Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 120: Chapter 120

DEMI

I’m staring at my reflection in the mirror, at the heavy gunk of makeup layered over the skin of my face as well as the deep, wavy hair that frames it. Put plainly, I look extremely beautiful today. Ashley’s stylists have been going out of their way to rebrand me for the little show I have been putting up for the cameras. Every news article and channel in Danvarr reports my pregnancy glow and fashion at least once a day. I am photographed everywhere I go and it’s all by design.

It’s father’s wish that I keep the media focused on me so much so that they forget that the other woman in the picture has been noticeably absent for weeks now. So far, I have been cooperating. It got easier after I kept seeing Liam in the crowd. We haven’t been able to meet up for days now since my security detail has been quadrupled and my movements restricted to keep up the farce.

I am only able to sneak a call or two to him while by myself in my room.

Liam is far smarter than I envisaged. During this difficult period for me, I have come to appreciate his ability to adapt, improvise and work alone to bring our goals to pass. He only asks that I trust him and not question the tough decisions he makes this period without consulting me first.

When Billion-Err strikes up a conversation about Nicola Grey’s sudden disappearance after rebutting the pregnancy rumors, a warm feeling fills my chest as the fog covering the eyes of the media start to fizzle away.

That is why I am nursing a thin smile as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I might hate how things have turned out and how my hands feel tied but if I have learnt anything from Liam, it’s that every situation can be used to our advantage.

I won’t cry or sulk. I will make lemonade out of this situation and bring the Rollins family to their knees when I am done with them.

I grab a brush and pat my face while smiling deviously. Through the mirror, Ashley’s eyes lock with mine. When did he come in? Shit. It’s his room after all.

"You’re smiling. Something funny?" He asks me dryly. I dump the brush with a sigh and turn to stare at him.

"What exactly do you want from me? You had a problem when I didn’t smile at all for the cameras and when I smiled too little. You complained when I smiled too much because it didn’t look genuine. Now, you have a problem with me practicing my smile before we put on a show for those clueless fans of ours out in the real world?"

Wordlessly, he advances towards me and cups my chin. "That smile was worrisome, Demi. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re enjoying the fact that everyone has started asking questions about Nicci’s whereabout."

I pull my chin away. "Why the hell shouldn’t I be happy about that? Why should I sympathize with you after the lengths you’re going to make my life miserable?" I scoff at him, rising to my feet.

"You’re so despicable, Ashley. Even after everything you’ve done wrong to me, you still feel entitled to my loyalty and support? Where was yours when you left a baby in Nicci’s womb or when I was hauled away and locked up in my room because I refused to play pretend mom for you and Nicci’s unborn child? Where is your loyalty, support and LOVE right now when I am being used by your family to keep your reputation intact? You have some nerve expecting me to feel anything but hate towards you right now!"

When I try to leave, he grabs my wrist in a tight grip. Anger wells up in my throat.

"Get your hand off me." I order him through gritted teeth. His very presence disgusts me.

Rather than oblige me, he steps closer to stand behind me and snakes a hand over my tummy. I writhe uncomfortably in his grip as he tugs me closer to his body. His hot breath fans my ear when he leans to whisper to me.

"You’re lucky you look hotter than you usually do. That’s the only reason why I’m letting this arrogance slide."

"FUCK YOU!"

"Gladly! If you weren’t so stubborn, you wouldn’t have to be pretending to be pregnant right now. You’d be carrying our child again."

"I’ll rather drink from a sewage than share a bed with you again!"

His short laugh makes my skin tingle with dread. "And yet you’re here, in my bedroom." He sniffs my neck. "Wearing my scent. You can’t hate me that much."

"You ordered your stylists to use..."

"Whatever." He spins me to face him, his hands interlocked behind my waist. "I felt bad for you for a really long time. I allowed the guilt eat me up each time I couldn’t be enough for you. While I shamelessly craved your acceptance, Nicci on the other hand loved me in spite of my flaws. I ignored her for a long time because I felt I owed my wife loyalty. My point is, Demi, that you have never loved me. It was a blatant waste of my emotions to ever dream of being loved by you. That is why in hindsight, I no longer feel guilty for accommodating Nicci. At least she has true feelings for me regardless of her flaws and mine."

"Then why don’t you two ride off into the sunset and be happily wed? Why don’t you leave me our of your love story?"

That annoying chuckle again. "Because this isn’t a Nora Roberts novel; it’s real life, baby and in this life, we don’t always get what we want, how we want it." His eyes dip from my face, down my plunging neckline. Immediately, I attempt to wriggle away from his lustful gaze.

"You’re shameless. In one breath, you speak of being in love with a woman and in the same breath, you’re ogling another."

"I said Nicci was in love with me. I never said she’s the one I have feelings for." He corrects matter-of-factly, pinning me with a heavy look that reminds me of the Ashley I used to know. My throat dries up but I manage to moisten my lips.

"You can’t be in love with me." I deny his manipulation. "You have done nothing but hurt me."

"You have a biased view of what a man in love with you should be like. I’m guessing the standard is a certain blonde hunk who was born black-haired?" He allows a small smile on the corner of his lips. "If you have been burned and betrayed as much as I have in life, you’d understand why my approach to dicey subjects like the four-letter word come with a few thorns rather than rose tints."

you or your feelings. I don’t regret never giving you a chance in my heart, Ashley.

We haven’t brought it up since I mentioned it at the dining table. I ignore the pained expression

things knowing fully well how much it would hurt you. Still, I don’t know why I feel a nagging sense of guilt within me. Contrary to what you might think, I

"What are you saying?"

am saying that I know your love was never a part of the deal but I am a bit unsure of your loyalty. You and Ashton have never betrayed me and still I threw tantrums just because I imagined you wanted to in spite of his restraint. It pissed me off that you craved him even while in bed with me." He takes a step towards me and I take two backwards. "Have you truly been loyal to me and my family, Demi? Tell me you’ve truly been loyal and that is why I feel a smidgen of remorse each time I

is what I get for being loyal to you and your family for six months, then my foolishness will haunt me

that a yes?"

Now get the driver so we can wrap up today’s episode of playing pregnant. I want to get

pull it open, the maid, Halle, stands outside with a tray of fruits and her hands

has sent some fruits up to you. Shall I leave them

so thank her for me and tell

behind me. I turn to

we have to do this song and dance inside the house too? I won’t

"What drama?"

sight of my aunt and niece. Mother has just stepped out of the elevator

ever since she took in.

lips to mine to shut me up. I want to claw at his neck

now. He must have intentionally invited my aunt and Kira here just so I play nice around him and his family. Does he think my hatred for them would stop me from

her mom struggles to keep

looks good on you."

"Congrats." Kira chimes dryly.

wrench Ashley’s hand from my waist but he doesn’t budge. I turn to

let them in? What are they doing here? You know how I feel about them. How could you

has

this. He takes the cue to cup my face. "Behave darling." He mutters to me before speaking loudly. "They’re still your family, darling. I know your emotions are all over the place right now but try to calm down. I thought if you spent more time with them, you’d be able to bury the hatchet and move on. You’re having a baby soon.

WEEKEND???" I shove at him. "I don’t want them here. Send them away right now,

room. His foot wedges between my bedroom door before I can shut it. When we are alone again in my room,

fuck was that? Why are you trying to upset me even more by inviting my aunt and that bitch, Kira, in

here like scum, Demi. I thought having your

and your family dumped mud all over me and now you’re complaining I stink? YOU ALL TURNED ME INTO THIS. YOU

your feelings aren’t justified. I am just asking for a little more civility especially around my parents. You do it effortlessly in front of the cameras for strangers three times a week yet when you step through those doors and enter this house, you stare

in ire. I

promise me that you’d be nice, I’ll

"And if I refuse?"

spend a few months with us till the time

you think I wouldn’t discard my ego and

warning as Anna. Then, I’d go get William, you ex, to spend some time with us. I’ll keep bringing people and coming up with ways to make you cave, Demi. Is that what you want?" He continues when I only stare daggers

he attempts to leave. "I’ll eat the fruits and even give mother a smile before the day ends but

"Fine."

me

to play nicer, Demi. You can’t let them

my head

just

"Who do you think informs Liam of things that happen in this house when you

"You’re working with Liam?"

are three of

her hands. "If I had to guess who Liam’s minions were, I would never have

never suspect me. You’re slacking on that front. You’re letting your emotions get the best of you. The goal is bigger

to the floor. "I’m sorry. I’ve been losing my mind ever since our

since he has a bone to pick with the Rollins now. You have to start thinking like that, how you can use your situation and the people around you to propel your plan. Use Ashley’s hunger for love and the guilt he feels to your advantage. Use Ashton’s feelings for you too. There are

I’ve been slipping. A thought crosses my mind. "What bone do you have to pick with this family? How have they wronged you if you’re

All you need to know

minions? Do I get to know their

for now. Remember, stay in character as long as it advances our goals. You can’t