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.

she wants to see my face, she can call me through an unregistered line." I

Rollins, I mean...Sawyer,

those damn cameras before I change my mind." He fails to see the smile on

there it was. I had only ever mentioned wanting this car to mother. I knew I could purchase it anytime but for

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 time

I run my hand over the grey van. This is definitely 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

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

great because no journalist will be looking for me in a tinted minivan with a sticker that says, Kids

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 safely or too afraid to scratch father’s car. I guess my love for fast cars was born

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

think. I need to figure out how to tame Brett Rollins so he never attempts to trifle with me by going after the ones

number you’re

again, and again. My heart clenches in my

overthink it, 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

parents are finally around. The lovely couple

bump into you

glances with each other before Collete smothers a laugh behind

I checked off one lingering wish on 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

Mr. Rollins. That trip was more therapeutic than we envisioned. Paul and I got to

help." Smiling, I take a

notice the brief exchange of awkward stares between the couple before Collete turns to

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, you’re such a sweet soul. Hence, we know the rumors

the vote of confidence,

brothers? Hope they’re

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

his face. "That’s...good to hear. I was worried

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