Forgotten Love

Prologue:

"Isabella!" my mother shouted. "I cannot believe your still not ready." "Mother please." I pleaded. "I wish not to go. I'm not interested in attending this party." she walked up to me. "You will go to this ball if I have to drag you myself. I refuse to allow you to bring shame upon this family. Do you hear me?" I sighed. "Yes mother." I mumbled in defeat. "Good." she said with a crooked smile. "Who knows you might finally find a husband tonight." she clapped her hand twice. "Margret" she called. No soon after Margret came running in. "Make sure she looks good. The party will begin in an hour I expect her downstairs in forty-five minuets." She walked out. Margret immediately began to work on my dress. I already had my undergarments on. Margret moved quickly helping me step into the dress. And zipping me up.

I hated these social gatherings with a passion. I hated pretending our family was happy when we weren't. My parents weren't even together anymore. They slept in separate rooms and only spoke to one another when we were out in public. I couldn't wait to get away from this fake world. I couldn't wait to be free.

After getting my dress on I sat down in front my vanity mirror as Margret brushed and styled my hair. I reached into my jewelry box to find my Rose De France headband and sat it on my head. I along with help from Margret helped put on my make up. I sighed at the finished result.

My seventeenth birthday had just passed and my parents were focused on marrying me off. Witch I did not like one bit... but I had no choice children must not disobey their parents.

I could hear the chattering as I made my way down the staircase and into the ballroom. I found my father. "Ahh my darling I would like you to meet James Madison Jr. He's the son of a well respected and known trading company owner." I suppressed rolling my eyes. James took my hand and kissed it. Letting his lips linger. I snatched it away and smiled. "Pleasure meeting you." "Oh no my lady the pleasure is all mine." He wore darkly shaded glasses. So I couldn't see his eyes. His lips were cold and hard. He was beautiful I must admit but there was just something off about him.

My father just smiled and I walked away sorting out my mother who was standing around with her friends. "Isabella dear how are you?" one of my mothers friend asked. "I am well Mrs. Bailey." "Isabella's birthday just passed. And already the men are lining up to ask for her hand in marr-" I walked away uninterested in what my mother had to say. Why didn't they just stick a single sign on my back and parade me through town. They practically did.

I found an unoccupied corner and stood there fanning myself contemplating whether I should stay here or head back up to my room.

"Not enjoying the party much aren't you?" I was startled by the voice, I turned around to see who dared to speak to me. My eyes softened at his sight. He was beautiful. With deep green eyes. His tussled auburn hair. I was speechless. "Not much of a talker?" he joked. Snap out of it Bella. "Its not my cup of tea." he laughed as I hid behind my fan blushing.

"Wow the daughter of one of the most richest men in Chicago not interested in social events." "Yes. Is there something wrong in that Mr.?" "Masen. Edward Masen. And no." "I suppose you know my name then." "Isabella Swan unless your an evil twin." I giggled. "Would you like to dance." I cringed but decided "Yes I'd love to."

It felt as if there wasn't enough time in the world. I saw my dad approach us and tapped Edward on his shoulder. "Just what do you think your doing here Masen and how did you get in here?" "Father!" Why was he being so rude? "It's alright Isabella." Edward said glaring at my father. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Mr. Swan." As soon as he was out of earshot. "Father how could you?" "Isabella you are to never see that boy again." he yelled. "Why?" I questioned on the brink of tears now. "He's just using you to get to me. His father is the head of our competition. The papers would eat us alive if anything would come out of this." "Thank you for taking my feelings into consideration." I said as I ran to my room.

It was a hot summer night. I knew he was coming so I sneaked out like every two to three times a week and met him in the meadow near my home. I laid on the bed of marigolds awaiting his arrival. I could already hear his horse in the distance. I closed my eyes. I had never imagined myself being as happy as I was now.

"My love." My eyes fluttered open to revel his beauty. I was such a lucky girl to be in the presence of such a fantastic soul. "Edward!" I shrieked wrapping my arms around him and pulling him towards me "I've missed you tremendously."He kissed me ever so passionate falling on top of me. Our secret meadow just as he was. With a small waterfall and a perfect circle of trees. It was as if it was built for us.

Edward had given up so much for me. He quit school so he could stay here in Chicago to be with me. His father weren't proud and only allowed him to stay if he he agreed to forget about the war and taking over the company. Something Edward detested.

After an unmeasurable period passed. It was now dark and Edward pulled back. "Isabella, I have something very important to ask of you." I didn't want to think negative. He couldn't have been drafted. Their were rumors that the war would soon be over and Edward was still seventeen. "What is it Edward?" I said rather anxiously. He smiled his heartbreaking smile and took my hands.

"My love the past few months have been incredible. I have never imagined I could meet someone as perfect as you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He smiled and pulled out a beautiful platinum filigree European diamond cut band it was simple but beautiful. Perfect. I gasped.

"Isabella Marie Swan will you marry me?" I couldn't find the word to say it so I shook my head. He smiled brightly as he slid the ring onto my finger. Then kissed me. "I love you" I whispered gazing into his eyes and caressing his face.

"You are my life from now till forever." he wiped away my tears and kissed me. I laid back as my mind raced a mile a minute. "Edward what are we going to do … Our family wont allow us to wed." He sighed. "Then we'll run away together and and marry then." "When?" I asked. "Two weeks from today. I'll come get you we'll travel north to New York. My family has a house there." I hugged him. "I'll be waiting my love." I whispered into his ear. "I'll be there I promise." I took the beautiful ring off and put it on my necklace so no one would see.

I returned home and I was on cloud nine. As the days passed I couldn't help but feel anxious despite the atmosphere. Two nights before I was to leave my father came into my room. "Isabella?" He asked. "Yes father." I sat at my vanity brushing my hair and humming to myself.

"I can't help but take notice to your behavior lately is everything alright?" He moved awkwardly to sit on my bed. "Yes father everything is well." I replied trying to mask my happiness. "Well thats great... especially around this time with the war and sickness." "How unfortunate." I said looking at him now. "I'm planning a business trip to Madison … care to accompany me?" He knew that was something I absolutely loved to do. My eyes lit up. I answered before thinking about my other obligations.

"I'd love to father. Thank you." I said as I hugged him. "Very well then we leave in three days. Shall I fetch Margret to help you pack?" "No father I can fend for myself." I was already packed. "Very well then." He walked over to me and kissed my forehead and left. I sighed as I took out my ring and watched if sparkle in the light. I kissed it. "Soon my love."

I sat in the patch of marigolds with my bags still in the buggy awaiting for my fiancé anxiously. It had been two weeks without any form of contact. Not even a letter that would mysteriously show up in my room. I had become rather worried if he was alright. The sun had set and still no Edward.

That anxiousness turned into panic as the time slowly ticked away. And from panic it turned in to anger. I couldn't help but cry as the feeling of rejection sunk in. What if he said all of it just for the fun of it. No that was ridiculous he wouldn't go through all this just for a laugh. He would never hurt me. Maybe he was sick. Yes I preferred that explanation over him not wanting me. I stood on my feet and headed home. He wasn't coming.