Post by Deleted on May 28, 2017 12:53:44 GMT -5
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Monday, May 27th, 2017
Charleston, South Carolina
“For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world the soul of June Cora Sutton-Ravenel, we therefore commit her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for that blessed hope when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
It seemed as if all of South Carolina high society had gathered for the wake and funeral of June Ravenel. Politicians, wealthy friends and distant relatives, and everyone in between had shown up to mourn the passing of the Ravenel family matriarch.
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord, wherefore comfort ye one another with these words. Amen."
“Amen.”
Everyone took their turn tossing an orange rose into June’s burial plot. They were her favorite flower; the orange rose symbolizing desire, enthusiasm, and passion. Those had been the perfect adjectives for June. Eventually, it was just Ashtyn and Kensington left standing before their grandmother’s casket. Their respective parents, Kensi's brother Sterling, and Max had given them space. Ashtyn and Kensi were both holding roses and they were side-by-side. June’s last words echoed in Ashtyn’s head and as she and Kensi turned to look at one another, Ashtyn touched her cousin’s hand. Kensington looked away, but their fingers intertwined. Together, they tossed the final two roses onto June’s casket and walked away.
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Later That Day
Maximillion Cartwright had found himself walking along the banks of the massive lake that connected the properties that belonged to these founding families of Charleston. He had excused himself from Ashtyn Rave's side awhile ago. She was busy doing the family thing and he couldn't fault her for that. But the message to call Julian Cortez back ASAP rang in his ears and he had put if off as long as he could. The scathing text messages he had gotten from Cortez had left him fuming but Max understood why it was coming up now. It was time. Max cursed and dialed Julian's private number.
"Amigo. How is South Carolina?"
"Cut the bullshit. I've already told you that I'm done with this. I did what you wanted me to do, and that was get Ashtyn's head back on straight. What more do you want from me?"
A chuckle is heard from the other end of the line.
"You know exactly what I want. The plan changed the moment Ashtyn turned her back on me. I gave her the world, and she shoved it back in my face. Stupid puta. I'm mostly confident Dick will walk out as champion, but your little wife still poses to much of a threat. She can flip the switch and become bloodthirsty when she's faced with someone she hates. Her lack of composure is her biggest asset. Dick can not out-wrestle her and no matter how powerful he is, she holds victories over bigger opponents. There's a real possibility she can swallow her ego and work alongside that pucha Crosslin, and I can't risk that. Combined the two of them are smarter than Dick and they've both proven that they can go the distance. I can throw Los Renegados into the mix. I can stick Washington as the official. But with the other bitch Aliyah Turner lurking and people like AJ Cross and Lindsay Pierce having what they think are secret meetings to overthrow me, I simply can't take chances."
"Sounds like you just don't trust this version of LR to get the job done."
"I trust them, but their results haven't exactly been there," Julian admitted. "Reyes was probably the better option for this match, but Dick temporarily delayed the problem I'm having with Whelan."
"I won't do it."
Max's voice was firm and Julian was silent for a moment.
"Because you love her."
Max hesitated. He did love Ashtyn. Julian chuckled once again.
"Answer this, Maximillion. Who do you love more? Your drugged out puta or your daughter?"
Max's face turned red and suddenly a thought occurred to him.
"It was you. You fucking called DHR and had Presleigh taken from us. You mother fucker, I wil-"
"You won't finish that sentence. You will do what I paid you to do, and that was to eliminate Ashtyn Rave."
And just like that, Julian disconnected the call. Max tossed his phone and cursed. When he whirled around, his entire world changed. Ashtyn was looking at him with tears streaming down her face.
"Ashtyn, wait..."
But it was to late. Ashtyn heard everything. Max had stupidly put the call on speaker.
---
Kensington Prescott had been right about one thing. Max had found Ashtyn sitting on the roof of Ashley Hall, her high-school alma mater. Apparently it had been a popular after hours spot for the degenerate rich kids of Charleston.
"How did you find me?"
Ashtyn didn't even turn around. She was sitting at the edge of the roof, her feet dangling off the sides. She had been crying for hours; years of built-up emotions.
"Kensi told me this was your favorite spot."
The view from the roof was incredible.
"You know what's hilarious? On top of So-Cal and the drama, and my grandmother dying, I've been struggling with the fact I've been lying to you for two weeks when it turns out, you've been lying for months. The story of my life. I fucked Luke the night I didn't come home."
Max sighed. "It doesn't matter."
"Nothing does. It's fucked because I love you. But honestly, nothing seems worth it anymore. If you want to do Julian's bidding, here's your chance. Take me out. I've experienced more highs and lows since Asylum, than I have in years. I was better off not feeling anything and I don't want to do any of this anymore."
Ashtyn got up and faced Max.
"Shove me. Save Presleigh. Do what you've been paid to do. Reece can handle Dick."
"I love you."
Ashtyn's eyes burned and she turned her back to Max. She had always been a little unhinged, a little different, and it wouldn't be the first time she had gotten close to this. She couldn't handle another betrayal, and she was just tired. She was tired of everything. She led with her left foot. Max reacted quickly. He grabbed at her shirt and pulled her back. The momentum sent them both sprawling backwards and he quickly locked his arms around his wife. They both struggled for the dominant position, but Max finally got on top of her and pinned her arms down with his knees.
"Fuck Julian."
Defeated, Ashtyn looked up into Max's eyes. "How can I trust you?"
"I could have let you fall."
Max brought his lips to Ashtyn's and she gave in. When they broke apart, Ashtyn bit down on her bottom lip. "I'm tired of being a poser queen."
"Then don't. Just be Ashtyn Rave."