Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 130

DEMI freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

I sit quietly at the breakfast table, eating alone while the news channel is turned on. No one else came down for breakfast today. Since father’s cheating scandal hit the news, a cold chill went through the entire mansion. It’s been awfully quiet and empty like a ghost town.

Brett and his sons keep having closeted meetings. Mrs. Rollins, as Halle tells me, has been a shadow of herself and shuttles between her bedroom and her sick son, Asher’s. Save for the domestic staff who I run into regularly; I am mostly by myself.

The stocks of the Spellman Group skyrocketed on the capital market today. I bet father must be biting his fingernails in anger. I must admit that I honestly didn’t expect this move of mine to hit the Rollins family as hard as it has. What then would happen when I use up all my trump cards? Josh’s paternity. The death of my parents. The truth about Tobias, Olivia Dunn and all other secret crimes the Rollins family have been involved in over the years. How terribly they will crash makes my heart hum with anticipation.

Inwardly, I want to do a happy dance because I finally hit the right nerve and hurt them but thoughts of my uncle weigh heavily on my mind. Nevertheless, I allow a small smile as I watch the news on my phone. Kristy Randall is hounded by the paparazzi on her way out of a supermarket and bombarded with questions about her relationship with Brett. Of course, she refuses to give a comment but what she doesn’t realize is that her silence only fuels the rumor.

"Oh Kristy, you’re not that dumb. This must be your ruse to torture Barbara Rollins, isn’t it? Sly fox." I mutter quietly to myself. I have to visit the Randalls soon and fan the flames. I need mother and son to drive the wedge of my revenge plan through the hearts of the Rollins.

Liam texts me to ask how I am enjoying the show. I reply with a happy emoji and tell him not to let the heat go down so soon till Brett starts sweating bullets. Anna’s call interrupts me.

"Anna, hi."

"The hospital staff are all acting weird and not letting me see Asher. Could you come over and talk to them?"

I slap a hand to my forehead. "Oh shit, Anna, I am so sorry. It completely skipped my mind given everything that’s been going on here at the mansion. Um, Asher is back home. His parents insisted his treatment continues at the mansion." I wait a moment for her to digest that. "Do you want to come over here instead?"

"No." She replies. "How is that going to be any different from visiting him at the hospital with the entire family present. I can’t show up there with everything going on."

"Then come visit me. I am all by myself here anyway. You could sneak into Asher’s room to see him. Trust me, everyone’s too busy trying to calm the storm to be bothered by someone showing concern for Asher. It’ll be fine."

"Demi..."

"I need you, Anna." I inhale deeply. "I’ll be going over to my aunt’s place soon. I need moral support before I visit that house."

"Why do you want to pay them a visit?"

Mother walks into the dining room just then. We lock eyes for a moment.

"I’ll be waiting for you, Anna. Bye." I hang up. I can feel mother’s eyes on my breakfast plate. Did she really expect me to starve like the rest of them for a family that has treated me like scum for the past couple of weeks? Quietly, she pulls out a chair and sinks into it. I impale my fork in my sausage and take a bite.

"Is this what we’ve become, Demi?" I hear her ask weakly.

Her eyes are bloodshot so I know she barely slept a wink last night. I also suspect she shed a few tears last night too given the redness around them too. I don’t feel an ounce of remorse as I take in her face. She can’t be completely naïve about who her husband is and what he is capable of. She must know of his heinous crimes and possibly has been covering for him. Why should I pity her? Did she pity my parents when she knew how they died?

"Good morning, mother." I force out. With my appetite lost, I push my chair back and try to leave but she stops me.

"I know you’re still upset with us for a number of reasons but we’re still your family, Demi. Can’t you even pretend to sympathize right now? Have you truly lost all feelings for your husband?" When I turn to her, she lowers her voice. "Have you lost all feelings even for Ashton?"

How dare she? She’s such a manipulative bitch. So, all of a sudden, she uses Ashton to get to me? It’s okay now because she’s desperate and hurting? Disgusting!

"Why would you say something like that, mother? Ashton? The same son you got upset with me for loving? How could you put him and Ashley side by side like that? What kind of reaction do you hope to get from me by saying something like that?"

She rubs a hand over an ache on her eyebrow. "I didn’t mean to say that."

"What would both men say if they heard you talk like that? I have moved on with Ashley and here you are trying to stir a pot simply because I am minding my business around here. Wouldn’t you consider it weird if I huddled close and cried my eyes out at a time like this? I am still sad over how my life turned out because you literally fooled me into this marriage. I have lost more than I bargained. I have been hurt repeatedly and you’re surprised that I am cold towards you? Really?"

"Please Demi, I have begged your forgiveness countless times."

"You’re just saying this because you aren’t in the best mood right now. You don’t give a damn about me. You only did when you thought I was going to have your grandchild. The second the mother of your unborn grandchild changed, you and the rest of the family kicked me aside. Nobody here could care less about my feelings because I am not the daughter of a billionaire. I have learnt to live with that, mother. All I ask of you for the remaining months I am forced to stay by your son’s side is that you don’t insult me by having expectations of me as your daughter-in-law. I am human too. I have feelings that have been repeatedly bruised. Allow me to heal at my own pace."

I turn around and walk away, and narrowly miss bumping into Ashley’s chest. He grabs my shoulder and breaks my fall. Our eyes meet and hold for a few seconds before I regain my balance. I want to shake his hands off me but I still need the trip to visit Nicola to happen.

"Are you okay?" He asks me. I just nod softly and walk away while he and his mother watch me.

Anna shows up an hour later after father and his healthy sons have all departed. I think their game plan is to not stay hidden and fuel the suspicion of guilt. Father went back to work and so did his sons. The weird thing is that Ashton went with him in place of Asher. My guess is the old game of switcheroo is back in business to hide the fact that the real Asher is incapacitated at the moment.

Anna takes her time in Asher’s room while I wait for her in my room. Tired of waiting, I go downstairs to check on lunch. I’d like my friend to eat a good meal before she leaves.

"Demi."

I almost roll my eyes as mother calls me.

"Yes, mother?" I reply, whipping my head. She shoots a quick glance upstairs and I preempt her before she can say anything about my friend. "Anna stopped by to see me. I am getting some food for her. She’ll be leaving soon."

A small smile plays on her lips. "I am not that daft, Demi. I know she’s visiting Asher and I know they’ve had relations with each other. I have caught them countless times unable to keep their hands off each other during our house parties." Again, she looks up the stairs. "I just want you to remember to advise your friend not to take their affair too seriously. You know Asher only believes in having a good time and not love. I’d hate for you to have yet another reason to resent us because your friend was hurt."

So, she knew everything after all.

"Noted, mother."

"Please stop with the formality, Demi. It’s killing me. Can we really not patch things up between us? You’ll always be my favorite daughter-in-law. I’ll always cherish the memories we made together."

"Ouch." I suck in my teeth, looking a little past her. "That must hurt, right Mila?"

Mother turns in time to find Mila clutching some bags at the entrance. Mila schools her face to look cheerful and walks towards us. How pathetic. Why the hell is she trying too hard though? She’s a fucking billionaire heiress but she’s prepared to grovel for love and acceptance? Ugh, what I would do if I was in her shoes!

"Mila!" Mother echoes. "I meant Demi will always have a special place in my heart as my very first daughter-in-law. You must understand how sentimental that is."

Mila kisses mother’s cheeks in turns. "I am not a kid, mother. I completely understand." The beaming spinster turns to me. "Hello Demi. You look better than every other member of this household since the rumors started."

"Right back at you, Mila. You’re glowing. Must be because your father’s company stocks are ahead of ours now."

Mila laughs. "What would you know? Stock prices fluctuate all the time. The money lost or gained isn’t our priority at the moment; it’s our goodwill and reputation that matter the most." She turns to mother. "My father sends you his best wishes. He is working with Mr. Rollins and the boys to quell the distasteful rumor. Everything will be fine soon. I thought I’d come spend some time with you. What do you think about a private spa day?"

I swear mother’s eyes glowed. "That’d be lovely. I need the distraction."

Mila steers mother towards the elevator while listing all she has planned for their full day of fun. I can’t help but roll my eyes at them.

Anna returns to me. She talked some things over with Asher that got her emotions all messed up.

"Are you okay? Are you still willing to help me?" I ask, studying her face.

"Sure. I’m ready to smack Kira if she tries anything..."

"No, Anna, the other thing I need help with. You assured Liam and I, remember? Are you still up for it?" I ask cautiously.

"Are you asking if you can trust me, Demi?" She leaps from my bedroom couch. "Really? Do you think a few cuddles, a long kiss and cheesy promises from THE Asher Rollins is enough to throw me off course? Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence, BFF." She proceeds to give me a massive scowl but one thing keeps playing in my head.

"You guys cuddled, kissed and made cheesy promises?"

"I needed to patch things up between us. How am I supposed to fulfil my promise to you and use him to aid your plan if we’re broken up?"

"Oh, right. That was smart of you."

I ignore the fact that she seems rather passionate on getting back with him. Could it have something to do with her altercation with Nessa at the hospital? We haven’t talked about that.

I clear my head on the ride to my aunt’s place. I decided I wanted to go alone and dropped Anna off. Aunt Elizabeth and Kira open the door like they were expecting me. I bet they were. Who else would be behind my uncle suddenly showing up in Danvarr? I guess both women are at their wits end and want to force my hand by threatening to expose my secret to my in-laws.

Long after I am seated in the small living room, I continue to stare at my aunt and Kira quietly. Kira has a proud look on her face as she sits with her legs crossed at her knees. Aunt Elizabeth looks smug.

"This is a surprise, Mrs. Rollins." Aunt begins. "I never imagined you would deign to grace us with your presence in our humble home ever again."

"Yes, Mrs. Demi Rollins." Her daughter quips. "This is a pleasant surprise."

I am so sick of their pretense.

"You really had to call uncle Marcel, didn’t you aunt?" I ask with my eyes trained on the culprit.

Uncle Marcel is my father’s older brother. He always cared deeply for me. Growing up, I learnt he was a social pariah and a hothead. After my parents died, I chose to stay with my cold aunt rather than my uncle who cares so much for me for a few reasons. Aside from his lonely lifestyle, terrible cooking and poor parental skills, I chose aunt because under my uncle’s roof, I would never have been able to hatch my revenge plan. He wouldn’t let me go down that path. Rather, he would take it upon himself to avenge my parents.

Uncle Marcel can’t know the truth about my marriage or my in-laws. He only knows my parents died in an elevator accident but not much else. He is very smart and discerning. If he uncovers my plot, he would shut everything down and insist I go back to live with him. He stays far away from Danvarr which explains further why I chose aunt’s house instead. Aunt refused to tell him her exact address in Danvarr so he couldn’t come visit me for years. If he is here and even stopped by the mansion, only aunt could have told him where to look.

"I’m at a loss, Demi. Was I wrong to invite your favorite uncle over to see what a fine woman I have raised?"

I can’t believe her.

"I already called him here. Marcel will join us for dinner." She adds.

I gawk at her. "What exactly are you two up to now? Haven’t you tormented me enough?"

"Easy, Demi." Kira interjects. "No one has tormented you. Mother was looking out for you. She called your uncle over. Why do you have to assume we do everything with ill intentions?"

"When have you not?" I snarl at Kira. Her eyes darken.

"You’re right." I watch her surge to her feet and fold her arms across her chest. "It’s all your fault, Demi. You brought this upon yourself. You have been interfering in my life ever since you stepped foot into my mother’s house. I have lived in Danvarr all my life and never got to share the same room as the quads. You show up here and worm your way into their household as a wife no less. I know it was no accident. You planned everything, didn’t you? Iman told me what a mastermind you are. Mom, this girl is a genius. She managed to snake her way into becoming the first daughter-in-law of the Rollins family while I am left to rot here as a pauper."

She paces around and laughs hysterically.

"I am sorry I underestimated you, cousin." She tells me. "You have a wicked brain inside that head of yours but it’s not too late. Now, that brain is going to work in my favor. My mother and I were part of your little plan, weren’t we? Coming to this house and living with us set everything in motion. Technically, we helped you get where you are. Now, you’re going to do us a favor in return."

"What nonsense are you on about, Kira? Have you been drinking?"

Mother and daughter burst into laughter at my questions.

"Isn’t that how your destiny kicked off? Maybe I should drink some alcohol, right mother?"

"No, Kira. Get to the details."

Kira smoothens her fresh curls and clears her throat. "Ok, here’s the deal, cousin. I want to become affiliated with the Rollins family, a dignified member. I don’t care how you do it but you’ll have to come up with a plan to get me into that mansion. There are enough single sons left. I don’t care which one I end up with."

Now, it’s my turn to laugh. "You think too highly of yourself, Kira Collin. That was a good joke."

Kira’s demeanor changes. "It won’t be so funny when I escort uncle Marcel to that mansion and tell your in-laws all about your parents!" She smiles when the humor drains from my face. "They have no idea, do they? You carefully presented aunt and I as your only surviving relations so they wouldn’t have to dig deeper into the poor orphan’s roots. Well, your game is up, Demi. You have fourteen days to engineer a plan to get me into the Rollins clan legitimately or I will make sure you get kicked out and ruined."

Aunt joins her daughter to stand in front of me. "Marcel will throw a fit when he learns the truth about the family you married into. How disappointed he would be but most importantly, how infuriated. I can’t imagine what he would end up doing to avenge his brother."

"Don’t try to act smart, Demi." Kira warns me, stabbing a finger in my chest. "You know how badly things will turn out for you. I don’t need uncle Marcel to reveal the truth about your parents. He’s just there to turn up the heat. You have no choice but to do as I say. Make a plan to get me married to Asher, Ashal or even your husband whom you’ll be divorcing soon. I’m not picky. Any quad will do. If you don’t do it, I’ll make sure you live to regret it."

I lurch to my feet and sling my bag across my shoulder.

"Is that what you call a threat?" I shake my head. "Why would I be afraid of my in-laws finding out how my parents met their end? It was a horrible experience for me and one I have been trying so hard to forget but if you want to dredge it up, be my guest. I don’t just understand why you’re convinced my in-laws would kick me out because of that? It makes no sense. If anything, they’d feel remorseful and dote on me. I doubt they’d let me divorce Ashley after that." Mother and daughter exchange worried glances.

"Seriously, don’t you make use of your brains? You would only be cementing my place in that family for life. I kept it from them because I am trying to forget and because my contract was for a year. You revealing the truth will only endear me to them even more. They’d feel sorry for owning the mall that accidentally claimed the lives of my parents. They’d want to atone for it by taking care of me for life. How would that benefit you, huh?"

"We’ll see about that." Kira replies stubbornly but thankfully, her voice wavers just a bit. She’s not so sure anymore.

"As for uncle Marcel, I’d love to meet him. It’s been forever. He must be dying to know how well you treated me after accepting me into your home, aunt. I have stories to tell him that will leave him shaken to the core."

"You wretch!" Aunt snarls at me. "You’re trying to scare me?"

"Why would you be scared? Are you admitting that you haven’t been a stellar aunt like you swore to my uncle? Do you have something to hide from him?" I can see my aunt visibly shiver. It feels good to turn the table on them. "You know what? I can’t stand you two. I’ll be heading back home. Tell uncle Marcel to call me so I can take him to lunch and have a long talk. Oh, and Kira, if you’re so desperate to join my family, all you had to do was ask." My eyes twinkle deviously.

"Yeah right. Like you’d willingly help." Kira sneers at me.

"Why wouldn’t I? I brought Asher over the last time, didn’t I? It’s your fault for not bringing your A game and letting him slip off your fingers. That ship has sailed now. However, you and Ashal...I think he’ll be perfect for you."

"Ashal, the less scandalous brother?" Kira’s eyes light up.

"Yup, the one and only. I can see it already. You two will fit like a glove."

I stroke my chin and smile malevolently as I imagine her in Olivia’s place.