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

mean...Sawyer, your mother isn’t

change my mind." He fails to see the smile on my face as I exit the

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

love letter to me, a reassurance.

knowing. Sighing, I blink away the

journalist will be

like an old lady, 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

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

trifle with me by going after the ones I love just to get at me. I pull up by a phone booth

you’re calling is

again, and again, and again.

Ashton." I tell myself. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s with her uncle in a different city. I’ll try again on my way back from seeing

are finally around. The lovely couple

to bump into you

exchange shy glances with each other before Collete smothers a laugh behind

With the money you gave us the last time, we took a trip to my wife’s dream, honeymoon destination which I couldn’t

never got to thank you properly, Mr. Rollins. That trip was more therapeutic than

help." Smiling, I take a bite of

of awkward stares between

deeply sorry to hear about your family. I hate how much people tend to target you guys because of how ’up there’ 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,

vote

your parents and brothers?

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

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

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 say I found a way to get