Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 127: Chapter 127

ASHAL

I am such an idiot. Everything was going so well. Why did I have to open my big mouth to ask dumb questions about a dead guy? Why was I desperate to know what ticks her fancy when choosing boyfriends? Does it really matter? It’s NEVER going to be ME! I know that so why did I push for answers still?

Maddie had gasped in shock when I didn’t reply her with a speedy NO after she asked about me being present the day her boyfriend had died. She clutched her chest and staggered away from me, shooting up a hand when I tried to follow her.

"Maddie..."

"NO! STAY AWAY!" She had shrieked as tears formed in her eyes. I was dying inside because of the look of fear in her eyes. I couldn’t have her be afraid of me and somehow, that was all that mattered in that moment. I took a few steps till I closed the distance between us, against her wish. When I grabbed her hand, her eyes dilated in shock and a nervous scream worked its way up her throat. Quickly, I blocked it by clamping my other hand over her mouth.

"Don’t look at me like that, Maddie. What the hell are you thinking right now? You’re very wrong, ok, and if you would stop your imaginations from running wild, I’ll tell you the truth." Her eyes softened as she listened to me. Goodness, I felt like ice water flowed from my head to my toes when she pulled her face away from my hand but didn’t scream.

"You were here." She voiced firmly.

I inhaled. "I was but only because I was worried about you. I came to see how you were doing and ran into that little scene right here in front of your dorm. I didn’t want to interrupt. Seeing that you were faring well after the whole kidnapping incident put my mind at peace. I was only slightly uncomfortable watching the strange guy touch you inappropriately. I didn’t know at the time that he was your boyfriend. I just thought he was someone you were passing time with to get over everything you had been through."

"What?"

"I know. I’m sorry. I just figured you wouldn’t go for someone like that when interested in having a boyfriend. Forgive me. I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought. I don’t mean to be judgmental. I am no saint myself. I’m sorry about my bias."

Maddie peered deeply at me. I could clearly see her struggling to believe my words.

"Why did you react like that upon learning that I had been here to see you even though it wasn’t the first time?" I ask, pulling my best ’I feel hurt’ face. "Did you immediately think I had something to do with what had happened to your late boyfriend?" This time, it was MY turn to back away, feigning shock and anger. Maddie fell for it and turned apologetic.

I made my way back to my car while she trotted after me.

"Mr. Ashal, it’s not like that."

"Then what exactly was that reaction, Maddie? Did you really think...I can’t believe you." Actual tears stung my eyes. I turned to her. We were inches apart now and though some students were strolling in and out of the dorm, neither of us broke eye contact. It was getting dark outside.

"Do you honestly believe that I could do something like that? Is this because of what happened at Hunter’s house?"

"No, no. Nothing happened at Hunter’s. You only defended me."

I ignored her patronizing remark. "I know I lose it sometimes but I am not a deranged monster. I had feared Hunter had hurt you and that’s the only reason I attacked him. I feared I was too late to save you!" I grabbed her chin with both hands. "I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you, Maddie. That’s why I snapped and here you are thinking I go about killing people? You’ve hurt me more than you could ever know."

I hadn’t planned to go that far or say that much but in the heat of the moment, some truth slipped and I went with the flow. Maddie closed her hands over mine before I could let them fall from her face.

"I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Mr. Ashal. You saved me from Hunter. I didn’t mean to let my past recollection of my sister’ first encounter with you cloud my reasoning."

"You will always think me a monster at the end of the day, won’t you?"

"NO."

okay. I brought this on myself. No woman will ever see me as anything more. I

seconds to process anything before Maddie planted a soft, brief kiss on my lips. I guessed it was spurred by the desire to snap me out of my lamentation for a moment.

Ashal. Please

she relaxed in my arms moments later and even fisted a hand in my hair as we leaned into the kiss and lost ourselves

later for taking advantage of her like that but in the moment, I imagined what it would be like to have her melting in my arms every day, to be the guy in her life if the universe would permit it. It felt really good imagining all the possibilities until Maddie broke

sorry. I got carried away." I

okay." She replied, nervously looking around. One student was lurking. When Maddie locked eyes with her,

"What’s wrong?"

girl, she saw

"And?"

Maddie was already hastening after the

"What’s wrong?"

calling after the strange girl possibly to explain herself. I stood there and watched her go. Instead of reeling with guilt over cheating on my wife, I kept reliving the kiss in my head and blocking out the lies that got me

out of my thoughts as a guy gets out of the toilet and joins me by the sink to wash his hands. I wash my hands as well, splash some cold water on my face to awaken me to reality before leaving the restroom to find Ashley in the hospital VIP

got his call regarding Asher’s health, I honestly thought it was a prank. Asher never falls sick. That’s a rarity for him but after getting to the

that I managed to quell Maddie’s suspicions. I don’t think he will be impressed but it’s worth the shot to calm his nerves regarding everything that’s been going wrong all day. I don’t want him

Ashley for the first time. Before now, we sat in pensive silence for over twenty minutes since I arrived. He casts a weak side glance at Nessa who is huddled in a

at least not yet. Asher won’t like it, she says. He kept his condition away from our family for a reason. I agree with her on that. Let’s wait till the doctor confirms that he

be perceived as weak. He also hates hospitals and takes good care of

pity. How did he manage all these months to put up a brave face in front of us while secretly

death pales in significance to my brother’s condition. I know that my family can always find a way to exonerate me even if the truth comes out one

my cheeks until Demi bursts through the door. She surveys the VIP waiting room before walking up to Ashley who looks distraught with

She asks, keeping

trust doctor Ezra and the other specialists assisting him. He won’t

the anger swirling in Ashley’s eyes before the

for goodness’ sake; he’s a family friend! I get why Nessa kept mum about everything. Asher must have warned her not to say a peep about it but doctor

my hands around him

thought we had lost him, Ashal." Ashley cries. "I really feared he had died in

guilt. Guilt over what? Is she feeling bad for her sour relationship with Asher who’s now battling for his life or did she know about his health condition too but told no one? My bet is on

head. How can I blame her? I literally live with my brother and spend

for the door. She intercepts Anna before the poor

plead, gesturing to her husband who is still whimpering. I can tell Demi is

nods sagely and replaces me on the seat next to Ashley who proceeds to lean on her shoulder, breathing softly. I watch her stroke his back and whisper assurances in

Nessa’s mascara smudged face is inches

mean?" Anna asks, glaring

can’t get a whiff of this. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins will be here soon and you’d be hard-pressed to find a good excuse for

tries to sidestep Nessa, the latter yanks her arm back. "Keep your grubby hands off

huh? A friend of Demi’s or Asher’s fling? Have some shame and go home. You

and wonder what I should

excuse for being here?"

I am not here because of that. I knew about Asher’s condition from the start. I brought him here