Four Brothers and a Bride

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.

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 he has at least tried to console his wife. If he isn't, then Demi is probably still all by

asks while I anxiously

need to get home. I'm sorry. Let's

her towards the elevator and 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

try Ashal's phone.

are you, Ashal? Why won't

I toss my keys to one of them to help me repark my car properly in the garage and head inside the mansion. Inside, the maids are already

study together. I don't know what to make of that. Father's face is set in a grim line. He says nothing when

around the

perhaps. One of your

I've been trying to reach him. "He's probably spending the night at

before that silly blog catches on." I know he is

lines now. I draw closer to her and cup her chin with my 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 nods. I stare at the elevator as it opens. Asher strolls out, his iPad in one hand and a glass of

going?" Father

They're tearing

the masses like this. The last time it was her ex-boyfriend. Now, it's her joblessness. She never spares any opportunity to put our family under the telescope for

"Calm down Brett."

kicked that girl out and faced the music. Her ridiculous claims would have been stale news by now like all the rest that came before her but you insisted on bringing her into our family. We haven't had a moment of peace

do." Father slants a heated gaze my way.

our stocks plummeting again. If we suffer any more hits, Spellman

I and

just has to have the last word

out of nowhere.

"Mila?"

daughter. How

Mila and

in handy." With that, he allows mom to lead him to the table for his dinner. 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 and plunks down with

Are you okay?

had a stressful day at work. I'll just have a fruit

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

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 check my message

am at

I come face to face with Ashely whose arm is around Demi's waist. Demi has clearly been crying. She sniffles and looks up at me

home and

"Oh really?" Ashley asks.

sorry I wasn't online. I had no idea so much was happening." Turning to Demi, I give her a sympathetic look. "Everything will be fine. Asher

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

you." Demi whispers

the hot water sluices down my skin, I hope to wash away the discomfort I felt seeing Ashley's arm around Demi. I can't feel jealous over my own

hair. Sighing, I get my dyeing kit from the bathroom cabinet and text mom. She normally helps me with dyeing

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

she

you so late. I just