Chapter 32: Chapter 32

DEMI

"It's not what it looks like." I tell Asher. I don't know how pictures can lie but this one clearly is a lie. I wasn't as comfortable or compliant with the kiss as the picture portrays. "Tell him, Kira. You saw everything."

"Exactly. I saw you and your ex kissing in an alley. That's exactly what I captured." I can't believe this snake of a girl. Asher has been unusually quiet and brooding. His eyes are dark and scary when they find my face. I can't believe Kira will go this far. I delivered on my own end of the bargain so why did she betray me like this?

"Aunt, you know I wouldn't." Aunt looks away and doesn't utter a word in my defense. Now, I realize she and her daughter planned this. She isn't as clueless as I think.

"You wouldn't even let Ashley kiss you but you're happy to offer your lips to that broke cheat? What has my family not done for you, Demi Branson? We accepted you into our family and polished you up. We've helped you every time that bastard tried to drag you down. We face backlash from the media constantly because of your ties to our family. Any other family would have thrown you to the wolves or kicked you out but we didn't and this is how you pay us back?"

"Asher, I am telling you that picture isn't the truth. Iman forced that kiss on me."

"You're not a very good liar, Demi."

"SHUT UP KIRA. I AM TALKING TO ASHER." Kira is momentarily stunned by my angry outburst but comports herself. I turn to Asher, grab his hand and lead him to my room. With aunt and Kira, I am certain I won't be able to get him to see the truth.

I explain everything that happened that day to him while he studies me with cool eyes.

"So, your aunt and Kira are lying? That picture is a lie, Demi?" He sighs and jams his hands in his pocket. "Those people have lived with you for years. They know you better than we do. If they say you're capable of doing something like this, there might be some truth to it."

"They are lying, Asher. Please believe me. Why would I go back to Iman? That makes absolutely no sense!"

"I don't see why you can't. You loathe my brothers and I. You treat your husband like a plague. Maybe the reason you can withstand not being intimate with him is because Iman gives it to you."

"ASHER!"

"For all I know, this was the plan all along between the two of you. You're in this for the money while keeping your ex on the side. What? Did Iman put you up to this? Pretend he cheated on you, get drunk and go to a high-end club where my brothers and I usually frequent and fake a marriage with a drunk quad. Did Iman force you to keep the clause in the contract so nobody touches his girl?" He plays with the sleeves of my dress and I slap his hands off.

"You have a very fertile imagination, I'll give you that but simply because you can string up a story doesn't make it true."

"It sure makes a whole lot of sense right now, Demi. It explains a lot about your reason for sticking with my family despite your ridiculous contract." He heaves a breath and glare at me. "I can't figure it out no matter how many times I run it in my head. You're not in this marriage for money or you would have been making financial demands of us long ago. You're not in it for the chance to have free, great sex with one or all four of the Rollins quads which is the fantasy of half the women in Danvarr. You hate the fame being affiliated with us brings you. So, pray tell. What else could it be, Demi? Why are you choosing to stick with my family till the end of the contract if you don't have some grand plan up your sleeve?"

My breath catches in my throat. "I made a promise to your mother..."

"Don't bullshit me!" His menacing stare makes me take few steps back. "What? You're going to leave if mother wishes it? Is that what you're saying? If mother asks you to break your promise and leave right now, do you mean to say you won't cry or beg?"

give

do love Iman,

"I DON'T LOVE HIM!"

Is that why

because I want him to see it and believe me. I know exactly what he is playing at. Aunt and Kira aren't the only ones lying here. This is all a staged performance by the trio to box me into a wall and get rid of me. I know Asher knows I

finger trails my cheek to blot out the tears

are you crying

into his eyes. How could he look so much like Ashton and be

not prepared to believe a word I say? Is this how much you hate me? You're prepared to believe an obvious lie if it leads to my downfall?" I sniffle. Kira was right after all. Asher has a big plot to ruin me before I leave his family and now, she might have showed him

leans close to press his lips to mine,

the hell do

me the act. I know you're pretending. You'd kiss and fuck anything if it aids your

of me because of a lie? How low can you stoop, Asher

BROTHERS AND AN EX. You're nothing

THAT AGAIN." I

against a wall with a single hand movement. Instantly, I catch a whiff of his unique scent. I have only smelt this once before. Why the

or Kira will tell on me?" His eyes are fiery with a challenge. I recall the

keep them at bay. "You said these same words to me. You threatened me..." Angrily, I shove him so hard he trips and falls on his back on the bed. "You think you're so invincible, Asher Rollins? You think I am so helpless and weak because I have a shitty family? You're dead wrong. I am not weak or helpless and if you ever try to touch me again, I'll make sure you

I need to ask. I am afraid to but I know I can't leave otherwise. When I turn, Asher is

"That cologne. It's familiar."

"Bullshit."

face as it dims with recognition. "That night at the Blue Cove. That was the first time I caught that scent." Asher's pale face makes me shudder. "It can't

girlfriend. Then when you consumed alcohol at home, you passed out almost immediately. That's how I realized you faked being drunk at the Blue Cove. First time

from the knob.

laughs. "News flash, even if it had been Ashton, Ashley or Ashal, I still wouldn't have

stupidity. Why else do you think I am onto you like a bounty hunter, Branson? I know there's more to you than meets the eye and I won't let you have your way with my family." He shoves me away from the door so hard I fall and graze

without me. I lay on the cold floor, too shocked to process everything. After an hour, I dust myself up. More than ever, I feel invigorated to pursue my plan ruthlessly. Asher deserves everything that's

Everyone has been trying to reach me

on her popcorn, ignoring me. I have a few things to get off my chest but not right now. My words will only fall on deaf ears. I am going to pay her back for this betrayal but

but I can already tell which brother loves this brand the most. The

first day at work. Are you

***

husband, shutting the passenger door he just opened for me. "Where is that asshole?

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