Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 33: Chapter 33

ASHTON

It feels eerie being here without my brothers, especially Ashal. Today however, I have no intention of playing anybody but myself. I am here on personal business and I really don’t care if word spreads to Ashal. I notice the new security detail at the penthouse. They barely let me through the gate without proper identification. After satisfying their curiosity, I am allowed to drive into the premises.

I shouldn’t be surprised. A lot has happened behind these thick walls recently that even caused the loss of a life. Ashal is on edge right now. He has made massive staff cuts. I agree with his decision. I’d probably do worse if I was in his shoes.

"Welcome sir." The new chief of security greets me.

"Thank you. It’s Ashton."

"I know. I saw your ID."

"I know my way inside. I don’t need an escort."

"It’s protocol, sir. We can’t leave Mrs. Olivia alone with any guest. Please cooperate with us."

Sighing, I follow his brisk steps into the house while he mutters instructions through his two-way radio. My own phone buzzes in my side pocket. I pull it out and give a half smile.

"That was fast. Your new team is a delight to watch."

"Why are you at my penthouse?" Ashal fires at me.

"Woah. Calm down, hulk. When did I ever need your permission to visit my sister-in-law?"

"I’m serious, Ash. Things have changed around there. The least you could have done was inform me you were visiting. I don’t think Olivia is ready to see my face just yet."

"Well, I understand your anxiety but I need to speak with her. It’s about her contacting Demi. That’s the reason you got so mad and hit her, right? I need to know what else she has done and who else she has told. Then, I plan on giving her some advice to avoid triggering your anger. You know you’re not in a position to order her around right now. Let me do this for you."

Ashal heaves a breath over the phone. "Go easy on her. She’s been through a lot."

"Got it."

"And Ash?"

"Yes?"

"If she mistakes you for Asher, please correct her. I don’t know why but she keeps mistaking me for him ever since he came in to help her when I hit her weeks back. I think she believes he’s the only one who actually cares about her."

"Alright. I’ll see you soon." I hang up and continue following the officer.

I don’t know what to make of Olivia’s confusion. I know she has history with Asher. They met first and had a one night stand that didn’t end so well. Typically, Asher couldn’t handle the dent on his reputation so he easily dumped the blame on his sick brother. I overhead Asher and Olivia talking about that night once. I got mad for my poor brother, Ashal. Asher didn’t deny it when I confronted him but he assured me that Olivia will always be Ashal’s.

Now, I don’t get why Olivia is mistaking everyone for Asher. Have they been in contact? Is he helping her or did he ask her to reach out to Demi? I wouldn’t put it past him. He has been trying to find a smoking gun to kick Demi out. Why not create the evidence if you can’t find any?

"Mrs. Olivia, Mr. Ashton Rollins is here to see you." The security officer announces.

Olivia sits by the piano, running her fingers smoothly over the keys but doesn’t play anything. When she rises to face me, she is thinner than I remember. Her eyes are weak but there’s still some fight left in them. She stares hard at me as though somehow, she would decipher the truth of my identity.

She only continues

The security officer trades a quick

is this

from the skin of her face as she staggers backward, bumping into the

you that?

the best of my knowledge, I am the only one privy to Olivia’s miscarriage. If Asher knows, then Ashal didn’t tell

mistake I think I might have just made. "Yes, he confided in

facial muscles relax as she straightens up.

over the state he put you in due to his condition. He is choosing to give you enough time to heal

looks away. "Did Asher send you then? To check on

forward. I really can’t believe it. Asher has been cheating with Ashal’s wife? The baby Ashal has been mourning all this time wasn’t even his? How low can Asher stoop? Anger bubbles hot within me but I

ask you and depending on how truthful you are, this might save your life tomorrow." When she gives me her full attention with a serious look on her face, I proceed, "Have you been trying to contact Ashley’s new wife, Demi

"You signed an NDA."

merely wanted to be friends. I wasn’t going to introduce myself as related

lying through her teeth, "YOU TOLD HER TO COME TO THE

Olivia cowers in fright. I ignore him

know the gravity of your

haven’t broken my NDA." She

trying to hook you up with some Mr. Fantasy guy because you’re in an abusive relationship?

at a loss

to Demi and lost it. How could you do that knowing the risks? What do you think will happen if Demi learns about you? She’s family now and the best she can do is speak to my mother on your behalf. If you were smart enough to

want to be known as Ashal’s wife. I’d rather

knowing the truth. He has been working hard to get better so he can be deserving of your love. If you had any sense in that head of yours, you’d

I love Asher and that will never change." Then she looks down somberly. "I’m sorry about Demi. It happened at a time when I was fearful for my life here. I still am. Please, don’t tell your parents. Your father will actually kill me this time. I promise not to do anything rash ever again. I’ll keep a low profile as long as you find a way to keep your crazy brother away from me. When he isn’t trying to kill me, he drives me absolutely crazy. Please Ashton, keep him

All I can promise is to talk him into giving you enough time to heal. YOU also have a part to play in all this. Don’t try to act smart and reach out to people you shouldn’t be contacting or telling people things you shouldn’t be talking about. I

pause just in front

He has suffered enough because of your lies. If you defy me and continue entertaining and fucking Asher, I’ll personally inform the entire family about your escapades, from breaking your NDA to

The bastard. How could he still continue to hurt Ashal so? Who the hell does he think he is? He already has enough women vying for his attention. Even Mila’s dad has given his stamp of approval for the prick. Why does it have to be Olivia when he knows how hard Ashal is working

but I decide against it. This is a conversation best had in person so that if Asher says something cocky, my fist can fly. Ashal’s call comes in

"How did it go?"

went well. She’s obviously still grieving the loss of her baby but I think

"And the Demi thing?"

apologized. It was out of panic for her life and safety when she

would be hurt no doubt but wouldn’t it be better if he suffers through it now along with

Ashal won’t lose his mind and bray for Asher’s and Olivia’s blood. There could be a literal bloodbath and I can’t live with that. I decide against telling him. The last time I told him Asher had intentionally lied and dumped Olivia’s responsibility on him, Ashal hadn’t taken it well. I can’t risk all

"For not ratting Olivia

my advice. I don’t know what

my second phone. It’s been a while since I got a message in there. After I continuously ignored the rest given the way my

Mila playing pranks to get me to go on a date with her as Will? It must be. I call her by my other contact just to verify. She denies

going to indulge this stranger?" She asks. Her

stranger once, weren’t

were done

but I am not done being Will.