Buying Love Update

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Buying Love Chapter 95 Update on Wattpad

Edward was out with Emmett, getting some driving lessons. I was working in my office, recovering from a mild case of bronchitis that I’d gotten while in Hawaii. With the injury to my lungs from being shot, I was more susceptible to upper respiratory infections that could morph into bronchitis or even worse, pneumonia. Our trip to Kauai caused me to catch a bug that turned into bronchitis. While Edward ran his errand upon our arrival, he was kind enough to call Dr. Banner. He prescribed an antibiotic and steroid nebulizer.

However, when Edward came back from his errand, he was quiet, almost jumpy. I asked him what was wrong, but he didn’t reply, deflecting or changing the subject. I figured he had to process it with his journal or talk to Marina. When he was ready, he’d approach me.

My reverie was interrupted. There was a quiet knock on my door. With my raspy, husky voice, I beckoned them to enter. My dad walked in. I bristled, still pissed about his recent asshole-like behavior. “You sound awful,” he said.  

“It is what it is,” I shrugged. “What do you want, Charlie?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Edward,” he sighed, sitting down across from me. His face was stern, almost pinched. “Did you know he came to see me?”

I blinked up, wanting to smack the self-satisfied smirk off his face. “I wouldn’t put it past him. He was pretty pissed about your little bombshell, Chuck,” I snapped. “If Edward Masen Sr. was such a good friend, why didn’t you know that he died? On top of that, why didn’t you treat Edward better when you met him? You said that Edward was almost the spitting image of your bestie! Yet, you treated him like shit. And let’s not talk about the way you acted while I was in the hospital? Completely reprehensible!”

“I know,” he growled. “I’m a shit father. I get that. I heard it from Edward and your reminders are just fucking salt in the wound.”

“So, Edward said that you were a bad dad. Good for him. You were,” I sneered. “Especially after Mom died. Yes, I had access to the best nannies, best education, best opportunities, but the one thing I needed was a parent, Dad. I needed to be loved and if it was Edward who pointed that out; he’s smarter than you.”

“I’m not going to win with either one of you,” he sighed, falling back against the chair.

“What do you expect, Charlie? Whatever Edward said was probably warranted and I’m still unbelievably pissed off at you. I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive you or trust you. I know that Edward decided to invoke his partnership in Swan Hotels LLC.,” I said, arching a brow.

“He gave me the paperwork when you got back. You and Edward now own Swan Hotels, LLC.,” Charlie muttered. “I got everything I wanted … a chance to retire and live out my life without having to stress out about my hotels. But, at what cost? My daughter? My family?”

“It would appear so. Dad, you made your choices. In time, I might be able to get over this, but for now, I need time. A lot of time. Edward needs time and if you think this coming to tattle on him is going to make me choose you over him, it’s not going to happen,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “I will always love you, Dad. I just don’t think that what you did was forgivable. You abandoned me and you treated Edward like crap, a man who survived hell. Your behavior didn’t ingratiate you to him and I don’t blame him. Now, if you don’t mind. I have to run my company.” I turned to my computer, looking at the screen and scrutinizing the quarterly expense report. As I was checking different ways to further promote the hotels with a new advertising agency, my dad got up and left. 

Buying Love Teaser

“Please state your name for the record,” Liam said, arching a brow over his horn-rimmed glasses.

“My name is Edward Anthony Masen, Jr.,” I replied, sitting back in the seat and folding my hands in my lap.

“How do you know the defendant, Esme Platt?” Lim asked.

“I was introduced to Esme ten years ago after I was attacked on the streets. I sold my body because I was an uneducated teenager who lost his home, his father and care for his sick, ailing mother. I had to make ends meet and with my real job working in a supermarket, along with prostitution, I was able to do what I needed to do. However, I was beaten almost to death and a police officer breathing down my throat about arresting me. Instead, the police officer contacted Esme and she took over my bills, moved my mom out of my shithole apartment and I thought I was getting a new life,” I said coldly.

“But, you didn’t get a new life,” Liam said. “What happened after you moved in with Esme?”

“I was given time to heal since my injuries were quite extensive. My mom was moved to a private, exclusive nursing facility, one known for working with patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s. After I healed, Esme approached me and handed me a bill. I asked her what it was and she said that it was my debt, what I owed her. I had to work for her as an escort in order to pay the bill off,” I explained. “The bill was exorbitant, but I had no way to prove that it was falsified. I signed a contract and began working for her.”

“Your honor, here is a copy of the bill and the contract that Esme asked Mr. Masen to sign. This is people’s evidence numbers eighty-four and eighty-five,” Liam said, handing the copies to the jury. “How much was the bill, Mr. Masen?”

“Over two million dollars,” I answered. “I didn’t know any better. I was eighteen and naïve. When most people were eighteen they were making fools of themselves in college. I was trying to provide for my sick mother. I just didn’t know.”

“So, when you started as an escort, what did you do? Did Esme tell you to sleep with clients?”

“At first, no. The women I went on dates with were older and I was just glorified arm candy,” I said. “However, a few of the guys said that you get paid more for the sexual dates. After about six months, I asked Esme to up my client load. I wanted to move forward in my payments. And then, my mom got sick. The debt grew more with her hospitalization and move to the other nursing home. It was spiraling out of control and I knew that I’d never get out from Esme’s hold.”

“What happened after Mr. Whitlock was released from Esme’s employ?” Liam asked softly, looking at me.

“Esme made me her special pet. I was moved out of the shared apartment with a few of the other guys and into her condo,” I snarled. I clenched my hands, taking a few breaths. “That’s when Esme began raping me.”

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“Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

“I do,” I murmured. The bailiff indicated for me to sit and I sat in the witness box. Liam was at his table, across from me, looking over his notes. The judge was to my right. He was an older gentleman with kind brown eyes and thick salt and pepper hair. Across the courtroom, Esme sat at the table, wearing an ugly suit and her blonde hair growing out from when she was arrested. She looked like shit, not even remotely appearing like the suave woman she once was. Her lawyer was young, barely out of law school, but he seemed determined to get his client off.

“Ms. Swan. Thank you for being here today,” Liam said, standing up and smoothing out his tie. “Can you please tell me your relationship to the defendant?”

“I contacted her in August to make arrangements to use one of her escorts for a party that I was required to attend,” I answered. “I chose Edward Masen from her website. We had several phone conversations, confirming dates and times, as well as payment for services rendered.”

“Was she professional on the phone?”

“A little cold, but professional, yes,” I replied.

“And how was your date with Edward Masen? Did he live up to expectations?” Liam asked.

“He arrived on time, with a rose, and he was well-spoken, respectful and kind,” I smiled. “He played the part of my boyfriend perfectly and I was pleased with him.”

“Did you notice if there was anything wrong with Mr. Masen?”

“Objection! Leading the witness!” Esme’s attorney, a young, angry man named Harold, barked.

“Sustained,” the judge replied. “Mr. Mackenzie, you know better.”

“My apologies,” Liam smiled tightly. Taking a breath, he turned back to me and asked, “How long did Mr. Masen stay? Did he stay for the whole party?”

“He did and afterward, we went up to my room,” I answered. “Esme was adamant on him spending the night.”

“Did you have sex with him?” Liam questioned.

“No, but we did fool around. I was attracted to Mr. Masen. He was everything that liked in a man: tall, lean, handsome, smart, sexy. We had chemistry,” I blushed. “I’m a single woman and he was a single man. Most people fool around at the end of a date.”

“And what happened after your date with Edward?”

“I called Esme and made arrangements to use Edward as a long-term escort for upcoming events, acting as my boyfriend. As mentioned earlier, we had chemistry and we had a lot of fun together. However, with each date we had, I noticed that he became more and more detached. He was jumpy and he didn’t like to be touched,” I frowned. 

Buying Love Teaser

“Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

“I do,” I murmured. The bailiff indicated for me to sit and I sat in the witness box. Liam was at his table, across from me, looking over his notes. The judge was to my right. He was an older gentleman with kind brown eyes and thick salt and pepper hair. Across the courtroom, Esme sat at the table, wearing an ugly suit and her blonde hair growing out from when she was arrested. She looked like shit, not even remotely appearing like the suave woman she once was. Her lawyer was young, barely out of law school, but he seemed determined to get his client off.

“Ms. Swan. Thank you for being here today,” Liam said, standing up and smoothing out his tie. “Can you please tell me your relationship to the defendant?”

“I contacted her in August to make arrangements to use one of her escorts for a party that I was required to attend,” I answered. “I chose Edward Masen from her website. We had several phone conversations, confirming dates and times, as well as payment for services rendered.”

“Was she professional on the phone?”

“A little cold, but professional, yes,” I replied.

“And how was your date with Edward Masen? Did he live up to expectations?” Liam asked.

“He arrived on time, with a rose, and he was well-spoken, respectful and kind,” I smiled. “He played the part of my boyfriend perfectly and I was pleased with him.”

“Did you notice if there was anything wrong with Mr. Masen?”

“Objection! Leading the witness!” Esme’s attorney, a young, angry man named Harold, barked.

“Sustained,” the judge replied. “Mr. Mackenzie, you know better.”

“My apologies,” Liam smiled tightly. Taking a breath, he turned back to me and asked, “How long did Mr. Masen stay? Did he stay for the whole party?”

“He did and afterward, we went up to my room,” I answered. “Esme was adamant on him spending the night.”

“Did you have sex with him?” Liam questioned.

“No, but we did fool around. I was attracted to Mr. Masen. He was everything that liked in a man: tall, lean, handsome, smart, sexy. We had chemistry,” I blushed. “I’m a single woman and he was a single man. Most people fool around at the end of a date.”

“And what happened after your date with Edward?”

“I called Esme and made arrangements to use Edward as a long-term escort for upcoming events, acting as my boyfriend. As mentioned earlier, we had chemistry and we had a lot of fun together. However, with each date we had, I noticed that he became more and more detached. He was jumpy and he didn’t like to be touched,” I frowned.

Liam strolled, glaring at Harold, challenging him to object. I had opened the door to where Liam could ask his previous question. “Seeing the change in his behavior, did you ask Edward why?”

“He never told me, but I did notice that he was thinner and he was always covered with bruises,” I replied, “especially around his wrists and scars on his back.”

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Parking behind the garage, I got out of the car and went into Jared, now Edward’s, home. It was quiet, but I could see that Edward and Marina were there. Her bag was next to the door and Edward’s running shoes were just inside. I checked the fridge, noting that it was pretty empty. I logged into PeaPod and ordered some basics like milk, eggs, bacon and some other things. I scheduled the order to arrive in a couple of hours. I’d make dinner and hopefully talk to a calmer Edward.

Marina came downstairs, her long brown hair pulled up in a low ponytail. “He’s resting,” she said, putting down some gauze and tape. “I’m surprised that he exploded.”

“Really?” I asked, guiding her to the living room.

“Okay, let me rephrase. I expected him to explode a lot sooner,” she sighed. “He’s had a few setbacks, the first when you were injured. His progress should have had more jagged edges, I suppose.”

“What can I do?”

“Be there for him. He told me about his shame and how he hates the fact that the world will know it,” Marina replied, crossing her legs. “That was his trigger. He wanted to punish himself and it came out of nowhere.”

“I should have seen this coming,” I grumbled.

“You’re also battling your own demons, Bella. Granted, you’re almost back to normal …”

“Physically? Yes. But, I’m ashamed of my body. I used to be so proud of it. I’m littered with scars and I feel ugly,” I shrugged.

“Edward has his own scars. He loves you regardless,” Marina smiled.

“Does he really?” I asked. “Or does he feel like he has to love me because I saved him.”

“That was my initial fear, but he does adore you,” Marina nodded. “He said that you are the shining light in his life. You are the one thing that’s going well for him. Granted, right now he doesn’t feel like he’s worthy of you, but he loves you so much.”

“Will he be able to testify?”

“He will. I’ll be there in case he needs sedation,” Marina said, taking my hand. “But, after this, he will finally be able to move forward.” She pursed her lips, looking out the window. “He was trying to be strong for everyone else, but his body and mind just crumbled when he got the notification to testify.”

“That makes sense,” I frowned. “It was Rose who mentioned to me that Edward may freak out because of his past. I should have seen it.”

Buying Love Teaser

Parking behind the garage, I got out of the car and went into Jared, now Edward’s, home. It was quiet, but I could see that Edward and Marina were there. Her bag was next to the door and Edward’s running shoes were just inside. I checked the fridge, noting that it was pretty empty. I logged into PeaPod and ordered some basics like milk, eggs, bacon and some other things. I scheduled the order to arrive in a couple of hours. I’d make dinner and hopefully talk to a calmer Edward.

Marina came downstairs, her long brown hair pulled up in a low ponytail. “He’s resting,” she said, putting down some gauze and tape. “I’m surprised that he exploded.”

“Really?” I asked, guiding her to the living room.

“Okay, let me rephrase. I expected him to explode a lot sooner,” she sighed. “He’s had a few setbacks, the first when you were injured. His progress should have had more jagged edges, I suppose.”

“What can I do?”

“Be there for him. He told me about his shame and how he hates the fact that the world will know it,” Marina replied, crossing her legs. “That was his trigger. He wanted to punish himself and it came out of nowhere.”

“I should have seen this coming,” I grumbled.

“You’re also battling your own demons, Bella. Granted, you’re almost back to normal …”

“Physically? Yes. But, I’m ashamed of my body. I used to be so proud of it. I’m littered with scars and I feel ugly,” I shrugged.

“Edward has his own scars. He loves you regardless,” Marina smiled.

“Does he really?” I asked. “Or does he feel like he has to love me because I saved him.”

“That was my initial fear, but he does adore you,” Marina nodded. “He said that you are the shining light in his life. You are the one thing that’s going well for him. Granted, right now he doesn’t feel like he’s worthy of you, but he loves you so much.”

“Will he be able to testify?”

“He will. I’ll be there in case he needs sedation,” Marina said, taking my hand. “But, after this, he will finally be able to move forward.” She pursed her lips, looking out the window. “He was trying to be strong for everyone else, but his body and mind just crumbled when he got the notification to testify.”

“That makes sense,” I frowned. “It was Rose who mentioned to me that Edward may freak out because of his past. I should have seen it.”

I'm sorry that I've been a total failure on posting teasers for this. I promise to do better. Teasers on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS. At least, that's my hope! LOL! 

Buying Love Update

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The trial was starting today. It made for a very somber Valentine’s Day. Edward was distracted and nervous. Hell, so was I. We tried to celebrate, enjoying a meal in a private dining room at an exclusive restaurant, but it didn’t pan out that way. We ended up talking about the trial and getting into a fight about the trial and what was going to happen after it was finished. So, we went home and slept in separate bedrooms.

It sucked.

We both apologized the next day, but Edward was so on edge because of this uncertainty. I didn’t blame him. Truly, I didn’t. Esme tortured the man for ten years of his life and he was moving forward with his life, but that was put on pause until the trial was over.

During the trial, Edward and I were not allowed in the courtroom. We were going to testify for the prosecution and were scheduled to be up at the end of the week. Almost everyone who had testified at the grand jury were going to be testifying at the trial, with the exception of a few people. Elianna had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. She was heavily medicated and unable to testify.

“I’m going to work out,” Edward said. He was wearing a tight shirt and a pair of shorts. “I just can’t sit here and …”

“Do you want company?” I asked.

“Probably not. The punching bag and I have a date,” he deadpanned. “Jasper may join me since he’s feeling the same way as I am, but it all depends on whether or not he can get a ride to the hotel after meeting with Dr. Benson.”

“I can send a car,” I suggested. Alice and Jasper moved into a furnished apartment after the first of the year. Their home was on the market down in Los Angeles and they were in the process of moving. However, they wanted to focus their attention on the trial and finding a job for both Alice. She put in for a transfer in her advertising firm, but was denied. She was looking around in the Seattle advertising market, but working remotely until she was hired full-time.

“It’s okay, Bella,” Edward said. Grabbing a water bottle, he gave me a tight smile and left our penthouse suite. I slumped back, crossing my arms over my chest. Edward was so morose and I understood his feelings. But, I didn’t like them. Slipping on some shoes, I went downstairs to do some work for the hotel. I was taking time off for the trial, but was still able to do my job. Someone had to do it. Uncle Peter had to deal with some issue with one of the hotels in New York and Charlie was still incommunicado.

That. Pissed. Me. Off.

Your daughter nearly fucking dies and you disappear? Smooth, Charlie. Really smooth.

Buying Love Update

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Working with Jenks, I got everything set up for the life insurance policy, transferring ownership of the house and getting the money from Jared’s accounts. Little did I know that Jared was quite well-off, thanks to his time with Volterra Technologies. From the life insurance policy, the expenses of the house were paid for and the accounts in the bank were for me and my needs. I wanted to use the money to pay for college, but Bella was insistent that she pay for my college education, but I still didn’t know what I wanted to do.

Or if I wanted to go to college.

I just couldn’t look past this trial. Once Esme was gone for good, then I could focus on my future and what I wanted to do with my life. Though, that didn’t stop Bella from researching colleges and sending me texts or emails about college life.

Jared’s memorial service was beautiful and intimate, just as he requested. Meeting a nearby funeral home, we listened to a short service by the priest in Jared’s neighborhood. Marcus was with his wife, who was tall and elegant, and a former client from my time at Buying Love, Inc. Her eyes widened when she saw me, but didn’t say anything, thankfully. I was just her date to a charity dinner since Marcus was out of town, but she wanted more and I almost obliged her because Esme was in a particularly bad mood that day. Thankfully, I didn’t because that would have been very, very awkward between me and Marcus.

Not that it wasn’t in the first place. He totally flirted with my girlfriend despite his wife being there with him and I didn’t like it. I wanted to ram my fist into his dimpled jaw and break his perfect nose. He was more subdued at the memorial, but he still looked at Bella like she was something to eat and I had to give him a few nasty glares.

After the service at the funeral home we drove through Jared’s old neighborhood. Down the road from Jared’s home on a cloudy, blistery day, we met at a nearby marina to spread Jared’s ashes before going to Canlis for a late lunch to celebrate Jared’s life. I held the urn, standing at the end of the pier. Marcus, Bella and Carlisle were with me while the rest of our group was heading to the restaurant. Opening it up, I took out the bag and wrinkled my nose. Such a small bag for some a big man. I handed the urn to Bella and quietly read the poem he wrote in his letter to me. I also had had it engraved onto the urn with Jared’s date of birth and date of death. Together, Marcus and I poured the ashes into the sound and said our quiet prayers.

“Can I get a few moments?” I asked, crushing the bag in my hands and stuffing it into my pockets.

“Do you want me to stay?” Bella asked.

I shook my head, kissing her cold lips. She latched onto Carlisle’s arm and the three of them walked back up the pier. I shivered in my coat, wrapping my scarf around my neck. “Jared, I know that you are still out there and I appreciate all you did for me. It was too much, old man,” I snorted. “What the fuck am I going to do with a house?” I blew out a breath, smiling. “I know, live in it. I could just hear you snarking at me. That’s my plan, but I need to get past this trial with Esme. I pray that she gets the maximum sentence, Jared. Hopefully, you’ve got some pull with the big guy upstairs and he can make things happen.” The clouds parted, a ray of sunshine shining down on me and I looked up, smiling. “Thank you, Jared. I love you and I’ll miss you. Don’t be a stranger, okay?” The sun ducked behind the heavy cloud cover and I walked to the waiting limo. 

Masen Crest on Edward's ribs

Reborn with Lotus on forearm

Swan tattoo on his left pectoral