Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 100

DEMI

"You had me followed?" I ask him as my eyebrows knit in a frown. "Is that what we’re doing now, Ashely? You’ve got someone tailing your wife now?"

"Don’t evade the topic. I didn’t have you followed. Someone saw you and sent me this picture?"

"Who? Why would they care that I visited a colleague from work if you didn’t put them up to it?" Who could have taken this photo? What else did they see?

"You’re stalling, Demi." Ashley growls angrily. "I need to know why you had the guts to go pay Josh and Kristy a visit after everything that happened here when Josh visited. I told you to stay away from Josh, told you what he did to my brother but you disregarded everything and went to pay a visit to our enemy. WHY?"

"I also told you not to drag me into whatever issues you all have with Josh. I bear no grudge against him. He’s been nothing but kind towards me. He’s helped me a lot to navigate the complexities of my role at work while Asher drives me crazy every day in the office. I went over to Josh’s place to apologize again for the humiliation he suffered here. I wanted him to know that I wasn’t in on it nor did I enjoy watching that shit show."

Ashley narrows his eyes at me. "What exactly is going on between you two, Demi?"

"What are you insinuating?"

"I saw you. You were smiling malevolently when Josh showed up for lunch. It was almost like you knew how much it would upset us to have him here and was excited to see everything unfold."

He saw me? Does he think I know the truth about josh’s paternity? I move to clear his doubt.

"I smiled at seeing my work friend, Ashley. Since when did you become an expert at reading people’s smiles or facial expressions?" I sigh tiredly. "You’re still mad over the test results and now you’re resorting to making things up just to make me the bad guy. I also watched you that night when your father called me names. You stood there and didn’t bother to defend me. It was almost like you agreed with everything he said about me. I chose to give you the benefit of doubt rather than reading meanings into your blank face and inaction. I guess I was a fool to not pick a fight first."

Ashley slips his phone in his pocket.

"You went over to Nicci’s that night, didn’t you?" I try to distract him from his suspicions towards me and Josh.

He straightens his shoulders. "Yes, I did."

I shake my head from side to side. He didn’t even try to deny it.

"You must really love her."

"Maybe I do. You make it really easy for me to desire her, Demi. At least with her, I can be certain that I am wanted, appreciated. I have cut ties with her and pushed her to the back burner all for you and what did I get in return? Nothing! You say you’re willing to have a life with me but at the first chance you get, you push me away. You constantly remind me that I am not my brother. Why should I stick around you like glue, waiting and praying that you would one day not mix my name up with Ashton’s or desire me instead of him?"

"I agree that I haven’t been easy to deal with but running back to your ex? The same woman who tormented you as Shay? That’s more than desperate, Ashley. That’s pathetic." When I stand to go into my bathroom and freshen up, he grabs my wrist. There’s murder in his eyes. "What are you doing? Let go of me!"

"You will stay away from Josh Randall and his mother! That’s an order!"

"And if I don’t? Would you hurt me?" My eyes flash angrily at him. "Would you also hurt your father too? Last I checked, he also doesn’t consider Josh an enemy of this family so why is no one giving him grief over their closeness?"

Ashley’s grip loosens and I wrench my wrist free. "For the last time, Ash, don’t drag me into your war. Josh is my friend. I won’t desert him because you hate him, not unless he gives me a personal reason to."

"It’s already personal. He tried to kill Ashton. Do you really not care even for him? I thought you loved him?"

My hands freeze on the door knob. Why is he so desperate to make me desert Josh that he is even willing to use my weakness for Ashton?

"You’ve got to stop doing that. I am not a fool that will not stick to my guns just because Ashton is mentioned. I’ve told you, Ashton and I have moved past that. Stop trying to use him to get me to change my mind about things. It’s not going to work. One last thing, tell your informant or private investigator to stay the hell away from me. I don’t have anyone following your every move even though it hurts me where you end up going most times. You are already cheating on me. The least you can do is not treat me like a fucking property by having me followed!"

I leave him and slam the bathroom door behind me. A long sigh escapes my lips. I can’t wait for this night to end.

My frustrations really begin as the new week ushers in a swing of preparations for Ashton and Mila’s engagement ceremony. Father is having the event at one of his biggest hotel chains, Rollins Towers. Every day, I lose track of how wealthy my new family is. Keeping up with their assets is a full-time sport. I try to distract myself with work and keeping in touch with Liam.

Asher hasn’t said a word to me since I threatened him on the phone and I am afraid of guessing why. He isn’t one to easily back down because of a small threat, unless my threat wasn’t as small as I thought.

He has been going about work like a robot. Even Nessa shuffles to my office to ask if all is well with Asher as he refuses to open up to her. I assure her that nothing has happened to the best of my knowledge that would warrant his moodiness and leave it at that. Inwardly, I am happy he fell for my trap, until Anna calls me.

I rush into the restroom and ensure all the stalls are empty before taking the call. This is the first time she is returning my call after she walked me out of her house to spend time with her new boyfriend, Asher. I have a few things to get off my chest but as I prepare to lash at her, her teary voice scares me. She’s crying?

"Anna, slow down. What’s wrong?"

"Asher won’t talk to me. He thinks I divulged the secret of his medical condition to you and refuses to talk to me."

"Wait, you knew about that? Anna, why didn’t you tell me?"

"Because I don’t believe in using people’s ailments against them like that, Demi and that’s all you would have done. He has a brain tumor and he’s scared of getting treated. I know how he feels. My dad was equally terrified about it. It’s one of the reasons why I bonded with Asher because I saw a different side of him that he hides from the world. He isn’t all bad, Demi. He’s my friend whom I eventually fell in love with. I know this wasn’t the plan but I can’t help it."

"Anna, he can never be loyal to you." I remind her with a hand to my chest.

"You think I don’t know that? I am not foolish. I know about Nessa. I don’t expect him to marry me ever, Demi. I know the reality of our situation. I just love him and I am okay with him loving me back."

"You can’t change him, Anna. I know you believe you can change him one day but you can’t. You risked your life for him and he didn’t change. Helping him to save his life won’t do that either. He has a single goal; to please his father and protect his family. He will never factor you in one day."

"I have made peace with that, Demi, just as you have accepted that you and Ashton can never be together the way you want. I simply enjoy the time I spend with Asher and the version of him that only I get to see. Nothing else matters. I can protect myself. I’d probably get sick of him one day or find someone I can do life with but till then, I want to promise you that my relationship with Asher will never compromise the promise I made to you. Your secrets will always be safe with me. You have nothing to worry about."

I want to believe her but I can’t. She withheld information that could have been useful to Liam and I. Who knows what other secrets she’s keeping.

"I don’t know if I can believe that, Anna. You’re head over heels in love with the man who poses the biggest threat to me in that family. What if he threatens to leave you if you don’t give him some incriminating evidence against me? You literally just called me to convince him to keep seeing you, right? You want me to assure him that you didn’t betray him. Who’s to say you won’t throw me under the bus the next time he plays mind games like this with you?"

Anna hisses a breath. "I don’t know how else to convince you. If it makes you feel any better, I will report back whatever information I can siphon from him which can be useful to you and Liam."

"No! He’s very smart. If he suspects you’re working against him, he could hurt you really bad. Don’t do anything. Have your fun with him and keep my secrets to yourself no matter what. That’s all I ask." She thanks me. "I’ll go talk to him and make sure he gets the facts straight. Stop crying for him. He is not the catch in this relationship; you are. Don’t you ever forget that!" Anna laughs before I hang up.

With a long sigh, I barge into Asher’s office, startling Nessa who is hunched over his desk, showing him something on an iPad.

"Don’t you know how to knock?" He snaps at me.

"It’s urgent sir."

"The next time you want to enter my office, knock and don’t come in until I tell you to."

"Yes sir." I continue to stare at him and Nessa.

He seems to understand my eyes and asks Nessa to excuse us. There’s a hint of worry in her eyes as she leaves the room. I edge closer to his desk.

"And they say women are the dramatic ones. Did you seriously have to put up this act and give Anna the silent treatment just to get back at me? She never told me anything about your..." He glances at me when I hesitate. Maybe I do feel a bit sorry for him.

"If she didn’t tell you, how did you find out?" His eyes narrow to slits. "Nessa. Of course she did."

"Nessa would quit her job and move out of Danvarr before she betrays you." I shake my head. "Word of advice? If you don’t want people clueing in on something you want to keep a secret, don’t make them suspicious. I have walked in on you taking pills more than once and though I didn’t think much of it, your reaction every time gave you up. I found one of the pills lying on the floor and did my research. Voila. There, I said it."

He leans back on his chair. "Thank you for your honesty."

"Call Anna. Don’t play with her emotions like that."

"You’re right. I am bad news for her. I probably should end things."

The bastard. Now, he wants to end things when she’s desperate for him? The cocky grin on his face affirms what a jerk he is.

"Whatever. She’ll get over you in a week or two. I never liked you for her anyway." And just like I expect him to, he calls Anna before I can leave.

"I’m so sorry, baby, I should have trusted you." He gives me a dismissive wave when I turn back to glare at him. Of course he would lay it thick now to spite me. He’s so predictable sometimes. I knew he would do exactly the opposite of what I want. Knowing I’d prefer Anna be rid of him, he succumbs to dating her. Asshole.

He later texts me not to divulge his secret but instead of a backup threat, he leaves it at that to my surprise.

I have my lunch in the cafeteria with Amber. She is happy to see that I am doing okay after everything she shared with me. Josh also comes over to join us to Amber’s surprise. I make the introductions and we all have our meals. Shortly after, Amber leaves us to return to her office.

"Aren’t you having lunch with the chairman today?" I ask him.

"Not for a while. I have other friends that deserve my attention too."

I can tell he is still mad at father for not defending him. This is my chance to swoop him.

"I’d be mad too if I were you."

"What?"

"I get it. If I spent that much time with the chairman to the point that people mistake us for father and son, I’d expect he would defend me against his sons in the face of humiliation. I also think father could have done more than watch you leave." Josh remains quiet by my side, brooding. "Did you get a chance to ask him why he didn’t stand up for you?"

"No. I haven’t been taking his calls. He has called me to his office but I refused to discuss anything that isn’t work related. I need some time."

"I understand. Take as much time as you need. That must have been hard to endure."

"Thank you so much Demi. You don’t know how much your words mean to me."

"Don’t worry. You’re not wrong for giving him the cold shoulder. He has to realize you’re just as valuable as his sons too. You are just as deserving of respect. He invited you home. It was his duty to protect your honor. I’m sure he’ll make it up to you soon."

I pat his hand and we exchange smiles.

After work, I pull up at a gas station to fill my car. After filling it, I am about to leave when I spot Maddie getting down from a taxi cab a few paces behind me. She looks forlorn as she makes her way into a nearby store.

I park my car properly and go after her. She hasn’t said a word to me since that weird phone call where she claimed Olivia is doing perfectly well with her boyfriend. She has been ignoring my calls too.

I find her at an aisle at the back. When she spots me, she starts walking away.

"Really?"

"Stay away from me, Demi Rollins."

"Why? Don’t you have some explanation to do?" She halts in her tracks and samples a bag of onion flavored chips. "You literally gave me hell over finding your sister. You told me you were beyond certain that she was trapped in a forced relationship with none other than my brother-in-law, Ashal. Somehow, you even threatened me with exposing our alliance to set your sister free, to my family, if I failed to help you free your sister. Against my better judgment, I slavishly kowtowed to your plan. We get to Ashal’s penthouse and the next thing I get is a phone call telling me you were wrong? You expect me to forgive and forget after everything you literally put me through?"

"I wasn’t wrong about Ashal. I was just wrong about the status of his relationship with my sister and how he treats her." She doesn’t meet my eyes while she talks. "For that, I am sorry."

"Why won’t you look at me? What really happened in there? You’ve shut me out ever since. We never got to discuss what happened when you visited."

Maddie turns to me now. "What were you expecting to happen? My sister was delighted to see me as I was to see her. Ashal got angry when he learnt I thought he was a monster that hurts my sister. He was disappointed in me and I felt bad for misunderstanding him. He put the pieces together and realized I invited you to his penthouse to expose his secret relationship and didn’t take it well. I didn’t discuss any of this with you because I don’t want you confronting him about keeping Olivia a secret from you. Like I said, they’re doing well. He loves my sister and takes really good care of her. I couldn’t ask for anything more so please Demi, it’s time to stop playing detective. I mean it. I don’t want to cause my sister any more trouble."

Despite how convincing she sounds, I can read something else in her eyes; pain. Though I want to press further, I refuse on the ground that Maddie has mentally checked out of our mission. It was one thing having Olivia drag her feet about being rescued but for the two sisters to resign to fate, I can’t deal with all that.

"Fine. I won’t bug him. I just wanted to hear you say it. I knew Ashal couldn’t be the devil you painted him out to be." Maddie says nothing and whirls to face the shelf again, sampling another bag of chips.

"You didn’t have to cut me off like that. We still have unfinished business." I take a bracing gulp of air. "You promised to delete the incriminating pictures and recordings of us. My family will be very upset if they find out and think I went behind their backs to snoop on Ashal. Please, you have to delete it."

Maddie whips out her phone, unlocks it and passes it to me. "I never had anything on you. You are welcome to search my phone. I just said it because I needed you to not take your foot off the gas after the promise you made to me. I’m not that callous, Demi. I wouldn’t wreck your home after all the help you rendered."

She’s right. There’s barely anything on her phone. I give it back to her.

"Thank you." If that is all, then I guess my business with her is done. When I make my way towards the front, Maddie calls me.

"Thank you, for everything." She says with a wistful look in her eyes. "I am getting married soon. I wish you could attend."

I gloss over the shocking news. "Why can’t I?"

"It’s a very private ceremony." She hugs me. "You are a good person, Demi. Don’t ever let anyone corrupt you."

I don’t understand why she’s speaking so strangely. I feel her tuck something into my bag before pulling away.

"Be careful. They’re smarter than you think. You’re being watched. We’re being watched."

Chills run down my spine as she uses the back door and leaves. I dig out the stuff she hid in my bag and unfold the laminated paper. It’s the marriage certificate of Ashal and Olivia at St. Lucy’s church. Behind the document, there’s a small note from Maddie.

[He clearly loves her but she isn’t in love with him. She wants out but he refuses to let her go. He’s got a personality disorder that makes him very violent when angry. He might hurt her badly if she tries to escape him or your family. Her safest option is for us to stop poking around their relationship. Olivia has resigned to her fate. Keep this certificate safe. Maybe it’ll come in handy one day]

I hiss a breath. Why would Maddie give me this? How did she know I’d find her and keep this for me? Did she say I was being watched?

I stare out the window. There’s a car parked outside, right behind mine. I can recognize that car any day because I bought my car on the same day and from this same company as the car owner who is watching the store behind the tinted glass.

It’s Ashal.