His substitute bride

Chapter four/At the family table.

Mrs Joan Blackwood, Edward's mother, was informed by the servant that Edward is back. She was so thrilled, she immediately went down to the living room,

When Bella saw her she couldn't help but admire her. She was a beautiful woman. Her skin was still glowing despite not being young anymore.

“Finally, you are here, “you didn't want to visit your mother all this while,” she said to Edward with a soft smile.

“Mom, I've been busy with work,” Edward replied calmly.

Her smile deepened when she looked at Bella.

“Good afternoon ma”Bella said with a polite smile, even though she was nervous.

Edward's mother took her hand. What a beauty you are, my child.

Thank you ma, I brought this little gift for you Bella said, giving her a box of gold necklace.

You don't have to be so polite, we are family now, she said with a smile.

I hope Edward is treating you well, if he isn't, tell me now so I will break his leg this minute.

No man treats me well, Bella said without thinking twice.

be free around me, you can call me mother from now on,

Yes ma…mother, Bella said with nervousness.

Before I forget, Edward's mother said, pointing at the woman sitting in the living room when they came, this is your sister in-law, she is my eldest son's wife.

Hello, Bella greeted her with a smile, the woman replied with a nod.

She looked up at Bella's gaze and smiled a little, the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes, welcome to the family she said.

Though she didn't do anything to Bella, she wasn't comfortable with the way she looked at her.

They all moved to the dining table when food was ready.

The dining room glowed with golden light from the chandelier, but the warmth in the room stopped at the walls. The long dining table stretched between them like a battlefield.

Bella sat beside Edward, with her posture straight, her hands were folded neatly in her laps. She could feel every glance directed at her, especially from her sister in-law.she was sitting across them.

Vanessa had been polite when they arrived, though her smile never reached her eyes. Bella wasn't comfortable with her From the moment she entered the house, because of the kind of stare she was receiving from her.

Vanessa tilted her head, so.. Bella, right?

Edward never mentioned you before.in fact we barely knew you existed until this…sudden wedding.

Bella's heart skipped a little, she managed to smile, “yes it all happened so quickly”

She replied.

Vanessa laughed softly, Quickly? That's an understatement.

One day Edward is single, the next day he's married. No formal introductions… it's rather unusual, don't you think?

Vanessa, not everyone needs a grand show before tying the knot. Edward said, calm but firm.

Vanessa smiled, waving her fork dismissively, oh I'm just being curious, most ladies dream of a big wedding, or is it simply More…convenient to keep it small?

Bella's stomach twisted, but she kept her tone polite, “we wanted something intimate”

Vanessa's lips curved with a smile, but her eyes remained cold.

Where did you say you were from again? Vanessa pushed further trying to find any possible c***k in Bella's words.

“Brooklyn,” Bella replied.

Brooklyn? Vanessa repeatedly raises her brows, oh that's different. We hardly see Brooklyn girls marrying into the Blackwood's family.

Bella's gribbed her glass of water lightly, she took a sip, masking her nervousness.

“What keeps you busy dear? I mean… your carrier?”

*I'm still studying for now” but I used to work at a bookstore.

Vanessa's eyes flickered with amusement. “A bookstore.

How rare of you Edward, you've always preferred women with higher ambitions and higher class. Haven't you?

Bella lowered her eyes, as her fork scraped softly against her plate, Edward's eyes turned cold but he said nothing.

Do you cook, Bella? Or are you more of the..take out type?

“I cook, " Bella answered, keeping her voice even.

“Good” Edwards needs someone who can handle the kitchen. Not that it's your only…contribution, of course.”

Bella didn't fail to miss that slight smirk Vanessa wore.

Do you plan on having children soon?or is this just a temporary arrangement?

Bella Froze, at her words, the sound of silverware around the table seemed to grow louder. Edward's hand brushed hers under the table, a quiet reassurance.

“Vanessa that's enough,” Mrs Juan Edward's mother said firmly, "you should watch your mouth.

“I'm sorry mother,” she gave a small innocent shrug.

“I'm just trying to get to know my new sister-in-law. It's important to understand the people in our family…however long that may last.”

Bella's face was calm,but her heart was pounding loudly in her ears. She could sense the unspoken message, Vanessa didn't like her, she didn't believe she belonged here.

To break the silence. Bella asked softly,”So Vanessa, how long have you and Ethan been married?”

Vanessa smiled tightly,”Seven years” But Ethan and I knew each other long before that. No secret, No surprises. She said as with her eyes fixed on Edward, “We built trust before making it official.

“Vanessa Let them be,” you can't be talking about children when they just got married. Edward's mother said to her.

The conversation went on with Vanessa sometimes asking questions that seemed more like an inquiry, she went further to ask about Bella's parents,her upbringing, even her taste in clothes.

Every response Bella gave had comments with underlying messages attached.

Bella felt exhausted by the time dessert was served, but she refused to let it show, she straightened her shoulders, politely appreciated the meal, and held her eyes steady on Vanessa.

Vanessa wouldn't find any weakness tonight if she were searching for it.

As they stood up to leave, Vanessa leaned closer to Bella, and whispered “Enjoy this while it's last, dear. Men like Edward don't keep replacements for long.”

Bella's heart skipped, but before she could respond, Edward showed up at her side, his hand firm at her back.

We are leaving, Edward said to his mom.

He didn't look at Vanessa, but Bella could feel rage brewing in him. And she had no idea if that storm was meant to protect her..or destroy her.