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..."

and kiss me,

smile. Gladly, I pull her forward and kiss her slowly, holding her tenderly. Her eyes remain closed for

you

open at my question. A crimson blush seeps into her cheeks as she quickly

to

the room. Mother bumps into us in the hallway. Though she says nothing, her eyes are

get Maddi into

ok? Stay with your family." My throat dries

name instead of Maddi. I shut the door, tap the trunk of the car

Ashton walks towards me.

that Madeline? Why was

pull him into a tight hug. "What are you doing here? You know father will only get you upset. The boys and I were planning on

a study of disappointment

what’s wrong? You don’t look

off

definitely bothering

"Talk to me."

able to get a hold of Demi. It’s unlike her to do this knowing how worried I’d get. Then again, she did make me promise during our last conversation that I should trust her to be able to take care of herself and

listen to her...oh, Asher’s

of his car.

her abducted and locked

exclaims with

hurt more people. I set her free. I don’t care what he does

creases with worry while he steals surreptitious glances at

don’t think

of her knowing how much worse things could get if he attempts to aggravate her some more. If she’s missing, she’s definitely not here." He tucks his hands in both pockets

you assume she’s missing? You weren’t here when I shared my concerns

lock eyes with Asher

worried how hard things could get for you because Demi won’t let you go. I told her everything and begged her to take a step back. My guess is that she made

gets livid. "Why would you

enjoy seeing you away from the family? 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

while I console Ashton.

see mother first. She’s been dying to

can bring her along tomorrow. There’s something I have to check." He bolts off and jumps into his car outside

feel the same for Ashton. What could be bothering my brothers so much? I fail to find Asher

staff. "Have you seen my brother? He just returned

took the elevator

floor? Is he going

on for a few minutes and gets heated at some point. Unfortunately, I can’t decipher what they’re arguing about. Asher finally steps out. His eyes track around to a certain

that about?" I ask,

only make things worse and give Billion-Err a field

"Of course."

"Good."

uncertainly, avoiding