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.

but tell my mother I want 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 in

Rollins, I mean...Sawyer,

of those damn cameras before I change my

I got back in the garage, there it was. I had only ever mentioned wanting this car to mother. I knew I could

had no clue that I had a soft spot for minivans. I always kept it 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

mother’s love letter to me, a reassurance. I know she must have been hurt by my doubts. I know she must worry that I question her place in my life and

without father knowing. Sighing, I blink away the tears threatening to fall from my eyes.

to Keith’s. It’s great because no journalist will be looking for

speed, wondered if he was trying to get us there safely or too afraid to scratch father’s car. I guess my love for fast cars was born out of the frustration I felt

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

slow rides to think. I need to figure out how to tame Brett Rollins so he never attempts to trifle with me by going after the ones I love just to get at me. I pull up by a phone booth and hastily

number you’re

again, and again.

her uncle in

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

been difficult to bump into you and your wife since our last

his wife exchange shy glances with each other before Collete smothers a laugh

our bucket list. With the money you gave us the last time, we took a trip to my wife’s dream, honeymoon destination which I couldn’t afford at the time of our wedding. We only planned to stay a

got to thank you properly, Mr. Rollins. That trip was more therapeutic than we envisioned. Paul and I got to spend quality time together. It proved really healthy

glad I could help." Smiling, I take

between the couple before Collete turns

are. If I hadn’t met you, I probably would have joined that bandwagon in criticizing you but

the vote of

and brothers? Hope they’re all

to digress, "Keith

circles as a big smile warps his face. "That’s...good to hear. I was worried he’d be difficult about it

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