In the study, Edward Cullen was reviewing some documents without looking up, "Has there been any news on the whereabouts of Miss Swan?"
His assistant, Charles Bingley, shook his head, "Not yet."
Edward stopped flipping through the pages and continued his inquiry, "What about the elder Mr. Swan? Has there been any movement from his side?"
Charles replied, "Mr. Swan is advanced in age and has publicly stated that whoever can bring back Miss Swan will be rewarded with a third of the shares in Swan Enterprises."
Edward frowned but remained silent.
Charles continued, "Mr. Swan has only one granddaughter, and its well known throughout Forks, Washington, that he dotes on her immensely. Yet, he has kept her out of the public eye for so long that not many people have seen the true face of Miss Swan."
Edwards expression turned serious, "Find a way to get a photo of Mr. Swans granddaughter. I owe Mr. Swan a favor, and its always best to repay it."
Charles nodded and left the study.
Edward felt parched and instinctively reached for his cup to take a sip of tea. The taste of the ginseng tea seemed different from what he was used to.
Edward called for the butler, "Has the person who used to brew my ginseng tea been replaced?"
The butler responded, "No, sir, its still the same person."
"Then why does it taste different?" Edward questioned, his brow furrowing.
The butler hesitated, "This... "
Edward leaned back in his chair, "What exactly is going on?"
...
Edward and the butler approached the kitchen door to see a small figure, heavily pregnant, carefully brewing ginseng tea. The nanny standing nearby was startled, and the butler quickly gestured for her to be quiet and leave.
Edward watched her skilled movements, and a figure from his past flashed through his mind. It seemed like a long time ago when someone had brewed ginseng tea for him just like this.
Bella moved lightly and cautiously, aware that Edward was particular about his tea. He would not tolerate tea brewed by anyone else. Moreover, this was the only thing she could do for him here.
Perhaps when he drinks tea in the future, he might occasionally think of her...
Bella was lost in her thoughts, and her hand was suddenly burned.
"Hisss!" She quickly pinched her earlobe.
Absentmindedly, she looked up and met the mans meaningful gaze, her heart trembling violently.
When had he been standing there?
Edward said nothing, directly picking up the ginseng tea she had just brewed and taking a sip.
It was the right taste.
So, it was this woman who had been brewing his tea all along.
Edward put the cup back in place and walked towards her step by step.
These eyes were overly cold, making Bella feel as if her blood was solidifying, stepping back bit by bit.
Until she was cornered against the cabinet, with no more room to retreat.
Edward leaned forward, his voice icy, "Who gave you permission to do this?"
"Im... Im sorry, I just hoped that I could do something for you..."
Before she could finish her sentence, her wrist was grasped by his iron grip.
Edward leaned in very close, their noses almost touching.
Bellas heart raced, beating violently, holding her breath and not daring to move.
She was scared, delighted, and even hopeful.
How long had it been? She had almost forgotten how close they had been.
Bellas eyes were filled with love, so full that she couldnt help but blurt out, "Edward..."
Edwards eyes immediately darkened, his expression of disgust unmistakable.
He pinched her chin, coldly saying, "Dont try to play tricks in front of me, youre just a surrogate."
Bellas eyes turned red instantly, filled with a mist.
Even though she usually disguised herself well, she couldnt bear such words from the person she loved the most.
Edward paused, the eyes that had just changed so rapidly, from the joy of spring to the ice and snow of winter, filled with sorrow.
His heart involuntarily twitched.
But that was only before she spoke.
"Can you please not say such cruel things to me?"
Edward withdrew his momentary pity, his indifference returning, "Cruel? Where does that come from?"
Bella, with red eyes, endured all the pain, her whole body trembling as she whispered, "If one day you really remember me, and discover all the truth, then you mustnt cry, you absolutely mustnt cry..."
Otherwise, I would feel heartbroken for you.