Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 103: Chapter 103

ASHLEY

Deep breaths, Ashley. Deep breaths. I need to stay calm. The least I can do is give them the benefit of doubt. Even then, my fingers still curl into fists. I don’t like the picture I am staring at. I fucking hate to see things like this.

"You took this yesterday?"

"Yes." Nicola mutters, sitting meekly on her couch.

"Why are you just showing me?" I ask, whirling to her with blazing eyes. "What part of ’follow her and report anything suspicious ASAP’ didn’t you understand?"

"I called you severally Ashley but you don’t prioritize my calls like you used to."

I scoff at that. "I wonder why."

I fling the pictures of Demi and Ashton in front of St. Lucy church and rake my hands through my hair. Both of them are going to drive me nuts. What kind of love have they got that just won’t break despite the level of separation they’ve endured? How is it more special than other love stories? At this rate, I don’t think Ashton’s engagement and my marriage to Demi can keep them away from each other.

Nicola rises and tries to hold my hand but I give her a sharp look to keep off.

"Don’t act like you care. You’re enjoying this. I bet you’re hoping this would have me seeking comfort in your arms but times are different now. I’ll much rather find myself a new girl than depend on a backstabbing one." She takes my caustic comments like a champ and doesn’t shed a tear.

"I deserve that."

"Of course you do."

"I don’t expect you to forgive me so soon but I just want you to remember I am here for you. I’ll do whatever it’ll take to get me back in your good books. You’re all I have, Ash. I deeply regret stooping so low to draw you closer to me but love makes one do the craziest things sometimes." The waterworks start. So much for being a champ. "If Demi is the one you want, I’ll take a step back and allow you to work out your relationship. I’ll make peace with that, as long as I get to have a piece of you forever."

I turn to her. "You’re too greedy to be content with a piece of me, Nicci. Your tears aren’t fooling anyone so quit acting."

"No, I am not acting. You’re right though. I will always want all of you and I am prepared to wait for you to want me as much too."

This conversation is going nowhere.

"Enough. I didn’t come here to do this with you." I pour myself a drink from her bar and drain the glass in a few gulps. "Did they arrive together? Demi and Ashton? Did they arrive the church together or separately?" I suppose it would make a difference if their meeting at the church was accidental rather than planned.

"Yes." Nicci replies.

My heart breaks and I wash down the upsurge of anger with another shot of alcohol. I guess they were nostalgic about their first wedding seeing as Ashton is about to be hitched to another without a contractual expiration date. With both of them being hitched, that must have put a snag in their hopes of being reunited after my imminent divorce from Demi.

Mila is not some random chick whom Ashton can kick to the curb when he gets bored. She is the daughter of one of the most powerful families in Danvarr. Her marriage to him puts a nail in the coffin where Ashton and Demi’s love story lies. Did they go to the church for closure or to devise better plans for hooking up secretly while individually married?

"Enough, Ashley. You’re almost done with the whole bottle."

Nicci snatches the bottle from me while I drop into her couch with a lazy smile.

What do women really want, huh? One look at me and one would think I easily get any woman I want but that is hardly the case. I also get stabbed in the back and cheated on despite the good looks, money, fame and power. It just sucks. Nicci comes around to massage my shoulders.

"It’ll be okay. Don’t stress over it. She’s not worth it. You’re too good for her or me. Frankly, neither of us deserve a man like you."

"Stop patronizing me."

She keeps silent and continues to rub her hands over my chest from behind the couch. I toss my head back and admire the soft mounds that are her breasts. My hands cup them, fondle them.

"Come sit on my lap." Obediently, she follows my instruction like a shy teenager. I stroke her hair away from her neck and nibble her throat.

Her fingers slowly unbutton my shirt and trace my hairy chest delightfully.

***

I arrive the Rollins Towers a little shy of seven thirty. I am not late but I am certain mother will give me a hard time for not arriving with the family or at least, accompanying Demi to the venue.

me to be here? Your brothers all hate me. Ashton didn’t invite me." Nicci nervously pulls on the hemline of the

account knowing how close you two are." I turn to her before she can get down from the car. "Don’t get too carried away with the glitz and glam. You’re not here to drink champagne and celebrate

on Demi and Ashton at all times. I

at the bar for about fifteen minutes before

the hotel. She looks really good tonight. I wonder

while she makes a fuss about my tardiness. Asher has

her lover is getting

okay?"

I’m late. I’ll just go say hi to Ashton and

can surely wait. Your father won’t be done introducing them to his elite friends for another

go after Demi. When I

settle for? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were mourning the loss of your lover." Gosh, I can’t even keep my annoyance in for two minutes. Demi glares at

that what you have to say to me? You hate my dress and suspect I am grieving for losing Ashton because it’s his engagement ceremony? Really?" She shakes her head. "I can’t do this right now. Stay the hell away from me." I grab her

did."

I hate the plain dress anyway, I mutter in

guests, including the media. We can’t be seen fighting so no, I won’t stay away from you. We can argue all we want when we get back to the mansion but for

hit me right now. Her eyes stray

shouldn’t have a hard time imagining Nicci in my place seeing as she’s all dolled

is, looking stunning as she congratulates the couple of the hour and walks off while chatting with father. Smart girl. When I turn back, Demi has disappeared. She probably went to the

here? Is Ashton trying to piss me off? I head over to him and his soon to be bride and give Mila a kiss on

Mila. Congrats on taking this dickhead off the market. Trust me, you’re doing me a solid."

"Thanks."

her friends soon come

Ashton asks with a stern look in

with gusto. "What the hell is Cree Baxter doing here? You

not yours." He glances behind me. "Besides, if Shay can confidently attend this function, it only means you invited her

and Demi are quite bold tonight. I guess it must have something to do with your little

"What?"

from now on." He continues to stare at me with a confused expression while I

Through the tranche of speeches, the special dance between the couple, the cake cutting and pictures, alcohol keeps

her not to get distracted, especially as Demi and Anna make their way to the restroom yet again. Nicci quietly follows them. When I tear my eyes

steal a dance with Mila. She smells so good

Ashton’s bride. You’re just the type of woman he needs to keep him in

"Excuse me?"

how that happened but I’ve learnt to live with that truth. I just thought I’d give you a heads up as a fellow spouse of a partner who is in love with another."

that they’re still seeing

stronger even while they act like it isn’t there. The sad part is that though they keep away from each other, you’ll always be reminded of the sad truth when you look into their eyes and find no affection for you

really hope he doesn’t call her name when he’s with you. That one hurts the

hoping to achieve by telling

a gem he’s got. I just want you to be prepared. I went into my own marriage blind to the reality I am living today. I don’t want you

expecting me to break up with

would only make things worse for you and I. Our love for our partners isn’t wrong. They need us to help them get over their foolishness and find their way back to what’s real and attainable. I am expecting you to fight for your man, Mila, harder than you ever did while he was just your boyfriend. We’ve both seen how Ashton loves.

at Ashton once more. He gives her a sunny smile

sound like your

for a man’s money, power or sexual prowess. It’s harder to win them over but once you do, they become yours for life. That’s why I am afraid I might not stand a chance now that she’s got another in her heart. But don’t you worry, I’ve got a backup plan for

"You do?"

"Yeah."

back?" Ashton asks, suddenly joining us and taking

"Sure thing bro."

to stare at me as I walk away. Behind me, I hear him asking Mila what we were talking about. Her response gets lost in

both be, Ashley? You’ve got your side chick who doubles as

but you and I know I’ve got concrete reasons to have someone on your ass. I

trying

huh?" The shock spreads across her face. "Don’t even bother lying. I know it was no accidental meeting. Why did you drag him there, Demi? Are you trying to rekindle old flames and make him