Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 158: Chapter 158

ASHAL

"Maddie! Oh God." Trembling, I rush to undo the ropes binding her when father’s voice thunders behind me.

"Careful, Ashal. I brought you here to make a point, not to be her knight in shining armor." He sneers as a thought flash through his mind. "As disturbing as your newly found love interest in your ex-wife’s kid sister is, I will let it slide but if you annoy me further by freeing her, you’ll also be expunged from my will"

"Oh, for goodness’ sake, do your worst father!" I threaten him right back, surging to my feet. "DO YOUR WORST!" We are nose to nose now. My fists are tightened by my side. "I have had enough! Frankly, you can’t shock me anymore. I don’t think there’s a limit to your wickedness so go right ahead and cast me out if you please. However, you’re not going to keep her bound, you hear me??? I am untying those ropes and she is going back to her family."

"ASHAL!"

"Or you wouldn’t have to worry about the Dunns giving evidence against me; I’ll gladly do so myself."

"You buffoon! What’s come over you and Ashton?"

"Love, father. LOVE. And because of it, we’ve seen the error of our ways. We’ve learnt that there are other ways to deal with our problems."

"Oh, really? Like what?"

"For starters? How about not living our lives like no one else’s matter, like we’re untouchable. We have to live accountable lives, father. Most of our problems today stem from actions that resulted from us trying to dodge accountability and I am so sick of that! I AM DONE. I won’t sit idly by and watch you hurt anyone else on my account. Olivia’s family has been through enough. It’s time to let them be!"

Tearing my eyes from his leering ones, I return to crouch by Maddi’s side and unbind her. The red welts on her wrists and ankles make my eyes glaze over with remorse and shame.

"I’m so sorry, Maddi. You don’t deserve this." I wipe her teary eyes while father grunts in disgust before storming away.

"Leave us!" I yell.

The guard by the door walks out. I help Maddi to the couch and make her sit. Though her reddened eyes communicate pain and fear, she says nothing while I dash for a First Aid Kit and treat her bruises.

"You should have stayed with your family. You should NEVER have come back."

Still, no reply. My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I feel her gaze on my shaking hands. Finally, I summon the courage to look her dead in the face. It’s like I suspected. She’s cross with me.

Tossing the kit aside, I sit down on the floor.

"I finally see it now. I am a bad omen for your family. I only cause you all pain. Because of me, you all fled from your homes and the lives you’ve known for so many years." Tears blur my eyes. "I’m sorry for everything, Maddi." Rising, I chuck the used cotton wool to a corner of the room. "I’ll arrange for you to rejoin your family."

I make it all the way to the door, grab the knob and pause. Why won’t she say anything? She clearly took a great risk coming to find me so why won’t she at least tell me why? Gritting my teeth, I bare my heart out.

"Maddi, if this is truly the last time we see each other, you might as well tell me why you..." I whirl to face her only for her to crush her lips to mine in a passionate kiss. Heart racing, I hold onto her, unable to think of anything in the moment other than the taste of her.

Then like a whiplash, I gently shove her away. Shocked, her owlish eyes slant up at me.

"This is madness, Maddi. My family is shit. I AM SHIT. You deserve better." I simply want to put it out there in case she is still reeling from the shock of her kidnap and not thinking clearly.

She reaches forward to grab my face but I inch away.

"I’m serious, Maddi. I know I’ve been in therapy and been to rehab but I don’t really feel confident that I can beat my condition..."

up and

I pull her forward and kiss her slowly, holding her tenderly. Her eyes remain

did you

flutter open at my question. A crimson blush seeps

to go

in the hallway. Though she says nothing, her eyes are apologetic. She pats my shoulder and goes

Maddi into a

family." My throat dries up at this

face crumples at the use of her full name instead of Maddi. I shut the door, tap the

Ashton walks towards me.

Madeline? Why

are you doing here? You know father will only get

face is a study of disappointment and

what’s wrong? You don’t look

my hands off his face. "I’ll

definitely

"Talk to me."

"I haven’t been able to get a hold of Demi. It’s unlike her to do this knowing how worried I’d get. Then again, she did

maybe you should listen to her...oh,

in and leaps out of his car. "Was

won’t believe father had her abducted and locked up in one of the

Ashton exclaims with

his threats and watch him hurt more people. I set her free. I don’t care what

while he steals surreptitious glances at

don’t think Demi

steers clear of her knowing how much worse things could get if he attempts to aggravate her

inclines his head. "Why would you assume she’s missing? You weren’t here when

with Asher

you arrived. I was deeply concerned about you and father’s threat. I was worried how hard things could get for you because Demi won’t let you

livid. "Why

Fighting with father? Do you think I am cool with making appointments to see my own brother whom I formerly used to run into at every point in this damn mansion? I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND I KNOW YOU CARE TOO MUCH ABOUT US TO LIKE IT EITHER." He feathers a hand through his hair. "Let her be, Ashton, at least for now. You’ll only complicate things if you

while I

see mother first. She’s been dying to

her along tomorrow. There’s something I have to check." He bolts

the story than he let on, and I feel the same for Ashton. What could be bothering

of the domestic staff. "Have you seen my brother? He just

He took the elevator to

Is he

and arrive just in time to witness them having a muffled conversation in father’s bedroom. It goes on for a few minutes and gets heated at some point. Unfortunately, I can’t

about?"

else? Him abducting Madeline was not okay. He’ll only make things worse and give Billion-Err a field day." He dabs his sweaty brow. "Did you

"Of course."

"Good."

uncertainly,