Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 67

ASHTON

"Are you still there?"

"Yes." Demi clarifies. Her silence isn’t doing her any good right now. How did she come by such sensitive information? Father had spent a fortune hiding as much information about Tobias’ death as he could to protect my brothers and I.

He even paid off some of the other security personnel that disposed the body and killed off the ones he couldn’t trust to take the secret to their graves. The ones who survived continue to get hefty checks from father till date.

"Demi? How did you learn all of this?" I leap off my bed now, dissatisfied with the fact that I can’t even see her to gauge her reaction.

"I’m sorry, Ashton. I didn’t keep this from the family because of I believe it. I just didn’t want Ashley breaking down even more."

"What are you talking about?"

"The box. There were two cards inside. The second one claimed that Tobias had been stabbed in his sleep with a pen knife in his neck seventeen years ago and bled to death before his body was dumped over a bridge."

"What?"

"When I saw how Ashley reacted over the first card with fewer details, I worried for him and ripped the other to shreds before we came home."

"What happened to the pieces?"

"I flushed it down the toilet. I’m sorry Ashton. I should have told you sooner but I didn’t want you, Ashley or anyone else to think I had doubts. Given the seriousness of the issue, it kept replaying in my head and that is why I asked. I don’t doubt Ashley. I know him better now. He could never do something like that. I just want to know why this blackmailer is tying the blame specifically on Ashley."

I stay clam to let my temper simmer down. "Did you ask me the question about the bugs because you suspect I am capable of stabbing a man’s throat in his sleep, even as a kid?"

She gasps. "No...God, Ashton, that’s not what I meant. You know it wasn’t." She goes on to mumble apologies for the misconception. I put her out of her misery by telling her I know she didn’t mean it like that.

"To answer your question, my guess is as good as yours. We as a family have no idea why but we know this is no different from an attack on our family. This person probably knows of Ashley’s mental health struggles since childhood and singled him out as prey. In the end, she wants to cast a slur on our character, reputation and ultimately disrupt our livelihood. We’ve had several flimsy accusations thrown at our doorstep but a murder accusation takes the cake. Tobias was like family to us. He and father were super close and his death took a toll on father. The gory details of his passing were smothered by father at his family’s behest. The media attention on them was so profuse they even had to leave Danvarr to grieve in peace. Whoever is doing this isn’t just trying to ruin our lives but to disrupt the peace the Woodleys have been enjoying all these years."

"We’ll do our best to nab this person and put an end to Ashley’s torture." Demi says.

I’m glad she’s genuinely concerned about him. At the same time, I ignore the quiet tug of jealousy. This is the first time she has mentioned Ashley several times in a row while we are talking. Though it makes sense because we are literally discussing Ash, I still feel some type of way especially given her history of babbling my name more.

"Any more questions about the plan?" I ask just to keep her on the phone a bit longer.

"I’ll let you know during our date, Ashley." She teases me before hanging up. I stare at my phone a while afterwards.

I did feel fuzzy inside at the mention of us going on a date but the reason I continue to stare at my phone is because of the difficulty I am having reconciling Demi’s sweet personality with that of a person trying to uncover secrets that could easily topple everything my family has struggled to build.

I wish I can ask her why she spoke with Eliana and attempted to converse with Olivia without affirming her suspicions. I want to believe that her eagerness to see Ashal’s penthouse is far removed from her attempt to rescue the damsel in distress known as Olivia.

Her question refreshes in my mind. It seems a little too convenient that she flushed the second note down the toilet without showing anyone else, including me. Was there really a second note?

"Mila’s call comes through, distracting me from my thoughts.

"Are you avoiding me?"

"Hi to you too, Mila." She sighs deeply.

"Look, I know I haven’t done anything to upset you. If you’re busy and can’t make the time to see or hear from me, a simple text in response to my call and text to tell me so, would do. Don’t treat me like a nuisance."

"Look Mila, I’m sorry for ignoring your calls. Asher informed me you waited for me at the racetrack that day. You and I made no prior plans in that regard. I had other personal engagements which I took the entire day to pursue. I don’t appreciate your entitlement to my time. We both know we’re leagues from getting there."

"I don’t feel entitled to your time, Ashton. I’m only asking that you extend me the courtesy of respect which I do give to you. If you’re sick of hanging out with me, take a walk but until you make that plain and clear, I won’t tolerate being treated poorly by you."

I suck in a breath. Why is she taking this so personally?

"I’ve got too much on my mind to deal with this right now, Mila. Can we do this some other time?"

Is this about my dare? Are you pissed off?"

"No, just disappointed that my friend thought it funny to dangle my secret in front of my eyes and threaten to expose it if I don’t dance to her tunes. What did you think would become of this friendship after you did that? And don’t give me that hackneyed lecture about insisting on the dare for my benefit. I know my boundaries around Demi and I will never cross them for however long my feelings last. You don’t have to worry about me."

"Fine, if you’re certain you know how to tread carefully around her, I’ll drop it. I was really worried about that. I’m sorry for threatening you. I never plan on revealing your secrets, pinky swear. Are we good?"

I exhale quietly as relief washes over me. "For now."

She chuckles at her own end. "We’ll settle this with a car race then. Good night."

I spend the better part of the night tossing and turning. Sleep refuses to court my eyes. Tired, I head downstairs to grab a bottle of water from the kitchen. It doesn’t shock me that the light in father’s study is on. Does he ever sleep properly for his age?

He likes to leave his door slightly ajar unless he is discussing a private matter he doesn’t want just about anyone eavesdropping on. I stare at the door as muffled voices sail through.

The voices finally ebb but before I can head back upstairs, father steps out with a hand on Ashal’s shoulder. Ashal nods to something father says before walking towards me.

"Ash?" Father calls to me, slightly unsure. Ashal taps my shoulder and mutters, ’your turn’ while brushing past me.

I follow father back into his study with a conspicuous frown. I hate it whenever he tries to cozy up to me or do anything to shorten the gap between us. I really wish he would give it a rest.

"We don’t have to keep going back and forth on this." I begin, expelling a frustrated breath.

"In other words, you’re never going to forgive me?"

I lock eyes with his tired ones. "You don’t want forgiveness, father. You want me to accept the kind of parent you are and make peace with it. Maybe I have." From his desk, I notice him gritting his teeth. He scoffs.

"The truth of the matter is that you’re right about me, and because you’re right about the kind of father that I am, you particularly should be grateful to me for saving your life."

I still don’t understand him or why he is beating around the bush.

"You see son, if I had been a dad who picks up his eight years old boys off the floor and balances them on his hip to spoon feed them, you wouldn’t have had the spunk to end the life of your brother’s assaulter."

My shock makes him allow a small smile on his face. "If I had been that other type of dad, I probably would have done the right thing and involved the cops to investigate the murder of one of my very close friends and my son’s culpability in his death but no, I am a different type of father who does all the dirty work and shields his children from incarceration. That’s the type of father I am and I am not sorry that I never made enough time to cuddle my boys of tuck them into bed."

His eyes are blazing now. He wrings his hands. "I knew Ashley could not have done that to Tobias. My guess was between you and Ashal because if Asher had done it, he would have announced it to me for bragging rights. As time flew by, I leaned more towards Ashal until I saw what a person looked like after Ashal hits them in blind rage. Tobias’ cut was a little less messy and more fatal."

I edge close to his desk. "Why are you telling me this now? Am I supposed to pretend I didn’t relish watching that pedophile breathe his last? I don’t care if you think me a monster. I’d gladly slice and dice that motherfucker again if I could turn back the hands of the clock."

"I don’t think of you as a monster, far from it. I am proud of you for defending your brother. I never got a chance to tell you this because you decided to give Ashley the credit so I played along with your wishes, thinking you probably became afraid that I would freak out. I wanted you to admit it while growing up but you never did so I couldn’t say anything to you. Now that you’ve owned up to it, I am proud of you, Ashton. I really am."

The last words of his sentence continue to play in a loop in my head till I eventually drift off to sleep that night.

***

"I stand in Ashley’s massive closet and gape at his massive collections of designer outfits with my jaw on the floor. There are color coded rows of pants, shirts, blazers, suits, belts, mufflers, hats, shoes, and even watches. The play of colors makes my head thrum with an ache.

Maybe I didn’t really think this through. How am I supposed to coordinate my looks like Ashley would? He already left for Brellis at the crack of dawn. What am I supposed to do with all these options?

Just as I think of calling a fashion stylist, I recall the plan is strictly a family secret and set my phone down. I call Ashley instead.

"Hey, how are you settling in?"

"I’m already bored. I miss everyone."

"You’ll be home in no time. Did you talk to Nicci."

"Yeah, but she didn’t quite take me seriously. I’d advise you lay it thick with the security so she doesn’t accost you outside."

"About that, I’m standing in your walk-in closet right now and I don’t know what the fuck I am supposed to wear. There are four sections of outfits for each color." Ashley bursts out in a boisterous laugh. "Is this where you spend all your money? Why the fuck do you have so many clothes, man?"

"Probably because I don’t repeat clothes? Hey, I knew you’d be dumbfounded so I already organized a week’s worth of outfits for you. It’s the section closest to my watch collection. I tagged your name as well as the dates and events each outfit would be most appropriate for." I follow his direction and find the clothes indeed.

"Why are there five sets of clothes for a full day?"

"Two are your mains for the day, one is for dinner and the last two are just to give you more options in case you need a quick change for an impromptu event during the day." I can’t believe he even picked clothes I am to wear at dinner with our family.

"I don’t need dinner clothes at home. I’d be Ashton by then."

"Whatever. Make me proud. I have a reputation to protect, okay?" Someone interrupts the call to speak to Ash. "Hey, I’ll speak with you later. The doctor is here. Best of luck."

I hang up and scratch my head as I sample the clothes. This isn’t going to be as easy as I thought.

Demi’s aunt and cousin show up early to have lunch with our family. Mom welcomes them with a huge smile and ushers them to the living room to entertain them while the table is being set.

Father waves in greeting to our in-laws. I know he doesn’t care for them but he doesn’t want to embarrass mom in front of her invited guests.

"It’s been weeks since Demi’s party and I thought it weird that we haven’t all had a meal as one big family. I hope you can forgive me for not planning this sooner."

"Oh no, Mrs. Rollins." Mrs. Elizabeth says with an ingratiating smile. "We are glad to be here at all. We know how busy you all are. Planning this to work with everyone’s schedule must have been a difficult task. We thank you nonetheless."

The elevator dings open and Demi emerges. Mother beckons on her to say hello to her family and I watch Demi’s expression dampen. Kira and her mother also shift uncomfortably. Mother ignores the awkwardness between them as Demi takes a seat.

"Welcome aunt. Hi Kira."

"Demi, you look good." Kira compliments with a forced smile. Demi mutters her thanks. Both women ignore each other while the mothers catch up.

When the doorbell rings, Demi leaps to her feet and dashes towards it. She returns with a big smile with her hands interlocked with that of her best friend, Anna.

"Mother, I invited Anna to join us. I hope you don’t mind."

"Of course not. Anna, you look resplendent in that sundress."

Anna smiles coyly. "Thank you, Mrs. Rollins, for the compliment and for having me." Demi’s mood seems fully perked up with Anna’s arrival as they huddle close to each other and immediately start chatting. Kira rolls her eyes at them before focusing on her phone.

My brothers finally come down the stairs and join me by the antique bar.

"Anything?"

"Not yet. The official statement has been released on all of Ashley’s socials. Ashley even specifically mentioned that the only person he would be willing to share his time with is his new wife, Demi. I’m sure that bit was more for Nicci than the blackmailer." Ashal chuckles before adding, "We just have to bide our time now"

I turn to Asher who is uncharacteristically quiet. His eyes are fixated ahead of us, a little to the left where Demi sits with her friend. There’s a weird look in them that I can’t quite place.

"Asher"

"Mmhmm?" He answers without breaking his gaze from Anna. Before I can say more, mother ushers everyone to the dining room after being notified that lunch has been served.

"Ashley is working so hard." Demi’s aunt begins as she folds her napkin and places it on her thighs. "I saw his official statement. He must be at work." Mother nods at her. "Strangely, I think he gives me an idea of how much of a workaholic my Kira is going to be when she is fortunate to land a decent job in the fashion industry." Her eyes settle adoringly on Kira who beams up at us all. "Kira loves all things fashion and entertainment. She has been making alterations to her own clothes from scraps of fabric lying around the house since she was seven."

"Yes." Kira confirms. "I love fashion and media entertainment. It’s the air I breathe. I have a whole blog dedicated to fashion, beauty and lifestyle. I admit I am still wet around the ears and have a lot of learning to do but in my own little way, I have been very hardworking and taking little steps towards the actualization of my goals."

I can’t believe they’re trying to worm their way into the family business over a family lunch meant to bond both families. Father is clearly upset over their boldness. Mom glances at him and feigns a small smile.

"Mr. Rollins?" Kira calls quietly as father chews his food. "Forgive my boldness but no one can really get ahead in life without a little dose of bravery, right?" Her nervous laugh is only reciprocated by her mother. "Mr. Rollins, I was hoping you could help me out the same way you helped my cousin. Unlike her, I actually have the skills to back it up." She ignores the hot glare Demi shoots her and keeps her eyes trained on father’s hooded ones.

"I’d love to work for Ashley or Ashal. My content creation and social media marketing skills will be properly harnessed in either of their companies. I won’t let you down."

"Yes, she won’t." Her mother chips in with a big smile.

"Uh, why don’t we just focus on lunch." Mother’s words fall on deaf ears. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"I’m sorry Mrs. Rollins but things are a little bleak for my future as an upcoming celebrity." Kira drops her cutlery and slouches in her seat with a glum expression. "I just quit my recent job because my employer lacks vision. I can’t stand working with people who don’t mentally stimulate me or have the wherewithal to bring my creative ideas to life."

"You quit your job?" Demi asks alarmed. Her eyes track to her aunt’s who lays a protective hand over Kira’s. "Why did you let her do that? She just got employed."

"She deserves better than that shitty job." Mrs. Elizabeth returns with an indifferent stare. Demi shakes her head. I know she’s sorely embarrassed over her family’s behavior. I would be too

"Thank you for your interest, Kira but we are not recruiting right now." Ashal clarifies with a warm smile.

Asher sips his wine, sick of the dry conversation at the table.

"We are not looking to hire amateurs." He says, staring pointedly at Kira. "Here in our family, nobody gets handed down opportunities they didn’t work hard to earn. If my father doesn’t think I am a formidable chief operating officer, I wouldn’t be occupying that position. My brothers and I are the best at what we do. We are not at the helm of affairs in our respective companies because we are the sons of the chairman of Rollins Group."

Kira and her mother twitch in their seats as Asher put them in their place.

"As for Demi, she actually has a good degree to back up her inclusion in the business. Even with her certifications, she was only admitted as an intern and is currently still undergoing the training to refine her and better position her for future integration into the business. I hope you get the point I am trying to make."

"Do you, Mrs. Collin?" Father cuts in, wiping his lips. "If you don’t, I’ll gladly go over it again as much as required so you and your daughter get it."

His smile unsettles them. They shake their heads and return to their meals. Asher briefly exchanges glances with Anna who continues to lower her eyes at the table.

"I’m sorry, father, if they upset you. I am sure they didn’t mean to." Father continues to enjoy his food despite Demi’s apologies so mother gives her a reassuring smile.

"That’s okay dear. Now, let’s all just enjoy our food."

Kira glares at Demi for some reason. It’s utterly ridiculous how much she detests her cousin.

"Mmmm, this meal is really delicious, Mrs. Rollins." Kira speaks up again after a few minutes."

"Did you just realize that?" I ask her casually. "You’ve been eating it for a while." She blushes as she whips her head towards me.

"I know. I’m so silly." She smothers a laugh behind the hand covering her mouth. "I just...it reminds me of my shitty date foods. The guys never take me anywhere fancy with a sumptuous meal like this one. They’re all cheapskates."

She laughs again and takes a sip of water. "That reminds me. Demi, how was your date with Mr. Fantasy? You never shared the details with me."

My fingers freeze around my cutlery. Demi’s eyes grow big with shock as everyone at the table turns to look at her, even father.

"What?"

"Your date with the guy you begged me to give you his contact details, Mr. Fantasy."

I glare at Kira now. She’s intentionally trying to get Demi in trouble by bringing this up. The girl is more devious than I thought.

"What date?" Mother asks in surprise. Kira turns to her and father with a huge smile.

"Oh, she came visiting home a few weeks back and we got talking about some guy who claims to look just like your sons. Spinsters in Danvarr are so convinced he is a spitting image of the Rollins’ quads so they topple over each other to snag a date with him. If they get picked, he goes on this date with them and does impressions of any brother they fancy. Example, I wanted to go on a date with him so he could make impressions of Asher or Ashley, my top two favorites. He fulfils women’s fantasies, hence the name, Mr. Fantasy."

She turns back to Demi who is already pale with worry. "When I told Demi about it, she begged me to pass me his number so she could go on a date with him instead. I didn’t understand why she would want to date a fake when she was surrounded by the real deals and even married to one but I chose to mind my business and gave it to her." She sips her drink and watches father over the rim of her glass.

"What?" Asher’s interest is clearly piqued now. "What is she talking about, Demi?"

"Mr. Fantasy?" Ashal reiterates.

Mother ignores Asher’s question and stares at Demi. "Demi, did you go out with that stranger? When did that happen?"

Everyone waits for Demi to reply to their growing questions while Kira smirks in her chair. A coat of sweat is starting to dew on Demi’s face as well as mine. She’s going into a panic. Father leans forward on his seat.

"DEMI, ANSWER THE QUESTION, NOW."