Bella's strength in going to work is commendable.  Once she read Edward's letter she had the hardest choice in the world to make.  Do I forget I ever received the letter and continue on in my numb state? Or do I contact Edward to alleviate his guilt  and let him know it wasn't his fault?  If Bella took that route what would happen with her?  She kept thinking of him and in her dreams Edward was always there with her.  A little foreshadowing for the events to happen soon in her life.  She felt something was going to happen a dread in the pit of her stomach.  Not sure if good or bad.  She went to work and normal meeting, attempted to listen to the details, but was seeing and hearing a delusion of Edward.  Warning her something will be happening soon.  She got an emergency call from Jasper to come home right away.  Don't delay.  Bella heard the news and saw the picture of her being carried by Edward.  Rumors flying with story of her being injured.  Jazz implied Edward did it for publicity purposes.  That Edward used Bella for it since he was looking directly into the camera.  Bella believed him.  When she went to work the next day the whole office was quiet except for Lauren.  She demanded to know what happened since the scandal with the business dealings with her husband made a connection with the magazine through Bella.  She needed to know so she could make a statement to the press.  Since Edward was refusing to speak with them.  Bella ran to her office to have an encounter with Edward there.  She accused Edward of a publicity stunt.  He was wounded that she could think he would do that.  He suspected Tyler and Lauren Mallory of payback for Edward refusing the business dealings with funds to help Tyler's company and funds to be used with the magazine.  He said they have to fight dirty too and they would win.  Just needed to know how far Bella would go.  She asked how far do I have to go.  Edward proposed You have to marry me.  Point blank no hearts, no roses, no romance.  Stop the scandal and speculation of what their relationship is and how it impacts Bella's employer.  I think Bella will be shocked, but if Edward reaffirmed that this was the only solution open to them.  Bella will take it and fight with Edward to get to the bottom of where the pictures and partial stories originated from and prove Edward's innocence with the crime committed to Bella.  I agree it's the Mallorys.  Just by Lauren's action the previous day during the meeting, after the meeting, and when walked back into the office the following day.  A solid joint front against the scandal/rumors with a logical explanation as to why Edward was seeing Bella and his frequent trips from Seattle to New York.

Author's Response:

Wow, another lovely review! Yes, it was a hard choice to make for Bella. She could ignore the letter or go with her heart. Seems like destiny made the choice for her when she couldn't decide. Bella is shocked with the proposal as the end of the chapter implies. You're right, Lauren's suscipicious behavior definitely adds weight to Edward's theory. Interesting theory at the end, would do a lot for them wouldn't it? Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now on the thread. Take care, ED.

Just started your story tonight and am very intrigued.  Your attention to detail is amazing, I feel as though I can see it all as it happens!  I cannot wait to see the purpose of Edwards proposal, although I am sure that electrifying pull has a wee bit to do with it.  

Definitely can't wait for your update!

Again you surprise me! Never imagined this would be the reason for them to get married. Waiting for the next chap to see if it will be for real or just a fake one.

 

Author's Response:

Yep, life sure is full of surprises. Hmmm...perhaps a clue to your questions lies in the teaser. Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now on the thread. Take care, ED.

great chapter

Author's Response:

Thanks! Glad you liked it. And thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now on the thread. Take care, ED.

I could see how marriage will solve Edward's problem, but what about Bella. My thought if I was Bella was okay...how long is Edward planning on staying married to her...what are the terms.

Author's Response:

Yes, she'll have questions on the terms and the duration. All of that coming next chapter! Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now on the thread. Take care, ED.

I can't wait to read what she decides to do.

Author's Response:

Oh jeez, hope the wait hasn't been too long. Well, the bright side is that the chapter is well on its way (with the betas right now). And Bella's answer....hmmm, just you wait and watch! Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

I hope Bella agrees if for no other reason than to stick it to Lauren.  She really needs Edward to help her to deal with this situatino.  I don't think she could manage on her own.  I don't think Jasper will be too happy about it.

Author's Response:

Jasper's reaction...will be interesting. Lauren deserves payback, but what will Bella's reasons be behind the marriage? Keep guessing! And thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

intense chapter. but we know she will say yes... well eventually if not now then some other time because of the prolouge.

Author's Response:

Yes...she will. But when, let's ponder that now, shall we? Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

Wow....this was heart stopping. Someone needs to kill Lauren. Like immediately. So much more makes sense now....

Author's Response:

Heh, your review actually comes as a relief. Most reviews tell me, oh...nothing makes sense. Well, thank God it makes sense to someone ;) Though, next chapter will explain Edward's plan.Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

**new moon gasp**

Author's Response:

You'll need quite a few of them for next chapter *rubs hands in anticipation.* Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

That was fantastic. Have a wonderful vacation.

Author's Response:

Thank you, glad you liked the chapter. And yes, I did have a refreshing holiday. Absolutely thrilling I say. Hope you had a wonderful summer too! Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED

WHATTTTTTT????? HOLLYYYYYY SHITTT I NEVER EXPECTED THAT!!!!! Oh my god I can't wait for the next chapter to see what the hell is going to happend. This story is so goodddd!!!!

Author's Response:

Thanks for the motivating words. They really help. Seriously. A lot is going to happen next chapter. You have no idea how much... Stay tuned to find out more!

Thank you for the review! The teaser and pictease are now the thread. Take care. -ED