Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 180: Chapter 180

ASHER

It’s been a weird morning. My eyes still burn from not getting enough sleep. I barely shut my eyes for two hours this morning and though I can easily take more rest if I want to, my mind has been whirling with concern. I guess there will never be an end to me worrying over my family.

"The party was a success." Mother quips with a huge grin while we’re having breakfast. "Did you see the headlines? The reporters were very kind."

"Yes darling" Father concurs. "We are not out of the legal woods yet but socially, we might be making a comeback sooner than we think. I already got a couple of golfing invites to discuss reinvestments in Rollins Group."

Though their relationship isn’t back to what it used to be, I’m grateful that mother is sitting with us again and not throwing shady looks and scathing comments at father every few minutes. Even when he called her ’darling’, she didn’t seem to mind.

"Ashley, our outfits are getting huge compliments on social media platforms." I inform him as he quietly focuses on his phone. "People want to know how soon you’re going to come up with a new fashion line."

He angles his head at me. "I’m not sure right now. I’m doing a bit of restructuring of my company. Nothing’s in view for now." His eyes glide down to his phone again. When I peek, it appears to be unanswered messages from Nicci. She hadn’t showed up last night like he hoped. I hate how sad that makes him feel.

In the past, Ashley would have no problem landing a date in minutes or having fun with multiple women. With Demi, he slowed down a bit and after her, he’s not he seems to no longer find fulfilment in juggling women. I did suggest it to him before the party but he ignored me. Now, he sits here moping at his phone like a lovesick puppy. Even the thought of drowning himself with work to pass time isn’t as appealing to him as it used to be.

Ashal meets my eyes and shakes his head. Then he turns to our parents.

"Mother? I hope you don’t mind Olivia and Maddie staying here. It’s just till the baby is born. I want Olivia comfortable and she can’t be without her sister so..."

"Of course, my love. That’s absolutely fine." Mother has a big smile on her face. Something about welcoming her first grandchild in three months has her over the moon. "I’ll personally see to it that she has the best time here."

Father remains uncharacteristically quiet.

"And father?" Ashal asks. "Is that okay with you?"

Father sips his tea. "You really think it’s a good idea to keep your ex-wife and her sister under the same roof, especially given your new found romance with the sister..." he trails off at the icy glare mother shoots him. "I mean, it’s your call. I just don’t know women who share the same love interest to be that accommodating, least of all sisters."

"What?" Mother barks at him. "Are you in anyway trying to compare those sisters to Kristy and I? Were you hoping we would hold hands for the cameras last night?"

"Barbara, please, that’s not even what I meant."

"That’s exactly what you insinuated!" Mother lashes, throwing her napkin on the table and pushing her seat back. "You’ll be waiting for all eternity if you ever think my sons and I will welcome Kristy and Josh into our home. I understand if you need to maintain a relationship with your son which is why he struts into our lives every now and then. However, keep your relationship with his mother far from me, my kids and my home!"

"Mother, please..."

"I’m done." She says, hopefully referring to her breakfast. As she turns to storm upstairs, Ashton emerges from the elevator.

kiss on her cheek. Then he whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh. "C’mon

you in such a good mood?" Ashal asks, eyeing him

question. How could he not see it? If it was a woman in Ashton’s place, she’d have a certain glow about her. For Ashton, a bright smile and a

is that Ashton went over to see Demi yesterday. Did they do it? Damn it. The timing couldn’t be worse. Even though Ashley

stop blaming her unjustly. She saved Ashal’s life after all. Besides, I didn’t think Ashton was still entertaining such thoughts about Demi in the heat

to Ashton who’s eating and making light conversation with mother. He’s still on cloud nine and has no idea how fucking obvious he’s being. But it feels good to see him radiating with

wonder why we brothers can’t all be happy at the same time. Why must one of us suffer in order to accommodate another’s happiness? The answer flashes my head

finally looks up at Ashton, his

you. Can we meet back in the game room to discuss the

They nod affirmatively.

done with his breakfast..." Mother starts to whine. "Look, this is the biggest breakfast plate he’s

"It’s okay, mom. I’m

her mom instead of mother like we are all used to? Ashal’s the only one who sometimes calls her mom. Now, it’s glaring to everyone that something’s

have it brought to you after we’re done." Something in my

"Yeah. Sure."

While Ashal takes a detour to check on his girls before rejoining us, Ashley walks off to make a call first. Alone, I steer

shiny hair, leather pants and shirt. He looks good and happy, two combos

left you a ton of

streaks a hand in his hair. "I’m sorry. I was inebriated

liar. He’s not even

deny it. Anna told me. What happened over there? You didn’t come home until three this morning." My eyes dim with suspicion. "Tell me you didn’t do what I

I went to beg her to distance herself from

correctly? Are you

his face. "Why are you so alarmed? Everyone here knows how Demi and I have always felt for each

you’re going to call it

know I always have. I’m sorry if the timing sucks but I can’t

her but the one thing I was certain about was that she saved our brother’s life. THAT’S WHY I

was..." His eyes turn dreamy and wistful before he finally shuts them to relive the act with Demi. "I

me the details." When I try to leave, he yanks my

I just didn’t have the courage to pursue it because life kept getting in our way but right now, there’s

one look at him

I want the best for you. Your happiness matters more to me than you’ll ever

"But?"