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One week later…..

It was the night all of the elite of Windenburg had been waiting for- the annual grand gala at the Sholboi Opera House. The gala was attended by the uber rich of the city and was a great fundraiser for various charities. The line up at this year’s gala was headlined by worldwide opera singing sensation Miss Penny Wind and tickets were selling for over 5k Simoleons per head.

Getting ready to attend her first gala was Brystle Simmington. But instead of excitement at the forthcoming event Brystle had other thoughts preoccupying her mind. In fact she had been troubled by the words of her former lover Mayhew Drysdale on their final meeting the previous week.

Brystle had told Mayhew there would never be any future between them and that her life was with Burke now. Mayhew, deeply unhappy in his own marriage, had left Windenburg and took a job overseas with WindenburgSimmington. But he warned Brystle that Burke must know of their affair and whilst the job overseas in Shang Simla was a great opportunity  it was obvious that Burke was sending him there to keep him away from Brystle.

Brystle at first refused to believe that her husband could be so devious. But events since had made her question how much she really knew her husband and what he could be capable of.

As she finished applying the final touches to her make-up Burke walked into her their room and smiled at his wife. Brystle looked back at him through the reflection in the dresser mirror.

Brystle paused and glared at her husband in astonishment.

Brystle continued applying her make up as she revealed just what had been on her mind.

So there it was. Burke had known about Brystle’s affair with Mayhew. Immediately Brystle regretted not saying something to Burke sooner.

‘…will always love Mayhew…’ Burke was paraphrasing the very telephone conversation Brystle had had with Mayhew the night before her wedding. The same conversation that Fathom had listened in on and had been tormenting Brystle with her veiled threats to reveal all to her father.

Burke’s temper began to rise and his voice with it.

Tempers were beginning to flare between the couple.

Brystle got up from her chair and made to push past her husband but Burke stood in her way.

The mention of Mayhew’s name once more sent Burke over the edge.

Brystle couldn’t believe what her husband was saying and she no longer held back her outrage at what he was saying.

As Burke and Brystle bickered and arued in their bedroom, outside in the corridor Tammy Flo was listening in.

Back in the room Burke took a deep breath and sighed. He didn’t like to see his wife so upset. He made a move to call a truce.

Back outside Tammy Flo was relishing in overhearing the heated exchange.

Unaware that Fathom was behind her Tammy Flo giggled as she listened in on her aunt and uncle.

Fathom could hear her father rowing with Brystle too. Now normally she would be the first to listen in but seeing Tammy Flo already there irked Fathom.

Fathom marched up to Tammy Flo and made her presence known.

A change came over Tammy Flo and her face was set in anger. It was clear that Fathom had rumbled her. There was no need to pretend anymore with her.

Back in the master suite things were no better between Burke and Brystle.

Outside Tammy Flo had taken a step closer to Fathom as she got ready to wallop her.

It was becoming too much for Brystle. She felt trapped and breathless and needed to get away.

As she flung open the doors Brystle almost collided with Fathom and Tammy Flo right outside her room.

Just then a flustered Burke burst out of his room not realising Fathom and Tammy Flo were there.

Burke led the way to the top of the stairs and revealed some news.

Fathom had been suspecting that her brother had eloped with Fred. She was very close to her brother and could always sense what he was doing.                                        As they descended the stairs Brystle was glad to hear that Heathen was returning as she felt he was the first person to warmly welcome her to the mansion and she fely very protective of him.

Joseph dutifully handed everyone an umbrella as they all stepped outside. He looked Brystle up and down and decided he didn’t quite care for her dress.                  Outside, Burke approached his chauffeur Michael. It had been over a week since he’d had him beaten up for having a relationship with Fathom.

Fathom looked away. She hated her father for what he had done to Michael and it also annoyed her that Michael had not stood up to Burke.

Brystle saw how Fathom had turned away. She herself had her doubts about the bruises on Michael’s face.

Burke smiled and patted Michael on the shoulder. It was at this point the truth dawned on Brystle.

---

 

Texas had just finished getting ready for her night at the opera. As she sprayed on her perfume her bedroom door opened and in walked Cyril who had been waiting for her in the living room. Cyril eyed Texas up and down in the designer red dress he had bought for her and licked his lips.

Cyril gently stroked her face.

The mention of Burke’s name made Cyril think on whether Texas still had feelings for her ex-husband.

Texas laughed at he mere suggestion of this.

This pleased Cyril greatly.

Texas smiled seductively at her lover. Cyril smiled back for he did have many memories of all their illicit rendezvous in this studio. All the times he would sneak in for woohoo sessions with Texas whilst Burke was away on business…

Cyril opened the patio doors and stepped outside where he plucked a rose from a nearby bush before returning back inside.

Cyril’s spontaneous proposal took Texas by surprise. This was not part of her masterplan however tempting it sounded.

Texas could see that a refusal would wound Cyril and possibly turn him away from her. She could not risk losing him at this stage. Besides, he was an amazing lover and fabulously wealthy so what was not to like?

Clothes were frantically peeled off as they both climbed between the sheets and began to make frantic woohoo together.

It looked like their entrance at the opera would be somewhat delayed….

---

In the week since both Mother Drysdale and Mayhew had left the household both Malaudia and her daughter Mimsy had gotten closer. It had been a rocky start between daughter and mother as the young child’s mind had been turned against her mother by her spiteful grandmother. But with Mother Drysdale out of the house on a round the world cruise Malaudia was able to get close to her daughter without any interference. Without the negative influence Mimsy was able to quickly bond with her mother again.

Malaudia was also coping rather well with Mayhew gone too. He was  technically overseas working for WindenburgSimmington but for Malaudia she felt that she had separated from her husband altogether. It was obvious he was in love with Brystle Simmington and only with Malaudia because he felt duty bound to protect her. Well Malaudia was feeling much stronger within herself and did not need protecting. If her husband didn’t love her for who she was then perhaps it was time to go their own ways. Malaudia loved her husband deeply but she could not stay with a man who loved someone else.

But all that was for another time to worry about. Mayhew wouldn’t be home for several months. Perhaps that time apart would give them both something to think about. In the meantime, Malaudia was at the front door seeing off her daughter who was off for a sleepover at her friend from school.

Malaudia watched as her daughter got into the waiting car where Lindsay sat with her mother. She waved them all off and waited until the car was out if sight.

There was a rumble of thunder in the distance and a strong breeze blew by. It felt as if there was a storm starting. Malaudia shivered and went inside. The house felt deathly quiet. It was the first evening she had ever spent alone in the house since coming home from the hospital and Malaudia was a bit apprehensive about it. But if she were to be living life as a single woman going forward she would need to start getting used to it. She made to go to the kitchen to get a hot cup of cocoa when her phone started to ring.

Malaudia kept a phone on her at all times now. Dr Broscanni had specifically instructed Mayhew that there were to be no phones in the house upon Malaudia’s return from the hospital. It was part of the reason whey Malaudia had a breakdown in the first place as she believed a demon had been calling her on the phone instructing her to do wicked things. Before he left for Shang Simla Mayhew had given his wife a phone in case of emergencies. He was unaware that Malaudia herself already had had a phone when she had gotten out of the hospital. And they were both unaware that it had been Mayhew’s spiteful mother, Mother Drysdale, who had been making the secret phone calls to Malaudia which had driven her insane the first time. Those phone calls had started to happen again sporadically over the first few weeks since her release from the hospital but had since stopped. But tonight they would return with a vengeance as Mother Drysdale, who allegedly was on a cruise, would launch a full scale attack upon her unsuspecting daughter-in-law in the hope to push her over the edge….and straight back to the simitarium.

Malaudia took the phone from her pocket and answered it.

There was no reply. Just the sound of someone hanging up.

Malaudia tried to think nothing of it. It was simply a wrong number, nothing more. So what if the caller hid their number? It didn’t mean anything at all. It was all purely innocent she told herself. But as she went to the kitchen to make that cup of cocoa she was already starting to get the jitters.

---

Across town the gala opera was beginning and the richest Sims in town were arriving for the fundraising performance. Sitting at a bar on the upper level was Burke with his lawyer Andre Wayward. Brystle was out of earshot so Burke was taking the opportunity to discuss his plans for Fred’s mother, Devonique Domino, secret arrival at the opera.

Satisfied that his unveiling of Devonique to expose Fred for the hustler that he was, Burke moved the conversation along.

Andre knew all too well what Burke could be capable of and thought better of saying anymore. Just then he caught sight of Brystle approaching.

Burke chuckled at the mention of the charity. It may be Brystle’s chosen charity that she was patron of but Burke didn’t fully support it as a self made billionaire.

Brystle was aghast at what Burke said. She could see that Andre himself was uncomfortable with what he’d just said and as Burke chuckled some more and patted his lawyer on the shoulder Brystle was finding it more and more difficult to relate to her husband.

Meanwhile in the lobby Fathom was busy posing for the paparazzi while Tammy Flo looked on.

Tammy Flo watched on with growing disgust as Fathom flaunted herself in front of the flashing cameras. Fathom lapped up the attention.

Fathom finished posing for the cameras and made to go up the grand staircase but Tammy Flo stood in her way.

---

As the evening moved on a storm was moving in. The rain was falling quite heavy now and the wind was picking up. Malaudia was home alone. The second phonecall of the evening had just begun. Nervously she answered it.

No! It couldn’t be!! Malaudia quickly ended the call. It was the same voice she’d heard before on the phone. It was the demon who liked to terrorize her. He was back!!

No, it wasn’t real Malaudia told herself. Remember everything Dr. Broscanni taught you. Pasimzu was not real. There were no demons.

However if Pasimzu was just a figment of her imagination then who had been on the phone?

---

Burke was getting tetchy. The performances would be starting soon and there was no sign of Heathen and Fred. Nor Devonique. Why couldn’t people be on time? Brystle was standing in the lobby of the opera house with her husband and notice how he was pacing back and forth looking at his watch whilst Andre seemedto be keeoing an eye on the front door and who was arriving.

Andre took a phonecall and quickly hung up before marching over to tell Burke his news.

In his haste to tell Burke Andre had forgotten that Brystle was not in the know of Burke’s plans to reveal Devonique as Fred’s mother. Burke was quick to step in with a lie to cover up his lawyer’s mistake.

Burke gave Andre the look to show that he was not pleased. He only hoped it would not end up paying for his mistake later.

Meanwhile from an upper level bar, Heathen and Fred looked down upon the Simmington’s in the lobby.

Fred was nervous, that was not a lie. But his nerves was not stemming only from the jitters about telling Burke that he was his son-in-law but rather from the fact that he had a gut feeling that Burke and Andre were on to him. This was coupled with the fact that Fred had received instructions from Cyril Dolby that he had to murder Heathen in order to break Burke and thus enable Cyril to completely destroy him.

Fred wanted to take Heathen away from this corrupt ritzy glitzy lifestyle. He reluctantly agreed to sty for a while. But then he intended to take Heathen away and never return…

The newly weds went downstairs where Fathom and Tammy Flo had joined Burke and Brystle.

The news stunned everyone not least Burke. Brystle urged her husband to say something.

Fathom hugged and congratulated her brother. Burke was not feeling the good news.

What he had said was true, Fred really did love Heathen. The money did not matter. Everyone seemed touched by Fred’s words. All except Burke. He was about to launch into one of his infamous tirades when Andre stepped in to diffuse the situation.

Burke knew his lawyer was right. To verbally accuse Fred of being a hustler without any proof would mean alienating, and potentially losing, his son forever. Burke thought better of it. Fred’s mother would be here shortly. He would then reveal all.

Burke glared at Fred. It was a look that said that he knew who Fred really was. And Fred knew his time was up. Burke was playing with him. He had to make a run for it tonight.

Burke forced a smile and patted his new son-in-law on the arm before urging him upstairs and the rest of the Simmington clan followed.

---

Malaudia was spending the evening watching some TV. It had been over an hour since the last phonecall and she was beginning to forget all about it. That was until her phone started ringing again…

She looked at he mobile phone that lay on the cushion beside her on the sofa. The display showed that it was another unknown caller. Should she answer it or ignore it? Malaudia decided she couldn’t and reached for the handset. She pressed answer and moved the device closer to her face.

The caller did not speak. She only hear the sound of their heavy breathing before they hung up on her. Damn it, she thought. Who was this and why were they doing it to her? Malaudia didn’t know but immediately her panic was flaring up. A sudden clap of thunder and a flash of lightning made her jump out of her seat.

Quickly she got up and made her way over to the window.

Right now she had never felt so alone, or so vulnerable, as she did right now. Even compared to being in the hospital. It felt as if someone was after her and they were closing in. Malaudia tilted the blinds and looked out into the tempestuous night.

Someone out there was making her life a misery. Someone, or something, by the name of Pasimzu….

---

A the bar, Heathen and Fathom were relaxing and joking with one another like old times while Fred nervously watched on. All the while he kept glancing over at Burke who stood nearby eyeing him intently. He knew he had been caught out by Burke but what was he playing at? Why didn’t he just come out with it? Fred wished he would in a way and at least it would be out in the open. He would confess all about how Cyril Dolby hired him for an insidious plot to gain access to the WindenburgSimmington empire and destroy it from within. He would hope all would be forgiven and that the real villain, Cyril Dolby , would be the one Burke inflicted his severe revenge upon. But judging the way Burke and Andre were watching Fred made her think otherwise.  The best thing her could do was run…and soon.

Brystle sat down with her husband. She did not like the way he was behaving to Fred.

Before the conversation could continue a familiar voice rang out and killed their conversation…

Burke sighed at the sight of his ex-wife. For someone who claimed to be of limited financial means it was a surprise to see her at this gala.

It became apparently clear to Burke what was happening. His ex-wife had reconnected with her former lover and his greatest enemy Cyril Dolby. The thought of the two of them together again sickened Burke to his stomach.

Brystle quickly had had enough. Whenever Texas appeared there was always trouble.

Brystle smiled as she realised Texas knew nothing of her son’s marriage.

Texas quickly turned and marched over to Heathen.

Mother and son hugged it out before Texas welcomed Fred as her new son-in-law. Then full of happiness she took Heathen by the hand and led him over to Burke’s table.

Texas smiled at Burke and Brystle for she wanted them to know what while she was last to know about her son’s wedding she was delightfully happy for him and his husband. She would welcome Fred into the family and accept him immediately as her son-in-law and she knew this was something Burke would not. She had gained more of Heathen’s trust and , more importantly, his support.

Texas led him back to the bar where Fred was waiting. She then beckoned for Cyril to join them.

Cyril glanced over at Fathom, his former lover. It felt awkward being with Texas in the same room as Fathom but it was something he had to get used to. Fathom giggled when she saw her former lover glance her way.

Cyril ignored Fathom and a look of disappointment came over her face. It did not go unnoticed by Burke. He got up and ushered Brystle and his daughter to go into their private balcony for the evening’s performance.

At the bar Texas introduced Cyril to Fred. Unbeknown to her that Fred was actually hired by Cyril to con his way into Heathen’s life.

Cyril played along with his ruse.

With Texas and Heathen out of earshot Cyril joined Fred at the bar. He seemed to delight in the obvious discomfort of the young man but he persisted still.

Fred made to get up and leave but Cyril grabbed him by the arm forcing him back onto the barstool. He was getting tired of Fred’s insubordination. It was time to make him listen.

Fred gulped as anxiety took hold of him. He was now in a precarious position. On the one hand he had Cyril Dolby threatening his life if he did not do his bidding and actually murder Heathen. On the other hand he had Burke Simmington who obviously knew Fred was a hustler but seemed to be toying with him and biding his time before he revealed the truth. And in the middle was Heathen, the man who Fred had grown to love more than anything in the world. Heathen didn’t deserve any of this. Perhaps it would be best if Fred left right now. Run out the door and never look back….

---

With the storm raging outside Malaudia stood by the window with most of the lights out in the house and her phone in her hand. It would only be a matter of time before it rang again she thought and she was right. The phone vibrated in her hand as her mystery caller returned.

Malaudia answered and with shaking hands raised the device to her ear. Her voice was trembling as she spoke.

Malaudia dropped the phone upon hearing what the caller had to say.

Quickly she retrieved the phone and ran over to the sofa. It was time to call the police and put an end to this.

After a moment or two Malaudia got put through to someone.

The thought of trying to engage in conversation with her mystery tormentor was almost too much. But it would be the only way to prove that someone was actually calling her and it was not something she was imagining. Reluctantly she gave in.

Morelli was met with silence save for the gentle sobs of Malaudia. He tried his best to reassure her.

After Malaudia thanked him and hung up Morelli got up from his desk and moved over to his crime scene board. A series of prank calls had been plaguing the city in recent weeks.

---

Legendary opera singer Gabriella Montaballe had opened the gala by taking to the stage first. Rumour had it the opera diva was none to happy not receiving top billing. That honour went to the recently discovered, and much younger and prettier, Penny Wind whose vocals had been featured on the box office smash hit musical movie ‘The Greatest SimPerson’.

The truth was that Ms Montaballe’ s vocals were not as they once were. And this was notable to everyone in the auditorium except the grand lady herself. She took to the stage and began her warbling in traditional Simlish.

Sitting in a private booth in the upper circle of the theatre was Texas, Cyril, Heathen and a very quiet Fred. Texas was oblivious to Fred’s unease but was horrifed by Gabriella’s singing.

Across the way Burke was in his own balcony with Brystle, Fathom and Tammy Flo. He himself was not impressed but was less scathing than Texas.

The fat lady had sung but the opera was far from over…

Later at the interval Brystle was in the powder room when in walked Texas. Brystle looked in to the mirror and tried her best to ignore the woman who was fast becoming her number one enemy. Texas, on the other hand, had been waiting for a moment alone with her. She decided to break the ice with some conversation about the forthcoming performance of Penny Wind.

Brystle rolled her eyes. She could not bear to listen to Texas any longer.

And there it was. The awful truth and Brystle’s secret shame. She had indeed been in prison prior to moving to Windenburg. She had tried her best to leave her past behind her. But deep down she always feared that it would come out. And now the secret knowledge was in the hands of the woman who hated her…

Texas revelled in knowing the truth of Brystle’s past and what this would do to Burke.

Texas gave a final triumphant smile before leaving the powder room. Once she was alone Brystle broke down in tears.

After splashing some water on her face and retouching her make up Brystle stepped out of the powder room and went to re-join Burke. She just wanted this night to be over. She woul;d have to tell Burke the truth about her past and hope for the best. But it wasn’t the night for it.

Both Brystle and Texas had been unaware that they were not alone in the powder room for Tammy Flo was also there. She had been in on of the toilet cubicles and had overheard the whole showdown.

Meanwhile at one of the may bars in the opera house Fathom seized her chance to speak with Cyril whilst he was alone. Texas was busy circulating around the well to do of Windenburg and getting reacquainted with some old faces.

Cyril was tired of explaining to Fathom that their days of woohoo were over.

The horrible reality of the situation dawned on Fathom. Her shock turned to revulsion and then to anger. How could Cyril do this to her?

Cyril watched as Fathom stormed off and thought of her as a petulant child. However she was volatile and could be dangerous. She was as wily as her mother and would bide her time choosing the most inappropriate moment before spilling the beans on her relationship with him. She was right Cyril mused. Texas would be horrified knowing that he had woohooed her daughter and many times at that. The question though was what would he do about it…..?

---

Detective Morelli was determined to identify the prank caller who had been tormenting poor Malaudia. After re-reading his case notes on the multiple prank calls made throughout the city he felt a renewed energy in cracking the case and as he made his way to the control centre he felt that tonight would be the night.

Morelli had not been seated at the tracking monitor for too long when a message came on the monitor showing that a call of unknow origin was being made to Malaudia. This could be it he thought. He just hoped Malaudia remembered to keep the creep talking long enough for him to trace the call.

With trembling hand Malaudia picked up her phone and pressed the receive call option. This was taking every bit of strength that she had and she hoped Morelli would be listening in.

Even Morelli was shocked by what he was hearing.

Malaudia closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could take this…

---

Whilst Burke and his family had taken their seats for the night’s top billing performance, Andre Wayward had just received a call from Shang Simla that would spell disaster for Burke’s company…

Andre listened on as his Simlanese counterpart revealed more.

Mayhew Drysdale had been arrested and charged with spying in Shang Simla!! This was absurd. Mayhew was not a spy! But there was worse still to come…

The call was abruptly over. It was made clear to Andre that the Simlanese government would no longer do business with WindenburgSimmington and that the billion Simoleon contract that they had set up was now null and void. The financial implications for WindenburgSimmington could be catastrophic…

Upstairs in their private balcony Texas was being scathing about Tammy Flo to Heathen.

Heathen didn’t share his mother’s viewpoint.

Before Texas could reply the house lights went down and a round of applause rang through the opera house as the star attraction, Miss Penny Wind, took to the stage.

There wasn’t a sound as everyone waited for her to sing. And she delighted them all by singing her worldwide smash hit single taken from the soundtrack to the movie ‘The Greatest SimPerson.’

Her angelic voice and the touching lyrics were already having an emotional effect on Fred.

Penny brought the house down with her performance. She received the honour of a full standing ovation as bouquets of flowers were thrown to the stage much to the outrage of Gabriella Montaballe. Penny was deeply moved by the rapturous reception.

Still the applause continued along with cries of ‘More,More, More’ (not to be confused with the disco hit by Moreba Mela). Penny closed her eyes as she thanked her lucky stars.

The last word, however, belonged to Texas.

---

Malaudia listened on as her mysterious caller continued their horrendous verbal assault on her. It fianlly became to much for her and she yelled down the line at them.

Detective Morelli was still listening in on the call as he frantically traced the number before the caller cut off. Suddenly the data he was confronted with started to not make any sense.

The whereabouts of the mystery caller had been revealed. Morelli was sick to his stomach.

Malaudia cut the call off as she could no longer take listening to her mystery caller. Some of the things being said to her were awful. Almost immediately her phone rang again but this time the number was not withheld. She anwered it with the last bit of strength she could muster.

Morelli’s frantic words chilled Malaudia to the bone.

The phone slipped from her hand and fell to the floor. Malaudia slowly stood up from her chair and looked around her. Where was the mystery caller hiding? She heard a creak and looked up to the ceiling.

The attic….

The calls had to be coming from there.

Malaudia was terrified but she needed to know the truth. She needed to face the person to know they were real and not just something in her head. And reluctantly she walked down the corridor ignoring Morelli’s instruction to leave the house…

Morelli got no response only silence. Something was terribly wrong…

Morelli threw his headset down and leapt up from his chair. He raced out of the precinct.

Almost knocking over a few of his colleagues as he made his exit Morelli had only one thing on his mind as he made for his car.

But would he get there in time……?

---

The show was over and everyone was spilling out into the foyer. Burke was on edge. He wanted to expose Fred tonight for the fraud that he was and he needed the help of Fred’s mother, Devonique Domino. But so far she had failed to appear.

Meanwhile Fred caught sight of Burke approaching him. He knew his time was up. He could also see Cyril circling as well. Fred grabbed Heathen and told him his plans.

This news shocked Heathen and he couldn’t understand it all.

With is family around him Heathen reluctantly decided to tell them all his new plans.

From across the foyer the unfolding drama was being watched by someone intently. Even from her distance she could make out that something was wrong. And there seemed to be a lot of drama surrounding one young man who was very dear to her heart. It was time to make her presence known. She began to strut her way over to join the Simmington’s.

---

Malaudia stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the attic. It was in there that she would come face to face with her tormentor. So despite the terror she was feeling she also felt compelled to climb the stairs and face her fears. Malaudia put one step on the stairs and began to climb.

It was cold and dark in the attic. The only noise came from the howling wind outside and the rain lashing against the small windowpane. Malaudia frantically looked around and then called out.

Her skin froze as a croaky voice whispered out to her.

Malaudia looked around. There. In the corner. Someone was hiding there….

Her tormentor leapt out of the shadows.

The demon creature ran at her and she stumbled backwards and fell hitting her head sharply as she did so. A trickle of blood started to seep out from under her head as she lay motionless…

From a distance came the sound of sirens as the police cars raced to her house. But were they too late….?

---

The Simmington’s listened as Heathen explained his intention to leave with Fred.

Burke had had enough and could stand it no longer. He had to speak out.

Burke’s anger was getting out of control but he could not help himself. All heads were turning as his voice bellowed out. Fathom was aware of nearby paparazzi who were getting their cameras ready.

Everyone turned to see the elegant, mysterious lady who had joined them. Texas glared at her as she looked her up and down. Who the hell was she?

Fred recognised her right away.

Burke gave a sigh of relief and approached the woman he had been expecting all evening. It was Devonique Domino, Fred’s mother.

Heathen fell back onto the sofa in shock at what we was witnessing. Fred’s temperament immediately changed as his own anger began to rise at the sight of his mother.

Brystle moved by Fred’s side to show solidarity with the young man.

However Brystle’s choice of words caused Burke to erupt in further anger.

Fred looked at Cyril who was staring at him intently. It was a look that said ‘Don’t mess with me or you are a dead man’. He knew he was trapped. He looked at his husband who appeared to be lost in a state of shock. There was no going back for them now. He’s lost everything.

A tearful Fred pushed past them and ran off into the crowds of the opera house.

Texas was livid with her ex-husband at what she had just witnessed. And she wasn’t for holding back.

Brystle realised there and then that her secret was about to be revealed after all.

The news shocked Burke and for once he was lost for words. He quietly spoke to her as everyone listened on.

Just then Tammy Flo leapt to her aunt’s defence and took on Texas.

Tammy Flo’s revelation left everyone stunned not least of all the Simmington siblings.

Texas was stunned by what she was hearing and as camera’s flashed she grabbed a drink off a table.

None of the group could believe the drama that was unfolding. No-one knew what to say. Texas straightened herself up and as Tammy Flo wiped herself with a napkin Texas came clean herself.

The secret of the missing Simmington son was revealed not only to Fathom and Heathen but to the gathered paparazzi who were busy getting the scoop of the decade.

Knowing that Texas had addressed the first of Tammy Flo’s revelations he knew what was to come next. Devonique was aghast at what she was witnessing.

The secret was out and Texas felt as if a huge burden she had carried for all of Heathen’s life had been lifted. Burke slowly shook his head as tears filled his eyes. Brystle looked from her distraught husband to her broken step-son whose world had come crashing down.

Heathen ran off in search of his missing husband while a furious Fathom blamed her parents for the debacle.

Brystle had seen enough. She stepped forward and grabbed hold of Texas.

Brystle raised her hand and unleashed an almighty slap across the face of her nemesis.

Texas leapt back at her opponent and the two women began to brawl. Tables and chairs went flying as they slapped and kicked one another.

Burke tried to call a stop to the spectacle.

With Texas stuck in  headlock Brystle realised she had the upper hand. She issued the woman who’d made her life a misery with a final warning.

Burke marched over and yelled at his wife for making such a scene.

Brystle felt totally betrayed by her husband and she too ran off. Burke called after her but the arrival of a frantic Andre distracted him.

Cyril chuckled at the news. It was nothing he didn’t already know. Fred had given him the contracts from WindenburgSimmington relating to the South Shang Simla Seas. Once he had come up with the plan to frame Mayhew for being a spy it was all too easy to approach the Simlenese government to offer them a better deal with his own company DolbyDoh.

He had waited a long time to see his opponent broken like this and couldn’t let the opportunity go by without making it worse for him.

A dejected Burke staggered back onto his seat. His wife, his son, his daughter had all deserted him. He was alone and facing possible financial ruin.

He looked up not knowing what to do. And then he caught sight of Fred on a nearby staircase. Burke saw red and he ran towards the young man. He confronted him on the staircase that led to the foyer of the opera house.

Fred pushed Burke away from him. From a distance Texas could see the altercation between the 2 men. 

Hired! Fred was hired to do all of this. He wasn’t just a hustler chancing his luck. Someone had purposely hired him to do this. His deceit was all the more wicked for making Heathen fall in love with him. Burke would not stand for it. He moved closer to Fred shoving him further back to the marble stair edge. 

Burke grabbed Fred by the lapels to shake him but Fred pushed him back. But in doing so he lost his balance…..and fell backwards down the cold marble stairs. He screamed as he fell onto the foyer floor and cracked his head open spilling blood all over the floor.

Heathen was in the foyer and rushed over to his husband who lay perfectly still in an ever increasing pool of his own blood. 

Screams rang out and someone yelled for an ambulance. Heathen knelt down by his husband to try and wake him…but there was no sign of life…..Slowly he stood up as a distraught Texas watched from above and Burke stood motionless at he top of the stairs.

Heathen screamed out in anguish at the loss of the man he loved. And then he caught sight of Burke at the top of the stairs. And through his grief he screamed at the top of his lungs…

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The morning after the dinner party and it was breakfast time at Siloli mansion. Fathom joined her father and Brystle in the breakfast room with a smirk on her face. After her confrontation with Brystle the previous evening ,where she revealed that she knew about the conversation between Brystle and Mayhew, Fathom had been feeling triumphant in that she had the upper hand. As she took a seat opposite her step mother and sipped on her coffee Fathom and Brystle continued to exchange glances to which Burke appeared oblivious. 

Conversation about where Heathen and Fred were soon moved on to how successful Burke believed the dinner party to have been. Fathom rolled her eyes upon hearing this. Dinner parties always bored her.

Fathom was waiting for this moment. It was obvious to her that Brystle was secretly upset of Mayhew’s secondment so she decided to play a little with her.

Brystle froze as she looked across the table at Fathom.

Fathom could hardly contain herself and continued with her teasing.

And with that she paused and took another sip of her coffee. Brystle, unsure if Burke was aware of what was going on or not, decided to challenge her step daughter to reveal what she wanted to say.

Fathom thought for a moment. Brystle didn’t seem to be worried and this was not the reaction she had hoped for. Perhaps it would be better to reveal her secret at another time.

The two women quietly stared at one another. Brystle did not want Fathom to have a hold over her and quite frankly there was nothing really to tell. So, rather than let it all be blown out of proportion, she made a move to tell Burke the truth about the phonecall and what Fathom was actually getting at. However, before she could, the door opened and major-domo Joseph Flanders walked in.

Before anyone could say anything else the doors burst open and in strutted a young lady in denim cut offs and cowboy boots. It was Tammy Flo Bean, Brystle’s niece.

Tammy Flo pulled up a chair next to Fathom and sat down, putting her feet up on the table. Fathom ignored that and instead  revelled in hearing the news that Brystle had lived on a trailer park .

Brystle got up from the table and led her niece out into the corridor, closing the door behind her.

Hearing this piece of news was upsetting to Brystle. She may have lost touch with her niece in recent years since her mother, Brystle’s sister, had died and her father had moved on taking the young Tammy Flo with him but that didn’t stop the remorse she was now feeling. Here she was living in the lap of luxury whilst her own kin had been abandoned on hard times.

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Deep in the countryside surrounding Windenburg lay the Von Haunt Country Estate and B&B, a luxurious old manor house steeped in history and set in acres of magnificent grounds. It was to this manor that Heathen and Fred had arrived at the previous evening when they had sneaked out of Siloli mansion and decided to elope. And it was in the grounds of the manor they had decided to hold their very own private ceremony. 

Heathen was already out on the lawn beneath the dressed wedding arch as Fred approached him quietly from behind.

Fred had woken that morning full of angst. He loved Heathen, he was sure of that now. It had started out as just another hustle, he had never intended to fall in love with his target. But here he was and he wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing by marrying Heathen. But he couldn’t call it off. He didn’t want to risk losing the man he had come to love but yet he didn’t want to hurt him either.

As Heathen faced him Fred’s heart melted. He hated himself for lying all this time to him.

After a lingering smooch Fred gently held Heathen by his arm. 

Inwardly Fred was in turmoil. 

As Heathen gazed into his eyes Fred realised that he would never find anyone who loved him as much as Heathen did nor would he find anyone who he loved as much. However this had started out was irrelevant now. He couldn’t change the past but Fred was determined to ensure their future was bright.

And with that, Heathen and Fred were married and they sealed it with a kiss. 

Heathen gently took Fred’s hand and led him over to the nearby piano. Heathen took a seat and began playing. Fred loved hearing Heathen play and was struck by how beautiful the melody was.

Heathen continued tinkling the ivories, enthralling Fred with his masterpiece. He didn’t notice the phone vibrating in Fred’s trouser pocket or when his husband discreetly answered the call. Fred had tried to ignore the phonecall but when he saw whose name was displayed on the screen he knew he had to reluctantly take it.

Fred couldn’t believe that Cyril Dolby had called him the minute after he had married the man he loved. It was a reminder that his happiness was a falsehood. How could he ever find peace with Heathen with the threat of what this man could do hanging over him?

Fred sighed, he knew he had to see Cyril. There was really no choice. 

Cyril cut the phone. Fred discreetly slipped the mobile back into his pocket. Heathen was still playing the piano and was oblivious to what had just happened. He was an innocent party caught up in this wicked charade of Cyril Dolby’s and Fred couldn’t stand it. He had to do something to make it right…

Back at Falcon SimCrest, the Dolby mansion, Cyril knocked back his drink and felt a sense of happiness knowing that his plan was coming together.

A female voice from the lounger next to his pool brought his attention back to the here and now.

It was Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen , arch nemesis of Fathom Simmington. For the past couple of weeks she had been staying at Falcon Simcrest indulging in a mammoth woohoo fest with the older billionaire. 

Cyril moved towards the lounger, eyeing up the long legs of the supermodel who had provided him with a few weeks of amusement.

As Cyril strutted away Ditsy screamed out after him.

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Texas was working on her latest painting whilst contemplating the visit she’d had with Cyril the previous evening. It had been delightful seeing her former beau after all these years and she was impressed at how well he’d looked after himself. She was certainly very much attracted to him and it appeared he was with her. His offer of joining forces to bring down Burke and his empire was certainly appealing however Texas was a strong independent woman and she certainly didn’t need the help of any man to achieve her goals. Her time in exile casted adrift from her children and her friends had been a hard lesson but had taught her to be self reliant. However Cyril had made a valid point in that it would take a lot of financial resource to destroy a man like Burke and this was resource Texas did not have. The truth was she was close to being flat broke. Burke’s payoff had long since been spent over the years in part by keeping Texas in a lifestyle to which she was accustomed to. But also on a series of private investigators that Texas hired to look into an unresolved tragic event from her past. Something that had happened early in her marriage to Burke that had fundamentally changed their relationship. In any event the mystery still remained as the many investigators hired by Texas had never returned any conclusive proof or resolution.

As she pondered on this there was a knock on her door and she called for whoever it was to come in.

Joseph walked over to view the painting Texas had just completed. He never cared much for her work. In fact he thought it was awful. 

The smirk dropped from Texas’s face momentarily. She did not like where this conversation was headed.

Texas ignored his question and instead sat at her table. Joseph had obviously discovered the 2 tacky woohoo movies she had made in her early days exiled from Burke. 

Texas considered this and quickly formulated a plan of her own. 

Joseph hadn’t expected this. Something he thought was a secret that no-one else knew…

The mention of Firby, his daughter, got Joseph into a panic. He knew Texas would gladly revel in telling Firby the truth about really happened to her mother. Joseph had to protect her from this at all costs and was the reason he’d sent his daughter away. 

Texas could see that all the bravado had gone from the major-domo. She had won this round with him. 

As Joseph left, Texas knew she had to get his copies of those movies and destroy them. 

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Chauffeur Michael Constrain had a small apartment across town and he divided his time between there and his room in the staff quarters of Siloli mansion. He was due to pick up Burke later that afternoon from the office and take him home. As he had several hours to go before he started his shift he decided to catch up on some much needed work-out time. He popped in a cardio work-out DVD featuring actress and activist Jane Honda and within minutes he was feeling the burn as he pushed the limits.

Before he moved onto squats there came a knock at the door. Michael got up and had no sooner turned the doorknob when a large man pushed his way in. Michael took a step back in shock.

Michael had never seen this thug before but it was obvious he was one of Fathom’s admirers. She certainly had many being in the public eye. This guy was a loon, probably he’d concocted some fantasy in his head about her.  But he was much larger and more threatening than Michael and he therefore decided to reason with the guy as best he could to avoid any altercation. 

Michael was dumbstruck. This guy wasn’t some random lunatic off the street, he was a hired thug sent by Burke. Suddenly skinny dipping with Fathom last night at the Simmington mansion wasn’t such a good idea after all…

Quick as a flash the thug pounced on Michael. Michael tried his best to defend himself but the brute was twice his size with fists the size of dinner plates. He was no match for him…

Michael was soon knocked out flat on the floor as the thug stood over him.

Michael lay on the floor completely out of it. He had crossed a line with his boss’s daughter and Burke certainly had made his feelings clear on the matter. But would Michael take any heed of the warning? 

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There was an unspoken tension arising between Mayhew and Malaudia. The subject of Mayhew going overseas to work for WindenburgSimmington had been approached but Mayhew was certain that something else was playing on his wife’s mind. So with Mimsy out of the way at school he decided to approach the situation with Malaudia. 

Malaudia was furiously washing the dishes in the kitchen. She barely looked up as her husband sat at the island counter. She waited until he spoke first.

Malaudia slammed down the dishes in the sink and glared at her husband.

Mayhew realised that Malaudia knew, or strongly suspected the truth. His affair with Brystle many months ago was coming out now. Mayhew wasn’t going to deny it. After all he was still planning on leaving Malaudia as soon as he had earned enough money overseas so that she could live comfortably following the divorce.

Malaudia yanked out a bar stool and sat forcefully down on it. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence before she demanded answers. 

Of course he did. He was head over heels in love with Brystle. But he  still loved his wife. Just no longer in the way a husband should love his wife. 

There was no turning back for Mayhew now. This was the moment his marriage was finally over. 

Gone was the bottled up anger Malaudia had been holding in as she fully exploded in a rage. 

Mayhew had feared this would happen at some point. Malaudia was showing sings of a relapse into her erratic behaviour. It was clear she had been hearing the voices in her head again.

As if on cue in walked a smiling Mother Drysdale. In fact the crafty woman had been listening in on the row between her son and daughter-in-law and she was relishing in the mayhem. She was about to throw an almighty spanner in the works.

Even in her anger Malaudia could see that Mayhew would plead for his mother to stay but she wanted her gone.

Mayhew followed his mother into the hallway followed by Malaudia.

Malaudia was glad to see the back of the old crone. Even if she was unaware that that her mother -in-law was secretly the cause of all her mental anguish, Malaudia still felt that Mother Drysdale had never liked her.

Malaudia went into their bedroom and slammed the door behind her leaving Mayhew alone.

Meanwhile outside a vengeful Mother Drysdale was about to unleash her master plan to finally put Malaudia back into the simitarium. The truth was she was not going on a cruise or even on vacation. She was s imply going to hideout in a local B&B and wait. Wait until her son was overseas then she would move in for the kill…

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Andre Wayward was bursting to tell Burke his latest news. 

Just then Burke’s intercom buzzed. It was his secretary informing him of an arrival in reception.

Burke sat back in his chair and looked at his office door. It opened and a very battered looking Michael sheepishly walked in. 

Burke got up and walked around his desk. He firmly shook Michael’s hand. The 2 men locked eyes. Burke would never admit what he done to Michael. But whilst it remained unspoken both men knew what had occurred. 

Michael left the office and Burke retook his seat. Andre chuckled at his high profile client. 

Andre laughed some more. Burke was a wily fox there was no denying. Nor would he ever admit any of his wrongdoings. Andre was well aware of what Burke could be capable of having helped him cover up many things over the years. Burke smiled then it quickly faded as he seemed lost in thought. 

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Joseph’s morning visit to her studio in the grounds of Siloli mansion had been bothering Texas all day. The snooty major-domo had been digging up some dirt on her and would sooner or later find a way to expose her past. Texas was having none of it. No man would get the better of her again. She would sneak into the mansion , go into the staff quarters and into Joseph’s room and find the video tapes and whatever else he had on her. But first she had to make sure the coast was clear.

Texas had been monitoring the comings and goings of everyone in the house for the past few weeks. She knew Burke was gone from early each morning followed by Heathen. Fathom usually left around noon and that just left Brystle. Sweet, sweet Brystle. How Texas loathed everything about her nemesis. She was so sickly sweet, so subservient to Burke. How she enjoyed to torment her so with her put downs. 

Usually Brystle would leave around mid morning and come back late afternoon which meant now was the time to sneak into the house without being seen. So as stealthily as she could Texas crept in through a side door on the wing of the house devoted to staff quarters right next to the kitchens. She hurried down a corridor and went to a room she knew Joseph to have kept back when she was mistress of the house.

As she stepped in she knew by the décor and personal belongings that she was in the right location. She quickly went to work scanning the room.

As her beady eyes scanned the room Texas caught sight of a box under the bed. This had to be Joseph’s stash. She pulled the box out and sat on the bed and rummaged through it. 

A USB stick caught her eye. It was bound to be a digital file of some kind, no doubt further dirt Joseph had been accumulating online about her. Texas snatched the file and plugged it into the computer. However it soon became apparent the file wasn’t about Texas after all…

Texas had claimed her prize. Not only had she found the 2 video tapes of the woohoo movies she had made but even better she had found something even juicier on Brystle! A plan was quickly formulating in her mind. With a smirk on her face and a spring in her step Texas walked boldly out of the room and down the corridor. As she turned the corner she almost collided with a young girl in hoochie cut-offs and cowboy boots.

A niece? So Brystle had a niece. Well this was the day that just kept giving! 

Tammy Flo paused for a moment. She was getting the sense that she was being questioned and she didn’t like it. Where she came from you didn’t go asking questions like that. 

Texas smiled politely at the young girl in front of her. She had given her enough to go on….for now. 

Tammy Flo could only watch as the mysterious woman swanned out of the front door without revealing who she was or saying goodbye. Rich folks sure did behave in mighty strange ways…

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As the sun began to set that day Brystle was waiting in the city Central Park. It was here that she and Mayhew used to meet in the early days of their romance before she married Burke. It was also here that she saw him the day before she married Burke. On that day she had tried to draw a line under their relationship but after last night’s dinner party it was clear Mayhew would not give up on her. And then there was Malaudia who knew about their affair. It would be a only a matter of time before it all came out in the open especially as Fathom knew about it too.

Brystle had to make things right. And the first thing was to let Mayhew know that there would be no happy ending for them. So she waited in the park knowing that Mayhew always had an evening jog through here. And sure enough, as she stood by the lake watching the swans Mayhew approached her.

Brystle turned to face Mayhew.

Brystle looked her former lover in the eyes and told him the truth.  

Brystle’s words wounded Mayhew for he had not expected this. He truly believed that Brystle would leave Burke for him. The truth was a bitter pill to swallow. 

Mayhew wasn’t willing to give up without a fight. 

Mayhew looked around. He had to look away for his eyes were filling with tears. Suddenly he caught sight of some roses growing nearby. He bent down and plucked one form the bush and presented this to Brystle, a last pang of hope in his heart. 

As much as she wanted to Brystle knew she could not accept the rose. 

This was the end for them and Mayhew reluctantly accepted that they would never be together. 

And with that Mayhew turned and walked away. No final hug, no last kiss.

Mayhew kept walking and did not look back for tears were streaming down his face.

Brystle too looked the other way for it broke her heart to watch him go. Instead she watched 2 swans as they gracefully swam across the still waters. The light was fading fast and she wanted to remember this image before it was gone forever…

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As the sun began to set and twilight began Texas arrived at Cyril Dolby’s. Her former flame had visited her the previous evening and offered to join forces in bringing Burke down. Texas had been unsure but when she’d uncovered the dossier on Brystle earlier today she realised she would need help with her plans. Money was the key factor and Texas had next to none of it whereas Cyril had hundreds of millions. 

They stood on the rear terrace of the house with views over looking the city. Cyril presented his former lover with a drink and they stood facing one another.

Texas smiled at the memory. She also looked around at the house and grounds noting how much it had changed over the years. 

Texas pondered on Cyril’s proposal. 

Cyril moved in for their first kiss in many years.

And then pulled Texas close to him as they both kissed ferociously.

They parted lips and Cyril enticed Texas inside.

Texas followed him inside and they made their way upstairs.

They went into the master bedroom and at first Texas thought he was leading her to his bed but he walked past it and over to a bookcase. He pulled a book down and revealed it to be not a bookcase but a secret door. It led into a smaller hidden room which had a security panel. Cyril entered the code and the automatic doors opened with a loud clank. Texas couldn’t believe her eyes at what she saw.

This what she had dreamed of so long. At last Texas had a means to take on Burke. 

They both fell back into the large pile of Simoleon bills and began a vigorous session of woohoo making. 

Cyril paused for air and gasping he gazed down at Texas.

Texas pulled Cyril back under the pile of money and a second round of woohoo gave way to a third….and a fourth…

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Fathom had seen the bruises in Michael’s face and whilst he had denied it, Fathom knew her father had to be behind it. She was confronting him in the hall about it later that evening.

This confirmed it 100%. Fathom was furious.

Burke had had enough of his daughter and her selfish, shameless ways. It was time she got her act together and started to act responsibly. 

This was the final straw for Fathom and she exploded in rage.

Fathom ran past her father and made for the front doors. Burke went after her calling her name.

Fathom didn’t stop as she rushed out into the night. She didn’t even stop when she almost knocked over her mother who was returning home from her rendezvous at Falcon SimCrest. Texas had been going past the main house on her way to her studio in the grounds when she heard the commotion going on and had stopped to listen.

Burke stopped at the door and yelled across the courtyard at his daughter. 

Fathom sped off in one of the available cars. Burke watched her go knowing too well she would be making her way to Michael’s apartment. He looked at Texas who stood on the steps mouth agape in shock at what she had just witnessed. Burke immediately turned and walked inside but Texas called after him. 

Texas marched in after her ex-husband and demanded some answers from him.

Texas looked at her ex-husband in disgust. The way he had treated Fathom made her remember all the times she was made to feel like that. Well it would continue no more for she was here to break the cycle.

The mention of their firstborn child stung Burke for he had not talked about him in years, the memory was too painful. In fact not even Fathom or Heathen were aware of their older brother’s existence. 

Burke sighed. This was going nowhere. The more he argued with Texas the more she yelled back. He couldn’t take anymore.

Quick as a flash Burke exploded in a volcanic rage at the mention of this.

Texas kept on pushing for she knew how to get under Burke’s skin.

Texas smirked in triumph for she knew she had won this round.

Texas gave a final smirk before leaving the house. Little were they aware that their whole conversation had been overheard on the first floor landing by a quiet as a mouse Tammy Flo…

Tammy Flo quickly went back to her room. When she was sure she was not going to be overheard she picked up the phone and made a secret call.

Tammy Flo said goodnight to her father and hung up. Her mind was in overdrive with all that had just happened….

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Late that night at the Von Haunt Estate B&B, Heathen was sleeping soundly in bed. His husband however was not.

Fred had waited until he heard Heathen snore before slipping out of bed and getting dressed. It was gone midnight but Fred had a meeting to go to.

He looked at his sleeping husband who looked so peaceful. How he hated to be deceiving him.

But he knew he must go to meet with Cyril Dolby. So ever so quietly Fred slipped out and made his way to the meeting point…

In the dead of night with no-one else around Fred waited patiently for Cyril to show. What was taking so long?

Fred didn’t hear Cyril approach and he almost jumped out of his skin when Cyril crept up to him and spoke.

Cyril laughed and clapped his hands upon hearing the news. This would help his devious plans along.

Cyril’s’ face twisted in hatred and anger as he exploded in a rage.

Cyril’s shouting was so loud that neither of them heard the snapping of the camera from a nearby bush pointing directly at them…

It was Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen!! She had followed Cyril hoping to catch him in the act with Fathom. She’s hoped to get some juicy photos to leak to the press but this was proving to be something entirely different. Instead she switched on the microphone and began video recording the interaction…

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It had been over a week since Texas had shocked the Simmington household with her announcement that she still owned the title deed to a cottage within the grounds of the mansion and that she would be moving in. True to her word Texas moved in that very day. It had not been the best of starts to Brystle and Burke’s marriage having an ex-wife camped outside their home and Brystle was deeply troubled by it. So far they had not seen much of Texas since but just because she was out of sight did not mean she was out of mind, at least not for Brystle.

On this morning she found herself unable to sleep, troubled by the presence of Texas. What was she planning on doing? Brystle did not know but inwardly she was frightened of what Texas would do. Feeling restless, Brystle got out of bed. Burke was still sleeping soundly and she tried not to wake him. She walked quietly over to a bedroom window and gazed out across the grounds towards the cottage where Texas was now living.

Brystle remained there for sometime as she contemplated the meaning of Texas being here. All she could think was that Texas meant trouble and she could not shake the feeling. 

Not long later Burke awoke from his slumber. He walked over to the window and hugged his wife.

It pained Burke to see his wife so upset. He never wanted Brystle to be worried by anything and so he answered her in the only way he could.

Burke reached out and gently caressed his wife’s soft cheek.

Burke kissed his wife on the forehead and then went off to shower. Once alone in their bedroom Brystle turned and looked out of the window.

Brystle felt that Burke was being over simplistic about the whole thing. Removing Texas was going to be harder than he implied. The thoughts of a mega shopping spree was not enough to convince Brystle of the trouble yet to come.

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Texas had been settled in the cottage for the past week. Quite quickly she had turned the disused building around giving it a lick of paint and dusting down the furnishings that had been left in the building. She had also spoken with some of the house and grounds keeping staff of Siloli mansion to help her maintain the property but not to inform Burke of this. The staff,, fearing to be caught in the crossfire, had unwillingly obliged.

On this beautiful morning Texas had risen early, as she tended to do most mornings. She felt decidedly creative and commenced painting at her easel. Painting was always a favourite pastime of hers and she had a level 10 painting skill. This cottage, her studio as she called it, was the place where she had been at her most happiest during the lonely days of her marriage to Burke.

Whilst she was busy inside creating her latest masterpiece, outside she had a visitor arrive. It was her son Heathen.

Heathen had not spoken with his mother since she had gate-crashed the wedding over 4 weeks ago. She had disappeared again for 3 of those weeks but when she had shown back up at the mansion last week and moved into the cottage he hadn’t visited her as he still needed sometime to think. However he was now at a place where he felt he needed to speak with his mother again. And so he made his way to the front door.

Texas was thrilled to see her son when she opened the door. She immediately flung her arms around him and held him close.

Texas understood. It had been a shock for her children to see their mother again after so many years. She nodded to say that is was o.k. and the 2 of them sat together on the sofa.

Heathen was touched by how sincere his mother was being but yet there was something he wanted to get off his chest. 

Heathen’s words stung like a bee. Mainly because what Burke had told the children and also due to the fact it was the truth. Texas remained honest and confessed all.

Heathen didn’t judge his mother as he found her story all too relatable. It was similar to his own experiences with Burke.

Mother and son were at last reconciled.

With Heathen having forgiven her Texas felt that her return had been justified. Burke had taken everything away from her before but now she felt that piece by piece she was getting everything back. Reconciling with her daughter Fathom was going to be somewhat more difficult…

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Later that day Burke was in his office having a meeting with his attorney Andre Wayward. There was several issues on the agenda that Burke wanted addressing.

Burke was unsettled by the news that Fred Rimmard appeared to be nothing but a fraudster. However the thought of revealing this to Heathen without definitive proof meant the risk of alienating his son once again. Burke thought better of it.

Andre was glad to hear this. Burke had a tempestuous streak and was known to make rash decisions based on his emotions.

Burke nodded for he knew that if there was one sim who could find out information on anyone else it was Andre Wayward. Which now brought Burke to the final point on his agenda…

Andre had been expecting this and he knew it was a thorny issue for Burke. The fact was there was very little Andre could do about it. Convincing his boss was another thing.

This didn’t sound good. Andre had been in these dangerous waters with Burke before. If he didn’t get what he wanted, Burke was known to take any action he had to and Andre hated being part of it.

Burke thumped his fist against his desk in anger. He was not prepared to accept this at all.

Andre sighed. What could he do but carry out Burke’s instructions. He slowly nodded accepting his fate.

Andre’s acceptance of this seemed to placate and he settled back in his executive chair. Just then his intercom buzzed and it  was Marsha his secretary advising him his next appointment of the day was here. Burke instructed her to send him in.

Mayhew Drysdale took a seat in front of Burke. He hadn’t been expecting a meeting with the boss today and was surprised when he got the memo to come straight up. He had no idea what Burke wanted to see him for or why he had been summoned to come straight up to the boss’s office. 

The mood in the office was very jovial. So why did Mayhew get the feeling there was something else going on behind Burke’s smile?

Mayhew shifted slightly in his seat. There was something in the way Burke looked at him when he mentioned Brystle’s name. Surely he couldn’t know of the affair he and Brystle had once had…? Mayhew gave a terse response.

Burke and Mayhew stared at one another and it was a fraction too long for Mayhew’s liking. Eventually Burke responded.

Mayhew, like Andre, felt he had no option but to go along with Burke’s proposal.

Burke thanked for Mayhew for coming and the 2 men shook hands before Mayhew left the office. Once outside Mayhew took a moment to think in the reception area.

In the office Andre was wrapping up the meeting with Burke too. There was however one thing on his mind, something he had yet to approach Burke about. And seeing what had just occurred in the office between Mayhew and Burke, Andre felt the need to raise the issue.

Burke slowly turned his gaze from where Mayhew had been sitting a moment ago to Andre. His dead eye response told Andre he had just crossed a line.

Andre nodded to say he understood before picking up his briefcase and leaving the office. 

Burke slowly swivelled in his chair, his gaze turning back to where Mayhew had been sitting. He sat in that position for quite a few minutes in quiet contemplation.

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A busy morning in the kitchen of Siloli mansion saw head cook Mrs Bummerson preparing afternoon tea for a gathering of members from Brystle’s chosen charity – The Foundation for Underachieving Children, Kids Or Famished Families. As usual for Mrs Bummerson, everything was too much trouble and she was reminding maid Nannette Bobbins of this much to the chagrin of Nannette.

Nannette had learned to turn a deaf ear to Mrs Bummerson’s whinging and just let the woman carry on. And she did unaware that a certain person had stepped into the kitchen from the servant’s entrance.

Mrs Bummerson dropped her wooden spoon upon hearing Texas’s voice. After backstabbing the woman she then fell over herself to appear nice to her former employer.

Texas smiled for she knew how two faced the head cook could be. However she knew how to play her to get what she wanted.

Texas eyed the maid in front of her. She was not someone she recognised from her time in the mansion and her sources told her she was a recent addition to the staff hired by, and very loyal to, Brystle. Texas realised this woman wasn’t as gullible as Mrs Bummerson and would be harder to break so there was only way to crack her and that was by fear.

The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Joseph Flanders, the major-domo of Siloli mansion. He had been in the adjoining butler’s pantry and had overheard the whole conversation including Texas’s demands. He decided enough was enough and was not afraid of standing up to the woman. Much to the relief of Nannette. 

Texas rolled her eyes and slowly turned to look at Joseph.

Texas smiled. Whilst she could not stand insubordination from the help she enjoyed the verbal swordplay with the waspish major-domo.

Everyone turned to look as Brystle now stood in the doorway. Both Mrs Bummerson and Nannette quickly went about their duties keeping their head’s down and themselves out of the way. Joseph smirked and took a step back as Brystle approached Texas in the kitchen.

Brystle led Texas out of the kitchen , through the dining room and into the drawing room. Not a word was spoken until they arrived in the room.

Once in the room Texas tried to take control of the conversation.

Texas looked around the room and smiled as she recalled many happy memories she once had of living in the house.

There was a building tension in the air and Texas felt uncomfortable. She didn’t know enough about Brystle yet to determine what was going to come next. Brystle remained very calm as she surveyed the first Mrs Simmington. Like Texas she did not know enough about who she was dealing but all she knew was how she felt and those feelings about Texas were not good. 

Texas reluctantly took a seat but Brystle remained standing.

At the mention of invaded Texas feigned shock.

Brystle carried on regardless.

The two women continued to watch one another both awaiting the other to make the next move. It was Texas who spoke next.

Texas leapt out of her seat and marched across the room. Her anger was beginning to rise but Brystle still remained calm and collected. This irked Texas all the more.

Brystle moved closer to Texas. She would defend her husband to the end.

That was the final straw for Texas. She had just about all she could stomach of the sickly sweet Brystle.

But still Brystle did not rise to meet Texas on her anger. Inwardly she was shaking but she would not let Texas see that. Instead she quite forcefully ordered her out.

Brystle walked calmly out of the drawing room leaving a seething Texas behind.

Battle lines had been drawn between the two women. The question was who would make the next move?

---

Early that evening Mayhew was at home and having a talk with his mother at the dining table. His wife Malaudia was putting their daughter Mimsy to bed and Mayhew was glad to see that his wife was bonding with her daughter at last. Ever since Malaudia had been released from the simitarium she had been on constant edge believing she no longer fitted in the Drysdale family. Some of this was down to living in unfamiliar surroundings as the house had been bought in her absence and the decorating had all been done by his mother. To help Malaudia settle back in Mayhew had agreed for the house to be redecorated once again only this time it was to be Malaudia’s choice of décor and furnishings. So in the past week she had transformed the home and ditched all of Mother Drysdale’s furnishings. 

Also she had began working part time at a book store in town and this was building Malaudia’s confidence. Mayhew was relieved to see his wife regain stability with her mental state. However there had been one other request from her that he had been putting off until now. And that was to ask his mother to move out…

Mayhew could see that his mother was not going to take this well. He tried to soften the blow.

Mother Drysdale was a conniving old woman. She was wily as a fox and she spotted that Mayhew was trying reverse simchology on her trying to make her feel guilty by staying. She knew then to change tact and rather than anger she turned on the waterworks.

Mayhew got the distinct impression his mother was laying it on too thick. He knew his mother to be as tough as old boots. She was faking it.

Mayhew didn’t like to hear his mother using Mimsy as a blackmail tool. He took a sip of coffee as he replied quite firmly to his mother.Mother Drysdale pushed the chair back and got up from the table and made her way to her room. But not without having a wicked thought along the way..

---

After a long day at the office Burke had arrived home from work. He passed his briefcase and coat over to a butler who opened the door of the mansion upon his arrival and made his way inside where he met a beaming Brystle.

Brystle froze at the mention of Mayhew’s name.

Burke gave his wife a peck on the cheek and made his way to the study. Brystle stood still as she contemplated what was about to happen.

In his study Burke sat at his desk and made the phonecall he’d told Brystle about. It was to Seth Dolby who was at his apartment working out.

Seth was silent as he thought on what Burke had just said to him. After a moment he responded.

Seth slipped his boxing gloves back on after the phonecall ended and continued with his workout on the punchbag.

Burke was just hanging up when Fathom walked into the study. He suspected she had been listening in on his conversation as she was prone to doing. He didn’t mind this time for he already had something on his mind that he needed to bring to her attention.

Burke decided to let his daughter know that he was well aware of what she had been getting up to recently.

Fathom marched out of her father’s study in a furious rage. How dare he speak to her like this!

---

Malaudia was tucking in her daughter Mimsy for the third time that evening. It was something that was becoming a habit for her. Mimsy still hadn’t entirely warmed to her mother being back at home but Malaudia understood it would take time. It was when her daughter was fast asleep, and not giving her a load of back chat and sass, that Malaudia felt she could really connect with her child.

Malaudia gently closed the bedroom door on her way out and went back to her bedroom. Not before glancing down the hallway at Mother Drysdale’s room. The light was showing under the crack and for a second Malaudia felt she should knock on her mother-in-law’s door. Mayhew had told her that he’d asked his mother to move out and she hadn’t taken it well. This was understandable Malaudia reasoned but it was for the best for she had always felt that Mayhew’s mother had never liked her….

Malaudia decided against calling and went back into her room where Mayhew was fast asleep in bed. She smiled as she looked at her slumbering husband for she loved him dearly and she felt that he still loved her even if the woohoo between them was non existent.

Malaudia sat on the edge of the bed and listened as her husband rambled in his sleep as he was prone to do.

She listened intently as Mayhew muttered on. A lot of what he was saying was indecipherable but there were sporadic words and phrases she could make out. It was the mention of someone’s name that made Malaudia sharply turn around.

This couldn’t be! Why was Mayhew having a romantic dream about Brystle Simmington, wife of his boss Burke Simmington? Was it just a dream or was it something else? Malaudia was unnerved for she believed that dreamers never lied….

Mayhew’s somnambular witterings continued on for  a moment longer until he loudly snorted and turned over. Malaudia sat beside him in bed her mind racing in overdrive. Would this explain why he had stopped making woohoo with her? Did he love another woman? The same woman they were having dinner with tomorrow night???

---

It was past midnight and all was quiet at the Simmington household. Everyone was asleep and most of the staff had gone home for the day with the exception of the security guards who patrolled the grounds and the butler and maid on night duty. Even live in major-domo Joseph Flanders had retired for the night but he was far from asleep. He was in his quarters of the mansion and was excitedly opening a package that had arrived for him earlier in the day. It was from SimsBay the online marketplace. Joseph frequently made purchases from this site, mainly collectible movies and merchandise. Particularly those of arthouse movies or bad movies with cult followings. It was his secret passion and one that he kept to himself for some of the movies he purchased were of a…..steamy nature. Like the 2 video cassettes he had just purchased and was salivating over as he opened the package.

With trembling hands Joseph inserted the first video cassette. After a few moments of grainy footage the “movie” started and Joseph couldn’t believe what he was watching. It was Texas Simmington in a woohoo movie!!!

And it dawned on Joseph  – Texas had made these movies during her exile from the mansion. No doubt she would do anything to keep this a secret and Joseph felt triumphant.

Joseph switched the movie off, and sat back in his chair. With this knowledge he was one step ahead of Texas and it may be enough to force her to leave. This would please Mr Simmington very much thought Joseph. But his motives weren’t altogether altruistic for he knew that Texas had information on him that she could use to her advantage…

---

The following evening…..

It was the evening of the dinner party at Siloli mansion and Brystle was on tenterhooks. All day long she had been dreading this evening and Mayhew’s arrival and now he was here! It was the first time since before her wedding that she had seen her former secret lover. The night before she married Burke she had had a telephone conversation with Mayhew which was a bittersweet goodbye to the man she was once in love with and would continue to feel dearly for. But here he now stood in the foyer of her home with his wife and Burke. Brystle had never met Malaudia before but she was well aware of her troubles with erratic behaviour and her prolonged stays in a simitarium. Brystle felt a great sense of guilt and shame for the affair with Mayhew and this evening would be very difficult for her to look Malaudia in the eye. Nevertheless she took a deep breath and walked down the stairway to join her husband in greeting their dinner guests.

The two former lovers looked at one another for a fraction of a second too long before Burke spoke next. The slightly lingering look did not go unmissed by Malaudia.

Brystle was smiling but inside she was squirming, this was all too uncomfortable. Again Burke spoke next.

As they moved forward to the drawing room for pre dinner drinks Brystle tried to make conversation with Malaudia.

Malaudia’s terse reply didn’t give Brystle the impression she was keen to engage into any conversation with her. Did Malaudia know something? Did she have her suspicions? Brystle didn’t know for sure. What she did know was that this evening was going to be very trying for her..

………………….

Seth Dolby was the next guest to arrive and with Heathen, Fred and Fathom present the dinner party commenced. Conversation around the dining table was flowing amongst everyone. Mrs Bummerson had prepared an exquisite banquet and Joseph, in his role as major-domo oversaw, his fleet of butlers serve this meal to the guests. As the meal finished conversations amongst everyone continued.

Fathom didn’t appreciate being seated opposite Seth as this implied she was part of a couple with him and this was something she would fight hard against ever happening despite what her father wanted. Seth however gazed doe-eyed across the table at his former flame and the woman he still loved and adored.Seth chuckled at Fathom’s sarcasm. He knew there was no real malice behind her words but he could see that she was clearly bored of him. Still he was confident that he would one day soon win her round.

Burke sat at the  head of the table as usual. He had seated Mayhew and Malaudia next to Brystle at the opposite end to him. He sipped his glass of after dinner nectar as he watched his wife engage in conversation with Mayhew. He observed how his wife smiled as Mayhew spoke with her and how her blue eyes sparkled. Meanwhile poor Malaudia looked uncomfortable and neglected. Burke considered everything he was witnessing and his thoughts were cemented on what he would proceed with next. Having decided this he turned his attentions to Heathen and Fred who were seated next to him.

Burke gave a half hearted smile in response. Where was Andre with the information he wanted on Fred’s background when he needed him? He made his excuses and got up from the table and went over to his cocktail cabinet and poured himself a drink.

Heathen leaned across the table and smile at Fred for he was so proud of his lover standing up to his father.

Heathen smiled again as he dreamily looked into Fred’s eyes and thought to himself how happy he was having him in his life.

Involved with their own conversation at the other end of the table was Brystle and Mayhew.

Whilst on the surface it appeared both women were comfortable with this inwardly both were very uncomfortable with the whole idea…

Mayhew was oblivious to any of this for he only had longing eyes for Brystle. And his gaze did not go unnoticed by Fathom who was sat across the table secretly watching what was going on whilst Seth chatted to her. Fathom had of course listened in on a private conversation between Brystle and Mayhew the night before the wedding but had kept this knowledge to herself…for now…

As the conversations continued Burke asked Mayhew to join him at the drinks cabinet. Mayhew joined him. He had somehow been expecting a conversation like this with Burke but he had no idea what it was about to entail.

Burke smirked and walked away with his drink in his hand. Mayhew had no choice really, he would have to go. For Burke had his reasons for sending the handsome young man half way around the world for an extended period. But he was keeping that to himself. 

---

Texas was alone in her cottage. She was aware of the dinner party Burke was throwing and if truth be told she wanted to gatecrash it but how many spectacular entrances could one woman make? So instead she stayed home, slipped into her silk robe and poured herself a drink. Many thoughts were running through her mind and she needed time alone to think.

As she contemplated on what her next moves would be she heard her door open and gently close. Before she could turn around to see who had entered her domain she caught a whiff of a familiar cologne.

Texas sashayed over to the couch and sat down. Cyril caught a glimpse of her silky smooth leg through her robe and his pulse raced. He quickly moved to sit beside his former lover.

Cyril could see that he had given Texas food for thought. He also knew she was a woman who was very strong willed and would not be pushed around. She would need time to consider the options and give her answer in her own time. He stood as he made preparations to leave.

Texas saw her former lover out. On the doorstep they faced one another. Thoughts of revenge were momentarily put aside for now they were caught up in nostalgia. Texas spoke first.

---

Malaudia was wandering around the corridors of the mansion. She’d gone to the powder room by the entrance but had gotten lost in trying to find her way back to the dining room. There were so many doors! She opened the first set of double doors she came across and walked into Burke’s study. She realised her mistake right away and to make matter’s worse Heathen was sat in the study. He smiled as she stood in the doorway unsure what to do. He beckoned for her to join him.

Heathen stood now full of confidence. He’d only just met Malaudia for the first time this evening but he was already feeling a strong connection to her.

As he strutted out of the room ready to ask the most important question of his life Malaudia smiled at the thought she had helped someone make such an important decision. If only she could sort her own life so simply. Once alone in the study she reflected on what had just happened.

………

Later out on the veranda Brystle had stepped out for some fresh air. The dinner party was half way through but it felt like it had gone on far too long. Or maybe it was just being in the same room as Mayhew and Burke which was making her feel so uneasy. And as she pondered on this as she gazed up into the night sky Mayhew quietly stepped out of the French doors. and joined her.

Brystle quickly hurried back inside but Mayhew followed her.

Brystle rushed out of the room. She didn’t want to hear any of this. How could Mayhew come into her home and say these things? And was it true, did Burke know the truth?

……….

Later  in the dining room only Fathom and Fred remained, the rest of the dinner party indulging in post dinner drinks.

Fathom was protective of her younger brother and whilst not hostile towards Fred she did want to check that he was the right man for Heathen.

Fathom considered this as she sipped her drink. She liked Fred and she wanted her brother to be happy, perhaps Fred was the man for him.

This news confirmed Fred’s fear that Andre was onto him. Surely it would only be a matter of time before he discovered that Fred was not who he said he was and that the whole foundation of Heathen’s and his relationship was built on a lie. Perhaps it was time to leave before he was found out but then he ran the risk of facing the wrath of Cyril Dolby and he didn’t know what would be worse. As he started to feel jittery the door opened and Seth Dolby walked in. Fathom rolled her eyes.

Fred hurriedly made his way out of the dining room. He had to speak with Heathen urgently.

Seth felt hurt by Fathom’s rejection. How could she do this to him?

Fathom left the room too. Seth was left alone with a hard choice to make.

………

While Seth was pondering on what to do Fred had gone upstairs to look for Heathen. What Fathom had told him about Andre compiling a dossier on Fred had completely unnerved him. Fred had thought this would happen and had told Cyril so but his boss had left him no choice but to continue with his affair with Heathen. Panic was taking hold of Fred and he needed to tell Heathen the truth but could he bring himself to do it? To look him in the eye and tell him that their relationship had been built on deception? It would completely destroy Heathen and Fred wasn’t sure he could go through with it. But as he entered their bedroom and found Heathen pacing the room it looked as if he was already too late. Perhaps Heathen had found out.

Fred was completely taken aback by Heathen’s proposal. He hadn’t expected this at all and he was now totally conflicted. On the one hand he had been hired by the Simmington family’s arch enemy to infiltrate their inner circle and find out a much as he could. On the other hand he had totally fallen in love with Heathen along the way and he didn’t realise the extent of how he felt just until this moment.

Fred looked down at his lover and in an instant he made his decision.

With that the two lovers began to pack a few things and get changed as they planned to run off into the night and get married. While Heathen was excited Fred had other things on his mind. He was following his heart and ignoring what Cyril had hired him to do. Yes Cyril had ordered Fred to marry Heathen but he was now doing this out of love and not because he was a hustler for hire. The only question was what to do with Cyril….?

………………

Downstairs Burke was in mid conversation with Seth.

Before Seth could answer Fathom walked up the corridor behind them as she made her way upstairs. Seth looked at her and smiled before turning back to Burke.

Fathom ignored what she had just heard. At the top of the stairs she looked down as Burke congratulated Seth, his latest protégé. Inwardly she groaned as she couldn’t believe her father had done this.

Fathom made her way to her room and texted Michael on her way….

…….

A short while later Brystle walked into the drawing room to find Malaudia drinking alone. All evening long there hadn’t been much conversation between the two of them and Brystle wanted to make the effort now while Burke was drinking with Mayhew and Seth in the study.

Brystle froze as she didn’t know what to say. She’d had a feeling that Malaudia suspected the affair and now she had the confirmation. But having the GOOD trait meant it was impossible for Brystle to lie.

Malaudia remained poker faced, it was hard for Brystle to read her right now.

Malaudia made for the door but gave a biting remark as she left the room.

Brystle was at a loss as what to do. Would Malaudia tell Burke or should she come clean herself and risk her marriage…..?

………..

In the solarium Fathom was passing the time by lighting up her bong and blowing some bubbles. The bubble blowing machine was not illegal in Windenburg but it was frowned upon for its mind altering effects it had on Sims. Nevertheless it remained popular with students and young adults, as well as those with ongoing debilitating medical conditions, as the sense of euphoria it induced left Sims on a high for hours at a time. And as this night was getting increasingly irksome for Fathom she needed to lighten the mood a little. That was why she’d texted her woohoo buddy and Simmington chauffeur Michael Constrain to join her. He’d been all too willing to leave his room in the servants quarters and sneak his way in.

Michael pulled up a chair alongside the bubble machine and grabbed a nozzle.

Fathom inhaled deeply and felt a rush like never before as she exhaled the bubbles.

A naughty smile came over Fathom’s face as they both stood up. Her father’s dinner party was happening just down the corridor but she didn’t care.

Michael followed Fathom out to the pool and they both stripped naked before cannonballing into the water.

They both splashed around before smooching deeply underwater. When they emerged Michael made a declaration.

Michael agreed. He was cool with that too. And if it guaranteed more regular woohoo with Fathom then he wasn’t for complaining. 

………..

While Fathom and Michael were nosily splashing around and laughing in the pool Heathen and Fred were outside the front of the house packing an overnight case into Heathen’s car as they prepared to elope. Suddenly Heathen developed a last minute case of jitters.

And with that they both got into Heathen’s sportscar and sped off into the night…

………

Inside Brystle was still in the drawing room since Malaudia had left her almost half an hour ago. She’d been afraid of what might have come next if Malaudia had gone straight to the study and revealed all to Burke but that hadn’t happened. In fact she could hear Burke laughing and joking with their guests so it was obvious nothing had been said….for now. Perhaps it would be best if she went straight to bed as her presence might aggravate Malaudia all the more. Anyway she did feel a headache coming on, probably due to all the stress she was feeling. But before she could go to bed , the door opened and Joseph hurried in.  It looked like he had something urgent to reveal.

Brystle followed the major-domo out onto the lanai and sure enough there was a very naked Fathom cavorting in the pool with Michael. Brystle was not impressed. 

A naked Fathom brazenly walked over to a lounger in front of Brystle and casually wrapped herself in a towel.

Fathom could see she had inflicted the damage she intended. Brystle didn’t know what to say. Fathom picked up her dress off the floor and walked into the house leaving her step mother alone by the pool.

This evening had gone from bad to worse for Brystle and she could not see it getting any better. Burke was going to find out one way or another about her affair with Mayhew if not from Fathom then from Malaudia. And what of Mayhew’s warnings about the kind of man Burke really was. If he thought that Brystle had been keeping secrets from him then who knows what he would do. And when Fathom had repeated back the very words Brystle had said to Mayhew over the phone the night before the wedding it made her think….did she really still have feelings for Mayhew after all?

Alone and confused, Brystle stood by the swimming pool under the night sky and silently wept…..

---

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3 WEEKS LATER….

Burke and Brystle were nearing the end of their honeymoon. Over the past few weeks they had visited many countries taking in all the famous sites. They had been happy alone together. For Brystle it was a relief to see Burke enjoy himself without the worry of what may be happening back in Windenburg. As they both boarded the Simmington private jet that would take them back home they were taking back a lifetime of wonderful memories of some of the most beautiful sites they had visited:

First was swinging London where they caught the tube

 

Then it was over to Paris where they got flirty in the Louvre

Then on to beautiful Rome to visit the Trevi Fountsim

And the final stop was magnificent India

As their plane took off on the long journey back to Windenburg the newlyweds settled back with some drinks. As the journey progressed Brystle noticed Burke seemed distracted.

Brystle sipped at her drink. There was very little she knew about Texas other than that she and Burke had parted quite bitterly. It appeared Texas had been having multiple affairs whilst Burke concentrated on building WindenburgSimmington. When he had found out he threw her out of the mansion and also out of their children’s lives. Asking Burke to elaborate on the details usually resulted in him shutting down but Brystle continued anyway.

Burke got up and moved over to the other side of the plane. Brystle knew she had hit a raw nerve. She got up and joined her husband on the sofa. Burke smiled at his new bride.

Burke was sure that Brystle could and the two smiled at one another before moving together in a passionate embrace and smooch.

Whatever trouble lay in store for them it was several hours away. For now the newlyweds had better ways of spending those hours together other than talking about the first Mrs Simmington….

---

Malaudia had now been home for a little over 3 weeks following her prolonged stay in the Windenburg State Simitarium for Clinically Erratic Sims. She had been released under the guidance of  her psymchiatrist Dr Mick Broscanni who would continue to monitor her progress with weekly home visits and today was the day of the visit.

Dr Broscanni and Malaudia sat facing one another in the living room and Mick knew Malaudia seemed distant and withdrawn. He pressed her to talk about it.

 

Malaudia sighed. For the past few therapy sessions she hadn’t been open and honest about she was really feeling. Now was the time to say what was on her mind.

Dr Broscanni was concerned at Malaudia’s outpouring. He had not seen her like this since her first admittance to his simitarium. If he didn’t get her back on her feet there was a danger she could slip further. Why hadn’t her husband noticed this?

 

And there it was. Mick had been hoping he wouldn’t hear this but now Malaudia was talking about voices in her head. This was not a good sign.

Mick was relieved to hear this. Before when Malaudia was at her most erratic she’d imagined she was receiving mysterious phonecalls from a gravel voiced demon called Pasimzu who made threats to her and instructed her to do crazy things.

They continued their session for the next hour and made good progress. Mick left with instructions for Malaudia to aid her mental wellbeing – to redecorate the house, to go away for the weekend with just Mayhew and Mimsy (no Mother Drysdale) and to find herself a job.

All of this seemed perfectly reasonable to Malaudia and she agreed to achieve all of this by their next session together. She thanked Dr. Broscanni and waved him off from the front door. As she closed the door she heard a sound coming from the kitchen. It was a sound she had not heard in a very long time. And it was something she could not believe she was hearing….

It was the sound of a ringing phone….

Malaudia slowly made her way to the counter top staring at the ringing phone in disbelief. Where had it come from? And who was calling?

With a trembling hand Malaudia reached for the phone…..

Unbeknownst to Malaudia, Mother Drysdale was quietly hiding in her bedroom. She had convinced Malaudia that she would be out for the day touring the local flea markets to see if she could add to her collection of knock-off Fabergé Eggs. She had been listening in on the therapy session, just as she had on every other session, and had decided that the time was right to push her fragile daughter-in-law over the edge. And so as Malaudia picked up the phone Mother Drysdale put on her deepest gravel voice and began….

Malaudia dropped the phone to the floor and it smashed into pieces. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. Her worst fears had come true….

And as she screamed in terror Mother Drysdale could barely contain her laughter….

---

Fathom was going for a mid morning jog around the mansion grounds when her mobile phone rang. She was going to ignore it but when she saw who the call was coming from she quickly pressed accept.

And with a quick change of clothes Fathom was heading out the front door of Siloli mansion. Her father’s chauffeur, Michael Constrain, was by the stretch limo.

Michael smiled as Fathom approached him. He hadn’t seen or spent anytime with her in recent months.

Fathom rolled her eyes. It was true that once or twice she had woohooed with Michael. She had done it in secret both times when she had wanted to get back at her father for something. Burke would be livid if he knew his daughter was sleeping with the chauffeur and would no doubt fire Michael on the spot. Playing with people’s lives gave Fathom no cause for concern as long as she got her way.

Michael opened the car door for her and Fathom got in. He closed the door and got in and drove in silence all the way to Falcon SimCrest, the home of Cyril Dolby.

Fathom retouched her lipstick before getting out of the limo. She ordered Michael to wait outside for her before strutting into the mansion. Cyril was pouring a drink in his study as she arrived.

Fathom took off her sunglasses. This was the last thing she had expected to hear from Cyril. Why was he asking her about her mother?

Fathom turned away from Cyril. She was disappointed this was all he had wanted to see her about and she did not want him to see that.

Fathom couldn’t believe what Cyril was saying to her or how he was behaving towards her. Didn’t he realise that she was in love with him? Hadn’t she made that clear enough to him? Fathom marched into the conservatory after him, her disappointment turning to anger. How dare he imply she was very much like her mother.

With that Fathom stormed out of the mansion. Michael was waiting for her outside and could see from her face that she was not happy. He didn’t say anything as she got in the car and he drove away.

After ten minutes of driving in silence Michael made a sudden stop. It was a place where they had come to before to make out. He got out of the car and then opened the rear passenger door and Fathom stepped out. She looked around and realised where Michael had brought her to.

Michael moved forward and gave Fathom a lingering smooch.

Michael stepped back for he was not sure what Fathom would do next. However she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the nearest bush and there commenced a session of frantic shrubbery woohoo.

When they were finished a gasping Michael poked his head out to make sure the coast was clear.

---

Across town Heathen was working at WindenburgSimmington. He’d been there for a few weeks now and whilst it was not his dream career he was making the effort to learn about his father’s business. He worked with the PR team in creating marketing campaigns for the company as well as doing online and magazine articles featuring his father.

Heathen was in his father’s office and had decided to spend the day there as he composed an article for men’s lifestyle magazine SQ regarding his father. The phone buzzed and it was Marsha his father’s secretary who informed Heathen that Fred had arrived to visit him. Beaming happily Heathen asked for Fred to be sent in.

Fred looked around the large office in awe. He had never seen been to WindenburgSimmington headquarters before.

Fred followed Heathen over to Burke’s desk and Heathen motioned for him to sit in his father’s chair. Fred settled into the luxurious leather chair.

They both giggled at their flirtatious banter. The thought of having woohoo right here in the office was very tempting for them both but was very risky. Fred looked around the office and wondered what the room next to the desk was.

So with Heathen gone for a poop Fred looked around for something to do. He caught sight of the files sat on the desk.

Just then the doors opened and WindenburgSimmington lawyer Andre Wayward walked in. He had been overseeing the running of the company in Burke’s absence and was surprised to see Fred sat behind Burke’s desk. Fred quickly scurried out from where he was just as Heathen emerged from having his poop in the bathroom.

Heathen looked from Fred to Andre and could sense some hostility from the lawyer and some unease from his lover and immediately tried to intervene.

Fred didn’t want to cause a scene. He knew that Heathen would not back down from Andre so he stepped forward and decided to leave.

Andre and Fred stared at one another for a moment before Fred left the office.

Andre smiled and shook his head. He took a seat and put his briefcase on the table.

Heathen got up from the table and walked out of the office. Andre still felt the need to inform him that he was making a mistake.

---

Mayhew had finished work for the day and had just returned home. He took off his tie as he walked through the door. He hated wearing them but his job as executive salesman with WindenburgSimmington required him to meet many clients and thus he had to be smartly dressed at all times.

He walked into the living room and saw Malaudia looking out of the window into the back yard.

There was no response from his wife. Mayhew walked closer to her. He could see she was fixed on watching Mimsy swim in the backyard pool…and on his mother who was sat in the yard supervising her grand-daughter.

Malaudia turned and looked at her husband. When she spoke it was with a calm firmness.

Malaudia sat down beside her husband. She knew this would be difficult for him to hear. But after her session with Dr Broscanni and then the phonecall she had …imagined…Malaudia knew she had to take a firm stand before she started to relapse into wild erratic behaviour.

Malaudia sighed with relief. They both stood up and faced one another.

Malaudia felt like she was truly reconnecting with her husband again and for Mayhew he was starting to remember how much he did love his wife. Thoughts of Brystle were, however, never far from his mind….

Malaudia turned her gaze out of the window and onto Mother Drysdale and for the first time she felt like she was getting the upper hand over her mother-in-law.

Mother Drysdale sat outside. She may have been looking at her grand-daughter merrily splashing around in the swimming pool but she was far from paying attention. Mother Drysdale liked to keep one step ahead and as such she had turned up the setting on her hearing aid to 10. On that setting she could hear an ant fart in Oasis Springs.

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Rainclouds were gathering and a storm was brewing. The sea was dark, the black waters lapping around the jetty as the wind began to pick up. Fred arrived at the harbour crab house and walked in. He wasn’t familiar with the place but he had picked it out as it was far enough away from Windenburg so as not to bump into anyone he knew. And even thought the weather was not great Fred kept on his sunglasses just in case he did get recognised…

Fred looked around the shack and spotted the person he was here to meet sat in a corner booth. He made his way over.

Fred looked across the table at the person he had come to meet and spoke first.

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Back in Windenburg the weather was a lot sunnier. Fathom had just arrived back at Siloli mansion. As Michael drove the limo up the driveway they spotted a stretch white limo parked outside the front door. Several men were carrying a load of suitcases and boxes from the car into the house. It must be father and Brystle back from honeymoon thought Fathom.

After Michael parked the car he opened the door for Fathom and she stepped out. He gently grabbed her arm to stop her from going straight into the house.

Michael felt quite happy for he believed that there was still hope that Fathom would one day realise he was the man for her. Fathom however had more pressing matters to deal with and had already forgotten about Michael as she stepped into the hallway. There she was greeted by major-domo Joseph Flanders.

Fathom couldn’t believe the nerve of her mother letting herself back into the house and venturing upstairs too! Texas seemed to delight in seeing her daughter flare up in anger and as she merrily sashayed down the stairs she had further words for her daughter.

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Back at The Rusty Anchor, Fred was still having his secret meeting with Cyril…

Fred sat back and considered his next move. Cyril remained perfectly still staring at him. Eventually Fred relented. From his man bag he produced a thick document file. He placed it on the table.

Cyril quickly flicked through the document and his eyes seemed to light up. He quickly closed the file and stood up holding the document close.

Fred watched as Cyril left the crab house. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He’s been hired by Cyril to do a job, that was to get Heathen Simmington working for Burke. Then he was to gather information on WindenburgSimmington that Cyril could use to the advantage of DolbyDoh. Fred felt he had done that also. Now Cyril was extending and altering their agreement. Just what was he planning next?

Outside Cyril took another sneaky look through the dossier Fred had given him and then chuckled to himself.

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Fathom followed her mother into the solarium situated just off the hallway. Texas was swanning around like she owned the place and Fathom was not prepared to stand for it.

Joseph stood in the doorway unsure on what to do next. It was then the front door opened. He turned around to see Burke and Brystle arrive home. He quickly made his way towards them.

Burke was livid! He marched straight towards Texas with a fretful Brystle hurrying after her husband. Texas stepped out of the solarium to meet him halfway.

The horror of what Texas was saying quickly dawned on Burke and he sat down before his legs gave way from under him. How could this of happened? Why hadn’t his been taking care of? Burke knew Texas was correct and right now she had the upper hand.

Fathom opened her mouth in shock but could not find any words to say. Brystle was full of concern for the rising anger in her husband. Burke exploded in anger at his former wife.

But Texas merely smiled at the chaos she was causing. Seeing that she had achieved the maximum disruption she’d wanted to achieve she sauntered across the hallway towards the front door.

Burke, Brystle and Fathom watched in stunned silence as Texas left the house. Burke quickly reached for his phone and got dialling. There had to be a way to fix this. Surely Texas couldn’t just decide to move in? That title deed had to be void following their divorce…hadn’t it?

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Texas Simmington stood triumphantly in the ballroom of Siloli mansion and surveyed the shocked faces around her. She always did like to make a grand entrance and today was no exception.

Burke was the first to speak and he didn’t hold back his disdain towards his former wife.Texas removed her sunglasses and faced her ex-husband for the first time in years. She didn’t rise to Burke’s anger and instead spoke with a devilish smile. The room was silent as everyone waited on what would happen next. Burke glared at Texas not quite believing she had shown up. He wanted her gone from the house as quickly as possible. At this point Andre Wayward, Burke’s lawyer and long time friend, stepped in. Andre had previous experience in dealing with Texas and knew her to be a formidable opponent. Andre stepped back not wanting to feel the full wrath of Texas’ vengeance. She turned back to the newlyweds and smirked as she gave Brystle a critical once over. Burke could see where she was heading and ordered her out of the house before she would insult his bride. Texas looked Brystle up and down. She was everything Texas wasn’t- blonde, innocent, sweet … and younger.Brystle smiled back. She knew little of Texas and having the good Sim trait she wanted to diffuse the situation and instead introduced herself.Brystle was taken aback by the insult, what had she done to warrant such abuse?!
Burke’s anger was reaching astronomical levels. This was typical Texas, always throwing barbed insults. Well he wouldn’t stand for it. Texas casually walked over towards her son Heathen who stood in shock at seeing his mother for the first time since he was a boy. Texas softened her smile when she saw her son for she really did love him.The shock of seeing his mother was too much for Heathen. Texas pulled her son close and held him in a tight embrace. But Heathen pulled back and put his hand towards his face as he sobbed uncontrollably. At which point he ran from the ballroom. Texas was about to go after him but to her horror Brystle was already going after her son. She would deal with her later. But for now Texas herself was getting angry for seeing how upset her son was and in her mind there was only one person to blame. Texas turned and marched back across towards Burke and gave a glance over to her daughter Fathom who stood across the ballroom glaring daggers back at her. She would deal with her later also. For now she would give Burke a piece of her mind. Having said what she wanted too Texas straightened herself up and smirked again. And with that she marched out of the ballroom and headed for the hallway. Burke pulled Andre aside and directed his anger towards him. Fathom had not said a word during the unfolding drama. She had watched as her mother returned, ruined her father’s wedding and upset her brother and then totally ignored her. Well she was not having it!Fathom quickly ran out of the ballroom and made her way to the hallway where she hoped to catch her mother.Texas sighed. She had a difficult relationship with Fathom when she was a child and it was obvious her daughter still carried a lot of anger towards her. Texas decided on a different tact. Fathom gazed at her mother. She felt nothing but anger towards her. Texas realised that this was pointless, it would take time for Fathom to come around an now was not the time. Instead she smiled and stroked her daughter’s chin then withdrew her hand when she saw the look of disgust in her daughter’s eyes. With that Texas put her sunglasses back on and left the mansion.

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Whilst the drama had been unfolding at Siloli mansion, across town in the suburbs a lonely Malaudia Drysdale waited for her husband Mayhew to come home. He had gone for his usual evening jog but had not come home after a couple of hours.
The evening had not been what Malaudia had hoped for on her first night home from the simitarium. At least there she had had company. Here in this house she could not relax in she felt more alone than ever. Her daughter Mimsy had gone to bed after asking her grandmother for a night time story. Mother Drysdale herself had turned in for the night leaving Malaudia at a loose end as to what to do other than go to bed herself.
She had been asleep when Mayhew returned. Her husband quietly went into the master bathroom and had a shower before tip toeing back into the room. Malaudia was awake by then and wanted some comfort from her husband. Mayhew however lacked interest. Mayhew had thought this may happen but didn’t expect it on the first night. Not when his head was still filled with thoughts of Brystle…Malaudia sat on the bed feeling totally rejected. Her first day home had become a disaster. Mayhew sat beside his wife. He hated lying to her but he didn’t want to see her hurt again, not after all she had been through.Mayhew got up and took off his towel as he got changed into some sleepwear. Malaudia’s heart raced as she looked at his naked body. How she longed for him to hold her and to touch her and caress her and how she would sit on his face and wiggle but it was not meant to be. Within seconds Mayhew was snoring and Malaudia sat alone with only her thoughts. Outside their bedroom a figure stood silently at the door listening to everything that had been said…Mother Drysdale laughed inwardly to herself as she quietly made her way back to her room.

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Long after the wedding had come to an abrupt end, thanks to the reappearance of Texas Simmington, Burke and Brystle had retired to their boudoir for the night. Fathom had fled the mansion in a rage after her encounter with her mother had got her worked up. Heathen meanwhile had spent the evening feeling tearful at the sudden appearance of his mother which had triggered a lot of emotions in him. However Fred was nowhere to be found when Heathen needed words of comfort. It was only late in the night when Heathen finally tracked him down in the gymnasium. By this stage Heathen’s tears had turned to anger and he directed his fury at his boyfriend. It was true that Fred was always receiving calls from his sister and then having to make some sort of mercy dash. It had been happening the whole time of their relationship and it was niggling away at Heathen. Fred had never even introduced any of his family to Heathen but as Heathen had only introduced Fred to his own family then perhaps the meeting with the Rimmards was on the horizon. However the look Fred gave and the tone of his voice made Heathen realise he’d gone too far. Fred seemed to soften again and his response soon got Heathen in a flirty mood.The two lovers moved together in a passionate embrace and smooch.Fred’s kisses always had a way of getting Heathen to forget his worries and woes. He soon felt a sudden wave of emotion stirring inside of him and he just had to let it out.Heathen could have sworn he felt a slight tense in Fred’s body. However his lover quickly replied. 

And with that their clothes were cast aside and they were soon making wild passionate woohoo right there on the floor of the gym in Siloli mansion.

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Upstairs Burke and Brystle sat beside a burning fire in their boudoir. Brystle cuddled up to her husband. Their evening had been spent discussing the reappearance of Texas. Mainly this had consisted of Burke ranting about how evil his ex-wife was but yet giving very little away about her or what had happened between them. Brystle did not want to push it as the subject of Texas stirred a lot of anger in Burke. She may have only been married for several hours but Brystle was already getting the feeling there was going to be 3 of them in this marriage.
Burke felt his wife stiffen as she snuggled and at once he realised that his ranting about Texas was making her uncomfortable. He smiled at Brystle and stroked her cheek then whispered in her ear. Burke gazed upon his wife. He did love her so. And that love far outweighed his hatred towards Texas. Texas was but a momentary nuisance. He would soon be rid of her again. Once they left on their honeymoon in the morning she would be but a distant memory. And when they returned Texas would be long gone. A fat pay cheque would see to that. It had worked once before. The newlyweds locked lips in a passionate embrace. And at that moment both of them believed that nothing would ever come between them.Brystle took Burke’s hand in hers and led him to their bed. They removed their night clothes and slipped under the sheets….

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It was late at night and Seth Dolby had been home alone for several hours. After the arrival of Texas and the drama it caused he thought it would be best if he came home. His date for the wedding, Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen, had already left before him and whilst he could not be sure he thought that perhaps she had had a run in with Fathom.
Fathom was the girl of his dreams, his one true love. He had gone to the wedding with the belief that she wanted to get back together. Instead she had made it quiet clear she was not interested despite the flirting that had gone on between them. Seth was unsure what to do – either to continue to pursue Fathom or to let her go once and for all.
Once at home he had made himself a cocktail and was relaxing in his hot tub which was positioned on the large balcony and had spectacular views over San Myshuno. His train of thought was interrupted when the security of the building buzzed him to let him know that there was a young woman on her way up to see him. It was Fathom!
Seth leapt out of the hot tub, grabbed a towel and ran to the front door of his apartment. He flung open the door just as Fathom stepped out of the lift.Seth couldn’t believe his ears! Fathom was here and she wanted him!!Fathom clearly had one thing in her mind and Seth wasn’t going to say no. The 2 ex lovers moved closer together and locked their lips in a passionate smooch. For Seth it was a dream come true to be kissing his one true love once again. For Fathom it stirred some delicious memories of their former time together. After a lingering smooch Seth embraced the woman he loved.Seth thought it a strange request at this time but happily posed for the selfie. Fathom seemed delighted as she took the picture on her phone. She quickly posted the picture to her Simstagram account where she had close to a million followers. She also hash tagged it with Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen’s name….

After taking the selfie Seth wanted to know what was next….Fathom took Seth by the hand and led him out onto his balcony. The steam was still rising from the hot tub but things were about to get even steamier as Fathom removed all her clothes and climbed into the hot tub. Seth dropped his towel and joined her.Fathom scooted across and was on Seth’s lap in a blink of an eye. And there commenced the wildest hot tub woohoo ever seen this side of Showgirls…

 

For fear of drowning Seth and Fathom made their way to Seth’s bedroom and the woohoo making went on into the night. Eventually, exhausted, both had fallen asleep in each other’s arms.
Fathom was the first to wake and the cold light of day was harsh. What had she done?!! Seth was sleeping soundly so she discreetly crept out of bed and began to get dressed.Once dressed she looked at the sleeping Seth and instantly regretted her decision to sleep with him.Seth would read more into their night of passion than was intended. He would assume they were getting back together and Fathom had no intention of ever doing this despite what her father and Cyril Dolby wanted. She quickly slipped on her shoes and with a few final touches she was ready to leave before Seth woke up. A short while later Seth woke from his sleep to find Fathom wasn’t in bed beside him. He grabbed the towel that was lying on the floor and walked downstairs of his penthouse. There was no sign of Fathom and he realised that he was alone. Fathom had run out on him….again.

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Burke and Brystle were seated in the breakfast room of Siloli discussing their honeymoon which they were leaving on later that day when they were joined by Heathen. Heathen had a more worrying concern on his mind – his mother’s return. Fathom entered the room and joined them at the table. She was still in the same clothes she had worn to the wedding and it was apparent she had just returned home from a night spent elsewhere. Brystle noted how it went unacknowledged by everyone but the smirk on Fathom’s face showed that she didn’t care what people thought of her. Burke tried to calm everyone’ fears about Texas.Brystle decided to interject. Whatever had gone on between Burke and Texas shouldn’t influence how Fathom and Heathen interacted with their mother.Burke slammed his fist down on the table in anger at Fathom’s outburst to Brystle. This was not how he planned celebrating his first day as a (re) married man. Burke, satisfied that his anger had stopped the bickering from escalating, turned to his wife and smiled.As Burke and Brystle hugged goodbye for the morning Fathom glared in hatred at her new stepmother. How she hated her so….

 

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Across town a furious Seth arrived at his uncle’s mansion. He had been set up by Cyril and Seth had a good idea why.

Seth wasn’t falling for his uncle’s lies and slammed his fist onto the desk. Cyril leapt up from his seat to confront his furious nephew.

Cyril had had enough of his nephew’s insubordination. He wasted no time in setting him straight.

Seth turned and made his exit leaving Cyril to ponder on the revelation that Texas Simmington, his one time lover, had returned.

Seth slammed the door as he left. Cyril didn’t like to see his nephew upset. But he had his agenda to follow and achieve it he would. Somehow he would bring down Burke Simmington and take over WindenburgSimmington. But he knew that Texas would have returned to take her own revenge on Burke. It was now just a matter of time who would get there first…

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Burke was finalising some work before he would leave on his honeymoon. Whilst at his desk his secretary Marsha buzzed him.

This was a pleasant surprise thought Burke. He stood up to greet his wife. The woman who walked through his office door was not the same Mrs Simmington he was expecting.

Texas looked around at the office. Burke sighed and Texas knew she was having the desired effect on him.

Texas and Burke eyed one another before she made for the door.

And with that she was gone again. But Burke knew that he was far from seeing the last of her. In fact he had the distinct feeling  she was about to make his life a complete misery. But what would her next move be…?

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The wedding was less than an hour away. As the few selected guests gathered in the drawing room for drinks Fathom made her way into the ballroom of Siloli mansion. This was where the ceremony would be taking place and Fathom was casting her critical eye over it all.

The phonecall the previous evening which she had overheard between Brystle and Mayhew Drysdale was still playing on her mind. Should she tell her father what she had heard? Would he be devastated to learn his bride had feelings for another man, an employee of his? Or should she sit on this information and use it at another time for her own advantage?

As Fathom pondered on this dilemma, her father Burke walked into the ballroom. He smiled when he saw his daughter, the apple of his eye.

Burke had been looking for his daughter and was glad to have found her as he had things he needed to say before the ceremony began. He loved his daughter dearly but he knew that she was very headstrong, a trait common in both Burke and Fathom’s mother. But he knew he could be frank with her and always took that approach in dealing with her.

For the second time in the past couple of days Fathom felt she was being forced into committing into a relationship with her old teenage sweetheart Seth Dolby. First Cyril Dolby, Seth’s uncle and Fathom’s one night fling, had urged her to get back together with him and now her father. With Burke and Cyril both business rivals Fathom was quick to see what was really being asked of her and she had no trouble calling her father out on it.

Burke’s terse response only angered Fathom and she quickly bit back in retaliation.

Burke threw her a look that Fathom knew she had crossed a line. He was angry and ready to explode. Fathom sighed and back tracked a little.

Daughter and father glared at one another and it appeared neither would back down. Fathom was about to tell Burke all about the phonecall but stopped herself. Perhaps it would be better to sit on the information for now. With that she was the first to backdown.

Fathom sighed but agreed to nothing else. She moved forward and hugged her father. She loved him but he was stubborn and single minded. He probably would not believe her if she told him what she had overheard Brystle saying. Fathom would bide her time.

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Elsewhere in the house, Mrs Bummerson was furiously preparing a replacement wedding cake after the last one had been half eaten. It had been her masterpiece and as she had not followed a recipe and instead used her instincts (and her level 10 Baking Skill) trying to recreate it was proving to be quite a challenge. With so little time left before the ceremony began Mrs Bummerson whisked the cake mix faster and prayed she made it in time.

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Malaudia had been at home for a few hours now. She had spent the time unpacking her belongings and trying to get a feel for the unfamiliar house. It had been purchased while she had been in the simitarium recovering so today was the first she had laid eyes on it. All her furniture and décor from the previous house seemed to be gone. Every item seemed to be new here. Mayhew must’ve had a huge pay rise with his recent promotion at  WindenburgSimmington to afford all of this. Not only that but there was no way he had chosen this furniture or decorated as that was not his forte. No this was Mother Drysdale’s influence. It had been her choice of every item and stick of furniture. Almost as if she was planning on making this her house…

Malaudia put aside those troublesome thoughts. Dr Broscanni had taught her in the hospital on how to manage such intrusions in her thought process. For overthinking things was Malaudia’s trouble. To further help her Malaudia sought out something else to do in the house and went into her daughter Mimsy’s room.

Mimsy was at her computer and barely looked up at her mother as she entered her room.

Mimsy continued staring at the screen and tapped away on her keyboard. Malaudia took a seat on the bed and tried to keep the conversation going.

But Mimsy made no effort to respond prompting Malaudia to point out to her daughter that this was not acceptable behaviour.

Malaudia wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Mimsy’s features seemed to contort in hatred as she leapt out of her chair and stomped her feet whilst screaming.

Shocked to the core and unsure on what to say next Malaudia left her daughter’s room. She stood outside the room and felt her self tremble with nerves.

Malaudia then went through to the kitchen where her mother-in-law Mother Drysdale sat at the kitchen island with glass of Grinot Piogio in hand. With Mayhew out for an afternoon jog Malaudia had no-one else to turn to.

The vindictive old woman loved stinging Malaudia with her barbed comments and she could see that this one had hit home. Feeling content she tapped her daughter-in-laws hand and got up from the island and went to her room.

Leaving an isolated Malaudia all alone.

In her room Mother Drysdale chuckled away to her self and even then raised her glass in a toast to her wickedness.

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The guests were gathered in the ballroom of Siloli mansion as the wedding was just moments away. Fathom stood by the entrance into the opulent room and surveyed everyone attending. She smiled across at her brother as he sat at the front with his boyfriend Fred by his side. It made her happy to see that Heathen at last felt comfortable to bring a boyfriend home and that they were taking pride of place at the front. Burke was standing by the wedding arch at the front, his smarmy lawyer Andre Wayward by his side. It appeared to Fathom that Burke was saying something very quietly to his lawyer whilst looking at Heathen and Fred. Knowing her father as she did Fathom knew that look he was directing at them, the look of quiet disapproval. Fathom rolled her eyes and continued scanning the room. Mayor Flump and his wife Salamia were in attendance as were a select few of the staff including a flustered looking Mrs Bummerson and a put upon Nannette Bobbins. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel with these Z list guests! Fathom would have organised her wedding with more pizzazz and sparkle. This had all the hallmarks of someone with no class she thought. Not that marriage was on Fathom’s agenda, she didn’t see herself as the marrying type. While she stood there quietly judging another guest arrival caught her attention as Seth Dolby strolled in. Fathom hadn’t seen her ex beau in several years and she her heart momentarily began to race.

The 2 ex lovers smiled at one another. Fathom couldn’t believe how handsome Seth looked. The intervening years they had been apart Seth obviously had been working out and taking care of himself. He looked hot! Perhaps getting back together with him might not be so bad after all Fathom thought. She took a step towards him but then quickly stopped as a pencil thin blonde joined Seth. It was Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen, supermodel extraordinaire and frenemy to Fathom. The two had history from their college days where Ditsy was insanely jealous of Fathom. Their paths had not crossed in a few years either but Fathom decided to have some fun nevertheless. She approached Seth.

This news delighted Fathom. She glanced over at Ditsy who was glaring daggers back at her. She smirked back at her before gently putting her arm on Seth’s arm and gently turning him away from Ditsy and therefore turning her back on Ditsy too.

Before Fathom could say anything else Ditsy marched over to them both with a loud “Ahem!”. Both Fathom and Seth turned around to face her. Fathom continued in her playful manner.

Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen was quick to brush off Fathom’s obvious antagonistic put down.

Seth was marched off by Ditsy to take their seats. Fathom was determined to have the last word and called after him.

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With a clap of thunder and the sound of rain beating against the French windows the wedding began. The guests were seated and Burke stood by the wedding arch. Brystle made her entrance into the ballroom and dazzled everyone with her beauty. Burke was enthralled and gazed lovingly as Brystle stepped towards him in time to her chosen wedding song “My Sims Will Go On” by Deline Cion played eloquently on the grand piano by the hired pianist. All eyes were on Brystle as she approached the wedding arch. Everyone agreed she looked stunning, even Fathom found herself for a split second thinking this too.

 Invited guest, Mayor Ronald Flump too was taken aback by Brystle’s beauty and found himself feeling quite jealous of Burke.

At the back of the room was where invited staff members Nannette Bobbins and Gilda Bummerson stood. Nannette felt so happy for Brystle and did indeed wish her all the best without being jealous at all. Mrs Bummerson was just relieved to have got the wedding cake baked in the nick of time. But due to her time restraints she wasn’t able to change into her chosen wedding outfit and instead ended up wearing a rather mismatched outfit instead.

Brystle and Burke stood facing one another at the wedding arch. No-one else mattered to them at this moment.

Burke took Brystle’s hand in his and began to say his vows before placing a ring on her finger.

Brystle then said her vows and she too had a ring to place on Burke’s finger.

They continued their declarations of love and fidelity before holding together in a tight embrace.

With that there was one final vow of love before the marriage was sealed with a loving kiss.

Burke then swooped Brystle up in his arms to the rapturous applause of (almost) everyone. Brystle was ecstatic. At long last she had become Mrs Burke Simmington.

The guests moved forward to congratulate the happy couple. Lots of handshaking and kissing on cheeks commenced. Amongst the first was Heathen and Fred. Heathen hugged his father then turned to Brystle leaving Fred momentarily alone with Burke. This was the first opportunity Burke had had with Fred after seeing him earlier that morning in the hallway.

An underwear model!! Burke got an immediate feeling about this young man and it wasn’t good. No son of his was going to be seen cavorting around with someone who made living parading around in a pair of tighty whities. He needed to put a plan into action and quickly. Therefore he had a private word with his lawyer and confidante Andre Wayward.

The celebrations continued and Mrs Bummerson was bursting with happiness.

Mayor Flump caught sight of Ditsy Von Klinkerhoffen and was taken aback at how much she looked like his daughter Simvanka.

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As the wedding party progressed Seth sat down with Fathom. He wanted to tell her so much how much he loved her. And he couldn’t wait to hear her to say it back to him, after all that is what his uncle Cyril had told him – that Fathom wanted to get back together. As they talked Ditsy caught sight of them and immediately flew into a rage. She stomped out into the drawing room. Fathom watched her leave the ballroom. Without Ditsy here there was no point in continuing to play flirt with Seth and was determined to get away from him. Seth had other ideas.  

This was Seth all over, always rushing in. It was one of the things that put Fathom off in the first place.

Fathom felt like she had kicked a puppy when she looked at how sad she had made him. It was obvious Seth did still love her as Cyril had said. What Fathom didn’t know was that he had also told Seth the same thing about her!

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As the wedding party continued Fred’s mobile phone rang. He took the call from the withheld number for he knew exactly who it was calling him. This wasn’t really the time to take the call but he knew he would not be able to ignore it. He answered and listened as the caller spoke. He responded with one word answers. Brystle happened to be walking past and noticed him on the phone.

Heathen was caught in a conversation with both Andre Wayward and Mayor Flump when he too looked up and saw Fred on his phone. He looked back after a few moments and saw that Fred was still on the call.

Fred then hung up his phone and put it back into his pocket. Heathen thought that he looked rather uncomfortable. Fred looked around and realised he’s been spotted. He walked towards Heathen.

Fred continued past Heathen and left the room leaving Heathen feeling both hurt and perplexed.

Perhaps it had been a call from Fred’s sister, he was always getting dramatic phonecalls from her. Heathen put it down to that and thought nothing more of it…

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As the evening progressed Burke had a special announcement to make to all the guests. Tonight singing exclusively in the mansion was a global superstar, none other than living legend and country singing sensation Polly Darton. The guests hollered with excitement and cheers and Brystle couldn’t believe it as her favourite singer sauntered into the ballroom and took the microphone.

Everyone gazed in awe as the singing sensation began to warble her way through a medley of her back catalogue.

Brystle held Burke’s hand as Polly sang her favourite song. If only there was an option to slow dance then then this would be the time….

Heathen was on tenterhooks as he waited for his favourite Polly Darton hit and when she burst into song  he jumped for joy.

The party was now in full swing. Brystle couldn’t even begin to wonder how many Motherlode’s Burke had to spend to get Polly to perform on their wedding day but it would have been lots. Polly was loving the adoration and whipped her audience into a frenzy.

As the music continued Burke decided to show off his dancing skills and challenged Andre to a dance off.

 

 

As the dance off continued, Fathom made her way into the drawing room to pick up a drink. Ditsy had been waiting for an opportunity to confront Fathom and decided now was the time. She strutted into the room after her.

A battered and bruised Ditsy left the mansion. Fathom straightened her hair, redid her lipstick and re-joined the party. Boy that fight felt good!

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A short time later major-domo Joseph Flanders was approached by one of the junior help at the mansion. There was an unexpected arrival at the mansion and this person was unknown to the staff member. Joseph felt he was the man to deal with this as no-one should have got past the security gates without an invite. He went into the hall to confront this uninvited guest.

The immaculately dressed woman in the wide brimmed hat turned and faced Joseph and at all at once he realised that the Simmington’s lives were about to change for the worst.

The woman merely smiled at Joseph to say that she simply did not care what he thought. Instead she walked brazenly into the house and made her way down the corridor leading to the ballroom wedding reception.

Joseph knew it was pointless to tell this woman anything. All he knew was that he had failed in his duties to protect his boss.

In the ballroom Brystle and Burke were continuing to enjoy their day blissfully unaware of the approaching storm.

And at that moment the mystery woman made her dramatic entrance.

 

The music stopped, All heads turned towards her.

With the exception of Brystle it dawned on everyone else just who had arrived. Burke was livid and he turned to Andre.

Heathen gasped in shock.

The mystery woman scanned the room smiling triumphantly that her entrance had caused a disruption.

Brystle was at a loss as to who this woman was but it was Fathom who said it.

Texas Simmington had arrived……

Who telephoned Fred? Will Malaudia ever settle back into family life or has Mother Drysdale totally poisoned young Mimsy against her? Will Seth forever be in love with Fathom? And why has Burke’s ex wife Texas returned and what havoc will she cause? Stay tuned for the next episode of Simasty!

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It was finally the morning of the wedding and the Siloli mansion was abuzz with the sound of preparations under way. Whilst Brystle had insisted on a low key wedding, Burke still wanted to ensure that every detail was meticulously carried out. And so as Brystle went down the grand staircase in her silk robe and mule slippers that morning she was a little overwhelmed with all the comings and goings of the servants. Of all the staff at Siloli Brystle felt she had made a connection with Nannette Bobbins, the head of housekeeping.

Nannette, unlike the other staff at Siloli, was not hired by the first Mrs Simmington and as such had no allegiance to her or the rules she had put in place. She felt that the other staff, particularly Joseph and Mrs Bummerson, were unjustly making things hard for Brystle. Nannette had made her decision to be supportive of the future Mrs Simmington from day one and on this happiest of days she went out of her way to brighten Brystle’s morning.

After chatting with Nannette, Brystle returned to her bedroom and got a beautiful surprise as she opened the doors. The room had been totally filled with flowers in the short time she had been gone.

As Brystle took it all in, she was unaware that Burke had crept in the room behind her. He made his presence known by gently kissing her neck. Brystle turned around and gazed at the man she loved.

Burke took Brystle in his arms and pulled her close for a lingering smooch.

Brystle felt more confident than ever in her decision to marry Burke. Last night her telephone conversation with Mayhew was a fading memory. She had made her choice and that choice was to be with Burke. They moved in for one last kiss as boyfriend and girlfriend.

---

Mayhew had arrived at the hospital to collect his wife Malaudia. She was being released after a prolonged stay in the simitarium. Whilst Mayhew was relieved that his wife was well enough to be leaving the hospital, it was also with a heavy heart for deep down he knew he was no longer in love with his wife. He cared for her deeply and she was the mother of his daughter. But for Mayhew the passion was gone in their marriage for he was in love with Brystle.

Mayhew was shown by a friendly nurse to the office of Dr Mick Broscanni, the psymchiatrist who had been treating Malaudia the past year. The two men firmly shook hands as they greeted one another.

Mayhew nodded in acceptance. He could not turn his back on Malaudia at this time.

A few moments later Mick showed Mayhew out into the courtyard at the rear of the hospital. Here a lone Malaudia sat taking in the tranquil garden scenery. Mayhew walked over to join his wife.

Mayhew could see how fragile his wife still was. And as he still cared deeply for her he couldn’t let her feel that she was going to be a let down so he tried to lighten the mood.

Mayhew held his wife’s hand as he nodded and looked away from her. Malaudia meanwhile was having serious anxious doubts.

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Heathen was dressed in his wedding suit already. He had decided on a fabulous red tuxedo number and hoped his bold choice of colour would not upstage the bride. It would probably infuriate his father but that was his problem not Heathen’s. Besides Heathen was feeling on top of the world right now and he wanted to express himself through his outfits.

As he descended the grand staircase Joseph, the major-domo of the house, appeared.

Heathen told Joseph that would not be necessary. Whilst Fred was an unexpected arrival Heathen was glad that he was here. When he had left San Myshuno to return home it had not been on the best of terms with Fred. The pair were lovers and whilst it had only been for a relatively short time it had been intense. When Fred had been persistent in advising Heathen to accept the wedding invitation and to make up with his father, Heathen had got angry and left the city after a blazing row.

But now after everything had worked out with his father, for the time being at least, Heathen wanted to tell Fred that he had been right all along in urging Heathen to come home. And so he rushed to the drawing room to greet his lover. Heathen took Fred by the hand and led him to the sofa where they sat together.

The young men giggled as they got up from the sofa. Both were in a very flirty mood by this stage.  Suddenly Fred took Heathen in his arms and pulled him close for an impromptu kiss that took Heathen by total surprise.

They both came up for air, Heathen’s heart racing. And he knew right there that he was in love with Fred Rimmard. Did Fred feel the same way?

After much passionate smooching, Heathen led Fred out of the drawing room. Joseph was re-arranging some flowers in the hallway when he saw the young Simmington heir take the young man up the grand stairway, no doubt leading him to his boudoir for some raw, passionate woohoo making. There was no doubt about it. Heathen definitely took after his mother when it came to men…

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Later that morning young Mimsy Drysdale was spending time with her granny, Mother Drysdale, in the kitchen of their new home.

Mimsy loved spending time with her grandmother and vice versa. For Mother Drysdale this past year had been invaluable bonding time with her grand-daughter. It was over this period that the spiteful woman had been poisoning the impressionable young girl’s mind against her mother Malaudia. Mother Drysdale was confident that young Mimsy would totally shun her mother and hopefully that would be instrumental in sending Malaudia back to the simitarium. If not, Mother had a few tricks up her sleeve. But for now she was enjoying watching her grand-daughter wash up in the kitchen.

The vindictive old woman loved her nectar and would drink a bottle a day. So what if it was only noon now and she was already on her 3rd glass? Mimsy wouldn’t tell on her. Mother had seen to that with her emotional blackmail – if Mimsy ever told on granny then she would have to go away and Mimsy would be left all alone and she wouldn’t want that would she?

Mimsy was quite joyful today and suddenly mentioned her mother for the first time in weeks.

Any mention of Malaudia from Mimsy was shot down quite quickly. Mother would not allow any form of an attachment to commence.

It was then they heard Mayhew’s car pull up into the drive. Mimsy quickly ran into the hall.

Outside Mayhew and Malaudia approached the front door. Malaudia paused and took in the building for it was a home she did not know.

Once inside Mimsy rushed to hug her father but did not say anything to Malaudia. As her daughter hugged Mayhew, Malaudia took in her surroundings. Mother Drysdale approached them from the kitchen.

Mayhew saw that Mimsy’s indifference and comment had stung Malaudia and he tried to reassure her as Mimsy babbled on.

Malaudia nodded and continued to look around. Mayhew looked at his mother and shook his head for he didn’t know what else to say. Mother Drysdale was not one lost for words.

Mother Drysdale then turned to Malaudia and did what she did best – continuing to be a two faced witch to her daughter-in-law.

As soon as her family were out if sight in the living room the fake smile vanished from the unforgiving old woman’s face.

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The wedding was just an hour away and some guests were arriving. Per Brystle’s request, the wedding had been kept quite low key. Guests were kept to a bare minimum. No magazine photospread of the nuptials. In fact, a sizeable donation to a charity of Brystle’s choice, The Foundation for Underachieving Children, Kids Or Famished Families, was made instead.

However there were a few guests Burke had deemed a necessity to come. Such as the Flump couple, Ronald and Salamia. Ronald was the Mayor of the city and considered himself to be of vast importance. Burke normally couldn’t stand the man but Ronald, through his political connections, had been instrumental in securing the contracts in the South Shang Simla Sea Leases . This was a multi-billion deal between Burke’s company and the Shang Simla government that allowed the tankers of WindenburgSimmington to pass through the busy trading route of the ocean that was part of Shang Simla. Of course Ronald, being a corrupt businessman as well as a so called politician had pocketed quite a few Simoleons himself through the deal, a fact he liked to brag about.

Burke smiled and looked over at the silent Salamia. She was completely vacant. How could anyone compare her to his sweet Brystle?

Just then Burke caught sight of his son coming down the stairs with a young man Burke was unfamiliar with. Burke made a mental note to question Heathen later about who this young man was. Heathen meanwhile caught sight of the notorious Flumps and nudged Fred to tell them who they were. Fred, who was now dressed in a spare suit of Heathen’s snorted with laughter at what Heathen was whispering to him.

Burke turned his attention back to Ronald who was continuing to boast and brag about himself.

As Ronald continued talking himself up and Salamia clapped her hands in glee as the money rained down on the floor, Heathen couldn’t help point out to Fred through hushed giggling about the inadequate size of Ronald’s lower extremities.

As the Flumps were arriving, Fathom was wandering the house feeling bored. She had dressed for the wedding even though she had knowledge, through overhearing a telephone conversation the previous evening, that could potentially cause the cancelation of the whole thing. For now Fathom had not decided what she would do with that knowledge and instead had been drawn to the kitchen’s of Siloli mansion and the wonderful smells of Mrs Bummerson’s baking.

With one quick swoop Fathom cut herself a large piece of cake. She was about to leave when she looked at the wedding topper again. The 2 intertwined hearts and what they symbolized infuriated her knowing what she did. Fathom took the topper of the cake and shoved it entirely into her mouth before taking her cake and eating it.

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Meanwhile upstairs Brystle, with the help of Nanette, had finished getting ready for her pending nuptials to Burke. She was feeling both excited and nervous at the same time. Her wedding hour was finally upon her.

Nanette followed Brystle as she took a seat on the couch. Brystle kept crossing her legs and tapping her fingers. She was clearly nervous so Nanette tried her best to keep her mind focused.

Brystle stood up and grabbed her phone from the dressing table. She realised there was a call she had to make. Without waiting for Nanette to leave the room she dialled the number she thought she would never call again.

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Meanwhile downstairs, Joseph had discovered the half eaten wedding cake in the kitchen. With only moments to go before the wedding he had to break the bad news to Mrs Bummerson.

Joseph remained stern and Mrs Bummerson knew this was no prank. The full horror of what had happened quickly descended upon her…

Will Mrs Bummerson get to make another cake on time? Was Nanette being sincere about not being jealous at all? Why are Ronald’s feet so small? And what will Mother Drysdale do next to poor Malaudia? Tune in for the next episode where some of these questions may get answered….

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Brystle at last made a friend in the Simmington mansion when she met and bonded with Burke’s estranged son Heathen for the first time.

Across town millionaire playboy Seth Dolby arrived back from living the highlife in gambling city Lucky Palms. His amorous rendezvous with DolbyDoh stewardess Minus Manners was interrupted by his uncle Cyril Dolby who convinced him that heiress Fathom Simmington wanted to get back with him. Cyril knows that his nephew has always loved Fathom and his secret plan to get inside information on business rival Burke Simmington’s company is one step closer.

WindenburgSimmington lawyer ,and good friend of Burke, Andre Wayward tried to convince Burke to have Brystle sign a prenuptial agreement prior to the wedding but Burke was having known of it. Andre also presented Burke with a dossier on Brystle which Burke refused to read. Andre secretly plans to get Brystle to sign the agreement with or without Burke’s approval.

Fathom reunited with her brother Heathen and the siblings reminisced about their lives together and where their long absent mother could be…

And on the eve of her wedding Brystle had a meeting with former flame, and current employee of WindenburgSimmington, Mayhew Drysdale. Mayhew declared that he was still in love with her but Brystle could not bring herself to say that she didn’t love him. Now in a state of confusion Brystle must make her choice before her wedding in a few short hours…

And now read on for the next exciting chapter….

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Burke Simmington was in the west wing drawing room of Siloli, his mansion and family home. Preparations for the wedding were well under way and the staff, led by major-domo Joseph Flanders, were seeing to it that the day would go by without a hitch. Mrs Bummerson was preparing a gargantuan banquet, Nannette Bobbins was organising the flowers and assisting Brystle with her dress. Joseph would be taking care of every other detail and orchestrating the rest of the help at Siloli. Now that the wedding was taken care of, Burke was spending some moments contemplating the mega deal that his company, WindenburgSimmington, had just completed with the government of Shang Simla for the South Simla Sea leases. This contract would allow Burke’s tankers to pass through the waters of Shang Simla but had come at multi-million Simoleon cost. There was a lot hinging on the success of this deal, one wrong move and it could be disastrous for the company…

Burke shuddered at the thought and poured himself a drink. As he was doing that he heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind. A scent of  sweet fragrant  men’s cologne filled the air. Burke knew it to be his son, Heathen.

Burke considered this for a moment. He didn’t want to be too hard on the boy. Yes he had made mistakes in the past but he had come here in an effort to reconcile. Burke softened a little and guided his son to the nearest couch.

Heathen sighed, this was not going well. It didn’t take much for his father to get so irate with him. Yes he had written a non too flattering biopic of his father a few years back but Heathen thought Burke would have forgiven, if not forgotten, him for that. It was the fallout from that character assassinating book that had resulted in Heathen departing Siloli mansion and making his own way in San Myshuno city. 

A momentary silence passed between father and son before Burke spoke again. Heathen had always suspected his father did not approve of his attraction to male Sims and this just proved it. O.k. there had been several men in and out of his life whilst living in the city but so what? Heathen was absolutely comfortable with who he was as a fabulous Sim and he would not allow himself to be hurt by his father anymore. Without shouting or getting angry Heathen spoke with gentle authority. With that Heathen triumphantly left the room. At that moment Burke never felt so proud of his son as he did right now. No longer was he the meek and timid little boy he remembered but a strong, independent and fabulous adult.

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Further down the corridor Andre Wayward had been just about to leave when he met Brystle as she arrived home form her meeting with Mayhew in the park. Andre decided to seize his chance about getting Brystle to sign the prenuptial and guided her quickly back into Burke’s study.

The money did not matter to Brystle, Burke surely knew that. So why was he getting his lawyer to force her to sign this prenup? Brystle shrugged her shoulders and signed the first screen. Andre smiled as she did this and he tapped with his well manicured fingernails each screen that came up with lines and lines of legal information. Brystle didn’t care at all. She came into Burke’s life with nothing and if she had to, she would leave with nothing too.

Fifteen minutes later they were done. Brystle gave Andre an icy stare before leaving the study and going upstairs.to her room. This had been one heck of a day.

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Before dinner was served Brystle had had a change of clothes and was catching up on some alone time in one of the sitting rooms of Siloli. Her earlier meeting with Mayhew had made her realise that she was having conflicting thoughts about her feelings. She was torn between two men. One was Burke her fiancé and the love of her life. The other was Mayhew, her former lover with thighs that could crush walnuts. She always believed her feelings for Mayhew were through but seeing him again earlier in those tight shorts had gotten her all a quiver.

It was whilst having these salacious thoughts about the part of Mayhew’s body betwixt his hips and knees that Fathom strutted into the room with a smirk on her face. Brystle had been expecting this. Earlier that morning in the hallway Fathom had remarked she would be catching up with Brystle that evening. It looked like this was the time.

Fathom took the couch facing Brystle and regarded her the way a cat would a mouse.

Brystle rolled her eyes and shook her head. Fathom was being impossible as usual.

Fathom could see that Brystle was not going to listen but she continued on anyway. Her devil-may-care attitude gave her the courage in life to say things that she perhaps shouldn’t.

Fathom could see from the look on Brystle’s face that she was right. Andre had approached her to sign a prenup. She decided to move in for the kill…

There it was , murder! This was what Fathom had resorted to, claiming her father had murdered her mother and some of his other girlfriends and Brystle was furious. She knew it to be utter trash, a horror story in a last ditch attempt to frighten her off. Well Brystle was not having it and wasn’t going to hold back from telling Fathom so.

For once Fathom was lost for words. She hadn’t expected Brystle to bite back like that as normally she was too delicate and Fathom believed her to have no back bone. Would she tell her father? Fathom could not tell. Instead she gave a smirk and then left the room.

Brystle sat back and let out a sigh. Fathom was hard work but she felt she had won this battle, if not the war. Somehow she got the feeling that Fathom’s next attack would be stronger. Brystle didn’t have to wait long. Half an hour later as she was getting dressed in her evening attire for dinner Fathom barged into her room without knocking and round two commenced….

Brystle could not believe her ears! Fathom was actually prepared to buy her off. This cheap insult infuriated Brystle and she exploded in anger. Not literally of course but she had few choice words to say to her future step daughter.

By now both women were at boiling point and Fathom took a step forward jabbing her finger at her future step mother.

Brystle raised her hand as she prepared to slap Fathom across the face. She was so incensed with rage now. First she had been bribed to leave and now there were accusations that she was fake. But she took a deep breath and lowered her hand. She could not bring her self to hit Burke’s daughter despite feeling the overwhelming urge to do so. Instead she yelled at Fathom to leave.

Fathom took another step closer and with her face a snarl she hissed in Brystle’s face.

After Fathom left the bedroom, Brystle was overcome with emotion. She quickly crumpled into tears. Her sobbing filled the room and her crystal tears fell heavily to the floor.

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A weary Mayhew Drysdale shut down his computer for the night and stretched his arms above his head. He had returned from his early evening rendezvous with Brystle and continued with some reports he had to write up in his role as business executive at WindenburgSimmington. Recently he had earned a huge promotion at the company, bypassing several rungs of the career ladder. Mayhew, whilst being a conscientious worker, found it incredible he had been promoted to such a high level.  But with the promotion came a tonne of more work leaving Mayhew exhausted most nights.

He left his study and checked in his sleeping daughter Mimsy. Mayhew smiled as he tucked her in for the night. She meant the world to him.

Mayhew quietly left the room and went through to the kitchen. It was late but he still felt the need for a coffee. As he was brewing it his mother, who had recently decided to move in with her son, joined him in the kitchen.

Mother Drysdale, as she liked to be called, was very protective of both her son and grand-daughter. That level of protectiveness however did not extend to her daughter-in-law. She felt Malaudia to be the wrong match for Mayhew from the very start of the marriage. Years later and after Malaudia’s multiple stays in a simitarium Mother Drysdale felt she had been right all along. The fatigue etched on her son’s face confirmed this. 

Mayhew sat beside his mother at the kitchen island and sighed.

Mother Drysdale could see her son was no longer happy or in love with Malaudia. It was time to make her feelings known about the woman.

Mayhew pondered on this for a moment. Whilst he would never leave Malaudia to rot in the simitarium there was no denying that he no longer was in love with his wife. But what to do about it? 

Mayhew bid his mother goodnight and went off to bed leaving the elder Sim alone with her wicked thoughts…

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Burke, Brystle, Fathom and Heathen had gathered for dinner in the grand dining room of Siloli mansion. Both the Simmington siblings were in good form with Heathen laughing and joking while his sister had a mischievous glint in her eye. Brystle looked like her mind was elsewhere. Burke was happy to see everyone seated around the table for the first time.

Heathen sensed that Fathom was itching to pick on Brystle so he quickly moved to diplomatically ease the situation.

Fathom continued smirking and Heathen knew his sister was far from done.

Burke could see his wife-to-be was visibly uncomfortable and therefore decided to reign his daughter in.

Just then Joseph Flanders, the major-domo of Siloli, entered the dining-room and made his way over to Burke.

Joseph nodded and went to pour some of the finest nectar a Sim could by. As he passed Brystle, and being a snobby Sim, he couldn’t let an opportunity go by to subtlety test her lack of knowledge of the finer things in life.

Fathom was far from subtle though.

Brystle abruptly stood up and excused herself from the table. 

As Brystle made her exit Fathom seemed to delight in it.

And at this point Burke slammed his fist onto the table.

Burke got up and went after Brystle. Fathom merely shrugged her shoulders. Heathen couldn’t help but notice a sly smirk from Joseph to Fathom and he made a note of this. Outside Brystle hurried along the corridor as Burke came after her.

Brystle decided to be honest with Burke about her thoughts on Fathom.

But right now she was having serious doubts….

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And so late that night as the household fell quiet, Brystle was alone in her bedroom. Burke was sleeping in a separate room as it was only proper to do so the night before the wedding. Brystle was about to go to bed when her phone rang. She recognised the number thought it wasn’t saved on her phone. It was Mayhew. She was in two minds as to whether to answer it or not but there was a voice inside her telling her she needed to hear Mayhew’s voice again. She pressed accept on the phone. At first the there was a bunch of static white noise coming through before a clicking noise and then at last she heard his voice.

It felt such a huge relief to finally admit that to Mayhew and the pair continued talking. 

Unbeknownst to Brystle, there was a reason for the static noise and clicking she heard when she answered her phone. That reason was because there was someone listening in on her conversation from another room in the house…

Brystle Hemmings is preparing for her marriage to billionaire Burke Simmington. She faces hostility from all sides in his mansion, either from the staff or from Burke’s spoiled daughter Fathom. Brystle is worried that a past indiscretion may come to light…. Fathom meanwhile was overwhelmed by Brystle’s cheap perfume and sought comfort with potential sugar daddy Cyril Dolby, business rival to her father Burke. Cyril brushed off Fathom’s amorous advances and urged her to marry her former boyfriend, who is also his nephew, Seth…. Meanwhile Burke’s estranged son Heathen returned to the family mansion for his father’s wedding and is unsure if he will be able to reconcile with his father….

And now, read on for the next juicy chapter….

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Brystle knocked back the remains of her Brindleton Bay Iced tea and took a deep breath. This was the day before her wedding, she should be celebrating. Yet here she was all alone in Burke’s study in Siloli mansion with not a friend in the entire 48 rooms of the house. The snidey comments from Joseph the major-domo had stung. He referred to Brystle as replaceable, did that mean there had been multiple women in Burke’s life? Had they all been replaced whenever Joseph was displeased? There had only been 1 previous Mrs Simmington as far Brystle knew and she had abandoned her husband and children years ago, never to be seen or heard of since. But what part had Joseph in all of this? Was he such an influence on Burke? Brystle had no clue but the fact that Joseph knew, or implied he knew, something about Brystle’s past made her alarmed. For she knew her previous affair with married man, and employee of Burke, Mayhew Drysdale would cause a rift between her and Burke. The affair had been brief and it was before she and Burke got together but Brystle knew that any new headlines of the new Mrs Simmington sleeping with her husband’s employees would not sit well at all. There was only one thing to do and that was to see Mayhew.

Brystle left he study and walked through the never-ending corridors of Siloli mansion. It truly was cavernous. She still had trouble finding her way about and had once got lost for several hours just trying to locate the nearest bathroom. Eventually after much wandering she found herself in the grand ballroom, the most luxurious of all rooms in Siloli. It wasn’t where she needed to be and was about to turn to leave when she heard a soft male voice from behind her.

Brystle, at first startled, turned and faced the young man. His delicate features matched the softness of his voice. She knew who he was even though they had not met.

And so Heathen took his seat at the grand piano and started to play. Almost immediately Brystle was captivated by the melody, it was mesmerizing. She was also captivated by the very movements of Heathen’s fingers across the ivories.  Heathen continued to play effortlessly and with precision. Brystle took a seat beside him and waited until he had finished. 

Heathen took a seat by Brystle and the two started chatting away like they had known each other for years.  After spending time getting to know one another and brightening one another’s day Heathen started to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He even felt that there would be a chance to make amends with Burke.

At last Brystle felt that she had made a positive connection with another individual in the house other than Burke. It was a weight off her heavily shoulder padded shoulders but there was still the matter of Mayhew to sort out and that was where she had to go next. But first she needed an outfit change….

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Millionaire playboy ,and heir to the DolbyDoh fortunes ,Seth Dolby was entertaining his latest female acquaintance, the delightful Minus Manners. He had met her only recently, about an hour ago to be precise, on a flight into San Myshuno International Airport aboard the private DolbyDoh jet. Seth had been returning from an extended stay in the hedonistic gambling city of Lucky Palms. Minus had just started her first day on the job as the DolbyDoh jet’s stewardess and couldn’t believe her luck when the handsome playboy began flirting with her. 

Once the flight landed Seth whisked her off in his waiting limo. In the back of the limo they could barely keep their hands off one another and smooched passionately all the way to Seth’s apartment. Once there they continued their afternoon amorous activities including a steamy shower together. Afterwards the flirting continued with Seth showing off his fine physique…

They took their canoodling to the couch where Minus proceeded to demonstrate the power of her hands by giving Seth a sensual massage.

As things got steamy in the apartment, Seth’s uncle Cyril was arriving to pay his nephew an unexpected visit following his earlier meeting with Fathom at the art gallery.

Being a very forthright man, Cyril let himself into the apartment without knocking. Seth was surprised but happy to see his uncle and quickly leapt up to welcome him. Minus was less than impressed by this intrusion not realising that Cyril was the CEO and founder of DolbyDoh. In other words her boss!

Seth then introduced Minus to his uncle. Minus spoke politely and hid her annoyance rather well. Cyril ,however, viewed the girl with disdain for he had come here on a mission -he had plans for Seth. No 2 bit, good time girl was going to get in his way. 

Seth offered his uncle a seat as he himself sat back down on the sofa. Seizing his chance Cyril leapt forward and positioned himself nicely on the couch in between the prospective lovers.

The penny dropped for Minus and she realised who this older man was. She quickly got up and scurried herself off to the bedroom. Cyril turned his attention to Seth.

Seth got up from the sofa. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing from his uncle. Cyril had never disapproved of Seth’s playboy antics before and had in fact actively encouraged Seth to go out and enjoy himself as much as possible. 

Cyril still had a plan to see through. As this stern father tactic was not working he decided to try a different approach.

Seth stopped in his tracks. Right then and there Cyril knew he had him in the palm of his hand. Seth had always loved Fathom and no other woman could fill the emptiness she had left behind when they broke up all those years ago. This was going to be easier than he thought.

And with that, Cyril left the apartment satisfied in the knowledge that he had successfully sown the seed of his deception in Seth’s mind. His nephew had never settled with any girl following the break up with Fathom when they were teenagers. His heart belonged to her. Fathom just had to play her part now. Cyril knew that deep down Fathom had feelings for Seth though she would not admit it. But she was a fickle girl and if Seth behaved like a love sick puppy then Fathom would probably run for the hills and his plan to take over Burke’s company WindenburgSimmington would be over before it had begun…

Seth was left in a state of total confusion. He had not seen much of Fathom these past couple of years save for what he read about her on online gossip columns. She had broken off with Seth claiming she was bored of him so to learn that she had been in love with him all this time seemed unreal. He staggered into his bedroom where the scantily dressed Minus waited for him but his thoughts were now of Fathom. 

Minus was about to say something but instead Seth took her in his arms and began intensely smooching her. Minus did not complain, not even when Seth whispered another woman’s name in her ear…

And then after a false start, Minus finally got her man into bed. He may have been thinking of another woman but Minus was determined to show Seth the time of his life and woohoo his brains out.

 

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As it was the eve of his wedding Burke had decided to leave the office early. Being the CEO and founder of a global corporation meant he still had a lot of matters to see to and as such he had his right hand man with him in his study, lawyer and good friend Andre Wayward.  

Andre and Burke went back years and Burke had given Andre his first job straight out of law school. Andre had stood by Burke over the years and helped him build WindenburgSimmington into the mega global corporation it now was. A very resourceful lawyer, Andre has found the means to help Burke out of any sticky situation be it work or personal. It is this lifelong friendship that has made Andre look out for Burke and to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the billionaire. Including potential new wives…

Andre was of course referring to Burke’s first marriage. That Mrs Simmington had been paid off with a small fortune to leave Windenburg and never return. Whilst it hadn’t financially ruined Burke the scandal of it all almost did.

Andre hadn’t anticipated this response from Burke. His friend and client was always one step ahead of anyone at anytime, always pre-empting his opponent’s every move. That was how he had become so successful. To see him like this throwing caution to the wind was unheard of. Just what had Brystle done to him? Andre persisted with the prenuptial agreement.

Andre sighed, there would be no changing Burke’s mind. This was more like him, always sticking to his guns on something he believed in. Only this time Andre feared this would end up costing him dearly. And he wanted to state for the record his opinion on the matter. Burke considered the file momentarily before shaking his head.

Andre too shook his head but in pure disbelief that Burke was behaving like this. He shook his friend’s hand told him while he disagreed with his decision he wished nothing but the best for him and Brystle. But, as every good lawyer knows, keeping a poker face when hiding the truth is the key to being a success. Andre’s thoughts were not what he was vocalising.

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Across town Brystle had gone to Central Park. She had gone there in the hope of meeting someone who she knew to frequent the park for his post work / early evening jog. She stood in the gazebo and gazed at all the happy couples casually strolling through the park. Everyone seemed so joyful, without any cares. Why didn’t Brystle feel this way? It was her wedding tomorrow, she was to be a bride, she should be euphoric. But there was something pressing on her mind. 

It was getting late, there were rain clouds rolling in. Just when she thought he wouldn’t show, there was the sound of footsteps on the wooden gazebo behind her. The smell of musky cologne filled the air, it was the type that had a ship on the bottle. Brystle salivated at the whiff of it knowing who was wearing that all too familiar scent. 

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Heathen had been notified from Joseph that his sister Fathom had returned home and she was having cocktails on the lanai by the swimming pool. He had also instructed the house staff not to inform Fathom that he was here already as he wanted to surprise his sister. So after slipping into some outdoor gear Heathen made his way to the lanai.

After spending a few moments reminiscing the siblings sat down together. Heathen looked around at the house and a wealth of memories came flooding back, not all of them were pleasant.

The mention of Heathen’s boyfriend Fred was obviously a sore point. Fathom was keen to learn more but knowing that Heathen would clam up she decided not to pursue the subject for now. Heathen was already keen to move the conversation along.

The siblings laughed and joked like old times. Heathen made a promise to hang around for a while after the wedding which delighted Fathom. 

After a few cocktails they both ended up flat on their backs looking up at the towering trees that were in the Siloli grounds. The conversation by now was less frivolous and for the first time Heathen touched upon a subject that had always been taboo for them both.

They both lay in silence for a while after that for what else could be said about the woman who had seemingly abandoned them as children? It was something that had haunted them as they grew up, the absent mother who never made contact with her children again. Whilst Fathom seemed she could care less whether or not she would see her again, Heathen always believed that their mother would one day return. Perhaps that day would be sooner than he thought…..

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Across town at Central Park, Brystle was with her former lover Mayhew….

Brystle turned and faced Mayhew. He looked super hot in his skimpy short shorts. She tried to avert her eyes.

Joseph’s insinuation that he knew something had fuelled Brystle’s anxiety and was the reason she had come here to ask Mayhew that question. That and to catch one final glimpse of those rock hard thighs….She was trying her best but her eyes were being drawn south…. 

Brystle felt that she was being torn in two. Her love for Burke was great but seeing those thighs of Mayhew’s again had set her pulse racing. There was only one way to deal with it and that was to cut Mayhew loose.

Mayhew looked crestfallen. Brystle felt so guilty for upsetting him. She sat herself next to him on the bench.

Mayhew was right. At that moment she realised she still had feelings for Mayhew all along. Was it love? Was it possible to be in love with 2 Sims at the same time? 

Sensing he had hit a nerve Mayhew got up to leave. A rain cloud suddenly burst in the sky over them and a downpour ensued.

With that he ran out of the gazebo into the rain and vanished from her sight. 

Brystle stood and looked out across the rain soaked city. A storm was fast approaching. And it appeared to Brystle at that moment that there would be no sunshine for her after all…..

 

Will Brystle ever get to see Mayhew’s magnificent manly thighs again? Can we just get to her wedding already?  What information has Andre discovered on Brystle? What is the name of the first Mrs Simmington? And will Seth make a total tit of himself declaring his love for Fathom? Stay tuned for the next exciting episode!

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