Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 108

DEMI

"Did you hear me?"

"I heard you, Kira. Your mother is sick. So what? What exactly do you expect me to do about it? Come running over so you can clap your hands and laugh in my face for falling for another one of your dirty tricks? That won’t happen anymore."

"I already apologized for that, didn’t I? Iman convinced me that he wanted to make right all the wrongs he has committed against you and begged me to help get you to his place. I thought he was being sincere."

I can’t believe what a terrible liar she is. "How stupid do you think I am, Kira or are you just so cocky you can’t even bother to come up with a better lie? You expect me to believe that rubbish? You must be more foolish than I thought. Tell your mother to quit acting. I will never sanction your visit to the mansion for any occasion so you two can ease up with the theatrics."

Before I can hang up, aunt’s voice sails through.

"Demi, is this really all you have to say? I accommodated, clothed and fed you for five years and this is the thanks I get? You’re willing to watch me die just to soothe your pride?"

"Pride has nothing to do with it, aunt. If I was proud, like I should be, I would have demolished the house you live in and sent you to the streets with only the cloth on your backs so no one associates that architectural embarrassment with my past. If I was proud, I wouldn’t even take Kira’s call or yours. I would have you book appointments to see me. If I was proud, aunt, I would have your daughter tender a public apology on national TV for her deception which almost cost me my life the last time and after that, I’ll throw her into jail to rot. I know you know all about it but as usual, you’re playing ignorant. Don’t ever call me again unless you’re ready to tender that public apology because proud is all I am going to be from now on while I remain Mrs. Ashley Rollins."

I hang up and slam the phone on the couch. I am so pissed at those two.

"Everything okay?" Amber asks, passing me a cup of coffee.

"Just some pesky maternal family members." I sip my coffee and savor the rich flavor. "I can’t believe they’re related to my mom. She’s an angel compared to them. They drive me nuts every chance they get."

Amber laughs and concurs with a nod. I look up as a dashing young man strides into the living room towards Amber, hunkers down and pecks her cheek like I have watched the quads do to their mother so many times.

"Oh, hi son. How was your trip?"

"Amazing." He says without taking his eyes off me. "Demi Rollins." He crosses to shake my hand. "When my mother told me you visited earlier, I thought she was fibbing to get me to shorten my trip and come home to keep her company. I’m..."

"Maddox." I preempt him. "Amber never stops gushing about her kids." He shares a sweet smile with me. "Why did you think she was lying to get you to come home?"

"Because I have had an unhealthy crush on you ever since you made the headlines."

His bluntness is flustering.

"Quit flirting with her, Maddox, she’s already married to the ultimate rizz master. You’re too late."

We all turn as his sister walks in, plunks her bag down on the couch and hugs her mother. Wow. Did Amber inform them I was coming so they could stop by to say hello?

"Kat, you’re here too."

Kat rolls her eyes like her mom’s acting is terrible. "Yes mom, I just magically appeared after you left me thirteen missed calls and seven texts about Demi Rollins being here." Amber blushes hard. Her children don’t know the first thing about being subtle. I chuckle at their directness.

Kat sinks into the couch next to me. "Hi. My mom seems to think we should be best friends because she was best friends with your late mom, bless her soul. You know, carry on the friendship legacy between Regans and Bransons. What do you think of that?"

"Um..." I stare at Maddox who relieves me of my coffee to sip out of it, especially from the spot my lip touched.

"Don’t mind them." Amber intervenes when a red blush creeps into my cheek as Maddox continues to give me nasty looks. "Kat, go upstairs with your brother. You two should freshen up. Demi and I will set the table. Maddox, I asked you to be friendly with our guest, not flirty. She’s married and you know that. Don’t make her uncomfortable."

"She’s not complaining, mom." He turns to me. "Are you, love? Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"Don’t mind him, Demi. He thinks he’s all that." His sister cuts in.

"I am all that."

"Skylar didn’t seem to think so. She was revolted by your advances."

"She blushed and scampered away."

"Whose Skylar?" I ask.

"She’s my roommate in school, a very shy and very I don’t like people or talking kind of girl. Easily invisible in a room full of people. If her beauty wasn’t Victoria secret model and Vogue cover-ish, she would easily go unnoticed as she wants. She rejected Maddox like all the other guys that have been drawn to her. Even cutting her hair and dyeing it black didn’t help. She’s just that gorgeous. I’m living to see the man that finally sweeps her off her feet."

"Upstairs, now!" Amber chides them. Murmuring, they both heed her. "I’m sorry, Demi. They can be quite loud and overwhelming."

"And fun." I add, standing to join her towards the dining room. "I love meeting people, rubbing minds. It’s refreshing, especially when they have a different, wider outlook on life than I do."

I stare at the stairs where Maddox stands to blow me a kiss and blush even harder. He reminds me of Ashley when we first met. I had been repulsed by him given how little I knew of him and my tunnel vision to avenge my parents.

A few things have changed since then. I do enjoy a bit of harmless flirting now and then and even though Ashley will beat Maddox hands down in that department, I can’t seem to enjoy any from him given all the friction between us.

It used to be fun when he was content with being my contract husband without putting any pressure on me. Now, we are mostly at crossroads with respect to what we both want out of our marriage. I hate to admit that I miss that version of him that didn’t feel threatened by Ashton.

I am glad Amber and her children helped distract me for a few hours from the fear that has settled thickly in my gut ever since I found Asher outside Anna’s house. Though Anna has repeatedly assured me that Asher seems completely clueless about my pregnancy, I just can’t bring myself to believe it. Asher must have overheard me. I just know it.

He is a very smart man. If he hasn’t revealed my secret to anyone by now or even threatened me with it, it scares me to think what his reason is. I know he stands with his father and disapproves of me as the mother of Ashley’s children. He has never been subtle about his utter dislike for me. So, why hasn’t he said anything to anyone? Why hasn’t he even tried to confirm it from me?

I have thought of confronting him but if Anna is somehow right and Asher knows nothing, confronting him would only expose my secret. It’s such a difficult situation that I’ve found myself. The silent torment is almost unbearable. I try to distract myself as much as I can.

After Amber’s place, I have plans to meet up with Kristy but I put a raincheck on it because Ashley has been making a fuss about my fledging friendship with the Randalls. I am trying not to upset him so soon after he threatened to move us out of the mansion.

"Have you managed to get something from Brett for the DNA test?" Liam asks me over the phone as I wait for the traffic to clear up. He’s always so direct and straight to the point.

"Not yet."

"What’s taking so long?"

"I can’t hurry this even if I wanted to. Brett is not an easy man to get close to even though we practically live under the same roof. I can’t just stroll into his room to rifle through his personal effects or bathroom. If I make a hasty move, I could expose myself and get into big trouble."

"Your in-laws haven’t had any major scandal in a long while, Demi. Billion-Err needs juicy content. We need to do this soon."

"I’m working on it." I hear a familiar sound. "Where are you? I can hear cars speeding by."

If I am not mistaken, it sounds like a race track but I doubt Liam is the type to indulge in that type of activity for recreation.

"I’m driving. That’s why."

"Oh."

"Get your hands on that evidence. Find a way and get it done." He hangs up. I roll my eyes. He can be rude most times.

I go through the pictures on my phone and linger at the pictures of father and Kristy. That would make headline news but I am not ready to lose my friendship with Kristy just yet. She can prove very useful in the long run. I flip through and find pictures of Josh and father. I could ruin Asher’s day by sending him these photos. I really want to but again, it wouldn’t be the best use.

An unknown number calls me and I decline it. My phone rings again and I continue to decline the number. How dumb can people be? Why does this person keep calling when I clearly don’t want to speak to the stranger? A text message comes just as I am about to block the number.

[Demi, it’s Mila. I got your number from my fiancé. Can we meet up?]

After reading her text with a scowl on my face, the only thing I can think about is how she intentionally referred to Ashton as her fiancé like I wouldn’t know him if she simply called him Ashton. The traffic clears up just as I am typing an excuse with it. Shit. I hiss out a breath. I really don’t want to talk to her, not so soon.

Reluctantly, I reply Mila in the affirmative and meet up with her at the wedding shop she texted me. The moment I walk in, an attendant with a patronizing smile offers to escort me to the dressing room where Mila is waiting.

Mila is slicked in a sleeveless, silk wedding dress that sculpts her body like paint and flows down her knees. She looks so divine with the long veil over her face it could have brought tears to my eyes if I liked her.

Spotting me through the mirror, she turns in all her glory with a beautiful smile.

"Demi, you’re here." The horde of assistants get to work rearranging her train on the floor with every move she makes. "What do you think?" She cups her boobs that are peeking from the plunging neckline. "Too open? Ashton wouldn’t like me showing too much skin, right? There are more options in the back but I am really feeling this one. What are your thoughts?"

I am surprised she’s asking me. I decline the offer of champagne from a staff and turn to give Mila an appraisal.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Mila."

"I know I do, Demi. However, I wasn’t asking for your personal opinion. I called you here so you can help me pick a dress that my fiancé will love." She inclines her head and a gold earring on her left ear glints under the light of the chandelier. "So, what do you think?"

Is she trying to upset me?

"Why would you think I’d know what kind of wedding gown your fiancé would prefer on you? If you wanted that opinion, why didn’t you call any one of his brothers? They know him better than any of us."

"I thought about that but it would be weird since they all look like Ashton. It would feel like he is the one looking through the dresses with me. Plus, they’re all super busy and even if they could make the time, I can’t trust them not to give him clues."

I clench my fist by my side. She’s deliberating trying to get a reaction out of me. This is the last thing I thought she was interrupting my day for. Is the wedding happening so soon? Why is she dress shopping already?

"Is this why you wanted to see me?"

With a wave of her hand, she dismisses all the ladies assisting her. They all disperse in a flurry of cotton.

Mila gives me a lazy shrug. "Is this beneath you? I figured as the first daughter-in-law of the family, you’d know a thing or two about what the Rollins family expect of me and give me a few tips on how to win hearts and immerse myself in my new role after I join the family as Ashton’s wife."

There’s a spark in her eyes that betray the innocent smile she’s giving me. She means to rub it in my face that she’s getting the brother I happen to fancy. I shake my head at her immaturity.

"I’m sorry, Mila but I can’t help you here. I don’t know what you’re trying to do here but whatever it is, I am not down for it. Get your friends to help you pick a dress. I’m sure your future mother-in-law will be thrilled to bounce off wedding ideas with you. I have other things to attend to."

I make it as far as three steps before she yells at me.

"Why did you refuse to leave the mansion with your husband, Demi?"

Whirling, I arch a brow at her. "What?"

She steps down from the platform and comes to stand a few inches from my face. Her fake smile is gone now. In its place is a heated glare.

"Why were you against leaving the mansion when your husband suggested it? Isn’t your home supposed to be wherever he is or is there another reason you’re so fond of the mansion?"

"Why don’t you stop beating around the bush and tell me exactly what you’re insinuating?"

"I am not insinuating anything. It’s a fact that you have eyes for my man despite being married to his brother. Tsk. That’s just revolting, Demi. You’re so greedy and morally bankrupt that you won’t even let your own husband touch you without imagining it was my man with you." When my eyes dilate in shock, she nods at me. "Yes, I know all about your reluctance to fully accept Ashley as your husband and all the dirty looks and nasty tricks you keep using to distract Ashton. I’m here to tell you that I won’t condone any of that rubbish. You had better back off and steer clear of MY man or we are going to have problems as sisters-in-law."

I toss my head to the side and give her a onceover. "I see the insecure Mila Spellman came out to play today. As much as I would love to school you on the importance of trust in a relationship, I think it’ll be a waste of my time. It’ll likely go over your head so I’ll just call Ashton and make him clarify your misconceptions once again since you clearly didn’t believe him the last time."

Mila snatches my phone the second I whip it out to call Ashton.

"Give that back."

"You don’t have to call him. I trust him completely but you on the other hand..." she shoves the phone in my palm. "You just have to rely on him to do the heavy lifting and defend you every time your character is questioned, don’t you? Why can’t you defend yourself if you’re so innocent?"

A sly smile seeps into my face as I decipher the emotion she’s trying so hard to mask.

"He doesn’t know you’re here shopping for wedding dresses, does he? Is that why you don’t want me to call him?" Her eyes bulge fearfully. I chuckle at that. "So, you’re not just insecure; you’re also desperate."

"Watch your mouth, Demi. I won’t be held responsible for how I choose to react if you keep running that filthy mouth of yours."

"What are you going to do? Hit me? Am I supposed to be scared of you or something?"

"You’re supposed to be wary of me, Demi. Trust me, you have no idea what I am capable of and how far I am willing to go to protect what’s mine."

I know who you are, Mila Spellman, I mutter in my head. I know more about you than you can ever fathom.

"Trust me, you’ll always be the least of my problems no matter how much you squeal in my face. Save the crazy fiancée act for someone who gives a shit. Like I said earlier, I have places to be. Don’t ever call my number again unless you finally manage to grow the fuck up and be a sensible adult capable of having a proper conversation with your sister-in-law to be, got it?"

On my way to the door, I feel a sharp pain as my hair is yanked back. Mila’s tangles her hand in my hair and pulls harder.

"How dare you talk to me like that, huh? Who the hell do you think you are, Demi Branson? You’re a nobody." We struggle against each other until I shove her to the floor. A loud ripping sound follows.

"You bitch. You tore my dress." She yelps on the floor.

I blow my hair out of my face and pat it down with my hands. "You’re such a disappointment, Mila. FYI, the Rollins family hate all things drama and craziness. It just doesn’t bode well for the family reputation and business. They are in for a huge shock when they discover their would-be daughter-in-law is a steaming pile of all the crap they hate to deal with. I really feel bad for you. I turned out pretty well despite being an orphan. Conversely, despite your affluence, you reek of daddy, trust and abandonment issues. If Ashton never falls in love with you, just know it had nothing to do with me; it’s all you, Mila. You’re very unlikable unless you’re pretending to be decent!"

Tears glisten in her eyes. "This conversation is far from over."

"Oh, it’s over." I correct her. "Try this again and I’ll be talking to my entire family and your dad about your behavior."

I storm out with a fine head of steam and make it into my car before my anger explodes. I dial Liam’s number. Again, it goes to voicemail. What the hell has he been up to? Why doesn’t he pick up when I need him to?

[Liam, you need to talk some sense into that sister of yours. She hasn’t even joined the family and she’s already threatening me. I won’t take it lightly with her. We almost got into a cat fight today. Talk to her or when I do, I’ll be using my fists.]

I expel a deep breath after leaving the voice message. That bitch. I want to call Ashton to put his fiancée on a leash and though that would get her off my back, I don’t want Mila to go crying to her father or Brett about the influence I have over Ashton. I don’t want Ashton and I to be the subject of Ashley’s suspicions again.

Frustrated, I slam both hands on my steering wheel and wish I can kick something. Mila is going to drive me crazy if she moves into the mansion. I have to find a way to keep her off as long as I can so she doesn’t jeopardize my plans.

I turn on the ignition, swing my car back on the road and step on the gas. I am so mad right now. With everything going on in my life, the last thing I need is more drama from that insecure bitch. If I wanted her man, I would have had him a long time ago. Ashton was married to me first after all. If I didn’t have my revenge plot to prioritize, I would have been open to exploring my feelings for Ashton and his for me.

I jerk forward as a car collides with mine on the road. When I check my rearview mirror, it’s a black sedan. Before I can process what is going on, it bumps into me again and stays on me till my car swerves off the road and rams into a tree. My head starts to hurt. Smoke streams out of my bumper, fogging the view.

Coughing, I rub the ache on my head and come away with blood on the tips of my fingers. Behind me, I can hear quickening footsteps heading towards me. Someone wrenches my door open. I am too woozy to make out his face or that of the other two men that assist him in pulling me out of the car.

They toss me onto the ground so hard my whole body starts to hurt. Then comes the kicking. My weak cries and screams go unheard in the empty road. After they take turns kicking me everywhere, especially on my tummy, they race to their car and drive away when blood trickles down my legs.

I close a hand over the burning sensation on my tummy and sob harder. Whimpering, I manage to crawl over the jagged stones and grime on the ground, to my car to find my phone. It’s laying on the floor of the passenger seat, too far for my bruised arm to reach. My head is spinning now. With what little strength I have, I lay on the ground as tears trickle down my face and my sobs die in my throat. Everything goes black.