Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 180

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.

and plants a big kiss on her cheek. Then he whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh. "C’mon mom, let’s eat like a big happy family. I’ve

asks, eyeing him suspiciously. "You’re

bright smile and a cheerful attitude is like that glow. He definitely got laid last night. My eyes stray to the only other brother that

this morning, he’s all sunshine and rainbows. The only thing Ashley might not know is that Ashton went over to see Demi yesterday. Did they do it? Damn it. The timing couldn’t be worse. Even though Ashley admittedly has moved on from his ex-wife, it will still sting to learn that his

him to stop blaming her unjustly. She saved Ashal’s life after all. Besides, I didn’t think Ashton was

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

a throbbing ache in my temple as I wonder why we brothers can’t all be happy at the same time. Why must one of us

up at Ashton, his eyes

feet. "Bros, I need to speak to all of you. Can we meet back in

They nod affirmatively.

whine. "Look, this is the biggest breakfast plate he’s ever had. Don’t ruin this

"It’s okay, mom. I’m taking it with

all used to? Ashal’s the only one who sometimes calls her mom. Now, it’s glaring to everyone that something’s definitely up

won’t take long. You can have it brought to you after we’re done." Something in my eyes sends him

"Yeah. Sure."

a detour to check on his girls before rejoining us, Ashley walks off to make a call first. Alone, I steer Ashton into a spare room

at his shiny hair, leather pants

last night? I left you a ton of calls

hand in his hair. "I’m sorry. I was inebriated and my phone

He’s

told me. What happened over there? You didn’t come home until

her to distance herself from our family but

you correctly? Are you

into his face. "Why are you so alarmed? Everyone here knows how Demi and I have always felt for each other despite the prevailing circumstances around us. It was only going to be a matter

going to call

you want but I LOVE HER. You know I always have. I’m sorry if the timing sucks but I can’t let her go, not again. You said it yourself;

am always going to have my guard up around her but the one thing I was certain about was that she saved our brother’s life. THAT’S WHY I SHOWED YOU THAT VIDEO, BECAUSE I WANTED YOU TO STOP BLAMING HER UNJUSTLY. I didn’t do that so you

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

me the details." When I try to leave,

in our way but right now, there’s nothing standing between us. Hence, we both decided to give it a chance. Look, we don’t plan on making this public. Neither of us want that. We just want to see where this leads. Can’t you

take one look at

I want the best for you. Your happiness matters more

"But?"

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