Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 89: Chapter 89

ASHTON

The last two weeks have been very hectic for me. At home while Mila was still a guest in the mansion, she had been very clingy and in constant demand of entertainment. I barely saw much of my own brothers because she was always pulling me away to check out a new club, attend a concert or a friend’s party etc.

There was always something to do and somewhere to get to. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was very uncomfortable being at home with me with Ashely’s room (where Demi had to sleep in most nights for the duration of Mila’s stay) being close to mine.

She wouldn’t admit it but I sensed that Mila was still very wary of and insecure around Demi. I noticed how she switched up on her fashion style from the comfortable and chic to trendy and sexy. Everyday, she looked so good she turned heads wherever we went.

I indulged her because I needed to distract myself from feeling bad about losing a woman that was never mine to begin with. While I immersed myself in Mila’s world and slavishly followed her itinerary, the distance between Demi and I started to widen and I realized I could go a day without thinking about her.

At work, Asher and I finally finalized the acquisition of a car dealership. I didn’t think the deal was going to span weeks to conclude but I am grateful it was successful. I have never been prouder of Asher. He handled the process with admirable finesse.

I understand why father keeps him close. Asher is a ruthless negotiator and businessman. I just like cars, man. The business side of it all sucks to be honest. Thankfully, I have astute people just like Asher on my team who help me keep the automobile company running smoothly.

Mila is finally back to sleeping in her own bed now. I am grateful to have my room to myself but there are still traces of her everywhere, especially in my bathroom. Her scent still lingers on my pillows and bedsheets. Her lingerie and some of her clothes are still in my closet. I sometimes imagine her fingerprint on the steamy glass in the shower from when we got kinky in the bathroom. There’s also her toothbrush, hairbrush, makeup kit etc. all over the bathroom sink. I tried to ignore the clutter for a few days but finally gave up and called the maids.

"Thank you, Halle." My room is squeaky clean after Halle and her team finish with it in under an hour. The bathroom is spotless, like it is used to being.

"You’re welcome, sir. Let us know if you need any more assistance."

I shut my door after they leave and sigh deeply. It feels great when I fall asleep later. The next morning after a good night rest, I wake up refreshed and ready to restart the daily grind. Gris is pleased when I make my way into the office bright and early. According to him, I am in time to meet my guest.

"A guest in my office? It’s not even eight in the morning yet." I mutter irritably. When he tells me who the guest is, my frown only deepens.

"Good morning, Mr. Spellman." I greet Mila’s father. The elderly man is comfortably seated on my sofa with a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. He sets his coffee down as I join him on the sofa. I have a slight idea what he is here to talk about.

"You’re late, again" He utters dryly with a look of pure dissatisfaction etched on his face.

"It’s two minutes past seven am and you didn’t inform me you were coming."

"It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I was here before you, the boss of this establishment."

I shrug my shoulders, lean back on my seat and cross my legs. "Fine. Two points for punctuality goes to you. So, are you going to tell me why you are here? I know it has nothing to do with the services we offer here."

Mr. Hugh regards me with disdain through his piercing eyes. I don’t care what he thinks of me. I won’t cozy up to him just because I am with his daughter. I don’t even do so with my own father. He has to accept me just as I am.

"What exactly are your plans for my daughter? She spent weeks at your mansion. At this point, I am afraid it’s a little more than a fling."

I want to believe that neither Mila nor father is behind Mr. Hugh’s visit today. Just the thought of it pisses me off.

"Mila and I just started dating officially, Mr. Hugh. I am in no hurry whatsoever. Did Mila say something to you?"

"She has no idea I am here right now. I am only asking as a concerned father. I do not want rumors to spread or her reputation nearly tarnished if you mean to use and dump her. She won’t be like that model your married brother uses."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Don’t get defensive, Ashton. We both know the truth. Anyway, back to my question. You didn’t answer me."

I rise to my feet. "I did, clearly might I add. I am still getting to know your daughter. We are in a good place right now and I’d appreciate it if our parents cut us some slack and stop meddling with our private matters. When we are ready to take our relationship to the next level, we will do well to inform you guys but not before."

"If you don’t plan on having a future with my daughter, do well to let her down easily and quickly. I won’t let you strain her along and choose someone else over her after breaking her heart." His voice has a fine threat in it.

"Thank you for stopping by, Mr. Spellman."

level. "Here’s a thought. You can back away and let your brother, Asher, date my Mila. At least with him, I will worry less about him being erratic and impulsive. With him, I can be certain

at him. "I’ll be sure to pass

his fist before storming out

to him like that. You know who he

shouldn’t have spoken to me so condescendingly knowing who I am either! Trust me Gris, I handled that as best

before father’s call comes blaring on my phone. Two hours go by and I am surprised at Hugh’s restraint in conveying his displeasure to my father. Even Mila doesn’t call or text me. It’s strange. When I finish up with my last meeting before lunch

"How is she?"

we have the wrong person." I sigh deeply. "We can torture

I mean not yet. I’ll be stopping by later today. If she still refuses

"Alright sir."

when an unexpected guest causes an uproar in the building. The hurried shuffling

With a raised hand, he stops Duncan and

I hang up the call and stand to my

HQ. Why did you take the trouble to come

on his face, I can tell he isn’t impressed by my minimalistic design. His office and Asher’s are a statement of opulence. Though Ashley’s and Ashal’s offices are tastefully furnished and bigger in space, they have a stroke of personality about them. My office is almost a blur if you squint your eyes

small space? Is there a problem with the bigger office reserved for

this view better." Father is not convinced but moves on. "What brings you

act like you weren’t expecting my call at least.

"Hugh."

a dismissive wave. He exhales. "What exactly are you playing at here, Ashton? I came all this way to ask you what game you’re trying to play with the

don’t know what you’re

isn’t like the nobodies your brothers are used to going for. She is Hugh Spellman’s daughter! I needed to look you in the eye when I reminded you what a deadly game you’re playing by ruffling her father’s feathers with your arrogance. Mila is a beautiful and successful woman whom you’ve been flaunting for the world for the last couple of weeks. Is it so unbelievable that her father would want to

I told him

do

too early to put pressure on my relationship with Mila just to please our parents! We just started dating officially. Give us a

need you to promise me you won’t screw this up because of whatever negligible

understand his silent message. "I was wondering when

you the benefit of doubt. I am impressed that you are moving on from that disgraceful act with Demi and choosing a future with Mila but that doesn’t mean that I am

If memory serves me correctly, the men in our family are

nerve or two. How dare he talk to me about betrayal when he has been

for all of this. She seduced

"Don’t start this again."

playing my sons

predictable."

whatever you thought you felt for her. She is married to your brother, Ash. YOUR BROTHER! You should never

didn’t fall into anyone’s trap. I felt something for her but I’m over it now. Can we all just move on instead of

sufficient period of time. Her feelings for you are not in doubt. Her

"What’s your hurry?"

to your loyalty and affection matches her

to remind me that I am

Father says, rising as well. "Look at Ashal. He had the opportunity to wed Stacy Baker and botched it. Today, he is stuck with a woman in a loveless, secret

"Watch it."

to get engaged to Mila. Her father won’t make a fuss once I talk to him. We also have Mila’s obsession with you in our favor. No one says you have to get married now. Couples get engaged and get married much later nowadays. You could wed her in a year or two if you wish. If you do this, you won’t only be insuring your relationship with Mila but Ashley’s with Demi. She needs to realize you’re off the market so she can focus

Ashley had father do his dirty work. "Ashley set you

hated if Ashley hadn’t talked me out of it. That’s how livid I was after learning of his wife’s feelings for you and her shameless acts around you. It’s just shocking to realize all she has done after insisting on inserting a no sex clause in her contract with Ashley. Talk about double standards." He shakes his head. "Do as I say and I won’t

my side, mad that Demi is still a

"Fine. I’ll do it."

***

not what most people conceptualize as a prison." Cree says stuffing a slice of pizza in her mouth. "Is there a particular reason why I am being held in this beautiful house instead of a cell?" She wipes her lips with a napkin

my pocket as I approach her. She’s a cheeky one. "Are you in a hurry to be behind bars? Don’t worry, you’ll still end up in prison. I just need you to answer my questions first.