Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 46: Chapter 46

ASHTON

My heart rate slows down as I await her answer. I recognize the furry coat. It’s a unique piece from Ashley’s latest collection and is very pricey. I am not surprised that Demi happens to own one. Ashley is her husband after all.

However, I do find it surprising that unlike the rest of her clothes hanging carefully on the wardrobe, the jacket sits at the bottom like it was hurriedly tossed in there among her shoes. Why would she keep something so precious in there? It can’t be dirty because I haven’t seen her wear a red jacket since she joined our family. Why else would she dump it in there?

It can’t be true. The mysterious woman from my date as Will can’t be Demi. That’s ridiculous.

"Is that yours?" I repeat. My eyes wheel from the jacket to Demi’s face which is gradually beading with sweat. I want her to give me a plausible reason why her new jacket is in that state, a reason that will dispel the nasty and unpleasant feeling unfurling in my stomach. When Demi braces herself and looks at me, her eyes are not devoid of suspicion.

"It’s mine."

Why does she look so guilty right now if we are only talking about a simple red jacket in her closet? I take it that she knows why I am visibly shocked by it.

"Tell me it wasn’t you."

She cast her eyes down in a sorrowful droop and I gasp in utter shock. Edging backwards, I push open the door leading to her bedroom.

"Ashton, wait! Please! Hear me out."

With impeccable control, I pause my march outside her room. How can she possibly explain this? Even my family doesn’t know about Will! That’s how fucked up this is.

"Have you been stalking me?"

"NO!" She squeals, reaching to grab my shoulders. "No, Ashton, I didn’t stalk you."

How much does she know about me? I know she suspects my hair color but did she already know about my black hair when she found the hair gels in my bathroom cabinet? Was she pretending even then? How the fuck did she get my second contact and chat me up as Will? Was she aware it was me the whole time while we chatted? Why the fuck did she even try to go on a secret date with a stranger in a far diner without telling anyone? My mind is literally abuzz with questions right now.

"START TALKING." I order her. "From the beginning. Leave nothing out."

Demi’s lips tremble as she begins to recount her story. Apparently, she got wind of Mr. Fantasy from her cousin, Kira. I believe that bit as I recall a message from one Kira C. That must be Kira Collin.

"I promise I only went out of curiosity. I was bored and I felt like having lived with you guys for months, I’d be able to rate this stranger. I also justified it as a way to catch an impostor. I’m sorry Ashton."

I don’t believe her. I want to but there are so many holes in her story and I can feel her trying so hard not to tell the undiluted truth.

"If you meant to catch the impostor or rate this stranger’s skills of impersonation, why did you ask to go on a date with Will instead of the ’Ash Rollins’ lookalike version called Mr. Fantasy. Huh?" The question stumps her. "Answer me, Demi!"

Her eyes go misty with tears. "You wouldn’t respond to messages as Mr. Fantasy. I had no choice."

I chuckle loudly now. "You expect me to believe that?" My head is steaming now at how untruthful she’s being. "You came up with a bullshit story about having a shitty boyfriend and wanting to hang out. You followed me up for days to make sure the date happened! All for what? To rate a stranger’s impersonation skills? No!" Demi shudders at my flaring eyes and takes small steps backwards as I advance towards her.

"Here’s the truth you do not want to admit. You knew I was Mr. Fantasy long before you sent me that message. I don’t know how but that’s the only thing that makes this story add up. I don’t know why you insisted on the date only to stand me up. When I noticed you lurking by the corner, you ran away in a cab." I grab her shoulders and narrow my eyes at her. I can’t believe she can be such a mastermind.

"Who exactly are you, Demi? Why did you stalk me?" Demi only cries harder and mumbles incoherently. "You’ve been lying to me all along and pretending to be clueless about my hair and Mr. Fantasy. What other secrets are you keeping from me? Tell me, Branson!"

hands off her. "OK! I’ll tell you the truth." She wipes her tears and stares up at me.

could play you and I could pretend we went on a proper date. I wanted to do more than imagine what that would feel like. I soon realized it was going to be an uphill task convincing him to play you because he was adamant on being called Will so I made up a story just to ensure he comes out on the date. I was confident I could pay him to change his mind and indulge me while on our date. I’m sorry. I know it’s wrong of me to think like that about you but like I said,

had no idea it was you at first. I thought he was a complete stranger but then when I managed to sneak off to the date, I arrived late and was just in time to see you pull up in your car. Ashton, I was scared at first thinking you’d recognize me and probably scare off my date. I waited by the corner hoping you’d get your food and leave but when you stepped out of your car, you

risky and stupid but I didn’t mean to lie to you or pretend about that night. I wanted to tell you but I felt that you had your

pride. She knows about my weakness now. How could I have slipped up like

leave like this. Please, don’t

a quick sweep. "I can’t...I can’t deal with this right now." I hate

room and shut the door behind me. Her story might make some sense and maybe part of me feels glad that the random guy she was going on a date with was to satisfy the urge to have a real date with me. However, something inside me is broken right now and I suspect it’s my blind faith

train of thoughts. He appears to have just emerged from the elevator with a drink in his hand. "No matter how

"I needed to confirm something. It’s about Demi and Olivia." Asher’s interest is suddenly piqued as he draws closer. "Game room." I mutter, jutting

I’ve thought long and hard about it. Demi can’t be in contact with Olivia. Ashal had deleted Olivia’s contact from her phone and from his recent search

since the last message I deleted." Ashal confirms. "I trust her. She is trying her best to gain our family’s trust. She wouldn’t lie to

the surprise that flits across Asher’s face at Ashal’s vote

she trying to play mind games with us? Do you think she knows

and how she had cleverly pretended not to know anything about my secret identity. Although it breaks my heart to admit it, I won’t be surprised if Demi actually knows more about Olivia than she’s letting on. My heart gallops as I wonder if Asher’s theories and suspicions about Demi might be

Demi might have lied about our date and knowing my secret identity but that doesn’t translate to her having a grudge against my

You’re awfully silent." Asher says to me, pulling me once more out of my own head. "Penny for your

asks her? Let’s start there at least. If Demi’s response doesn’t hold up with our research,

about? I suggest we tap her phone, get to know who she calls and texts along with all the juicy details of her conversations. Who’s in?" Asher asks with his hand

know the real truth before my imaginative mind, which is dangerously teetering towards the worst,

in." I

of

Ashley, this would be your responsibility. You’re the one with a legitimate reason to hang around Demi twenty-four seven. Find a way to distract her and tap her phone. Since this is probably your first-time getting shit like this done, I’ll give

relationship. This is the happiest I’ve seen you in a long while. Love that for you. However, I’d like you to pay close attention to Olivia and ensure she tells you if anyone tries reaching her for an interview or whatever. I suspect Demi’s confidence

it." Ashal concurs

I add. "Under no circumstances should she be taken or allowed

even allowed there till further notice."

swapped his contact name with Asher’s so Olivia was indeed calling Ashal and

out there hurting more people. He even went as far as touching Demi! Now, the bastard

I put a hand in Asher’s path as he tries to leave the

Why is he still roaming the streets freely after everything he’s done?" The anger I’ve been fending off is starting to seep out as I recall Anna on her hospital bed and the red fingerprints

you I’d

I grunt. "And he’s been

are you talking about?" Asher’s asks, cocking a brow. "Who else did he hurt?" At the pained look on my face, my brother’s eyes go warm with understanding.

strangle her, again. She’s got his hand prints all over her

certain

DEMI DESPITE KNOWING HER AFFILIATION TO OUR FAMILY IF NOT HER CRAZY EX?" I run a hand over my face, stifling the urge to punch the wall. "He probably thinks Demi also knew about my visit or

do no

my brother’s face. "Someone’s got

hurt my wife, I’ll avenge her." Ashley whips behind me. When I turn, he has a placid look on his face that slowly morphs into a frown. "Thank you, Ashton, for your zeal to punish that fool for hurting

what’s that?" I ask