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."

hands away. "It’s okay. I brought this on myself. No woman will

car when strong hands yanked my collar and pulled me back. I had only 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

Ashal. Please

coursed through her body but she relaxed in my arms moments later and even fisted a hand in my hair as we leaned into

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

away." I panted with flushed

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

"What’s wrong?"

girl, she saw

"And?"

after the strange girl. I

"What’s wrong?"

from my grip, 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

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

I honestly thought it was a prank. Asher never falls sick. That’s a rarity for him but after getting to the hospital and assessing the situation, I

but it’s worth the shot to calm his

twenty minutes since I arrived. He casts a weak side glance

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 is out of the woods and then we

like Asher. He hates to be perceived as weak. He also hates hospitals and takes good care of his health so he doesn’t have to end up in one. I guess the tumor was out of

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

run my hands over my hair. Suddenly, the thought of Maddie learning the truth of her ex-boyfriend’s 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 day but if we lose Asher, there’s no coming back from that. The very fabric of our familial bond will be ruptured. The quads will be short of one brother. We can’t possibly

down my cheeks until Demi bursts through the door. She surveys the VIP waiting room before walking

he?" She asks, keeping a small distance between

Ashley’s voice breaks but he pulls a strong face. "It’s been hours but I am choosing to trust doctor Ezra and the other specialists assisting him. He

in Ashley’s eyes before the

this whole time! Can you fucking believe it? He’s more than our family doctor 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 Ezra? The least

around him as his

cries. "I really feared he had died in

in tears. I look at her and instantly decipher it; 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 the latter because she works with Asher. She must have stumbled into

brother and spend the

pokes a head into the waiting room. Anna. From the corner of my eye, I see Nessa jump to her feet and head for the door. She intercepts Anna before the poor girl can join us in the room. When Demi reads the

to her husband who is still whimpering. I can tell Demi is torn between going to defend her best

and replaces me on the seat next to Ashley who proceeds to lean on her shoulder, breathing softly.

face

Anna asks, glaring at her. "I’m here to see

be here." Nessa reiterates with fire in her eyes. "This is a private matter within the family. The media can’t get a whiff

to sidestep Nessa, the latter yanks her arm back. "Keep

you here as, huh? A friend of Demi’s or Asher’s fling? Have some

the two ladies go at it and wonder what I

being here?" Anna fires back

us in that regard is that my other relationship with him is no secret from his family, especially his father! However, I am not here because of that. I knew about Asher’s condition from the start. I brought him here for his surgery today. I have every right to be here when he wakes up. Can