Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFADS Chapter 33 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 33 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 33 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 33 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 33 on Wattpad

Sitting in the waiting room of my psychiatrist, I was growing more frustrated. I liked the doctor who I was seeing, but he was never on time. I’d usually wait, at least, a half hour to see him. I learned that the hard way when I tried to schedule an appointment during my lunch. I ended up missing the entire afternoon, along with a meeting with Jane and Eric of York Towne Clothing.

Suffice it to say, I moved my appointments to the end of the day or on the weekend. Today, it was the former. I’d bugged out of the office a half hour early to make it to my appointment on time, only to wait. I only dealt with this because I’d felt a connection with the doctor, Dr. Daniel Spencer.

He reminded me a lot of Phil.

The door opened and my doctor poked his head out. “Come on in, Bella,” he said, giving me a slight grimace. “I’m sorry about the delay.”

“If I didn’t like you so much, it would be a problem, Dr. Spencer,” I chided, following him to his office. “I also understand why you are behind schedule. You actually care about your patients.”

“I do care about my patients, very much. Please, have a seat. Do you want some water? Coffee?” he asked.

“Water would be nice. It’s too late for coffee. If I drink coffee now, I’ll never be able to sleep tonight,” I snickered, sitting down and crossing my legs.

“I’ve got another four hours. I desperately need the coffee,” he quipped, ducking out of the office. A few moments later, he came back into the office, handing me a bottle of water and putting his coffee on the side table next to his chair. “How are you doing today, Bella?”

“I’m alright, I guess,” I shrugged, sipping my water. “Focusing on work and rebuilding my relationship with Edward.”

“How did the belated birthday celebration go?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“He was completely surprised and we both enjoyed our time together,” I smiled. “I’m still feeling like it’s my fault that he was in that car accident and I know he blames himself for what happened on the night of his birthday. We’re both trying to come to grips with what happened, but we’re dealing with our guilt.”

“Bella, we’ve talked about this. It was not your fault that he was in that accident. Nor was it his fault for his upbringing that caused his inherent distrust,” Dr. Spencer chided.

“My mind gets it, but my heart is taking its sweet time to play catch up,” I snorted humorlessly. “I just wish I could move past this guilt, and fear.”

“Have you tried driving?” Dr. Spencer asked.

“Every time I try, I end up having to take an anxiety pill,” I choked out. “I can’t stop seeing those gouges in the mud and the damage to the trees. I see Edward in that hospital room, a sickly shade of gray and with tubes coming out of him, every which way. He’s got some serious injuries to his ribcage because of those animals who beat the shit out of him as a kid. It was exacerbated by the car accident. He wouldn’t have been in that car accident if I’d only spoken with him that afternoon. I was the one who told him to come back later. I forced him back, driving in a deluge …”

“Bella, sweetheart,” Dr. Spencer murmured, crouching in front of me. “Focus on me. Focus on the here and now.” I closed my eyes, feeling tears coming down my cheeks as Dr. Spencer, squeezed my hands. “Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. That’s a good girl.”

I listened to Dr. Spencer as he talked me through my panic attack. His deep, resonant voice kept me rooted in the office, but my mind was spiraling around Edward, my parents, Katie and my irrational fears. I blinked a few times, finally seeing Dr. Spencer’s dark brown eyes swirling with concern. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Never apologize, Bella. What happens in this room, stays in this room,” Dr. Spencer said quietly, handing me my water. He sat down on the cocktail table as I continued to calm down. “Better?”

“Slightly,” I sighed. “Tiny victories. I didn’t have to take a pill.”

“That is good,” he smiled. “Now, all we need to do is get you able to get behind the wheel again.”

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 23 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 23 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 23 on fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 23 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 23 on Wattpad

The following day, Edward and I went to the office with our bags. He also pulled some strings with his attorney to discuss setting up my will, just in case. Jason Jenks came over early. He was an older gentleman, about Phil’s age with bright blue eyes and a friendly smile.

“So, you’re the beautiful Bella that I’ve heard so much about,” Jason grinned, shaking my hand. “Why are you with him when you could be with me.”

“Stop flirting with my girlfriend, Jenks,” Edward grumbled, tossing a pencil at his attorney. “You’re here to work.”

“I know, I know. Besides, my wife would kick my ass,” Jason chuckled. “What can I do to help you, Bella?”

“I don’t know if Edward told you my story, but I’m my half-sister’s legal guardian. A little over a year ago, my mom and my stepfather were in a car accident. There was a drunk driver and they were killed instantly,” I explained. “I don’t have any other living relatives and I want to make sure that my sister is taken care of, in the case that something happens to me.”

“Bella, you’re young, healthy,” Jason argued.

“So were my parents,” I snapped back. “Phil had high blood pressure, but he was healthy. My mother? She suffered from migraines around her time of the month, but she was healthy. They were killed by some asshole who didn’t think to before getting behind the wheel after he had too much to drink. Accidents happen and I can’t have my sister be thrown into a situation where she’s lost another parent.”

“Okay, Bella,” Jason nodded. “What do you need from me?”

“First off, I want to set up a trust for my sister to make sure she’s provided for, similar to what she has now from my parents,” I said. I handed him a copy of my parents’ estate and paperwork from when they died. “I don’t foresee myself dying anytime soon, but I want to make sure that she’s okay.”

“I’ll take a look over this and fashion a similar document for you, Bella,” Jason explained.

“I also want Edward to be Katie’s guardian,” I said. “He adores her like she’s his own and I want her to be with someone who will love her, unconditionally.” Jason blinked to Edward with wide eyes. He apparently knew of Edward’s struggles with his emotions, but not necessarily of his complete past. “Edward’s a part of my family. He is my family.”

Edward took my hand, threading our fingers together. His eyes were soft and he gave me the most adoring smile. I could tell he wanted to kiss me, but we made some very clear rules that our relationship would remain away from the office. People knew we were together, but we didn’t flaunt our relationship or make people uncomfortable.

“Okay, that works,” Jason nodded.

“If something happens to Edward and me, I want Katie to be in Edward’s parents’ care,” I said. “I may be paranoid, but …”

“I get it, Bella,” Jason grinned. “It will take some time to get things set up since I need to look over the information you’ve given me from your parents’ passing. I hope to have something for you in a month or so.”

“Okay,” I sighed. “Is there a way that we can make note of Katie’s guardianship relatively quickly, though? I’d like to have that set in stone.”

“If something happens to you, I’ll make sure your wishes are followed,” Jason said, reaching over and taking my hand. I nodded. “Here’s my card. If you need anything, just give me a call.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

Jason stood up, grinning at Edward. “Keep her around, Edward. I like her. She’s smart. Probably smarter than you.”

“More than likely,” Edward snorted. “Thanks for coming in today.”

“Anything for my favorite client,” Jason smirked. “Though, you’ve been replaced, Cullen. Bella’s my new favorite client. You are a distant … very distant second.”

“I can feel the love, Jenks,” Edward deadpanned. “Go earn your retainer, asshat.”     

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

 FFn is not functioning at the moment. I'll update the story on there when it decides to stop being a bag of douche. Anyhow, here's the update on the other platforms. 

FFADS Chapter 15 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 15 on Fanfiction.Online

FFADS Chapter 15 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 15 on Wattpad

FFADS Chapter 15 on FicPad

Who the fuck was this silicone Barbie and why was she glaring at my boyfriend? Edward was as stiff as a board, his jaw clenched and his green eyes icing over. He looked like the angry, broken man I’d first met. Emmett and Rosalie had made their way over to our group.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” she asked.

“My apologies, beloved,” Laurent cooed, sliding his arm around her waist. “Tanya Denali, this is the team that created our advertising campaign. We have Alice Brandon, the team leader. Emmett is her right hand.”

“Was her right hand,” Emmett answered. “I now have my own team.”

“Congratulations, Emmett,” Laurent beamed.

“Thanks,” Emmett nodded, pursing his lips. “I may have been Alice’s right hand, but Bella was the brains behind this promotional campaign. She really bonded with Victoria and together, they came up with this multi-faceted approach using social media. We’re lucky to work with her.”

“Agreed,” Laurent smiled, clinking his champagne glass with mine. “And we’re already working on our next campaign. Right, Bella?”

“We’ve got preliminary plans figured out,” I nodded. “Victoria is still trying to finagle me to be the model for the print ads. I’m no model.”

“I disagree,” Edward murmured, but his voice was different, colder. “You’re exquisite.” I blushed, stepping closer to him. I heard a scoff and an evil laugh. I blinked up, watching the hateful woman sidled up to Laurent.

Tanya looked at me, her ice-blue eyes cold and angry. Her nose was wrinkled, I think, like she was smelling something foul. I couldn’t really tell since she had more Botox in face than skin. “You? You’re so plain. That dress is abominable. Completely unflattering.”

I stiffened, clenching my hands into fists. Edward’s arm tightened around my waist, holding me closer to his stiff body. “Tanya, that is hardly appropriate. Bella is twice the woman you ever would be,” he snapped. “She’d never hurt me like you did. You’re nothing but a worthless whore. I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

“Mr. Cullen, that’s my woman you’re dissing,” Laurent sneered.

“And your woman is my ex-wife,” Edward sneered. “She’s a soul-sucking, gold-digging slut. It’s clearly apparent that not much has changed, Tanya. I’d check your bank statements, Laurent. She’s got sticky fingers, who is probably spending your money on coke and heroin. If it weren’t for the prenuptial agreement, I’d be in the poor house. But, she likes to fuck around and snort some blow. Get tested.” He stepped away; his voice barely controlled. “Excuse me.”

Silicon Barbie scowled at Edward’s retreating form. We all noticed that Laurent had stepped away from Tanya, pulling out his phone. His brows furrowed and he looked at Tanya with new eyes. “He’s right,” Laurent muttered. “My bank account is missing over $50,000.”

“I needed a dress, Laurie,” Tanya pouted. “And shoes and accessories for this event.”

“$50,000? No, honey … this shit doesn’t fly with me. If you excuse us,” Laurent spat, wrapping his fingers around Tanya’s arm. He dragged her away and he clearly was not happy.

“That was the ex,” Rose muttered. “She’s a piece of work.”

“Apparently,” I said flatly.

“We should check on Laurent,” Alice said.

“Maybe, after he throws the harlot to the curb,” Emmett snorted.

“I’m going to find Edward. That bitch has crossed him for the last fucking time,” I said. I turned on my heel, scurrying out of the ballroom.

“Bella, we need to take a group picture,” Victoria called, rushing to catch up with me. She brushed my hair back, giving me a smile. “Please?”

“There’s been some drama, Victoria. Can we postpone the picture until after I try to deal with it?” I explained. I hastily looked around, trying to find Edward. “Did you see Edward walk through here?”

“He looked absolutely enraged, but yeah,” she nodded.

“Where did he go?”

“He was walking toward the bathroom,” Victoria said, pointing down a hallway. 

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 Who the fuck was this silicone Barbie and why was she glaring at my boyfriend? Edward was as stiff as a board, his jaw clenched and his green eyes icing over. He looked like the angry, broken man I’d first met. Emmett and Rosalie had made their way over to our group.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” she asked.

“My apologies, beloved,” Laurent cooed, sliding his arm around her waist. “Tanya Denali, this is the team that created our advertising campaign. We have Alice Brandon, the team leader. Emmett is her right hand.”

“Was her right hand,” Emmett answered. “I now have my own team.”

“Congratulations, Emmett,” Laurent beamed.

“Thanks,” Emmett nodded, pursing his lips. “I may have been Alice’s right hand, but Bella was the brains behind this promotional campaign. She really bonded with Victoria and together, they came up with this multi-faceted approach using social media. We’re lucky to work with her.”

“Agreed,” Laurent smiled, clinking his champagne glass with mine. “And we’re already working on our next campaign. Right, Bella?”

“We’ve got preliminary plans figured out,” I nodded. “Victoria is still trying to finagle me to be the model for the print ads. I’m no model.”

“I disagree,” Edward murmured, but his voice was different, colder. “You’re exquisite.” I blushed, stepping closer to him. I heard a scoff and an evil laugh. I blinked up, watching the hateful woman sidled up to Laurent.

Tanya looked at me, her ice-blue eyes cold and angry. Her nose was wrinkled, I think, like she was smelling something foul. I couldn’t really tell since she had more Botox in face than skin. “You? You’re so plain. That dress is abominable. Completely unflattering.”

I stiffened, clenching my hands into fists. Edward’s arm tightened around my waist, holding me closer to his stiff body. “Tanya, that is hardly appropriate. Bella is twice the woman you ever would be,” he snapped. “She’d never hurt me like you did. You’re nothing but a worthless whore. I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

“Mr. Cullen, that’s my woman you’re dissing,” Laurent sneered.

“And your woman is my ex-wife,” Edward sneered. “She’s a soul-sucking, gold-digging slut. It’s clearly apparent that not much has changed, Tanya. I’d check your bank statements, Laurent. She’s got sticky fingers, who is probably spending your money on coke and heroin. If it weren’t for the prenuptial agreement, I’d be in the poor house. But, she likes to fuck around and snort some blow. Get tested.” He stepped away; his voice barely controlled. “Excuse me.”

Silicon Barbie scowled at Edward’s retreating form. We all noticed that Laurent had stepped away from Tanya, pulling out his phone. His brows furrowed and he looked at Tanya with new eyes. “He’s right,” Laurent muttered. “My bank account is missing over $50,000.”

“I needed a dress, Laurie,” Tanya pouted. “And shoes and accessories for this event.”

“$50,000? No, honey … this shit doesn’t fly with me. If you excuse us,” Laurent spat, wrapping his fingers around Tanya’s arm. He dragged her away and he clearly was not happy.

“That was the ex,” Rose muttered. “She’s a piece of work.”

“Apparently,” I said flatly.

“We should check on Laurent,” Alice said.

“Maybe, after he throws the harlot to the curb,” Emmett snorted.

“I’m going to find Edward. That bitch has crossed him for the last fucking time,” I said. I turned on my heel, scurrying out of the ballroom.

Just an FYI, I'm adjusting the update schedule. Updates will be moved to Wednesdays with teasers on Saturdays. My work schedule is a bet hectic on Tuesdays and it is overwhelming trying to update when all I want to do is crash. 

Thank you for your support and I'll see you on Wednesday! 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 14 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 14 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 14 on Fanfiction.online

FFADS Chapter 14 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 14 on Wattpad

FFADS Chapter 14 on FicPad

After eating dinner, Bella suggested we watch a movie. With a coy smirk, she pulled up How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the live action version. I didn’t personally care for Jim Carrey, but Katie was glued to the television, curled up between us. The stuffed toy I’d given her was in her arms as she snuggled with Bella. When the movie was over, Bella ran her fingers through Katie’s hair. “Come on, Kit Kat. Bed time,” she said.

“No,” she whined. “I want to stay up with you and Mr. Edward.”

“You’re falling asleep on me,” Bella quipped, helping a drowsy Katie to her feet. “Also, Edward said you don’t have to call him Mr. Edward anymore.”

“Oh, yeah,” she yawned. She clambered back onto the couch and into my lap. Her little arms snaked around my neck. She sighed, cuddling against me. “Can’t I stay up, Edward? Please?”

Bella rolled her eyes. I rubbed Katie’s back and kissed her forehead. “Sorry, Little One. It’s time for you to go to bed.”

“Uh huh,” she replied sleepily.

I looked down at her. Her eyes were closed and she was down for the count. I held her as I stood up. Bella led me to Katie’s room. I put the now sleeping girl under the covers. Bella kissed her cheek. With a smile, she took my hand and led me out of the room. Sam was sitting outside of the room, his tail wagging. “Do you want to stay with Katie, Sam?” I asked.

He barked lowly, walking past Bella and me and into the bedroom. He hopped onto the bed, curling up by Katie’s feet. His tail wagged as I laughed. “I see how it is, Sam,” I chuckled.

“Will he be okay in there?” Bella asked.

“That girl is the most protected person on this street,” I answered soothingly. I gently tugged on her hand and we went back downstairs. We settled on the couch with a couple of glasses of wine.

“Do you want to watch another movie? Something a little less childish, Grinch,” Bella teased.

I snorted and nodded. “Whatever you’d like, angel.”

“My mom’s favorite holiday movie was Love, Actually,” Bella smiled. “We’d usually watch it over Thanksgiving weekend. Phil hated it. So, it was a girl’s tradition. I know you’re not a girl … never mind … it’s stupid.”

“Bella, I like that movie. I’ve seen it,” I said, guiding her to cuddle with me.

“You don’t mind?” she asked.

“As long as I get to spend time with you, I’m happy, angel,” I breathed, brushing my lips over hers. We kissed for a few moments before Bella pulled back. She picked up the remote and she started the movie. We arranged ourselves on the couch. Bella was laying in front of me, idly running her fingers along my arm that was draped over her stomach.

While the movie played, I’d never felt so content. I always felt the need to be on the go. I never stopped for a moment. Even while I was married to Tanya, I worked myself to the bone to provide for both of us. After my divorce, I worked to dull the pain of her betrayal. Now? Holding Bella as she watched this romantic movie? It felt incredible and I was happy to be here with her. Feeling her warmth and her body next to mine felt right.

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 3 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 3 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 3 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 3 on Wattpad

True to his word, Edward gave me what I requested. I worked from home two days a week and it gave me the flexibility to help my sister acclimate to her new home. I got to know some of the other mothers in the neighborhood and with the help of the preschool and daycare facilities, I found a grief counselor for both of us. We’d already had our first two appointments, establishing a relationship with the therapist.

Katie and I fell into a comfortable routine. My sister was further coming out of her shell, growing to love Chicago and having me as her sole caretaker.

If only I could feel the same way.

Today, however, I was about ready to stick my head in the oven. It was early October and the weather had begun to turn chilly. Katie was home sick with a cold. Or, at least, that’s what the doctor at immediate care told me. I’d never been around Katie when she was sick, only taking her when she was healthy and for the weekend prior to my parents’ death.

With the cough and fever, I thought she’d caught some exotic disease. The doctor reassured me that it was simply a nasty head cold. She would feel better with time, some chicken soup and over the counter cold medication. Vicks was a freaking God-send.

“Bella,” Katie whined from her bedroom. “Can I have a frozen pop?”

“You just had one, Katie,” I said, trying to focus my attention on the latest design for New Moon Cosmetics. They’d loved my ideas. Victoria and Laurent, the owners of the company, requested I be their main contact, leading the team. For the other advertising campaigns, I worked in the background. Katie padded into the office, crawling into my lap. She felt warm and was incredibly snuggly. “Kit Kat … I love you, sweetie, but …”

“Please, Bella?” she whimpered, putting her head on my shoulder. “Can we just cuddle on the couch and watch some television?”

“Okay,” I sighed, standing up and carrying her to the living room. She was laying on me, her legs on either side of my hips. She’d snuggled like this with Mom whenever she felt upset or sick. I know I was a poor substitute for Mom, but I did the best I could. I just gently ran my fingers through her curls while I had the Disney channel on. Within a few moments, she crashed, snoring loudly. I picked up my cell phone and set an alarm. A nap sounded like a good idea.