Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 96

ASHAL

I have not been able to think of anything else. After I listened to what Cree and Ashton had been keeping from me at the hotel, I was at a loss for words. I know father has his faults and sucks at being a loving parent but I just can’t believe he can be so callous and evil. Everything Cree had explained regarding my biological parents made father out to be a coldhearted killer and selfish home wrecker. I just couldn’t believe it.

That day, I lurched to my feet and scratched my head.

"There has to be a misunderstanding. The man you’re describing can’t be father. Tell her, Ash. Tell her she’s dead wrong and needs to check her facts." But Ashton only came to stand next to me with a forlorn look. "Don’t tell me you believe that crap hook, line and sinker. You said it yourself that it was a bad idea to ever listen to her and that she was messing with your head. LOOK AT HER. She has no reason to help us. She clearly bears a grudge against us for all the inconvenience we’ve caused her. SHE’S GOT TO BE LYING." I barked angrily.

"Calm down, Ashal."

"No, don’t expect me to calm down. She literally just defamed father. She has no right to speak so ill of him."

Cree surged to her feet. "I think I should return to work."

"Who the hell is your source?" I quizzed her before she could turn around and return to the bar. "Why can’t you drop his name? See Ashton? You can’t go about trusting everything people tell you without hard proof. You should know better. We have a lot of haters. People come up with the craziest lies nowadays to tear the fabric of our familial relationship just for the satisfaction of seeing us crash and burn."

"Okay, I’m leaving." Cree echoed and turned on her heels. I beat her to the door and watched her eyes flare up in anger. "Look, you asked me what I know and I told you. You don’t believe me? Fine. Continue living in your false sense of truth. Can I reveal my source? No! Is he legit? Damn right he is. If not now, the truth of everything I have just said will be revealed some day and you will remember this every moment here when you blocked my path because you’re in denial."

I couldn’t believe her guts. Then again, I did because she’s Cree. Behind her, Ashton streaked his hand over his blond mane and sighed softly.

"You will not repeat this horse shit to anyone else! If I catch a whiff of these unfounded lies from anyone else, you’ll come to know a side of me that no woman wants to meet in her lifetime. HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR, CREE BAXTER?"

She remained unflinching in her stare. "Crystal. Now, get out of my way!" When I moved aside, she threw Ashton a heated glare before brushing past me and slamming the door behind her. I turned to face Ashton. I couldn’t believe how easily and quickly he wanted to buy into any rumor that satisfied his loathing for father.

"Ashal..." he began.

"I can’t believe you, man. How could you fall for that hogwash? Father is a heartless killer? We have a sister out there? Are you kidding me? What exactly is going on in that head of yours?"

Ashton snapped. "Is it truly unbelievable that father would do whatever it takes to get what he wants, Ashal? Are you really shocked that he kills? This is father we are talking about and you and I both know what he is capable of so don’t stand there and pretend he is a saint."

"You’re right. Father is not a saint but he is also not the devil. I get that we are adopted and you’re naturally curious about our biological parents but you can’t go around believing just about anything and anyone. If Cree’s source is so reliable, why won’t she let you meet him to confirm his facts? Who exactly is he and how does he know so much about father? Have you asked yourself those questions?"

"Of course I have. I have every intention of sniffing him out but for now, I’m focused on getting as much information as I can from Cree before pursuing other sources. Look, Cree knows not to mess with our family. If she was lying through her teeth about father, she wouldn’t stick around. She’ll take to her heels. Also, she would probably have billed me in exchange for any information on our biological parents by now but she hasn’t. It’s either she’s confident that her source is legit and means to make up for the part she played in Shay’s torment or she’s stupid enough to make up damnable lies about father and still stick around to get caught. We both know she’s anything but stupid."

I didn’t know what to say to that. Ashton was already sold on the lies and it was no use going back and forth with him.

On my part, I was barely recovered from Maddie and Olivia’s acts of betrayal. Maybe that might have affected my standpoint on Cree’s story because I couldn’t bear another loved one betraying my trust and causing me pain but whatever the case, I was not ready to digest such ridiculous revelations about father.

"You promised you wouldn’t pursue this matter again." I tried reminding my brother.

"I know and I’m sorry I couldn’t resist the temptation. I kept it a secret because I wanted to be sure of everything before sharing with you guys. If there’s any chance our kid sister is out there, I have to know. I want to find her, to see and know her."

"Why? Are we not enough family for you, Ash? Three brothers? What other sibling love are you so desperate to feel?"

"It has nothing to do with sibling love. I have never lacked any of it from you guys but if we do have a kid sister, I feel like I owe it to our real parents to find and protect her, even if it’s from a distance. She’s been through foster homes, Ashal. I can’t imagine what her condition of living might be. Aren’t you the least bit curious?"

"I’d have to believe Cree’s story to work up any kind of emotion or concern for a stranger who may or may not exist. You want to believe Cree, knock yourself out but spare Asher and Ashley the torment. We all have so much going on in our personal lives already. Don’t pile on them with this...whatever you want to call it." With that, I walked out on him.

I’ve had more time to think about all he said and I still don’t believe it. I won’t believe it until he gets irrefutable evidence to back up Cree’s account of events.

"Thank you for seeing me." Mr. Dunn says. If I wasn’t desperate for a distraction from everything I have recently just learnt, I wouldn’t be in Olivia’s home, listening to her dad try to placate me on Maddie’s behalf. Just the thought of Maddie and what she did makes bile rise in my throat.

Why didn’t I do more than revoke her scholarship and convince her father to marry her off to the first buffoon he finds? Why didn’t I cut back their monthly allowance or threaten to move them out of the city? Do I truly lack spunk like the rest of my brothers?

"Spare me the niceties Mr. Dunn. When’s the wedding taking place? Who’s the groom? I hope he’s capable of taming Madeline where you failed."

"Arrangements are being made. My friend was hurt when I called off the engagement the last time based on your instruction. He refuses to accept Maddie as his daughter-in-law now. I am still making some calls..."

"Forget it. I know someone who can arrange a groom in a short time."

Elyon found me dates in a short time. I am sure he can find potential grooms. The elderly man’s face cracks with worry but he maintains a benign smile.

"Tell me what qualities you wish him to have and I’ll personally interview the eligible bachelors."

"I’ll let you know."

When I follow his eyes to the door behind me, Maddie’s mom stands with a heartbreaking look on her face. Her eyes are misty. I tear my eyes away from her. I won’t be falling for those crocodile tears.

It’s their fault Madeline is such a handful. They skimped on her discipline and now someone has to teach her. Marriage isn’t exactly effective in transforming a person’s character but I am insisting on it because Maddie dreads it. It’s the only punishment that will make her rue her actions.

When I leave their apartment with Mr. Dunn’s list of qualities for eligible bachelors, I text Elyon, offer him the job and send him the list with a few alterations. Maddie won’t know what hit her.

***

Elyon has a disturbed look on his face when he meets me hours later.

"So, did you find eligible bachelors?" I ask him. Hesitantly, he bobs his head. "Very good. How soon can I meet them?"

"Hold up. Why exactly are you doing this again? Why are you the one helping Madeline find a husband and why is she looking for one so urgently? She never even mentioned to my sister that she was getting married so Cher had a few concerns."

"What concerns?"

"She wants to know if anything happened between you and Madeline. Do you guys have some kind of romantic history?"

"What? Of course not! Why would she even think that? I happen to know her father and he asked my help in getting an eligible groom for his daughter to wed soon. I’m just keeping my promise to the old man here. This has got nothing to do with me or the fact that Maddie and I went on one unfortunate blind date together. That was a bust. I told you, didn’t I?"

Elyon arches a brow at me. "So, I am to believe you’ve got absolutely no qualms with how she treated you the last time and you’re doing all this out of the goodness of your heart? "He clucks his tongue. "I don’t know man, I just can’t believe it. You seem like you’re enjoying this a little too much. Did you read this list of must-haves? Did Madeline truly demand that her potential groom be short, 24-29 years of age, earns less than $50k a year, must be bald, nerdy, bespectacled...."

"It was her decision, okay?" I interrupt him. "Not every woman wants a tall, rich and conventionally handsome stud. Besides, guys that are lacking in that department are humans too and deserve a chance too. What matters is the quality of their character, their heart and values. Can we get on with the interviews already?" Elyon shrugs his shoulders lazily and takes me through the list.

"We’ll meet them at La Maison theatre. Cher surprisingly found fourteen willing to apply. They were initially twenty-one but the rest left when they saw a picture of Madeline because they couldn’t believe a woman like that would want to marry a man like them."

"Are we talking about the same picture I sent?" It was a fairly decent picture of Maddie in glasses in her first year of college. Why would they leave?

"Uh, no. Cher wasn’t too impressed with the picture so she went on Maddie’s Instagram and got a more recent photo." Elyon taps on his phone and shows me the new picture. I lose my breath for a few seconds just staring at Maddie posing in a bodycon dress that accentuates her curves so conspicuously. She looks like she could fit on the cover of a playboy magazine; hot with disarming siren eyes and a model pose. The Maddie in the picture distorts the decent image of Olivia’s sister that I’ve had stuck in my head for ages.

"Why would she use a photo different from the one I sent? Now, you’ve got a pack of wolves hungry to devour an innocent girl!" I find myself snapping at Elyon throughout the car ride to the theatre, especially after I also learn that Cher allowed four guys that don’t fit the list to attend the interview session.

"I gave a simple instruction. Why couldn’t she just stick with it? Why does she always feel like she knows best?"

"Maybe because she does." Elyon replies. "She’s a woman herself and she probably believes that a woman as beautiful as her friend, Madeline, wouldn’t naturally gravitate towards the guys on your list. In fact, Cher believes the list of features and qualities to be possessed by the potential grooms are fake and made up by a jealous, vengeful ex or something and since you brought the list, she suspects you. Madeline has always been into guys that are the complete opposite of that list and it just beats her that Madeline would want a poor, ugly ass man to be her life companion."

Jealous, vengeful ex? Why the hell would Cher think like that? What’s wrong with my list?

We get to the venue a bit early and Elyon sets up everything. I am still stewing over the unsanctioned alterations made to my plan, especially when the guys start coming in. Most of them are hardly short and none of them look like they earn poorly given their outfits.

I grit my teeth as a trio of good-looking guys with lots of charm answer my questions. On even has a French accent. Women trip for that kind of stuff. Whenever I move to cancel them out, Elyon arches a brow at me.

"Why did you rule him out?"

"Too proud."

"Dude, you asked how much he makes in a year and he told you. How was that being proud?" Elyon questions me with a frown. "Is pride now equivalent to a man’s financial standing? How about you? You’ve got to the proudest one in this room then."

"I never argued that I am not. The thing is that unlike him, I am not on the other side of this table auditioning to marry Madeline so I’m good."

I frown as a guy who looks like a hero in an action movie steps through the door. He’s about my height with dark hair, sexy green eyes with what appears to be six packs underneath his shirt.

"Who the fuck is this guy?"

"That’s Maddie’s ex. When she loved him, he dated her briefly while hiding a relationship with another. When he became smitten by her, she was already done with his lies and dumped him. He’s been trying to rekindle their relationship for month. He begged Cher for a chance to compete for Maddie’s heart and she didn’t see any problem with it."

Cher needs to watch herself, I think in my mind. Before the young man can take a seat, I strike him off.

"What was that for?" Elyon grunts.

"Her father doesn’t want any exes?"

"Since when was this about what her father wants and not Maddie’s choice?" He whispers to me. Frustrated, Elyon walks over to Madeline’s ex who goes by the name Carter and mutters something to him. The young man excuses us briefly.

"Ok, we need to talk. Clearly, there’s something you’re not telling me here. Why are you trying to sabotage Maddie? You told me you had nothing against her but here you are, trying to weed out every guy that looks very good for and with Maddie. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous, bitter and want to get back at her for some reason."

"You’ve got it all wrong. I’m just following her father’s instructions."

"Her father? Did he make that list? What father would want his daughter married off to a guy whose financial standing leaves much to be desired?"

I force open my bottle of water and chug some down.

"Ashal, what exactly are we doing here? What’s with the bad blood against Maddie? She’s a sweet soul and deserves the finest and the best crop of men to do life with."

I belt out a short laugh at Elyon’s glowing review of a woman he hardly knows. "Yeah, right. Madeline is truly an angel, a saint even."

"What’s with the sarcasm?"

I surge to my feet, brimming with anger. "You have no fucking idea who Madeline is and for you to stand there and reel out her praises is just laughable. That woman is the most annoying, ungrateful, ill-mannered, lying bitch you’ll ever meet and that’s just me putting it mildly." I add, stabbing a finger in his face. "If you think any differently, then you don’t know her well enough."

"And you do? How so? If memory serves me correctly, you two barely know each other from everything you’ve told me. Is there more to the story than you previously let on? Please, do enlighten me."

His cheekiness and my impatience are a very bad combo right now so I clear my things from the desk. "We’re done here. I’ll send what I have to her father and he can make the final choice. You can tell tall, dark and handsome outside to keep searching because Maddie isn’t the one." Elyon inclines his head at my harsh words.

"Yes, Elyon, Maddie and I have met outside of our botched blind dates and I will tell you for free that she’s the polar opposite of what you’d expect. Even her father is in a hurry to get her off his hands due to her impulsiveness and stubbornness. I am glad she’s not my problem." I brush past him as I leave.

I don’t care what anybody thinks. I am turning off my emotions and compassion till I see that Maddie gets a dose of the shock and pain she’s caused me. She dared to deceive me twice. She lied to my face multiple times. She’s on a quest to separate Olivia and I. I have to be rid of her.

"Maddie is getting married?" Olivia asks in shock the second I step through the door. Her father must have called to inform her. "How? To whom? I don’t understand. She doesn’t even have a boyfriend."

"Is that what she told you?" I ask, hanging my coat while the image of Carter crosses the fore of my mind. "You should learn to take your sister’s words with a grain of salt, Liv. She is a habitual liar."

Olivia trails after me as I take the stairs. "You’re still mad at her, I get it. In time, I’m sure you’ll find it in your heart to forgive her but please Ashal, if this marriage is arranged as your way of punishing Maddie, I beg you to reconsider."

I whirl towards her so suddenly she flinches and almost loses her balance. My hands catch her waist and hold her to firm her grip on the railing.

"Careful."

"Sorry."

"You shouldn’t worry too much about me or our baby will also be affected." I release and continue towards my room but she follows after me.

"Maddie did a terrible thing. She has learnt her lesson, Ashal. She pleads for your forgiveness. I am also begging you. Marriage shouldn’t be rushed into if one can help it. She hasn’t even dated anyone properly and to be plunged into marriage like this..."

"ENOUGH!" I bark angrily. Through the red haze of anger, I watch Olivia take two steps back, as she should. "ENOUGH ABOUT MADELINE. Everyone wants to defend her. Everyone wants to gloss over the damage she’s caused me. If you all cared so much about her, you should have steered her to the right path. She has threatened my peace and sanity not once but twice and I am the one who’s overreacting? Fuck that. I will teach your sister a lesson she won’t forget in a hurry. The next time she tries to come for me or my family, she’ll shudder from nightmares in her sleep. I don’t give a fuck who she ends up marrying. Left to me, I will trade her for a pair of new Nikes. She’s not worth my time. Don’t think for one moment that you can change my mind about how I feel towards your sister. If you continue to pester me about this issue, I’ll have no choice but to vent my frustrations on you so stop it!"

Olivia is in shock at my reaction. I bet she wasn’t expecting me to explode like that. I am just as surprised too at how angry the subject of Madeline gets me. My outburst was even a lot more Asher than Ashal but I really don’t give a fuck right now.

There’s something beyond Olivia’s blurry eyes that I can’t fathom. More than the clear shock, she looks like she’s studying me. I leave her and enter my room to freshen up. My phone rings a bit while I am bathing.

When I step out of a hot shower, wiping my face with a small towel while another bigger towel is wound around my waist, I am not surprised to find Olivia sitting on my bed with the same shocked, teary eyes. Why can’t she get it? I am done with that conversation.

"Don’t test me, Liv. I am not falling for your tears and calling off Madeline’s marriage!" My phone starts ringing again. I stroll to the top of a drawer and pick it up. Shock sizzles through me when I find it’s Olivia’s call.

Turning to her, I see that her phone is in her hand too. She keeps redialing Asher’s number while my phone rings loudly. How the fuck did I forget to undo this?

"I always felt something was off about you but I never wanted to believe that you would stoop so low to impersonate your own brother. You played me this whole time, Ashal? All the time I thought I was with Asher, that was you?" She croaks in tears.

"Liv, I can explain..." but she chucks her phone in my direction, narrowly missing my right eye. The lamp comes next and I quickly duck to save myself.

"Olivia! Listen to me please!" Crying, she races out of my room.

Fuck!