest, rocking back and forth, and pulling the rest of her into my lap, I began to soothingly whisper words of comfort in her ear, placing soft kisses on the top of her head.
A strangled sob escaped my lips when I heard her begging me not to hurt her, how she would be good and do better the next time. Those pleas tortured my soul and pierced my heart. My beautiful angel was plagued with memories of that evil bastard, and he was still causing her so much unwanted pain.
We sat there, wrapped in one another’s embrace, for hours it seemed, before her sobs quieted, and her breath evened out. Once she was asleep, I gently stood, and carried her to our bed.
I held her and watched her sleep for the rest of the day, saying my name from time to time, and that she loved me. She was such an honest person, even in her sleep. There would never be a day, in which I would doubt her sincerity or love for me.
I had planned to tell her about my role in the Mafia tomorrow, I should have told her sooner, but I didn’t, and now she has had a breakdown because of it. I hated myself at this point, knowing that I caused her pain, when I never, in my life, wanted to cause her any type of pain.
I was positive that the Mafia part wouldn’t scare her, since she’s such a strong individual. I thought the screaming that she walked in on, triggered some type of memory, but I’d just have to wait and see when she wakes up.
If anything, it would be the fact, that I hadn’t told her sooner, about my involvement with the Mafia, that she would be upset about. I would deserve whatever punishment she saw fit, as well. If that means she’d walk out of my life for good, I would deserve it, and I would live the rest of my life alone, suffering for what I brought on myself. There would never be another woman that could replace Bella and what she has brought into my life.
If she accepted my lifestyle, I would do whatever it takes to prove to her that she would come first and foremost. No harm would come her way ever, that I would make sure of. I could only hope that she could forgive me.
Between the internal battle in my brain, Bella’s words of love and calling my name out in her sleep, I relished in the simplicity of her voice and harmony of how sounded. The subtle alto of her voice sounded like bells even in her sleep.
At four o‘clock., I shot a text to my housekeeper, Maria, asking if she could drop by at five and fix a nice dinner and have it ready by six. If Bella wasn’t awake by then, I would rouse her from her deep slumber, because she needed to eat.
By six o‘clock., Maria had dropped off two trays filled with lobster bisque and salad. Bless her heart, sitting on Bella’s tray, with her food, was a vase filled with two long-stemmed, red roses. The woman was a saint, and her pay just raised itself by thirty percent.
Once I had the trays situated on the end of the bed, I got to working on waking Bella.
“Bella, amore mio,” whispering, softly against the shell of her ear.
I stopped, watching for any signs that she was waking.
“Sweetheart,” back against her ear, this time nibbling her fleshy lobe, as I whispered.
“Unf..” She mumbled, swatting at my hair that had tickled the side of her face.
I raise up and started to tickle her side. Knowing this would, without doubt, wake her up fully.
“My love, you need to wake up for me,” gently placed wet kisses against her lips, cheeks, eyelids, and forehead.
Once her face was sloppy wet from my kisses, her eyes fluttered open and a frown found it’s way to her face.
“Wake up, sweetheart, lets eat, and we’ll talk while doing so,” I said, helping her sit up in the bed. Once she was sitting up, I brought her tray up and placed it in front of her, moving mine in front of me next.
“I’m sorry I wigged out on you earlier, Edward,” she apologized, thinking she was at fault.
“No, I’m the one sorry for causing you to get upset,” I replied, reaching over and placing a lingering kiss on her lips. “I had no clue you were in the room, or I would have kept my anger in check. You should never have to see that side of me. Please know, that I will never, never hurt you by laying a hand on you, nor will I ever scream at you.”
“I just walked in the room, and whoever you were talking to, they just seemed to have you really agitated and you lost it, which, in turn, caused flashbacks and I had a meltdown.” She sighed, dropping her head, completely frustrated with herself.
“Hey, don’t be frustrated with yourself, it’s bound to happen sometimes,” I said, pulling her chin up, stroking her cheek with my thumb, soothingly. “Come on, you need to eat, you were out for awhile today and you need your strength. I’d like to explain some things.”
With a heavy heart and sigh, I began to explain about my life as a Mafia boss.
“What I’m about to talk to you about is a pretty big part of my life, and it’s rare that I share it with anyone. It’s not that I haven’t trusted you from the beginning, but this information is something that involves having trust in people. I planned on telling you everything in the morning, I just didn’t want to add it to the stress of the day that you were caused by Alice,” I sighed again, looking to see if she understood. When I saw her nod, I began again.
“As I was saying, I’m a very private person for a reason. No one suspects that I, Edward Cullen, am a Mafia Boss.” Bella gasped, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth.
“I have a go to guy, that people go to for their own reasons. They believe this is the main man, but he’s not. I am. I didn’t want my future wife or family tainted by who I am, and for them to be able to lead a normal life, without a constant fear of being hurt.” I sighed, raking my hand through my hair.
“Like I said, it wasn’t because I didn’t trust you, because I have trusted you from the start. It was like, the moment I touched you in my club that night, that we were bound to one another forever; kindred souls. But we had both been busy, then all the sex, then your fight with Alice, now your breakdown that I caused, mind you, I just hadn’t put it out there, so I completely understand if you are pissed and want nothing more to do with me.” Frustration proved to drive me to ramble on.
“Just know that, if you decide not to be involved with me, that I will watch over you for the rest of your life, and that I will never have another woman in my life, you’re it for me,” I grimaced, looking into Bella’s sad eyes.
“Edward, really, you think because you tell me that you’re a Mafia boss, that I’d go running for the hills?” She asked, seemingly hurt by my assumptions.
“Yes, that’s what I contemplated. You wanted my honesty, and I’m giving it to you. I’ve only, ever dated three other women, Bella, and I’ve never shared a connection with them, nor have I shared my real occupation. They were gold diggers, who only cared about what piece of jewelry they could get out of me next. With you, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, I worried about how you would handle the news, and I just love you so much, and I would be devastated if you left me,” eyes beginning to glisten, moist with the hot tears that threatened to spill.
Bella was quickly by my side, pulling my head against her upper body, and running her fingers through my hair tenderly. Here I had thought my profession would put an end to our relationship, to boot me scaring her this afternoon, and she’s taking it so well, comforting me, when I should be the one comforting her. Just proved how self-sacrificing she was, always thinking of others before herself.
“I’m not leaving, Edward. Yes, I’m a little hurt, but that isn’t enough to drive me away from you. I love you, Edward, and that will never change. Like you said, the moment we touched in the club, it felt like we were bound to one another, like fate had led us to one another. I went in the club that night, with one sole purpose, to lose my virginity. I wanted Rose and Alice off my back about it, but then I met you, and it was perfect, you were perfect, and I’ll forever remember my first time. It was so perfect, Edward, you might not have known, but then, when you did, you were so gentle and loving.” Bella sighed, still running her slender fingers through my hair.
“I love you, Bella, always.” Raising my head, my lips descended on her plump ones. “I’ll never keep anything else from you Bella, and I need to tell you, that I have got my connections looking for your mom, it’s their top priority to find her for you. I promised to find her for you, and I intend to keep that promise. I also want you to know that your father will be dealt with, as well. I don’t want him to ever come looking for you, to hurt you ever again.”
“Edward, please don’t get in trouble over finding my father.” She pleaded, her eyes shining with tears.
“Hey, don’t cry over that man,” I was beginning to get upset that she was worrying about that damn bastard.
“I’m not crying over him! I’m crying because I don’t want you in any trouble, or to get hurt,” I sighed in relief, and grinned at how cute it was, knowing that she was worried about me. I pulled her in my lap, softly kissing the tip of her nose.
“I love you.” I whispered, my mouth searching hers out. Our tongues tangled together, twisting to the beat of their own drum. Gently pulling away, we stared into one another’s eyes, just relishing in the moment.
“I love you, too,” Bella said, eyes glistening with unshed tears. The woman never ceased to amaze me with her loving nature. She absolutely embraced love and those around her, holding on to them as tight as she could.
I knew, now that I had come clean about my livelihood, and the fact that she accepted me for who I was, that I was going to make sure she was my wife. In fact, I planned on sending her to get cleaned up at this very minute.
“Bella, do you care to go get cleaned up? I want to do something extra special for you tonight, but only if you feel up to it,“ I asked, hoping she felt up to it, I wanted this so bad.
“I feel great actually, so yeah, I’ll go get ready. No hints on what we’re doing?” She asked, her curiosity setting in. I knew how much she hates surprises, so with any luck, she would get pleasure from this one at least.
“Just dress casual, some jeans and a shirt, you choose, just something warm,” I smirked, knowing she’d enjoy that aspect of this date. It’s perfect for us actually, we’re simple people, not much for the gaudy things money could buy.
“Uhmm, o.k., this already sounds like my kind of thing,” her smile was blinding, happiness radiating throughout the room, making me giddy myself.
“It’ll be perfect, sweetheart, I promise, just dress casual and warm. Meet me downstairs when you’re finished,” I smiled, making my way to the closet to change into something more appropriate than what I had on now.
Once I finished getting dressed, I made my way to the office, to the safe hidden behind the portrait of my parents. One day I hoped to replace that large frame with my family instead. I couldn’t wait to have Bella as my wife, and to have children running about.
Putting the combination in the safe, I cracked it open, searching for that tiny, black velvet box. The box that held my grandmother’s engagement ring. Nestled in the silky fabric, was the 3.08ct, rare, blue diamond, sitting lazily in a bed of diamonds running down the sides of the band and wrapping under the blue diamond. I slipped the ring in my pocket, blissful that this was really happening tonight. I’d waited my whole life for this one defining moment, and I was thankful that Bella was that woman, my other half.
Next, I made the phone calls, setting everything up for the evening’s events. I called the Shoreline Sightseeing and rented out one of the cruise boats for the nine o’clock viewing of the metropolis. City By Night and Chicago River Locks Tour would represent the start of our journey in life together.
The trip began with a voyage through the famous Chicago Harbor Lock, one of eight locks that control water flow from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. Then the 75-minute tour would continue down the Chicago River, past the city’s world-renowned skyscrapers that shine like jewels in the night sky.
I’d be the tour guide for the night, recounting the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871, to become the cradle of modern American architecture, for Bella. Along the route there were dozens of buildings by world-famous architects, including the Tribune Tower, Marina City and the Willis (Sears) Tower. The cruises departed from the dock at Navy Pier and ended at the Ogden Slip Dock.
Bella met me in the foyer at eight o’clock sharp, greeting me a chaste kiss on the lips. I smiled, as she twirled around, asking if she was dressed properly.
“How do I look?” Her doe-eyes were shining brightly, sparkling with happiness, and filled so full of excitement.
She was dressed in a pair of denim wash, boot-cut jeans, a cute printed tee, and a black cardigan, paired with a pair of black wedge sandals.
“You look exquisite, sweetheart,” I smiled, pulling her into me, kissing her soft, plump lips. “You ready to head out now?”
“Absolutely, I’m honestly pretty excited to see what you have planned for us. The last time you did something, we ended up getting massages, eating under the stars, acting like kids, swinging in the tire swing, and star gazing.” She grinned, reminiscing about our last date.
“Yeah, that was kind of perfect, huh?” I grinned, glad to know she loved the last date, and hoping she would love tonight just as much.
“I love you,” she smiled, taking my hand, and pulled me out of the front door.
“I love you, too,” I picked her up and carried the rest of the way to the car.
Once we were in the car, I headed towards Navy Pier. I wasn’t nervous per say, more excited than anything. We held hands the entire time, glancing at one another off and on throughout the drive.
Bella smiled widely when I parked the car, ran around and helped her out. She looked around and realized we were at the Pier, bouncing around excitedly, she grabbed my hand and pulled us along.
I tugged her hand, slowing her down, pointing towards the Shoreline Sightseeing entrance. She beamed, and if it was even possible, she was more keyed up.
“Oh my god! I’ve never been on one of those before, Edward,” she beamed, talking faster than I’d ever heard her.
“I see you’re excited, so let’s get going, I rented it out, so that it’s just us tonight,” I smiled, clearly enjoying her enthusiasm for the ride around on the cruise boat. I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way, anxious that her bouncing around would cause her harm, before I got to ask the biggest question of our lives.
Bella giggled the entire walk to the boat, clearly having fun, but the energy was amazing. People watched, with amused faces, as we walked towards the boat. The only thing I could do, was grin. I felt like a fucking teenager all over again.
Making our way up the walkway to the boat, I sat her back down on her feet, and took her hand in mine, pulling us aboard, where we were greeted by the captain of the boat.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Cullen, Miss Swan, my name is Walter. I hope you enjoy the evening,” Walter smiled, his face etched with the wrinkles that came with old age.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Walter,” Bella outstretched hand met his, as he brought it to his lips, kissing the top of her hand. Bella blushed, trying to hide her face, and Walter laughed.
“I’m sorry, Miss Swan, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he apologized, looking to me for some type of guidance.
“You’re perfectly fine, Walter, there’s no need to go apologizing. I’m a natural blusher when it comes to compliments. Please call me, Bella.” She explained, with a beautiful smile.
“Call me, Edward, Walter,” I said, shaking his hand, smiling.
“Well, shall we get started?” Walter asked, ready to begin our tour, turning to make his way to the wheel.
“Well, sweetheart, are you ready to enjoy our tour?” I asked, eager to get to the right point in our journey.
Bella settled against the railing, looking out across the water, enjoying the architectural aspects of the city. Her eyes glimmered in the dark night, with all the lights to take in.
“Alright, I’m gonna be your tour guide,” I laughed, moving to stand directly behind her, wrapping my arms around her tiny waist.
“I’d like that,” Bella smiled, turning her head to look at me from underneath her eyelashes.
“So, located on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Chicago River, the Chicago Harbor Lock serves as a gateway to one of the nation's busiest commercial and recreational waterways. Over 50,000 vessels, 900,000 passengers, and 200,000 tons of cargo pass through its gates annually.” I said in my best tour guide voice, smirking at the look on Bella’s face, as she tried to hold in her laughter. Seconds later we were practically rolling around on the floor, laughing so hard.
“That voice was priceless, Edward,” she snorted, gasping to catch her breath.
We continued to talk, as I pointed out each of the skyscrapers, as we passed by them. I never left my post, from behind her, my arms wrapped snug around her waist. This was one date that I would never forget, as I hope it would be a night to remember for her as well.
We discussed the Great Fire of 1871, which burned for three days straight, killing hundreds and destroying almost four square miles. The fire was one of the largest U.S. disasters of the 19th century, the rebuilding began almost immediately, and spurred Chicago’s development into one of the most populous and economically important American cities. To this day, the exact cause and origin of the fire remains uncertain.
“You really know your history of the city, Edward, I’m impressed,” Bella said, pulling me impossibly closer to her.
“I’ve always been fascinated I guess,” I smiled humbly, basking in Bella’s scent mixed with the night air.
“Well, it’s amazing, honestly,” she smiled up at me.
“Alright, now we have the Tribune Tower. In 1922, the Chicago Tribune hosted an international design competition for its new headquarters, and they offered $100,000 in prize money, with a $50,000, 1st prize for ‘the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world’. The winner was a neo-Gothic design by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood.” We were looking out across the water, admiring the building.
“Next we have, Marina City. It’s a mixed-use residential/commercial building complex occupying an entire city block on State Street. The complex consists of two corncob-shaped 65-story (including 5-story elevator & physical plant penthouse), 587 foot (179 m) tall residential towers, a saddle-shaped auditorium building, and a mid-rise hotel building all contained on a raised platform cantilevered over defunct railroad tracks adjacent to the river. Beneath the raised platform at river level is a small marina for pleasure craft.” Enjoying the awe in Bella’s eyes, as she listened in rapt attention.
“You seriously know your shit, Edward,” she giggled, staring across the water.
“I love this shit, Bella. I seriously considered becoming an architect back in the day,” I laughed, wishing I had followed my dreams, something outside of the Mafia.
“You would have been perfect at anything you did, Edward,” she reached up, and stroked my jaw, love shining bright in her eyes.
“Now, your surprise is just up ahead.” I smiled, stepping back from her for my moment.
“Alright,” she looked at me wearily.
“Willis Tower, commonly referred to as Sears Tower, is a 108-story skyscraper. Its completion in 1973, ranked it as the tallest building in the world, surpassing the World Trade Center towers, and it held this rank for nearly 25 years. The Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States, the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world, as well as the fifth-tallest building in the world to roof.” I smiled, absolutely amazed that my people pulled it off. There, lit up in the windows of the Willis Tower, let's dance together at our wedding glowed, standing out in the darkness of the night.
I dropped to my knee, pulling the velvet box from my pocket, just as I heard Bella gasp. She slowly turned her body towards me, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth, tears falling freely down her face.
“Isabella Swan, my heart was yours the minute we became one. I promise to love you for eternity. I will cherish every second, of everyday with you, if you will accept this ring, as a token of my utter devotion to you and only you. Please do me the immense honor of binding our hearts together, where we will live together as husband and wife for the rest of the days of our lives. Will you dance with me on our wedding day?” I watched, in anticipation, my heart beating rapidly
Author’s Notes:
Translations:
amore mio - my love
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