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.

He hooks an arm over her shoulder and plants a big kiss on her cheek. Then

mood?" Ashal asks, eyeing him suspiciously.

my head at Ashal’s 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 cheerful attitude is like that glow. He definitely got laid last night. My eyes stray to

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 brother

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

and has no idea how fucking obvious he’s being. But it feels

at the same time. Why must one of us suffer in order to accommodate another’s happiness? The answer flashes my head like a banner. Maybe if we

finally looks up at

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

They nod affirmatively.

is the biggest breakfast plate he’s ever had.

beams at her. "It’s okay,

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

after we’re done." Something in my eyes

"Yeah. Sure."

the game room. While Ashal takes 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 and shut

my action. I take one look at his shiny hair, leather pants and shirt. He looks good and happy, two combos that never collided in the

night? I left you a ton

hair. "I’m sorry.

liar. He’s

over there? You didn’t come home until three this morning." My eyes dim

lot happened, okay? I didn’t plan to make up with her. Far from it. Actually, I went to beg her to

just hear you correctly? Are you two like a couple now? It wasn’t

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

you’re going to call

justify my feelings to you or anyone else. Call it whatever you want but I LOVE HER. You know I always have. I’m sorry if

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 could go bang

did, okay? And it was..." His eyes turn dreamy and wistful before he finally

I try

in our way but right now, there’s nothing standing between us. Hence, we both decided to give it

at

Your happiness matters more to me than you’ll ever know and I love how

"But?"

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