Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 74

DEMI

"Ashley, please take your wife away. I’d like to talk to your brother." Mom says icily without breaking eye contact with Ashton. I look over at Ashton. Whatever was bothering him seems to have taken a back seat now. He tacitly urges me to go with Ashley who has already stormed away in anger. I feel bad for putting us in this position.

When I reach the door, mother refuses to acknowledge my apologies or even look me in the face.

"You should be apologizing to your husband, not me."

"This really isn’t Ashton’s fault. I started..."

"Demi, please," Ashton interrupts me with a mild plea in his eyes. "Go to Ashley. Mother, please come in." Mother’s eyes narrow at our boldness. This must all come as a shock to her. I take Ashton’s advice and run after my husband, hoping I’d get the chance to speak to mother later.

Ashley isn’t in his room when I check. I try his phone but he keeps cutting off my call. He won’t reply my texts either. I rush out of the elevator and head towards the gate in time to see his car leave the mansion. Where could he be off to? This is bad.

"What’s wrong?" Asher comes up behind me. "Was that Ashley?"

"He um...he saw me and Ashton."

"Doing what?"

I bite down on my lower lip and drop my head in embarrassment. "We kissed."

"Are you nuts? I asked you to watch him till I handled father and you go and kiss him? What in the world were you thinking? What was I thinking sending you off with him? Shit. What are you, an animal? You’re wearing another brother’s ring for crying out loud. Why did you take advantage of Ashton’s condition to realize your sick fantasies?" He goes on to chide me continuously.

"You can have a field day cussing me out but right now, I need to find Ashley. He just left in anger and he’s not taking any of my calls. Where could he be off to?"

"Like you give a damn." He tries to brush past me to go check on Ashton but I pull him back.

"Mother has got him. Ashley is alone and pissed. We know he is being watched by his blackmailer. What if he is being followed right now? He could be in danger. Please, Asher. I need you to help me here."

Asher’s eyes widen with fear. He begins to dial his brother’s phone but now it’s switched off.

"If anything happens to my brother, I won’t spare your life. I warned you to stay away from Ashton. You knew this would happen if you got between them and still, you did. And what better timing than on the very week of mom’s birthday while your husband is still coping from a mental assault! Jeez Demi, you’re the worst wife and daughter-in-law nobody asked for."

He starts heading for his car. "You better pray to whatever god you worship that nothing happens to Ashley or you’re dead."

Tears glisten in my eyes at the insults hurled at me. I deserve them and more. What was I thinking? How could I do that with so many people around?

"Demi?"

I freeze at the sound of father’s voice before gradually turning.

"What happened to Ashley?" He asks with a frown. "Why is Asher so upset with you?"

My lips twitch as I struggle to find the words to explain how badly I just messed up. Father’s frown only deepens at the growing silence despite the questions he just posed.

"Are you deaf, girl? What happened?"

"Demi" Mother calls, stepping out of the elevator. Go wait in my room. I’ll be with you shortly."

I wipe my moist face, bow my head before leaving while she mutters something to father to pacify him. Upstairs, I stare at Ashton’s closed door. I wonder what mother had said to him, the things he had to hear because of my action. Is he trying to call Ashley too? Have I caused a rift between two brothers?

I feel worse just thinking about it. I wanted to make Ashton feel better but all I did was pile on his troubles. We didn’t even get to discuss what was really troubling him.

"Demi." Mother calls from behind me. Flustered, I turn to her. She nudges me towards her room.

"Where’s Ashley?"

I wring my hands. "He um, he went out for a drive. He’s mad at me." I strap down on the need to bawl my eyes out. Mother sits in her room with her head hanging low.

"This is not how I expected to start my birthday week." She mutters. I rush to crouch at her feet but she only moves my hands away when I touch her knees. "I didn’t expect this from you, Demi. I only said you could have one of my boys, not shuffle between them. What were you thinking?" Her eyes are pained now. "You know what Ashley just had to go through. He might be your contractual husband but that’s his brother!"

"Mother, I am sorry. I wasn’t thinking. It was a spur of the moment. Ashton was feeling very sad and he was in tears. I couldn’t get through to him. I know I have no excuse. I shouldn’t have behaved like that. I’m sorry mother." I lay my head on her knee and sob now. "Please help me talk to Ashley. He wouldn’t hear me out."

Mother gets on her feet and paces to her window. "How long have you been in love with him?"

My head shoots up to stare at mother’s stern face.

"How long have you been in love with Ashton?"

"I...it’s not really...I wouldn’t call it that."

"THEN WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT?" She barks at me. Tears shimmer in her eyes as well. "From what I’ve learnt, you’ve kissed your brother-in-law twice on your own volition but the only time you kissed your husband, we had to force you. You even loathed every second of it. I wanted to believe that you had no interest in any of my sons which is why you kept that clause in the marriage contract. I chose to respect your wishes Demi. Now, instead of banding my boys together and helping them act right like we agreed, you go and cause such a strain in their relationship? I am deeply disappointed in you."

"Please mother..."

"Ashley is a good man. Do you know how difficult it’s been for him to have you as a wife and not cross your boundaries? He’s used to getting any woman he wants. Marriage was never in the cards for him but after you were dismissed from this house following your marriage claims, he took pity on you and offered to marry you officially. He even cut down on his philandering save for Nicola who won’t stop sticking to him like a leech. My point is Ashley has had to make sacrifices for you. Why would you pay him back like this?"

"I’ll make it up to him, I promise."

"How? How Demi? You’ve bruised his ego. If you are done with this marriage, he would have gladly signed the papers to set you free. Why did you kiss his brother while wearing Ashley’s ring for goodness’ sake?" Mother sinks into the couch closest to the window. "I can’t even defend you anymore. Whenever Ashley would come to me with questions on how to he can be a better husband for you so you guys can grow closer, it would warm my heart that he wasn’t giving up on you. This is a son who would never be bothered about being liked by a woman but he often came to me to ask about you. I can only imagine what pain he felt seeing you like that with Ashton."

Ashley did that? I cover my face with my hands. I know I messed up. I just wish everyone would stop apportioning blames and help me reach Ashley.

My phone starts ringing. Seeing Ashley’s call, I quickly answer.

"Ashley? Ashley I’m so sorry. Please come home." He says nothing on his end. "Ash, are you there?"

"I’m here, Demi. It’s okay. I just need some air."

My heart breaks seeing how much he’s pretending to be fine just to set my mind at ease. "Ashley, I want to talk to you. If not here then maybe..."

"I’ll send you an address."

"Okay. I’ll be there."

The minute he hangs up, he pins me his location. Mother nods with understanding as I rush out to go meet with Ashley. I take less than five minutes to get changed from a weepy mess to a decent fit. I have no idea how I am going to defend myself. Truth is, I am not planning to. I am guilty of cheating on Ashley so I am just going to apologize.

The address takes me to an aquarium. When I go in looking for Ashley, I find him in the empty space, seated. In front of him is a huge glass with ocean blue lights and hypnotic views of the coral reef. Occasionally, the colorful shells of sea turtles and stingrays come gliding by, even sharks.

Wordlessly, I join him. We watch the glass together, saying nothing to each other for a few minutes. When he breaks his gaze to stare at me, he finds my eyes watching him.

Despite the smile he forces on his face, I can tell he isn’t happy.

"I’m sorry, Ashley. You didn’t deserve that."

"Shhh." He places a finger on my lips. "You didn’t deserve the disrespect at your party either." He turns to the glass tank as a white shark floats by. "I am not a saint. I didn’t come here because I think I am perfect and entitled to your loyalty. I just wanted to be by myself while I wallow in regret for some bad decisions I’ve taken in the past but none of them involves marrying you."

He wipes off the single tear that falls from my left eye.

"I’ve been in love before. I remember a thing or two about how helpless one can be against that pull."

"You’re hurting."

"I am, but it’ll pass. I am trying to remind myself that Ashton is my brother and you’re my wife and that the both of you didn’t do that intentionally to hurt me. You both weren’t thinking at the time and it looked like you were in a compromising situation." He wipes off my tears again. "It’s okay. We’ll get through this."

"Why won’t you just lash out at me like everyone else? Get it off your chest, Ashley. I promise I won’t take any of it personally. You’ll be justified to do so. Don’t bottle up your feelings like this. I hurt your pride. You’re human and you’re allowed to vent your frustrations on me. Please, don’t go down a spiral afterwards."

He holds my gaze. "Is that what you want?"

"I want you to do what you need to do. Don’t pretend this doesn’t hurt because of our contract. I know how I felt seeing you and Nicola and I promise I didn’t do this to get back at you. I just want you to express your feelings and let out the pain."

"Express my feelings." He chuckles as he stands on his feet. "You’re in love with my brother, Demi. What can I possibly do about that? I have been the nice guy from day one and tried my best to respect your boundaries and treat you well. If you were going to reciprocate my feelings, you would have done that by now but your heart wants Ashton."

"Keep going." I prompt him.

"It shouldn’t matter since our contract is one year long but somehow it still stings and you know what’s funny? It stings more because he’s my brother and we literally look the same. I go to bed wondering the same thing in my head every night; if she can catch feelings for a man that looks just like me who barely treats her half as good as I do, why not me? I understand you met me as an infamous lothario but I have cut back on that life far more than you will ever realize. I think I deserve a chance too but what can I do when your heart is set on my brother?"

"Ashley..."

"You said I should air my feelings so you’re going to listen, please."

Slowly, I sit back down and watch him run his hand through his hair.

"I don’t know how I am feeling, Demi. It’s between a crushing disappointment and frustration in my efforts to win you and deep anger and resentment at myself for even trying, you know. What the fuck was I thinking? It’s just a year. I can survive a year with a woman who wants nothing amorous to do with me but that singular fact felt like a challenge and I ran with it. I got it into my head that you’re perfect for me and I deserve a woman like you. It’s just...it really sucks to be wrong right now."

"Ashley, you deserve better. I am not perfect myself. Don’t use me as a yardstick to measure a good woman. And you’re not horrible or underserving of pure love. I am sorry I hurt you. Please, forgive me." He pulls me in for a hug and pats my back while I sob.

***

"How’s Ashley?" Anna asks.

I sigh heavily. "He’s focused on work, leaves super early and returns super late. I barely get to see him at all. The atmosphere at home is so crazy I wish I can stay at work all day. Mother barely talks to me. She wouldn’t even take my input on her birthday plans. I know that if we were cool, she would drag me shopping and run her ideas by me. Now, she mostly has friends over planning everything without involving me."

Anna cuddles me. "And Ashton? How is he holding up?"

"He wouldn’t return any of my texts. He and Ashley are like ghosts now. I barely see them even at the dining room. I’m stuck with the rest of the family who don’t like me right now."

"Have you tried surprising Ashely at work? I bet if you two make up, the rest of the family will have no choice but to drop their grudges."

"I don’t think he wants to see me."

"Maybe but putting in the effort might gladden his heart. Get him a gift, something he truly values. Go on a special date to his favorite place and do all his favorite things. Try to restore your friendship. He can’t possibly hate you as he doesn’t consider himself perfect either. I’m sure he will appreciate your effort and cut you some slack."

"I think you’re right. Oh, Anna, you’re such a perfect girlfriend to have. Why can’t I think like you do?" Anna laughs at my statement. "I have to make it up with Ashley. Liam can’t find out or he’ll start doubting me again. I haven’t even told him about josh and Asher’s conversation. He’s occupied with trying to get Shay Woodley’s attention."

Anna’s phone rings just then. She snags the phone before I can make out the caller.

"I’ll be right back. Get started on the list of Ashley’s favorite foods and things to do."

I watch her walk away to take her call. She always takes her calls in front of me so this is quite suspicious. When she returns, she has a big smile on her face and a red blush on her cheeks. Despite how much I pester her, she wouldn’t share it with me so I give up. She helps me prepare a small gift for Ashley with a handwritten note expressing my sincerest apologies to him.

"You have to dress up for this part. You know he’s a fashion lover. He’ll notice your clothes before anything else."

"Anna, I can’t give the wrong signals. I’m trying to win my friend back, not seduce him."

"Whatever, but a tee shirt and jeans won’t cut it. Put some effort in it." She goes to her wardrobe and pulls out a crepe dress with a plunging neckline. I keep protesting with every dress she selects until we settle for one that’s not too seductive.

"When did you get all these?" I ask her. They look really expensive.

"A friend helped me out. I’m trying a wardrobe overhaul."

I say nothing over lots of Ashley’s designs featuring in her new collection. Her friend must be super rich to get these for her. Nevertheless, I am happy if she is happy.

When I get to Ashely’s office, I nervously make my way to his floor. Upon my entrance, his staff treat me to a receptive gaze. Smiling, I head for Ashley’s office. I don’t bother to knock before I step in, as I have done countless times before.

Ashley is standing next to Nicola who is draped in his recently finished masterpiece, the same dress he had wanted me to be the first to try. Seeing another woman in it now makes me wince.

Nicola looks divine in the low back green dress. Her sultry eyes are fixated on my husband. Their closeness instantly makes me uncomfortable. When Nicci spots me first, she plants a soft kiss on Ashley’s cheeks.

"You’ve outdone yourself once again." She then proceeds to twirl while he watches her, especially her backside where the fabric dips almost to the crack of her butt. I am certain she isn’t wearing anything underneath as her clothes are on the couch.

My mind flashes back to the time Ashley was trying to get me to try the dress for him and asked me to strip. Did he watch Nicci get naked in front of him to try the dress? I ignore the sting in my chest.

"Oh, hi Demi."

At her words, Ashley turns to the door. I feign a smile.

"How long have you been standing there?" Nicci asks with a cunning smile. Ashley looks surprised to see me.

"I just got here."

"You didn’t tell me you were coming." He quips.

I hide an embarrassed smile. "I was around the vicinity and thought I’d stop by." I notice Ashley take in my clothes which is more put together than usual but he says nothing.

"You look amazing, Nicci."

"Thank you, Demi but the real credit should go to the designer here. He’s a genius." She sashays to the door. "I’ll let you two talk. Ash dear, I’ll be waiting in the lounge." After she leaves, Ashley eases a hip on his desk and folds his arms across his chest.

"You look lovely."

"Thanks. I um...got you a few things." I walk closer to pass them to him. He goes through them with a smile and spends a little longer than necessary reading my card while I try not to die of embarrassment. Typically, I shouldn’t be standing here while he reads the note.

When he looks up, his cheeks are flushed.

"I know it’s nothing but are we good now?"

He straightens his back. "You’re asking to be friends again. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

His deep blue eyes stare deeply at me. "I don’t think I can do that anymore."

"What? Why?" Is he really going to say no after all the work I put in? He rips the card in front of me and dumps them in his bin. "Ashley, why would you do that? I poured my heart into that note."

"I know. I read it." He edges close to me with a look in his eyes that makes my skin tingle. When his hands go around my waist, I stifle the urge to flinch. His hand caresses the bare skin of my back from the cutout of the dress Anna lent me.

"I don’t want to be just friends anymore, Demi. Maybe if I had been more vocal about my growing feelings, you wouldn’t have made room for anyone else. I’m changing that now. I want to have you, Demi. Give me a chance to love you for the next six months we’ve got left. If you don’t want me by the end of our contract, you’re free to choose whomever you want. I just need a chance to prove myself to you. What do you say?"

***

Mom’s birthday is five times fancier than mine. I am shocked how she can manage to enjoy so many cameras clicking in her face. News stations mount their equipment all over the grounds, filming the celebrations. The party is outdoors, under the waning sun. Decorations are top notch. If I thought I had dignitaries during my party, I am humbled by the sheer number of celebrities, politicians and even members of royal families outside Danvarr that turn up for mother’s party.

Father and mother move from one interview to the other, same with the rest of us. Ashely has a hand on my waist as we navigate the questions posed at us. He has been very sweet and affectionate towards me ever since I told him I’d think about his proposal. It’s been lovely having him around.

The family even started treating me better again. Mother joined me in her planning committee last minute. Despite the happiness I feel to have everything right with my husband who is basically my link to this family and the only way I can fulfil my plans, it’s been an uphill task ignoring Ashton.

He is back to having Mila around him. They look good together while they pose for the cameras. I am sure he’s struggling as much as I am. We never got a chance to speak again after our kiss and everyone has been watching us.

I watch him from a distance occasionally. I am glad he isn’t looking suicidal anymore. I truly hope he finds true happiness even if it’s not with me. We were never meant to happen and I am slowly making peace with that.

We all hit the dance floor to celebrate mother. We take turns with our partners dancing the waltz. While we spin across the floor to switch partners, I end up with Ashal who smiles down at me.

"Who’s your date tonight?" I ask him. He was the only one who didn’t give me an earful or a hard time during my crisis with Ashley. For that reason, I keep drawing my feet about testing him like Eliana had insisted.

"Riley Edgar. She’s a real princess, with a kingdom and all."

"Hmmm, lucky you."

"I don’t think she likes me though. She keeps looking over my shoulder at one of her father’s royal bodyguards."

"Scandalous. That will make a good book." He laughs as he shuffles me away and gets Mila. I stare into Asher’s face and we both frown at each other.

"Did you get a princess or an heiress of a conglomerate?"

"Apparently, I am not lucky enough if you’re in my arms."

I scoff at him. "Nessa is here but I bet you don’t have the balls to dance with her in front of the cameras. I hope she realizes she’s way too good for you."

He shoves me roughly away as the music changes to welcome Anna in his arms. His frown disappears as he gives her a sunny smile and twirls her like a princess. I look up to find the one who had broken my fall is Ashton.

"Careful." He says flatly. I can tell everyone in the family is watching us. Ashley is dancing with Nicci and she’s actively trying to steer his eyes away from us. Ashton pulls me to join the dance.

"How have you been?" ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

"Good."

"I’m sorry about the last time..."

"It’s fine."

"Ashley still isn’t talking to you?" He says nothing and my heart breaks for both of them. "I’m deeply sorry, Ash."

"You two make a great couple. Keep him happy. That’s all I ask."

"Ashton..." He gently twirls me away to my next partner.

"Missed me?" Ashley asks with a smile. We’re not supposed to be reunited so fast. I can tell he traded places with my next partner. Behind us, Nicci already ditched the dance floor and is scowling from her seat.

I return Ashley’s smile just as mother’s cake is wheeled out. It’s already dark and most of her guests came from afar. Father walks mother to cut her cake and make her birthday wish while the journalists jostle with each other to get the perfect cake pictures and videos.

Mother blows out her candles after shutting her eyes and making a wish.

"What did you wish for, Mrs. Rollins?" The journalists start badgering her. She waves them to silence. Her eyes track around the crowd till they find me and Ashley. Her smile deepens.

"I wish to be blessed with a grandchild from my lovely daughter-in-law and my son, Ashley."