Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 33

ASHTON

It feels eerie being here without my brothers, especially Ashal. Today however, I have no intention of playing anybody but myself. I am here on personal business and I really don’t care if word spreads to Ashal. I notice the new security detail at the penthouse. They barely let me through the gate without proper identification. After satisfying their curiosity, I am allowed to drive into the premises.

I shouldn’t be surprised. A lot has happened behind these thick walls recently that even caused the loss of a life. Ashal is on edge right now. He has made massive staff cuts. I agree with his decision. I’d probably do worse if I was in his shoes.

"Welcome sir." The new chief of security greets me.

"Thank you. It’s Ashton."

"I know. I saw your ID."

"I know my way inside. I don’t need an escort."

"It’s protocol, sir. We can’t leave Mrs. Olivia alone with any guest. Please cooperate with us."

Sighing, I follow his brisk steps into the house while he mutters instructions through his two-way radio. My own phone buzzes in my side pocket. I pull it out and give a half smile.

"That was fast. Your new team is a delight to watch."

"Why are you at my penthouse?" Ashal fires at me.

"Woah. Calm down, hulk. When did I ever need your permission to visit my sister-in-law?"

"I’m serious, Ash. Things have changed around there. The least you could have done was inform me you were visiting. I don’t think Olivia is ready to see my face just yet."

"Well, I understand your anxiety but I need to speak with her. It’s about her contacting Demi. That’s the reason you got so mad and hit her, right? I need to know what else she has done and who else she has told. Then, I plan on giving her some advice to avoid triggering your anger. You know you’re not in a position to order her around right now. Let me do this for you."

Ashal heaves a breath over the phone. "Go easy on her. She’s been through a lot."

"Got it."

"And Ash?"

"Yes?"

"If she mistakes you for Asher, please correct her. I don’t know why but she keeps mistaking me for him ever since he came in to help her when I hit her weeks back. I think she believes he’s the only one who actually cares about her."

"Alright. I’ll see you soon." I hang up and continue following the officer.

I don’t know what to make of Olivia’s confusion. I know she has history with Asher. They met first and had a one night stand that didn’t end so well. Typically, Asher couldn’t handle the dent on his reputation so he easily dumped the blame on his sick brother. I overhead Asher and Olivia talking about that night once. I got mad for my poor brother, Ashal. Asher didn’t deny it when I confronted him but he assured me that Olivia will always be Ashal’s.

Now, I don’t get why Olivia is mistaking everyone for Asher. Have they been in contact? Is he helping her or did he ask her to reach out to Demi? I wouldn’t put it past him. He has been trying to find a smoking gun to kick Demi out. Why not create the evidence if you can’t find any?

"Mrs. Olivia, Mr. Ashton Rollins is here to see you." The security officer announces.

Olivia sits by the piano, running her fingers smoothly over the keys but doesn’t play anything. When she rises to face me, she is thinner than I remember. Her eyes are weak but there’s still some fight left in them. She stares hard at me as though somehow, she would decipher the truth of my identity.

"Olivia. It’s been a while." She only continues to mope at me.

"Could you just stand right outside the door? This will only take five minutes." The security officer trades a quick glance with Olivia and only obliges after he gets a concurring nod from her.

"What is this about?" Olivia asks.

"Firstly, accept my condolence for the loss of your child." The color drains from the skin of her face as she staggers backward, bumping into the piano and accidentally hitting the wrong keys. "Are you okay?"

"Did Asher tell you that? About my baby?"

Why would Asher tell me about your baby with Ashal? I think to myself and then it clicks. Fuck. It can’t be. To the best of my knowledge, I am the only one privy to Olivia’s miscarriage. If Asher knows, then Ashal didn’t tell him. It only means he has been in contact with Olivia all this time. Was that his baby she just lost? Fuck.

I hasten to rectify the mistake I think I might have just made. "Yes, he confided in me."

Her facial muscles relax as she straightens up. "He didn’t tell Ashal, did he?"

"No. Ashal is still very heartbroken over the state he put you in due to his condition. He is choosing to give you enough time to heal and possibly forgive him."

Olivia scoffs and looks away. "Did Asher send you then? To check on me?"

I study her. "No. I am here on my own accord." I take two steps forward. I really can’t believe it. Asher has been cheating with Ashal’s wife? The baby Ashal has been mourning all this time wasn’t even his? How low can Asher stoop? Anger bubbles hot within me but I remind myself to keep calm and accomplish the business that brought me here.

"Olivia, I have a very important question to ask you and depending on how truthful you are, this might save your life tomorrow." When she gives me her full attention with a serious look on her face, I proceed, "Have you been trying to contact Ashley’s new wife, Demi Branson?" The shock on her face is all the proof I need.

"You signed an NDA."

"I didn’t break it. I merely wanted to be friends. I wasn’t going to introduce myself as related to your family or tell her anything."

"You expect me to believe that?" I can’t believe she is still lying through her teeth, "YOU TOLD HER TO COME TO THE PENTHOUSE! What were you hoping she’d find here?"

The security officer appears by the door when Olivia cowers in fright. I ignore him and continue.

"Do you know the gravity of your actions?"

"I haven’t broken my NDA." She insists.

"So, how do you explain your best friend Eliana trying to hook you up with some Mr. Fantasy guy because you’re in an abusive relationship? Why would she say that if you didn’t tell her?"

Now, Olivia is at a loss for words.

"You know why you lost your baby? Ashal found your text to Demi and lost it. How could you do that knowing the risks? What do you think will happen if Demi learns about you? She’s family now and the best she can do is speak to my mother on your behalf. If you were smart enough to behave and convince my family that you’re not a threat to us, maybe the whole of Danvarr would know you as Ashal’s wife by now. This house arrest type situation wouldn’t be your life."

"I don’t want to be known as Ashal’s wife. I’d rather die."

My heart clenches at her revolting declaration. "I understand why you would be against the idea but take it from me, Ashal actually loves you unlike the man in your head. While your lover denied you, Ashal accepted you and your lover’s first baby despite knowing the truth. He has been working hard to get better so he can be deserving of your love. If you had any sense in that head of yours, you’d go for the man that can lay down his life for you and not the one that’s cool with banging you whenever he has some time to spare in his schedule."

Olivia’s embarrassed face doesn’t last. "Say all you want. I love Asher and that will never change." Then she looks down somberly. "I’m sorry about Demi. It happened at a time when I was fearful for my life here. I still am. Please, don’t tell your parents. Your father will actually kill me this time. I promise not to do anything rash ever again. I’ll keep a low profile as long as you find a way to keep your crazy brother away from me. When he isn’t trying to kill me, he drives me absolutely crazy. Please Ashton, keep him away until he actually gets better." She begs with folded hands.

"It’s HIS house and you’re HIS wife. No one can tell him when to visit his own home. All I can promise is to talk him into giving you enough time to heal. YOU also have a part to play in all this. Don’t try to act smart and reach out to people you shouldn’t be contacting or telling people things you shouldn’t be talking about. I have eyes and ears everywhere. You try it one more time and you’re done."

I turn to the door and pause just in front of the security officer.

"Oh, and Olivia?" She looks up with wary eyes. Her hands are burrowed between her thighs. "End your illicit relationship with Asher. I won’t let you two disrespect Ashal like that. He has suffered enough because of your lies. If you defy me and continue entertaining and fucking Asher, I’ll personally inform the entire family about your escapades, from breaking your NDA to cheating on Ashal. Asher will be scolded at best but you..." I let my insinuation steam in the air before leaving.

Hours after I leave the penthouse, I am still stewing in my office. If I could, I’d punch Asher repeatedly in the face till he becomes unrecognizable. The bastard. How could he still continue to hurt Ashal so? Who the hell does he think he is? He already has enough women vying for his attention. Even Mila’s dad has given his stamp of approval for the prick. Why does it have to be Olivia when he knows how hard Ashal is working to salvage his relationship? I am utterly disgusted.

I think of calling Asher to give him a piece of my mind but I decide against it. This is a conversation best had in person so that if Asher says something cocky, my fist can fly. Ashal’s call comes in just then. I inhale sharply to quell my rage before picking up.

"How did it go?"

"It went well. She’s obviously still grieving the loss of her baby but I think she’ll be fine."

"And the Demi thing?"

"She apologized. It was out of panic for her life and safety when she made the poor decision to reach Demi. She promises never to do that again."

While the silence wears on, I contemplate telling Ashal of Asher’s escapade with Olivia. Ashal would be hurt no doubt but wouldn’t it be better if he suffers through it now along with every other pain he’s already feeling? If he confronts Asher, I will be certain Asher wouldn’t continue his secret relationship with Olivia who’s clearly too weak to resist him.

Then again, there’s no way to predict that Ashal won’t lose his mind and bray for Asher’s and Olivia’s blood. There could be a literal bloodbath and I can’t live with that. I decide against telling him. The last time I told him Asher had intentionally lied and dumped Olivia’s responsibility on him, Ashal hadn’t taken it well. I can’t risk all that again.

"Thank you." Ashal mentions. "For not ratting Olivia out to father."

"I hope she listens to my advice. I don’t know what I’ll do if she misbehaves again."

After the call ends, I get a message on my second phone. It’s been a while since I got a message in there. After I continuously ignored the rest given the way my date with Mila turned out, fewer texts and calls have been trickling in. I even had to give Mila my main contact just so she would stop bugging me from the second phone.

The message asks for a date with Will. I have no idea why this message feels strange. Could this be Mila playing pranks to get me to go on a date with her as Will? It must be. I call her by my other contact just to verify. She denies being behind such a prank.

"Are you going to indulge this stranger?" She asks. Her voice is laced with jealousy.

"You were a stranger once, weren’t you?"

"I thought you were done being Mr. Fantasy."

"Yeah, but I am not done being Will. And Will still needs friends."

Mila scoffs. "What if someone else recognizes you and learns of your secret? I think you should get rid of the phone. What’s the point of having multiple friends when you have me to hang out with as Will? I just think it’s safer that way."

"Are you jealous right now?"

"You wish. Listen, do whatever you want. Don’t call me when this backfires in your face." She hangs up. I understand her concern and I don’t intend to be reckless. Something about the text pulls at me.

[Hi, would love to go out with Will. I need a night of fun to forget how shitty my life is right now. Could you spare me an hour? I’ll pay if I have to. You don’t even have to say anything. Just listen to me rant about my stupid boyfriend while I guzzle some beer. Sound cool? Text me back-Dee]

I don’t plan on going but I admit the message has got my curiosity peeked. The texter doesn’t send a photo when I ask for one to be able to recognize her. She merely mentions that she’ll tell me what she’s wearing when I come looking for her at the date venue. I slip my phone into my pocket and try to forget about the weird text.

Gris is sick today and none of my other staff have been able to fill in for him. I literally missed two appointments because Stefanie, my secretary got the time mixed up. Gris offered to handle it from his sick bed but I wouldn’t let him. I managed to reschedule the meetings with great difficulty and finish up the rest of my tasks for the day. When I set out for home, my head home, my mind is still cluttered with worrisome thoughts.

I steady my hands and remind myself not to take out my anger on Asher in front of everyone and escalate the tension that’s already in the house. As I walk into the mansion, everyone is surprisingly in a light mood as dinner is being prepared. Father’s loud cackle makes sense when I spot Mila on the sofa next to mom. Mila winks at me. I head over to kiss mom’s cheeks.

"That’s the second time, Mila. You should tell me when you’re stopping by."

"I invited her." Father replies before Mila can defend herself. I feel uneasy as he shoots me a sly smile. Demi and Ashley are seated across from us. Like before, she acts indifferent about Mila’s presence, as she rightly should. I don’t know why I keep thinking Mila makes her uncomfortable. Asher emerges from the elevator with his hands strewn over Ashal’s shoulder. My blood boils at his hypocrisy. Ashal offers everyone a weak smile.

"See who I found, the prodigal son." Asher laughs.

"Ashal" Mother calls, rising. "Would you be joining us for dinner?"

"Yes, he will. Right, bro?"

Ashal agrees with Asher’s statement. When a hand closes over my clenched fist, I look down to find Mila’s manicured fingers curled over my hand. She had somehow noticed the murderous look in my eyes and came to stand next to me hoping to calm me down before anyone else notices. I ma grateful for her instincts. When I look away from her, my eyes find Demi unconsciously staring at Mila’s hand over mine. For the first time, I see that it does make her uncomfortable. When she notices me watching her, she feigns a smile and looks away.

"Mila?" Father calls with a smile, seeing her next to me. "How about you and Ashton go on a proper date? You two look good together."

Mila blushes profusely as she steals surreptitious glances at me. My hand goes limp in her grip. I stare at father and his eyes communicate a clear warning.

"I don’t know your relationship dynamics right now," Father continues. "However, I would love it if you two go on a date even if it’s for media optics to help fix our social image. Mila, is that something you think you’d be comfortable helping my family with?"

"Of course. I’d be happy to help." Mila holds my hand even tighter.

"It’s settled then. Ashton, take her somewhere fancy, like her father’s new five-star restaurant. That will be great. Duncan will arrange for the photographers."

"Father, how about Ashton and Mila go on a double date with Demi and I?"

I crane my neck at Ashley who is up on his feet with a big smirk on his face.

"It will be perfect. The media will focus on this new alliance and hopefully give Demi a much needed break." He turns to a pale Demi. "What do you think? Sounds great, right?" There’s a mischievous spark in Ashley’s eyes that I am only used to seeing in Asher’s. Clearly, Demi sees it too and shifts uncomfortably.

"It’s a double date then." Ashley declares with a smile. Father shrugs.

"Just make sure you all get the right pictures." He reiterates.

"We will" Ashley and Mila reply in sync, then break into a soft chuckle at each other. Mother invites everyone to the dining room for dinner. Before he drags Ashal away for dinner, I catch Asher winking at Ashley. Did they plan this? Why? Ashley pulls a reluctant Demi towards the dining room and I helplessly watch them leave.

Dinner is bland as I fail to stay present. My head is swimming with a lot of thoughts. I don’t know what father is planning but I have to make it clear that I won’t be his lapdog like Asher. After dinner, I storm away to cool off in my room. Everything is so fucking annoying right now. In my room, I strap down on the need to smash a thing or two. I’d prefer Asher’s face to anything else. I grab a shower, change and go find Asher to talk to him. When I don’t find him in his room, I head to his second favorite spot; the game room. He’ll definitely be in there probably playing and drinking with Ashley.

Just before I pull the door open, Demi steps out looking anxious. She is visibly shocked to see me. Behind her, I spot Asher next to the pool table, a drink in one hand and a smirk on his face. Ashley is nowhere to be seen. I narrow my eyes at Demi’s bowed head.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Demi?"