Beautifully Broken – by Leesa Bow #4
“I’ll call Yasmine and we’ll arrange a weekend getaway soon. First, I’ll get your stuff. Do you have your key?”
I let out a long sigh. “I threw it at him before I stormed out.”
Amy’s glassy gaze reveals her contemplation of Ethan and my interaction.
“You threw your key at him. No punch?”
A sarcastic noise erupts from my throat. “I wish, but no. I had to get out fast.”
“Well, I’m not promising anything about shutting that smart mouth of his. If he tries to make any excuse?—”
“Don’t give him any of your time. He’s not worth it. Just go in and get out. I’m not making excuses for him, but what happened between us is our relationship ran its course. I just wish I’d seen it before last night.”
Amy pauses by the door. “I have your back, and if he says one word about you, I’ll quieten him my way.”
“Ames. I love you, but I need to move on. I’ll never forgive him or go back to him. I promise you, we’re over.”
“I’m going to make sure you remember that promise.” She stalls with her hand on the doorknob. “You will get through this, Edes.” Then she’s gone.
She is my gatekeeper.
Like Heimdall , protector of Asgard . I only wish she had the power to heal the gaping hole in my heart because even protectors can’t stop the pain in my chest that’s tearing me apart.
For the next year, I immersed myself in my work.
At first it was tough, avoiding the hard questions about Ethan because our families were close and my parents couldn’t fathom what went wrong and why I refused to talk about it.
Two months after we separated, his mother spoke quietly to mine, asking if I would at least listen to him.
Amy had let it slip that our split wasn’t amicable.
Still, they gave me some space, although dad continues to hope for us reconciling in the future.
While he wished for Ethan and me to co-manage the business, there is no reason I can’t operate solely with the aid of our team.
It’s only ‘after’ that people speak their minds.
Like Dana, who told me she never trusted Ethan and sensed we were never compatible.
Those secrets helped me to move on and to realize I made the right decision.
Working my rear off for the past twelve months has paid off.
My first international business trip is underway, and thus far, I’m enjoying the conference experience in the unparalleled setting of Beverly Hills.
To stay in lavish hotels is experiencing a dream come true, and despite this being my second trip this year, travel is now a part of me.
Six months ago the girls and I vacationed in Bali, and now we’re planning our next trip. It’s high on my priority list since I’ve sworn off men for the foreseeable future.
The seminar presenter finishes talking and I leave the room to wait for my father in the foyer. He appears alongside other business executives he has known for years. “Eden, we have some free time this afternoon. I’m meeting with some friends for a drink, so you’re at liberty to explore.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you at dinner.” I wave goodbye and head out of the conference center.
Since we are staying at a luxurious hotel, I could stay and enjoy the facilities.
Especially the pool, only it’s my first time here, so I leave him to wander the iconic streets.
Since I’m saving for our girls’ trip, shopping in Beverly Hills isn’t feasible.
Flashy cars zoom past, and the first day they caught my eye.
It’s as though everyone can afford this lifestyle, and I’m like a kid in the candy store taking all of it in.
Because my home is in southern Australia, my knowledge of Beverly Hills came from Hollywood films, and I want to pinch myself in the excitement that I am here.
Picturesque, tree-lined avenues surround me, and beautiful, glamorous women are everywhere I look.
I keep walking and eventually stop outside an elegant library with majestic old palm trees near the entrance. Something draws me to go inside.
It's beautiful, with aisles of books, and arched doorways and windows allowing natural light to fill the space. I meander until a book’s spine catches my eye. South America .
Yasmine wants us to join her Brazilian adventure, exploring exotic locations. I’ve lived a sheltered life, so the prospect of traveling to unfamiliar places—and that may be riskier than Australia—worries me.
Yet, this holiday somehow invigorates my soul and is the recharge I need to come alive once more. I take the book from the shelf, find a corner chair to quietly lose myself in, imagining visits to countries with vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and adventures waiting to be discovered.
Stepping outside my comfort zone will gain a deeper understanding of the world. My sense of self identity blurred the day Ethan destroyed everything I believed in. What I need most is to discover myself, who I am, my values and strengths.
My passion.
With the images of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro, arms outstretched as if shielding the city, a warm sensation hits me and I understand this is my destination. I take a picture and send it to Yasmine.
I turn the page and the green images of the Amazon rainforest call to me more so than anywhere else. A shiver trails along my spine as though it excites and yet warns me of the danger. This might be the most courageous action of my life.
Yet my soul craves it.
My phone vibrates, showing a message, and I assume it’s from Yasmine. Only it’s from my mother.
Hi darling. I hope you’re having a good time and your father isn’t boring you with all his business talk. Love you x
I quietly laugh; it’s exactly her sentiment regarding dad’s work talks.
Hi Mum. No, I’m not bored . . . yet. Dad is catching up with his mates, so I’m exploring. I’m in a beautiful library researching for our girls’ trip to South America.
My phone buzzes, and I look around before answering.
“Hello,” I whisper.
“Darling, I wanted to talk to you about this trip, as your father is worrying about the places you’ll visit.”
I let out a long sigh. “Mum, we’ll be fine. Yasmine meticulously checks each location’s safety. If we visit the Amazon then?—”
“I am certain, even without speaking to him, the jungle is unacceptable. It will cause him unbelievable grief if you visit the most dangerous places out of curiosity.”
What? “It’s not curiosity. It’s about experiencing other cultures and?—”
“Please Eden, listen to me. Your father has his reasons, so do not tell him you are considering this. Enjoy yourself. But please ask Yasmine not to include the jungle in your itinerary.”
Dumbfounded, I remain silent for a few seconds. “What reasons?”
“It’s not up for me to discuss them with you. Wait until you get home and ask him. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, only he’s not ready to open up. Promise me you won’t go there, please.”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing you in a couple of days.”
“Bye, Mum.”
I place my phone in my bag and stare at the images of the Amazon jungle on the page.
What has spooked my father enough that my parents want to stop me—as an adult—from touring the periphery of a rainforest? Was a person familiar to them killed by a wild animal?
Maybe it was a snake or spider bite?
The curiosity eats at me.
It looks like I’m about to find out why . . .
Eden’s story continues in Beautifully Wild.
Best-selling Australian author Leesa Bow began writing when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and she needed a place to escape. Leesa now loves to write stories about alpha men with a fierce determination to win, and the women who will push for them to fight harder.
Romance stories own Leesa’s heart though her love of sports romance came from inspiration from her sporty family.
When not writing, Leesa loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book, and a glass of South Australian wine.
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