Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 83: Chapter 83

ASHLEY

"How’s everything on the home front?" Levon mutters to me after we wrap up our board meeting. I survey the thinning room till my assistant, Lexi, shuts the door behind her and sigh exasperatedly.

"Good. Thanks for the last time. Turns out I was worried for nothing."

"Really?"

"Yep. Wife was a little stressed and confided in my brother. Paranoid, I misconstrued the situation. We’ve managed to work out our issues. It’s our five months anniversary in a few days and she’s excited to celebrate our love."

Levon nods with a smile. "Amazing. Happy for you."

"What about you, Levon? How’s the girlfriend or wife?"

"Girlfriend. She’s great. Got a new job. Coupled with the hours I spend here, we barely see each other now but when we do, fireworks." He finishes with a dramatic flash of hands. "I’m really happy for you, boss. Love looks really good on you."

"Thanks, Levon."

"Can I expect to be a godfather soon with rumors in the air?" The nasty wink he gives me makes me chuckle.

"Very confident of you to assume you’ll be my kid’s godfather. I’ve got three brothers that’ll jostle for that position in a bloodbath. Thanks for the thought though. Now, get back to the job I hired you for while I am still being nice." We exchange smiles as he makes his way out of my boardroom.

With him gone, I shut my eyes and sigh. Demi and I are indeed planning a little private dinner to celebrate our fifth month of marriage and the new era in our lives. She doesn’t want anything elaborate. We are in a good place right now.

After we made up following Ashton’s confession two weeks ago, she spends some nights in my room and vice versa. I understand the switch to sharing a room can’t happen overnight so I am letting her take her time.

She was right. Being the Ashley that took her on that date before the gift box incident is a surefire way to touch her heart. It’s been paying off. Without being made to feel pressured or love bombed, Demi has been easygoing and loving towards me.

The best part is that I didn’t have to shed my dignity by groveling at her feet. I go about my life, working hard. I don’t act insecure when she gets a call or text in my presence or when she’s around Ashton. She quickly clears the air even when I never planned on asking questions.

It’s been great. She is indeed making efforts to fulfil her promise while I readily reciprocate every affection thrown my way. I think it’s a win in the end.

The only upsetting thing is that Ashton is still angry with me for everything that happened. I could go on just fine ignoring him but my other brothers keep pushing for our reconciliation. Now, I am forced to seek Ashton’s forgiveness. It sucks.

Mother didn’t take Ashton’s confession to Demi lightly. Despite our collective plea on Ashton’s behalf, she’s still upset with him for telling Demi the truth and has been giving him the silent treatment ever since. Mother’s anger and watching Demi and I thriving as a couple are part of the reasons why Ashton can’t stand me.

Adding to the fray is the fear of Shay’s next move. My brothers and I have all gotten new phone numbers but Shay has yet to take the bait by calling or texting any of us. That bit is what has got me anxious right now. It’s never a good sign when Shay stays silent.

I don’t even know why I haven’t shared her recent escapades with my brothers. I think we are just too divided right now. Ashton used to be the captain of my ship and the most determined to capture my blackmailer.

Though he is heading the new operation to catch Shay, he’s more interested in capturing her because he suspects she’s the same person toying with his head regarding the identities of our biological parents. It’s not just about me anymore.

With everything that’s happened between us and his past failures, it will be foolhardy for me to count on him to win my battle. Hence, why I am taking my fate in my own hands.

I check my time. My next meeting won’t start for about two hours. With time to kill, I resolve to scope out Cree’s apartment and her job. She hasn’t called me back after I left her a message at work. I want to head over there once more to talk to her. Afterwards, I’ll tail her to her apartment and we’ll see from there.

I also believe that Cree and Shay are one and the same person. Before my brothers unmask her, I want to get to her first. I have a few things to say to my blackmailer. If I can get her to spill the truth, I will soon be rid of this Shay problem before she ruins everything I have worked so hard to build from the scraps of my life years ago. I can’t let that happen.

Demi’s call comes through on my new phone line.

"Hey, I was just thinking about you."

"Liar. You would have called first then."

I chuckle at that. "Are you saying you were thinking about me and that’s why you called first?"

"Maybe."

Her response makes something warm blossom in my chest. "I miss you too." I can imagine a small blush seeping into her cheeks now. "What’s up?"

While I listen to her, the sound of locks jiggling behind me makes me crane my neck towards my bookshelf. A small wave of uneasiness settles in my gut as I realize who my unwanted guest is. Nicola enters with a face smeared with tears and mascara. I hold up a hand to stop her when she tries to walk towards me to cry in my lap.

"Alright hon, I’ll talk to you when I get home." The term of endearment makes Nicci snort loudly as she plunks down on the sofa.

"You have company?" Demi asks me.

"Nah, it’s Lexi. She and Levon have been butting heads all morning. Talk soon."

I wait for her to hang up before swiveling my seat to face Nicci. "What the fuck was that? Could you be more obvious?"

quietly. Seeing her so sad douses my anger. Her father lost the election and has been just as miserable. He took out his frustration on her by blaming her for fumbling her relationship with Finn who had been his golden ticket

has been sneaking in and out of my office for solace and comfort in my arms. She has managed to convince herself that she is entitled to my attention and comfort because my

I used to be whipped for this model. The feelings have ebbed since her betrayal but I can’t say every last dreg has left my

Nicola sniffles. "That sort of thing doesn’t just happen overnight, Ash.

a hand down her cheekbone. "You have to rise above this, Nicola. You’ve turned down three modeling offers in two weeks.

slip and fall if I try to walk a show right now." She yanks a Kleenex tissue box and blows her nose into a

"I keep slipping in and out of depression. Two

"Nicci!."

hurts and it sucks to feel so miserable and alone. The one good thing I had going for me was snatched by Demi. I’m slowly losing the will

my chest. Is she really

only lost a political position. People have lost worse and you

water to drink. I won’t let her charms work on me. How convenient. The first time a woman (Demi) decides to give me what I have always silently craved for-true love-my ex who has

Ashley but I swear to you, I did all that because my dad forced

the hell are

hands close over my shaky ones that try to

red and purple welts across her back. "For every time I refused to heed his orders to seduce or sleep with one big shot or the other. I can’t model when the marks are fresh." Nicci’s whimpers as I trace the

"Croatia, huh?"

face. "You’re all I need." I stare into her blurry eyes and lose myself to the pain, fear and hope glistening in

served his purpose. I couldn’t tell you how miserable I was. I miss you so much. I miss us. Please tell me there’s still a real place for me in your heart. I’d die if..." I shut her up with

***

what they say. Women fuck you differently when they really like you. Every pore in my skin and every nerve in my body

will always be that nagging feeling that she secretly wishes

me feel will be compensated for by Nicola’s enduring affection. I need both women to keep me from being the asshole I’ve been lately towards my brother when I felt

glow is back on Nicci’s eyes as I help her put on her

"Feeling better?"

nods vigorously before planting a soft kiss on my lips.

her face. Nicola bids me farewell and uses the secret door out while Lexi

"Lexi?"

"I didn’t mean to..."

"I know."

"My lips are sealed."

smile tug at my lips. Lexi seems to be recalling the same thing as she avoids my eyes. "Come here, love." Cautiously, she edges close to me. I trail a

my business,

How’s Gabe?" The mention of her husband always spikes her nerves because her extramarital affair

"He’s fine."

keep

dread getting on his bad side even without him threatening them.

know she clearly loves the fragrance but I indulge myself with the thought of her wearing my signature scent for other reasons just to

"Thank you, sir."

hour to spare before my meeting, I drive over to the Grand Casa hotel. I am certain Cree should be at work. When I get to the bar, I scan the area

"Welcome back, sir."

"What?"

wasn’t expecting you to return so soon." His eyes dart around. "Where’s Cree?" I adjust my face not to look

um, I forgot something, I

I didn’t find any missing ring" He starts giving the counter a quick

ask the waiters? Maybe they can search

it be on a table? You and Cree shared a drink here at this bar, like you did on your first date. If you dropped

He had blatantly turned me down when I suggested he woo her and tail her to get some

on your finger?" The bartender asks, staring at my hand. "A wedding ring?" The suspicion starts to build in his eyes as he looks at me. "I’m sure you

women away." I lean forward to whisper in

I understand. So

from there and call Ashal in my

you at work? Wanted to

am

you? Can

rushed over to the penthouse. A little emergency. I’ll call you when I

"Okay. Take care."

my teeth at the boldfaced lie. What the fuck does Ashal think he is

***

at least working with her. To my surprise, Asher didn’t explode like a cannonball. Instead, he asked me to give it a few days before we confront our brother. Then there was more talk about the sensitivity of Ashal’s condition,

my shock, he already knew and never told the rest of us. Like Asher, Ashton was wary about confronting Ashal and asked

his team to apprehend the culprit leaking our phone numbers to Shay/Cree. After we have solid evidence