"The Cullen Legacy" by pattyrose

Posted by Anonymous

Bella Swan was born in Great Britain and currently studied in London. To be able to pay the tuition fees for university, the 19-year-old works part-time as a waitress in the "End Pub". It is there that she meets a young and handsome American sergeant, who, together with his comrades, is away on leave for the weekend, intending to enjoy some wild days (and nights) before returning to Afghanistan. Bella more or less happens to run into him on her way home and learns that his name is Edward Cullen. Both of them notice the immense pull they feel for each other and, unable to say goodnight, they walk around London for hours. The more they learn about the other, the less they want the night to end, so Edward invites Bella to spend the complete weekend with him, in his hotel suite.

And even though he has nothing but honest intentions, the two don't leave their room for the whole time, making love and talking instead. Edward tells Bella about his plans for the future. She learns that, for generations, the Cullen men have been politically very active and always had one goal in mind: to one day become the next U.S. President. They refer to it as the "Cullen Legacy" and never have the chances looked so good than they did for Edward. He assures Bella, however, that his feelings for her are genuine and promises to return to her once his six months in Afghanistan are over. But on Sunday morning, Bella is confronted with the ugly truth: Edward is actually engaged and a marriage with Tanya Martin would put him one big step closer to achieving his goal. Hurt and confused, Bella leaves in a hurry but not without taking something of Edward's with her. Seven years later, she is determined to make him pay for breaking his promises to her. Determined to ruin all his political aspirations and the "Cullen Legacy", she flies to New York and sees Edward again....

The story begins with chapters alternating between past and present. From Bella's point of view* the reader gets to know two completely different Edwards: one tender and good, the other a player and arrogant. Each chapter pattyrose gives away another puzzle piece of information and the reader is eager to put it all together. Yet it takes time, and many unexpected twists and turns before the puzzle is eventually complete. Because in The Cullen Legacy nothing is as it seems and basically each and every character is lying at at least one moment in time. Bella's intentions are nothing but bad - all she wants is revenge for the hurt and pain she had to go through these past few years. That Edward might have had his reasons for acting the way he did, doesn't even occur to her. Because Bella is running her own campaign, but unlike Edward it's not political one, but one of vengeance. Yet the more of the truth comes to light, the more it looks like she and Edward could have a future after all, the only question is what exactly that future would look like... As always, pattyrose managed to create an amazing piece of fanfiction! She combined, love, angst, and drama in one wonderful story and you would be a fool to no at least take a look at it! And remember: nothing is at it seems! ;-)

*A few chapters a little bit later in the story are told from Edward's POV.

The Cullen Legacy consists of 44 chapters and a total of 233,203 words. The story is rated M for description of sexual activities and some angst. The author also posted a mini-sequel called Nine Months.

COMPLETE