Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 38: Chapter 38

DEMI

I am certain it was Ashton. No matter how many times I think about it, it can’t be anyone else and this time, it’s not just about his style.

Ashal has resumed work at his office and I doubt he would have any reason to ignore me. We’re really good friends now. Ashley has been extra sweet towards me since the double date. It’s mostly because he feels bad about the way he ended the night with me, even though I don’t recall much after he left me in the cold night air to go be with Nicola.

Asher is well, Asher. He hasn’t stopped threatening to kick me out of the mansion and the HQ ever since his blackmail plans blew up in his face with the intervention of Ashton. We work together so I am used to his cold glares and silent treatment. Then there’s Ashton.

Ever since the date night, his attitude towards me has been weird. Why did he ignore me like that? What have I done? Does this have something to do with me kissing Ashley during the date? It can’t be. Ashton must know it was all for the photos.

Besides, he also kissed Mila multiple times too so what is this attitude? Why was he even in the HQ this morning and what upset him so much that he left with a conspicuous frown on his face? The thoughts keep distracting me as I try to focus on work.

Asher leaves work an hour after his brother. When his secretary, Nessa, tries to know where he’s off to and when he’ll be back, I hear him mention something about going to see Ashal. Why all of a sudden? I wonder. What could be up with these brothers? It has to be a pressing matter for THE Asher Rollins to leave work before closing time to go see his brother whom he’ll definitely be seeing at home.

I give into my curiosity and text Ashton. Nothing. He doesn’t even bother to reply. I don’t know what’s going on with him but I need to fix things between us. He’s a very important piece in my plan.

If I had known that Ashton could serve as a barricade to Asher’s threats, I wouldn’t have flinched when the latter threatened me. Now, I know I can rely on Ashton to fend off every dart thrown my way by Asher. To do that however, I have to figure out why my guardian angel isn’t replying my texts or why I can’t seem to get through to him on phone.

Someone raps on my door.

"Mrs. Demi Rollins?"

"Yes?" I look up to find a courier by my door. Half of his face is covered by the huge flower bouquet he schleps in his hand. He deposits the bouquet ceremoniously on my desk and shows me where to sign. After he leaves, I hunt for the card and realize the gift is from Ashley.

My phone starts ringing immediately. I grab it hoping it’s Ashton calling me.

"Hey."

I work a big smile into my face to hide my disappointment. "Hey, I just got the flowers. They’re beautiful. Thank you."

"I’m glad you like them. I’m really sorry about date night. I was drunk half the time and didn’t mean to hurt or disrespect you."

"I told you, it’s fine."

"Ok. Got any plans for lunch? There’s a new place that just opened up and I was wondering if you’d be open to try it out with me. They’ve got amazing reviews."

My breath hitches as I fear ruining his mood with my response. I already have something planned with Anna and Liam. I don’t know if Ashley is going to be cool with me canceling on him. The threat about revising our marriage contract still looms and the last thing I want to do is give him cause to revisit that conversation.

"Are you there?"

"Erm, I’m so sorry. Anna already promised to have lunch with me to celebrate my new job. I didn’t know you wanted to do lunch."

"Oh, that’s ok. I’ll call ahead next time."

"Tomorrow. How about tomorrow?" I quickly ask. I bet he has a small smile on his face as he agrees.

After the call, I try to swing back to work and clear my plate so Asher wouldn’t have anything to complain about when he returns.

I plan to use my lunch break to run over a few things with Liam. He is mad that I have been keeping a few things from him, like the fact that Asher had blackmailed me. He also claims to have juicy updates regarding the listening device in the game room. There’s a lot for us to share with each other.

Just as I tidy my desk and proceed to head out for lunch, Brett Rollins appears by my door.

"Sir. F-father." I stutter. I rarely run into him here and the few times I do, I realize that I will rather put up with Asher than run into Brett. He has a cold aura around him that makes me shiver in my heels even when I haven’t done anything to upset him. Something about the bland expression on his face tells me I will never be good enough in my father-in-law’s eyes.

"Off to lunch?"

"Um, yes sir. I’m done with most of my work today. I am off to grab a quick lunch with a friend."

His lips curl distastefully as he takes in my flowers. "And your husband? Do you ever make time to fit him in your plans?"

I don’t understand why Mr. Rollins is suddenly invested in my relationship with Ashley. He knows exactly what kind of marriage contract we have going. Why is he making a fuss about who I eat lunch with?

and I already made lunch plans

to the look he continues

journalists something negative to write about my family." He stalks away like he just dished out a compliment and not an insult. I don’t bother to let the insult simmer as I rush out to meet with

***

tell me Asher was blackmailing

thought I could handle Asher and talk him out of it. I planned to find something

ASHER. You can’t talk him

Thankfully, Ashton met me in time and

join us. Her boss didn’t object when I asked for a few minutes of my friend’s time. Even though he obliged because of my

some juicy info from the device. Turns out there’s

gasp. "Ashal

her pregnant. Listen." He passes earphones to me. Anna and I stick each end in our ears and listen as Ashton scolds Asher. I can’t believe my ears. Not only is Ashal married but his wife is

I repeat the

"You know her?"

text from someone with the initials, O.D claiming that I am not the first daughter-in-law of the Rollins family. The

you tell me about something like

to prank me because I married into their dream

get creepy messages like that or threats, you let me

O.D. I never deleted it but it appears

must have deleted

have done that?" Liam

know Olivia tried to contact me. I wonder what kind of state she’s in. They could

hidden away from the public eye. She has access to a phone to send texts. I’ll do a deep dive

a penthouse in Alpha District. The quads took me there once and threatened me to back out of my deal with their mother. If Ashal has a wife, that must be

Liam nods. "Is there anything else you’re keeping from me? Any weird texts or calls

someone else who texts me once in a blue moon threatening to expose my secret to the Rollins family. I don’t think

they would have demanded money for their silence or gone ahead to show their evidence to Brett Rollins

"Asher."

wide eyes. She jerks

"That’s Asher’s car."

Asher’s G-Wagon

flushed. I barely have time to wonder how she is able to recognize his car from afar when Liam grabs his lunch and switches to an empty table with his back turned to us. He keeps his head low to avoid getting recognized. While Anna pats down her uniform, I touch my meal

towards her. When I turn my head to face him, the flirty look on his face gives way

if it isn’t my

right? Besides, my best friend works here so it shouldn’t

in any suit. "Hunger. What else could it be?" Anna hustles away

"Your order, sir."

Asher smirks at me before leaving. I am so

long has been coming

welcome to patronize us. Don’t bite your nails

can she be so professional and cool with a man who almost ruined her life? Most importantly, why does it feel like there’s more

***

with everyone. Upon enquiry, one of the housekeeping staff informs father that Ashton isn’t in his room. The rest of the quads confirm that he hasn’t been taking his calls all day. My

have a fight? Mother

quips. "I’m sure he can take care

he’ll surely be back

at mother. "He’s fine.

know? Why

there he is."

table turns as Ashton walks

your calls, young

ignores father and walks up to crouch by

to make you worry." He kisses her palms and goes on to apologize to everyone, claiming Mila had insisted he keep his phone on silent

up. While his eyes track the room, he never let it settle on me, not even once. Is he avoiding me now? Since when have he and

fact that I am getting closer to uncovering dirty secrets within the family. Ashal’s is still too heavy to digest. As I wink at him across the table, I can’t help but wonder how he has a secret wife. Could he truly be abusing Olivia for her to attribute being a daughter-in-law of the Rollins family to living in