Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 44: Chapter 44

ASHAL

"Cool ride." I sputter when I see the red, spanking new Lexus RX 350 that graces the driveway with a bow on it. Ashton leans on the bumper while Demi stands next to me, a contemplative hand on her chin. "This is beautiful, Demi. Go for it. I can totally see you behind the wheel."

Demi tosses her hair back and circles the car. Ashton and I know she has no idea what to look out for in a new car but Demi likes to pretend she does so we humor her and watch in silence.

"I don’t like it."

"What?" Ashton leaps off the car like the new paint isn’t dried yet and goes over to Demi. "Demi, this is the fifth car I’ve shown you in a week. You said you wanted a simple car. You rejected the previous ones for silly reasons; the lack of a cupholder, the advanced technology of the car, the way the tires looked and the way the car keys felt in your hands. What could possibly be wrong with this one now?"

Ashton is at his wits end. I have no idea why Demi is punishing him like this but it is funny to watch.

"Those were all valid reasons in my book!" Demi insists with a scowl.

Ashton calms himself by sucking in a breath. "Fine. What’s wrong with this one now?"

With her hands on her waist, Demi jerks her chin towards the car. "I don’t like the way the engine sounds when you start the car."

"OH, FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE..." Ashton throws his hands up in the air but Demi maintains her stance. I quickly pull my frustrated brother aside and grab his shoulder while he glares icily at Demi. "She’s toying with me. I know it."

"Yes, it’s as plain as the nose on my face. What exactly did you do this time? C’mon, tell me."

He hisses a breath and shakes his head. "I blocked her number, okay. I was pissed. I didn’t mean to. She’s been mad at me ever since. Mother wants to gift Demi a car but instead of coming over to the showroom and choosing herself or picking one from the pictures I send her, she insists I bring them down here one after the other till she finds ’the one’." He ends his explanation with air quotes around the last two words.

I stifle the urge to laugh. Then head over to Demi to repeat the therapy session.

"Simply because I don’t know much about cars beyond their fancy names doesn’t mean I don’t know what I like about them. I want to find the perfect car for me." She explains herself with her mouth curved in a petulant air and hands akimbo.

"YOU SAID YOU WEREN’T PICKY" Ashton counters her behind me. Then mimicking Demi’s voice, he goes "I’ll be fine with whatever I get. Those were your words!"

"Fine being the operative word. The cars I’ve looked at so far haven’t been fine by me!"

"Ok, calm down, Demi. Don’t mind him. He’s being silly, not you."

"Thank you."

"How about you and I go over to the showroom and do some window shopping. There are more cars over there and I’m certain you’ll find ’the one’ among them, especially with me by your side." Demi eyes twinkle with suspicion.

"You’re not doing this because you think I am being silly and you want to help your brother out of a tough situation, are you?"

"Of course not. I’ve been thinking of getting a new car myself. Yeah, Out with the old and in with the new, right? I want something new and different for the new phase of my life that I am stepping into. I guess we could just shop for our cars together." I genuinely mean that. I am thinking of getting a new car with more swag than I usually go for. Demi smiles.

"In that case, I think it’s a lovely idea. After we both get our cars, can you whisk me away for rest of the day? My friend’s out of town and my cousin just got a job. Can we spend the day playing games at your penthouse? I thought it was cool the last time I was there, even though I was dragged and threatened." She chuckles while my body stiffens. "Ashal? Did you hear me?"

I shake my head. "Oh, um, sorry. My penthouse is off limits. Quads only." She grabs my arm as I try to move away.

"C’mon. I literally have no friends..."

"THEN MAKE SOME." My sharp tone shocks Demi as she steps back. Ashton’s hand on my shoulder douses the anger in my eyes. "I’m sorry." I quickly spit out. "I didn’t mean to be rude but my penthouse is like a play pen for my brothers and I exclusively. It’s always been that way. I’m sure you and I can hang out someplace else." I hope my smile is natural and alluring.

actually a girl free zone." He edges close to Demi and whispers into her ear. Her eyes dilate

thinking I handled that situation poorly. "Why is she suddenly interested in visiting my penthouse? How long do you think I can stall her for before she

it. Deny her as many times as she asks and she’ll get used to it like she has gotten used

cross the small flight of

was reminded of the text she had gotten from Olivia. Do you think they might still be

don’t you think? Besides, I was crystal clear with Olivia. She wouldn’t risk her life and that of her family. She knows Demi can’t really help her. My bet is she was just

am overthinking it. It’s Saturday and since I don’t have any work, my mind is

what you said about changing your

give him a shrug. "I think it’s

splatters across his face. "I think I know the

chuckle at his confidence. "I bet you said the same thing to Demi. Five cars

very funny."

still harbors suspicions over my reaction earlier even though she does nothing to bolster that worry. She spends the day with mother out in the garden. Asher has barely come out of his room all day. He has been moody for some reason and it’s usually best to avoid him whenever he’s like that. Ashton

fine but Olivia seems lonely and heartbroken. Asher’s visit flashes

can let her know." When I hang up the phone, I turn to find father watching me by stairs. He

continues to pin me with his uncomfortable stare. "Can

"Was that about Olivia?"

eyes firmly. "Yes. I was calling to check on my wife." I know how much he loathes hearing me call Olivia my wife. Still, I never fail to remind him since he conveniently likes to forget it

one whom you can proudly show off to

for real right

if I do agree to wed someone else?" Like I suspected, father exhales and stares darkly at

my pocket. Staying with Olivia is now beyond love. It’s the only way to protect her from Brett Rollins. I walk up to father with a hint of annoyance on my face. He grits his teeth while maintaining his stance. I

then? Are you sure you can stand Rollins Enterprise being pulled into my

"I have left you to your whims. Perhaps if I cared deeply, I’d have realized that the best help you need can only be

think I

clench into fists by my sides. Like he anticipates it, father’s eyes drop to my tightened knuckles. His brows

any trouble that affects this family or the business, you will pay for it with your

I

family. In my head, she’s not a threat to the longevity of my family or the business.

that’s happened over the last couple of weeks till my proposal and Asher’s visit, I think she has had enough building blocks to make an informed

find Olivia cooking in the kitchen with Lily. She’s wearing a colorful beach dress that brings out her green eyes. She has the sweetest smile on her face as she hums to a soft tune in the background. Lily also chuckles at Olivia’s funny dance moves while she gives her a helping hand. For a whole minute, I imagine I have walked into an alternate universe where Olivia is actually glad to see her husband.

off her apron and running up to me like an excited child would rush over to an amusement park. Her face mellows

oven and it got burnt. We are trying to see if we can recreate it. Do you mind waiting a

you

out of my

"What?"

is on the terrace." Lily

the stairs. Olivia is just where I am told I’d find her. She sits with her legs crossed on the terrace. Her eyes

I constantly imagine one with her? Does she still

presence and cranes her neck to face me. Her eyes

"Hi."

again. "Hi.

was too awkward to return either as myself or Asher. I couldn’t find the rhythm to push through with my proposal till I got

before deciding if I would carry on with my ruse as Asher or not. I can’t lose her on