Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 184: Chapter 184

ASHAL

I grit my teeth to stifle the annoyance simmering within. When I try to correct Liv, Maddie stops me with a wary look. At mother’s cue, she goes over and sits with her instead. My appetite instantly disappears.

Although I’d very much like to retire to my room now to rest, I can’t leave Maddi to eat alone with my family. Her sister’s already making her feel like the stranger in our midst so I have to be here to support her. Plus, Maddi will feel sad if I don’t eat the food she made.

Reluctantly, I sit back on my chair. An awkward hush has fallen over the dining table that was just bubbling with laughter moments ago. Now, only father has a smirk on his face.

The food is served and we all begin to eat in silence.

"Wow, Madeline, you’ve got some serious skills." Ashton compliments her while enjoying the fried rice with shrimps.

"Thank you." Maddi replies shyly, before sliding a glance at me. I wink at her but she drops her eyes to her plate instead. When I look beside me, the reason is obvious. Olivia’s innocuous presence still makes Maddi uncomfortable with my gestures.

"Ashley, are you also enjoying the food? You’re barely eating it." I ask him when he continues to pick at it with his fork. He looks distracted and uneasy. "Ash?"

He finally looks up at me. "Sorry, got a lot on my mind. The food’s great by the way, Maddi." But every bite he takes afterwards is forced. I resolve to ask him about it later since it’s clearly not the food that’s bothering him.

"Asher."

"Yes, father?"

"How long do you plan on watching the media make speculations about your relationship status with that girl?" Father doesn’t look up from his plate as he continues to eat. Asher drops his cutlery quietly.

"That girl has a name and you know it."

"That’s not what I asked."

"Brett, can you not ruin dinner for us all. We have guests for goodness’ sake."

"It’s okay, mother. This shouldn’t take long." Asher returns his eyes to father who still hasn’t looked up from his meal. "Her name’s Anna Preston and she and I have been seeing each other for a while as most of you know. I like her a lot and I think I might just put a label on our relationship as soon as I finish with this delicious meal Madeline made for us. Thank you again, Madeline. My taste buds are grateful."

Maddi smiles. "You’re welcome."

While father grunts in response, everyone else at the table smiles cheerfully over Asher’s response. Ashton even gives Asher a light shove.

"I’m glad all my boys are finding love and coupling up. Soon, this table will be filled with my daughters-in-law and my grand babies."

watch him steal surreptitious glances at Ashton and wonder what the

wish the table was small so I could nudge her leg under the table. She actively refuses to meet my eyes and when she accidentally does, she

and grabs the pitcher of water to refill my empty glass but before she can take three steps, Olivia is already shoving her glass of water in my face. I am left with no choice but to sip on hers to save

know it. Why did

I counter her request. "I’m

Your eyes are red. Madeline, don’t just stand there. Get

"And I said I am fine, didn’t I? Can

up the stairs. Why did Olivia do that? Is she trying to frustrate my relationship with her sister?

come inside my room. She must feel bad over how dinner went. I know I do. After drying myself and slipping on a robe, I

sorry about tonight. You didn’t deserve

her or walked out like that. "She spins to

you? She literally tried to demean you. She said your food was spicy and talked to

you tell me you didn’t like spicy food? You had no right to put your health at risk just to please me by

avoiding my eyes all night and I couldn’t focus. Anyway, all is forgiven now

what’s wrong. Where are

not right

been saying this ever since you moved in. Is it because of Liv? Maddi, your sister and I are divorced. You don’t have to feel like

"It’s not that."

what is it?" I stroke her hair. "Talk to me

want nothing more than to be with you and show you just how much you mean to me. I just have a very sensitive side that won’t let me indulge in my fantasies yet. Your entire family resides here and Liv is just a few doors away. Besides, tonight was a bit intense. I keep worrying about her especially after the bleeding. I’ll feel better if you go talk to her once, feel your baby kicking. Do something to show her that you consider her

"Maddi..."

she’s constantly depressed, Ashal. Just show some level of care

me. Now, I fear she

her place and mine. She won’t cross the line. I trust her but I trust you more. Please? Just do it for me." She wraps her arms around my neck and brushes my lips with hers. "If you do a good job, I just might

in a long kiss that stirs everything inside me. I wish things weren’t so complicated in our relationship. "I love

watch her slip out. Sighing, I retreat

***

is already in bed when she lets me into her room. From her countenance, she’s still upset over dinner. I silently

"Hey."

seeing me reluctance, she sighs. "Don’t be a stranger. Come

the sofa, rubbing my hands together. "Olivia, I’m sorry for being rude to you at

reading and tosses aside her duvet. "Did Maddi force you to come apologize to me? I’ve told you guys that I don’t need your pity." With a little struggle, she