Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 156: Chapter 156

ASHTON

"Mr. Rollins, I hope the house is to your liking. If it isn’t, there are a few other options you can check out." The strange man in casual jeans and shirt tells me. We are standing in the middle of an opulent duplex with a sprawling staircase and impeccable décor. I have a hard time understanding half the things he’s been saying to me since we met at a bar because I can’t fathom why he won’t just tell me who sent him.

"Otto, right?"

"That’s right."

Otto, who exactly put you up to this?"

"I’m sorry, Mr. Rollins but I already told you that information is classified for the sake of your benefactor. All I can say is that my employer cares about your wellbeing and wants you to live comfortably while you’re going through this hard time."

Whoever is employer is, it’s certainly someone that knows my taste to the tee, I think while observing the minimalist touch of the house and the sport car collection I spied in the garage. That employer also happens to have a truckload of money to dish around if my new bank account balance is any indication. That tells me that it’s definitely a family member. Could it be one of my brothers anonymously trying to help me out? Could it be mother?

"You don’t seriously expect me to live in a house and drive the cars without knowing who’s behind it all, do you?"

"You should, Mr. Rollins..."

"Sawyer."

"What?"

"I go by Ashton Sawyer now. Do you mind keeping up?"

A short flash of bewilderment flits across his pupils but he remains composed.

"Mr. Sawyer, I’d really advise that you accept everything you’re being given from my employer. They’ve gone through great risk setting you up comfortably. It’ll break their heart if you rejected it. They just want you to be happy and safe."

Something warm blooms in my chest. I stare around the house. It’s definitely better than my survival plans.

the cameras out. If she wants to see my face, she can call me through an unregistered line." I head for the door while Otto attempts to deny mother’s involvement

mean...Sawyer, your mother isn’t

I change my mind." He fails to see the

I got back in the garage, there it was. I had only ever mentioned wanting this car to mother. I knew I could purchase it anytime but for some reason, I always put

to myself to avoid getting mocked for my sentimental attachment to the type of car we drove to school in as kids, the car that reminds me of a time in our

It reminds me of who we were as boys, our innocence, our happiness while we were still oblivious of father’s dark side. I run my hand over the grey van. This is definitely mother’s love letter to me, a reassurance. I know

can call her without father knowing. Sighing, I blink away the tears threatening to

journalist will

the way I recall our driver used to drive us to school. I used to wonder why he wouldn’t step on it. I complained about his speed, wondered if he was trying to get us there

I realize that sometimes, taking things slow helps in life. My life just got upended. I am still figuring out how to navigate this new life of mine, one where I fear that I can’t protect the ones I love from the man called Brett Rollins. I’ve just realized I’m nothing without him. I’ve got no real power and that scares the shit out

after the ones I

you’re calling

and again, and again. My

I’m sure she’s fine. She’s with her uncle in a different

parents are finally around. The lovely couple gladly welcome me into their home

bump into you and

shy glances with each other before Collete smothers a laugh

list. With the money you gave us the last time, we took a trip to my wife’s

you properly, Mr. Rollins. That trip was more therapeutic than we envisioned. Paul and I got to spend quality

I could help." Smiling, I

of awkward stares between the couple

you are. If I hadn’t met you, I probably would have joined that bandwagon in criticizing you but from what Paul and I have seen, you’re such a sweet soul. Hence, we

for the vote

are your parents and brothers? Hope they’re all

very tough on us but I believe we’ll pull through eventually." Then, to digress, "Keith has been super helpful to me in your absence. I’ve made incredible progress with finding my

in circles as a big smile warps his face. "That’s...good to hear. I was worried

An image of Keith shredding a picture of Adriana which he had drawn of her in her sleep, and chucking it into the fireplace before his mom could hand it over to me, flashes in my memory. "But a lot has changed since then. Let’s just