Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 184

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."

I watch him steal surreptitious glances at Ashton and wonder what the problem could be this time. Did they have

could nudge her leg under the table. She

distracted watching her and making light conversation at the table, food travels down the wrong track and I burst out in a wild cough. Maddi leaps up 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

know it. Why did you force yourself to eat it?" She turns to her sister instead of the domestic staff standing

counter her request. "I’m

Madeline, don’t just stand there. Get the

a servant here." I bellow in a warning tone. "And I said I am fine, didn’t I? Can you let it

quietly. Flinging my napkin on the table, I bid everyone goodnight and sprint up the stairs. Why did Olivia do that? Is she trying to frustrate my relationship with her sister?

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

You didn’t

out like that. "She spins to face

did she do to you? She literally tried to demean you. She said your food was spicy and talked to you like you were

You had no right to put your health at risk just to please me by eating my

I promise." I grab her waist and pull her closer. "You kept avoiding my eyes all night and I couldn’t focus. Anyway, all is forgiven now that you are here." I capture her lips and kiss her deeply but just when we’re starting to lose ourselves, she wriggles

what’s wrong. Where

not

in. Is it because of Liv? Maddi, your sister and I are divorced.

"It’s not that."

I stroke her hair. "Talk to me so

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.

"Maddi..."

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

me. Now,

you more. Please? Just do it for me." She wraps her arms

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

tightens as I watch her slip out. Sighing, I retreat to my closet

***

her countenance, she’s still upset over dinner. I silently wonder if she’s been waiting for me this whole time

"Hey."

she sighs. "Don’t be a stranger.

"Olivia, I’m sorry for being rude

to come apologize to me? I’ve told you guys

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