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202|Empty Victory
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Beautiful Disaster 203|Eight Months
Marybeth looked up from her hands when the door opened, and Austin stepped inside. "Just so you know, I won't sign it!" he announced, banging the door shut behind him."Sign what?" she asked, shifting her weight on the bed."The divorce agreement!" Austin replied. "That's what you want to talk about, right?" Marybeth pinched her nose, sighing softly. When would the day's fuckery end? She wondered as she stared at the ceiling and bit the inside of her cheek to stop a blood-curdling scream from shooting through her lips. She was so tired, even down to the very fabric of her soul, she refused to expend any more energy. Especially where Austin was concerned. So she let him rant for a while, affirming his commitment to her. "I love you, žena! I love you with every breath in me. I love you with every fibre of my soul," Austin ranted away, and Marybeth just stared at him, her mouth slack, wondering what had gotten into him. But she'd be lying if she said his sweet words didn't fill her w
Beautiful Disaster 204|A Hornet's Nest
A cup of chamomile tea awaited Marybeth when she returned to the bedroom after her long shower. She quickly changed into a lounge set and had just settled under the covers when Austin came in and sat beside her."Žena," he began, handing her the mug. "About the baby…""Yes," Marybeth prodded him when his voice trailed off. "What about the baby?""Can we wait a while before we share the news with everyone?" he asked, looking so unsure it was almost as if he expected her to dismiss his request. So when she readily agreed, he seemed genuinely surprised. "It's just that I'm terrified my father, Blake, or worse, someone in The Corporation might try something stupid—""Whoa!" Marybeth screeched, alarm bells going off. "What do you mean your father or Blake might try something stupid?"What in the holy world had she gotten herself into? She wondered as she placed the cup on the bedside stand. Sure, Lukas was unhinged, Blake was a wild card, and she didn't trust The Corporation, but the idea
Beautiful Disaster 205|The Key
"What do you mean she's your mom?" Austin asked, clearly rattled by her bombshell announcement as he paced back and forth in front of the bed. Marybeth wished he'd just stop; watching him was making her dizzy."Beth?" he prompted, glancing at her over his shoulder."I don't know how else to say it, Austin, but she's my mom.""Where did you get this information from?""My father.""Your father!" Austin scoffed. "The same man who's conned hundreds of people—""Hey, he's my father!" Marybeth said sharply. "Watch how you speak of him!""I'm sorry. But Beth, come on. I don't see how Phoebe Tyson and Vivienne Lume are the same person.""I don't see it either," she admitted. "But my father gave me a business card with her details and told me she wants to see me. I have no interest in seeing her, though. I mean, why should I? She went through great pains to reinvent herself and start a new life in Rock Castle. She probably has another family. I honestly don't see what good would come from our
Beautiful Disaster 206|Learn To Live With It
If Marybeth's eyes didn't pop out of their sockets at that moment, she didn't think they ever would. To say she was floored by Austin's announcement was an understatement."What do you mean she'll be at the welcome ball?" she asked, hating her suddenly shrill voice."Beth!" Austin said firmly, taking her hands in his to calm her down. "She's an acquaintance.""I don't care what she is; I don't want to see her. I'm not ready to see her.""She's already RSVPd—""Tell your aunt to scrap her off the guest list."Austin's phone vibrating in the main room put an end to their discussion before he could agree to her request. He went to get it, returning a second later."Beth?" he said from the doorway, waving his phone at her. "I have a meeting with my bankers and the accounting firm. They're on their way up as we speak."A still dazed Marybeth could only nod as she watched him lock up his secret room before following him to the kitchen. A moment later, the front doorbell rang, and Austin invi
Beautiful Disaster 207|Distance
The meeting with the bankers and accounting firm went on longer than Austin had anticipated, and by the time he saw his team off and headed to bed, Marybeth was fast asleep.He took Orlando to her room, tucked her in, and did a quick security sweep of the house before turning in for the night.He was almost drifting off when his phone screeched on the nightstand. He grabbed it quickly and left the room, careful not to wake Marybeth as he shut the door."This had better be fucking good! Do you know what time it is?" he snarled into the phone as soon as he hit the answer button. Piper was the last person he expected to hear from; he assumed she'd deal directly with his handlers."The cop is awake," she informed him."When did he come to?" Austin asked, relief sweeping through his body as he sank onto the coffee table in the living room."About an hour ago. His room is still under lockdown, but my colleagues said he'll be okay.""I need more than that—""I'm sorry," Piper cut in quickly,
Beautiful Disaster 208|Trust The Process
As soon as Marybeth hung up from Austin, she locked away her stuff in her cabinet and rushed to the staff room; she didn't want to risk another run-in with Smith.A bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Scarlett was waiting for her with two cups of Rooibos tea. Marybeth gladly took hers; it was one of the few things she could still have in the mornings without feeling an incredible urge to puke."What the hell happened to your phone?" Scarlett asked as soon as they'd secured seats in the corner of the room.Marybeth made up a vague excuse, citing security protocols."Better you than me," Scarlett whispered. "I don't think I could marry into a mafia family.""Scar!" Marybeth said sharply as she texted her from her new number. "Watch what you say. You know the walls here have eyes and ears.""Fine!" Scarlett grumbled. Almost as an afterthought, she added, "You look like shit. Bad night?"Marybeth began to shake her head but quickly changed her mind, convinced if she didn't tell anyone about the c
Beautiful Disaster 209|For The Record
Marybeth's confusion was cleared up as soon as she entered the staff room, and Estelle explained they had a bit of a family emergency."What emergency?" Marybeth asked, panic rising in her throat. "Is it Orlando? Did something happen to her at school?""Is there a place where we can talk privately?" asked Estelle when she noticed Scarlett hovering nearby.Worried sick to her stomach, Marybeth quickly nodded, "Sure, let's go."Six minutes later, Estelle's driver stopped in front of Jimmy's, and they stepped out into the scorching midday heat.Estelle covered her eyes with her hand as she narrowed her gaze at the gaudy shop sign."What is this place?" she asked as they headed inside the fish and chips joint.The whole time they waded through the packed cafe buzzing with hungry cops and tired nurses, Estelle wrinkled her nose in disgust, and when Marybeth sat down in the corner booth near the restrooms and gestured at her to take a seat, she visibly shuddered."What is this place?" she as
Beautiful Disaster 210|Whack-A-Mole
Still agitated over his chat with Marybeth earlier, Austin walked into the house in Pelican Creek for his daily briefing with his capos before heading to the business district."Rough night?" asked Tim, shoving an Americano in his hands."You have no idea," Austin replied. "And before you start with me, I'm taking the weekend off to work on my shit like you said. We're going camping in Stanford.""Good for you," Angelo slapped him on the back. "Good old country air should do you guys some good."Austin knew it would take a lot more than good old country air to fix his mess. But at this point, he was willing to try anything."Where the hell is Van Staden?" he asked, changing the subject."I'm right here," Nadia said from behind him.Austin turned around, surprised to see her in a red pantsuit and black heels, her frizzy hair pulled back in a bun. He was so used to her all-black ensembles; the red was a refreshing change."Let's get started," he said, pointing at the freshly scrubbed cou
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Beautiful Disaster 300|Beautiful Disaster
Rock Castle was a breath of fresh air in many ways for Austin and Marybeth. Once they'd put down their roots, they embraced their new life, immersing themselves in the community and the social scene.When they were not entertaining or attending various social events, Austin focused all his energy on growing Stardust Inc. while fulfilling his duties as a board member of De Jager Inc. and Orlando's proxy.Marybeth, too, kept herself busy with various home improvement projects, including setting up the baby's nursery. She also joined the PTA at Green Meadows Primary, championing a few fundraisers. As if she wasn't already busy enough, Lukas low-key began sending her Foundation documents to review, mostly company policies and NPO funding applications. Never mind that she'd had zero orientation since she was only supposed to start the following year.She was so busy embracing her new life as a stay-at-home mom and the Foundation's silent CEO she didn't have time to miss her old job. And tim
Beautiful Disaster 299|Loved And Wanted
Austin left Clifton Bay under a heavy cloud of complex family dynamics, his departure shrouded in controversy. But Rock Castle welcomed him with open arms. The people close to him didn't care at all about the drama and scandals he'd been embroiled in over the past few months. They were just happy to have him in the same city with them, and it didn't take long at all for Eden and Natalie to reach out to Marybeth and take her under their wing, acting as her free tour guides, pregnancy encyclopedias or sounding boards.Completely sold by their raving reviews of Dr Emily Waylon, they set up an appointment, immediately falling in love with her bedside manner on their first check-up. She was attentive, not to mention patient, answering their endless questions with a comforting calmness.Orlando and Adeline couldn't contain their joy when they broke the news about the baby that evening. Marybeth's tummy had gotten so big they could no longer hold off on telling them."Is it a boy or a girl?"
Beautiful Disaster 298|A Fresh Start
The whole time Austin scoffed down his food, he noticed Marybeth wasn't eating, absently toying with her salad. His heart shattered all over again because he knew he was responsible for her lack of appetite and dramatic weight loss."Mr Hawthorne, can we talk, please?" Elizabeth appeared beside him, stealing his attention away from his wife."Sure, let's chat inside," he replied, leading her into his study."Long time no see," he said with a smile as he sat on the edge of his desk. "You look happy and younger, too.""Traveling will do that to you," she replied, flashing a brief smile that Austin found a tad unsettling because it was so unlike her. She was always stoic."So that's what you've been up to since I left the Group?"She nodded. "The place wasn't the same without you, so I left. And that's why I'm here. I want my old job back. If you'll have me, that is.""You'll have to take a pay cut," Austin said. "I'm starting from scratch, Elizabeth, so I don't have a ton of cash flow—"
Beautiful Disaster 297|Family
Barry De Villiers was at Sea Point Police Station at 9:00 AM for Austin's release, and after completing a ton of paperwork, they were finally out of there by 11:00 AM.Austin didn't talk much on their way to Pelican Surf, lost in thought and the scenery. It was like he was seeing everything for the first time. The sun on his skin, the wind in his hair, the light glaring in his eyes…it all felt different, somehow."So, what's the first thing you'll do when you get home?" Barry asked."Hug my wife and kids until they get annoyed with me," Austin replied with the biggest smile. "Maybe eat a nice home-cooked meal...Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the takeaways you got me, but nothing beats my wife's cooking!"Barry guffawed, throwing his head back. "Okay. What else?""Mhh, I think a nice long shower is in order, too," Austin said, sniffing himself, making sure he didn't smell like something out of a garbage can."You don't stink," Barry assured him."I know," Austin chuckled. "Just ma
Beautiful Disaster 296|Bargaining Chip
Austin's altercation with another prisoner was the last straw for Marybeth, the thing that pushed her beyond her limit and sent her over the cliff.He'd asked her to hang in there for a few more days, but the thought of him getting into another fight or possibly getting killed terrified her. The stalemate with his father would only get deadlier the longer he remained in custody. Something had to be done to bring him home, and it had to be done fast. So she called Lukas, begging him to end all the madness. But, he wasn't interested in hearing her out, telling her coldly that he was too busy picking up Austin's slack—running the family and The Corporation—to worry about her fears.Marybeth's desperation got so bad that she reached out to the one person she swore she'd never ask for help. Her mom.They met at a sleepy coffee shop in Virginia after Anna and Willem's joint funeral.As usual, Vivienne was dressed to the nines, dripping head to toe in designer labels despite the sombre occasi
Beautiful Disaster 295|The Folly Of Youth
That night, Austin couldn't bring himself to eat the takeaway Barry had brought him. How could he when his heart was in pieces?A thousand kilometres away, Willem Dejager had no appetite issues. In fact, after Maryke's death and his fallout with The Corporation, his appetite had improved, and the insomnia that had plagued him for years since Iris died had miraculously vanished. If he'd known revenge would cure all his ailments, he would have joined forces with Austin much sooner.He was still furious with him for going back on his word on Maryke. But seeing Lukas so broken, now that he didn't have an heir, more than made up for Austin's betrayal.Yes, things had gotten messy over the past few weeks, but they would only get even more chaotic once he sent the ledger to the cops. He just hadn't found someone he could trust yet. His old contact at the station—the man who'd finally given him the unredacted file on his daughter—had been recently placed on administrative leave, and Willem was
Beautiful Disaster 294|Special Kind Of A Hate
Swarms of reporters were waiting outside Sea Point's police station when Austin was dragged out of Gordon and Peterson's car. They mobbed him as soon as they saw him, pushing their cameras and microphones in his face, screaming for answers. The whole thing reeked of a badly organised PR stunt, and when Gordon and Peterson made no attempt to protect Austin from the crowd, even though it was their job, he began to think one or both of them had tipped the media off. Why wouldn't they, when they had finally taken down a member of the Hawthorne crime family? Never mind that Austin didn't belong to said crime family anymore. Never mind that they didn't have evidence to back up their charges. But who needed evidence? As far as they were concerned, this was huge, and if they miraculously managed to get the charges to stick, sending him away for twenty-five to life would be a huge career move for both of them. So parading him in front of the vultures was totally in their best interest, walking
Beautiful Disaster 293|Long Arm Of The Law
"I'm fine. Vivienne was just leaving," Marybeth nodded, grateful for the interruption; she couldn't handle any more threats from her mom."Yep, I'm on my way out," Vivienne affirmed, spinning around and making her grand exit. She turned back, calling over her shoulder, "Beautiful service, by the way. But I'm not sure if Lionel was worthy of it!""You!" Marybeth shook her fist at her, ready to go after her, but Austin pulled her back by her waist, reminding her people were watching."She's not worth your energy," he said, rubbing her back to soothe her. "What did she want anyway?""To see if there's anything she could do for me," Marybeth replied, shooting daggers at Vivienne's back as she vanished into the crowd of mourners. "And to warn you.""Warn me?" Austin asked, massaging her nape. "What for?""She said to tell you to 'wake the fuck up and fix things with your father'; her words, not mine. Apparently, there's chatter.""What kind of chatter?""I don't know," Marybeth admitted. "B
Beautiful Disaster 292|A Rare Gift
Nothing good ever happens after 1:00 AM.And no one ever calls with good news after 1:00 AM.But it was her father. Marybeth couldn't ignore him. So she hit answer and braced herself for the worst."Sweet Pea," he said, sounding awfully cheerful, considering how late it was."Daddy, what's going on?""I know it's late," he said, pausing briefly before he got to the heart of his call. "And I know we planned a road trip to Still Bay in a few weeks. But is there a way we can move it forward?""Forward?" Marybeth asked, confused by the proposal."Yeah, can we go today? I suddenly have this urge to see the sunrise. And you know how beautiful Still Bay's sunrises are."Understanding what her heart refused to accept, Marybeth's mind made all the decisions for her from that moment onward."Of course, Daddy. Let me grab a few things, and I'll be there in an hour," she told him before hanging up.She shot out of bed like a lightning bolt, threw on a lightweight tracksuit and sneakers, grabbed a
