Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Chapter 28

ASHTON

[Stop ignoring me. You promised, Will]

I slide my phone into my pocket, ignoring Mila's latest message. She's really laying it on a bit thick here. It was cool when our friendship was still in the dark. With all the spotlight on us now, I'm not comfortable seeing her and feeding the gossip already trending on the news and blogs. I glance up towards the door when I hear a familiar voice.

"Is this how you treat a friend?"

Mila hovers by the door of my office with her hands on her waist. Her voice is a petulant whine. She strolls in uninvited and helps herself to a seat. I was about to leave and I tell her as much.

"What's wrong, Ashton? Why are you being so cold towards me?"

"Look Mila, I appreciate you wanting to indulge Will but I do not have the time for any of that now. I have a lot on my plate." Mila scrunches her nose.

"Just spit it out. This has got nothing to do with your workload. You're the chief operating officer here. You call the shots and you're free to delegate your tasks when you need to. Sparing an hour and thirty minutes of your time for me won't make your company fold. I run one too so I know what I am talking about."

She rises to her feet. "I'm not a child. I can tell when people aren't being honest. I guess it's my fault for hounding you like I've got nothing better to do. I just wanted to take a break from my mundane routine and hang out as friends. Don't read much meaning into it."

Before she can leave, I stop her.

"I didn't mean to be an asshole Mila and I apologize for being just that. Honestly, I'm not comfortable with the amount of media attention we are getting over one lousy photo at the café the other day. I told you, I tried to be Will so I could draw less attention to myself and feel free. I'm not ready to put up with anything that defeats that."

Mila's eyes soften with understanding. "I'm guessing your dad also gave you a hard time about it too."

"Hard time?"

Sighing, she edges closer to my desk. "Well, mine wasn't totally upset with the idea of us allegedly dating or whatever. He just prefers Asher to Ashton. You know, solid work ethic, business acumen, blah blah blah."

"Ouch." I pretend to clutch my bleeding heart.

"I know, right? What did your parents think of me?"

My throat goes dry. "My father? Well, the idea of one of his sons allegedly dating the daughter of a business mogul like himself sounds good to them." Mila's eyes light up brightly. "But of course I quickly had to debunk the rumor and set my family straight. You did so too, right?"

She shrugs nonchalantly. "Look, I just want to get hamburgers and fries. I'll wear a male disguise if that puts you at ease. Cool?" I'm not still psyched about the idea but I agree.

"Fine. I'll text you when I am free."

"Cool. Oh, by the way, I'm really sorry about your sister-in-law. I don't know why the blogs have been unfair to her lately."

My eyes meet hers lightning fast. "What?

"The blogs? They've been giving her so much flak for no reason. I don't know why they like picking on your family so much. Haven't you seen the articles? It's been trending all evening." Mila tuts while I hurriedly pull up my phone to check. I hate lingering on social media so a lot gets past me with my internet turned off. To my horror, my phone goes crazy with numerous notifications.

"Shit. My brothers have been trying to reach me too."

Asher has left a message on the quad WhatsApp group but so far only Ashley has responded to it. Ashely points out in the chat that Ashal can't be reached. I recall my conversation with Ashal earlier and wonder if he is at his penthouse with Olivia trying to repair their relationship. My mind shuttles to Demi. How must she be holding up? The last time she was dragged online, she didn't take it well.

our PR team is working to dispel the heat gathering from the rumors. He also mentions that father and mother are coping just fine. There's no mention of Demi's state. I contemplate asking Ashley in a private chat but I have no idea what meaning he might choose to read from it. Finally, I text to ask where he is. If he's home, I can hope

asks while I anxiously wait for Ashley

get home. I'm sorry. Let's hang

see her off to her car before hopping into mine. Ashley still doesn't reply my text and when I call him, his line goes to voicemail. Is he with Nicola again? I wonder silently. He usually keeps away from his phone when he doesn't want to

Ashal's phone. It's

are you, Ashal? Why

to spare before the dinner table is set. The guards all greet me as I alight from my car. Uncharacteristically, I toss my keys to one of them to help me repark

Mom calls with a smile. She and father are stepping out of his study together. I don't know what to make of that. Father's face is

everyone?" I ask casually, my eyes darting around the room. I study mom's

of your

reply. I don't mention that I've been trying to reach him. "He's

know he is referring to Billion-Err, the bane of every wealthy family in

hands. "He's fine mom. We were together all day. He even mentioned resuming work physically soon. He's feeling much better. Let's trust him, okay?" Mom

going?" Father asks

people are relentless. They're tearing down every defensive

quell this? This is all her fault. I wonder how she manages to stir the masses like this. The last time it was her ex-boyfriend. Now, it's her joblessness. She never spares any opportunity

"Calm down Brett."

runs a hand over his face and sighs. "Are you happy? I told you we should have kicked that girl out and faced the music. Her ridiculous claims would have been stale news by now like all the

overcome this like we always do." Father slants a heated gaze my

our stocks plummeting again. If we suffer any more hits, Spellman group will outrank us and I can't have that. Hugh is already proud enough

I and

is so competitive and just has

Father asks out of nowhere. I gape

"Mila?"

daughter. How

Mila and I

can't believe him. Is that the only reason he approves of Mila? I look away to hide the disappointment that mars my face. When my eyes find Asher again, he staggers to a couch

Are you okay? What's

I'll just have a fruit and

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

hasn't changed it. Will she consider me immature for not respecting her boundaries? I refuse to overthink it. I have to check on her since Ashley clearly hasn't. My hand is poised over the keypad when my phone buzzes. I

am at home with

whose arm is

home

"Oh really?" Ashley asks.

no idea so much was happening." Turning to Demi, I give her a sympathetic look. "Everything will be fine. Asher is working on

you." Ashley tells Demi. "You'll be fine.

you." Demi whispers

the hot water sluices down my skin, I hope to wash away the discomfort I felt seeing Ashley's arm around

dots my golden hair. Sighing, I get my dyeing kit from the bathroom cabinet and text

I leave Ashal countless messages before I make my way to the door. I can't believe he hasn't deigned to reply any of them. He should know better how worried mom constantly is about him. Even now, I am just as worried because he never shuts everyone out like this. I don't have Olivia's number or I would have called her to check if Ash is with

smiles as she glances

you so late. I just noticed

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