Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 188: Chapter 188

ASHAL

I’ve been having sleepless nights ever since Olivia begged me to give our relationship one more chance for the sake of our unborn baby. I wake up earlier than usual and spend hours on the treadmill, hoping to distract myself from the dilemma. I am yet to give her a response and frankly, I don’t know what to say.

She was right. There’s still a part of me that cherishes her and the memories we share from my penthouse, the days before Maddi filled my thoughts and my dreams. However, those residual feelings are nothing compared to the love which burns inside me for the first woman to accept me, flaws and all. I love Maddi now, better than I loved Olivia before. Olivia used to be my world, but now it’s Maddi.

But Liv’s words got my wheels spinning though. Is it possible that my feelings for her sister are not as deep as I imagine and merely a reflection of everything I wanted from Olivia? Could my feelings for Maddi be subject to change eventually if the circumstances differ between us?

No, I could never allow that. I love Maddi through and through, but what will Liv do if I decline her plea? Will she hurt herself and our baby? Distracted, I almost slip off the treadmill. Jumping down, I turn the machine off and dry my face with a towel just as Ashley strolls in. From the look on his face, I can tell he hoped to have some alone time in the gym.

"Trouble sleeping too?" I ask him before downing some water. He merely shrugs. The scene at the hospital comes back to me, him pulling Demi by the hand to go have a talk outside and Ashton losing focus on our discussion with Skylar afterwards.

I have no idea what is going on between the three of them but it appears to be a strong love triangle, just like the one I am having with Liv and Maddi. A thought crosses my head. Maybe my brother and I can help each other.

"Hey, that scene at the hospital between you and Demi seemed intense. I’ve noticed you getting riled up by her presence every time she shows up. Is it what I’m thinking?"

His face is smeared with a massive scowl as he looks at me. "And what is it that you’re thinking?"

"That you might not be over her?"

He grits his teeth. "I was never into her. I just wanted to have her because we were married. That’s in the past now. We’re divorced and after everything that’s been revealed about her lately, I just find it hard to stand her. I don’t know how any of you can. Fine, maybe she did save your life but guess what? That doesn’t compensate for the other atrocities she’s committed against us. How can you let your guards down around that manipulative, home wrecking..."

"Wow. Ok, dude, I get it."

I can’t believe how angry he’s getting over the mention of her name. Ironically, it reminds me of Ashton a couple of weeks back and how the tides have turned now and Ashton is playing Demi’s knight in shining armor.

Sometimes, loud emotions like this can be masking a hidden truth which in this case could mean that Ashley doesn’t totally hate Demi like he claims. Maybe he’s frustrated and hates that a part of him still fancies her despite everything that happened between them. However, I keep these thoughts to myself.

her in whatever language she understands to keep her distance from

very involved, it’s too late to cut

"What?"

grandfather. Don’t you think she wants to know how everything plays out? Besides, I believe we are still going to need her." I edge closer to him seeing how miserable he looks. "Ashley, is there something

just don’t

still in love with

"Excuse me?"

and this agitation to stay far

"Don’t confuse me for Ashton. He’s the one who can’t get over

you talking

he looks at her lately. The same man who swore whenever her name was uttered around him especially after you were kidnapped suddenly starts defending her before everyone. Shameful. It’s not just the classic chivalry we’ve

in shock. "You can’t

spends nights in his house at the old Navy Road. I’ve seen them together." Ashley streaks a hand through his hair. "Look, I am not jealous or anything. I am just highly disappointed that he didn’t deem it necessary to tell me. If she had been his ex-wife, I wouldn’t touch her with

and Demi are secreting

to him about

getting people to believe what she wants them to believe. She came into our family like an innocent victim of a drunken

my face with my towel, thinking

that occurred. I for one thought Ashton would need time to fully embrace his feelings for Demi after everything they’ve been through

Ashton’s home? That’s...a whole other level. They’re a ring away from being

I finish showering and dressing up by 5am, I make a detour to Maddi’s room. She’s all snuggled up in bed, purring softly. I’d hate to leave without letting her know. Hence, I crawl up next to her and nibble her neck. She flips over,

throat. "What the fuck is this,

"We switched rooms last night, Madeline’s idea not mine. She figured it’d be better for me and the baby to be closer

not without

not a baby breeder. I AM A HUMAN WITH EMOTIONS TOO!" The waterworks start as her eyes grow misty.

respect that. Whatever you’re trying to

and climbs down. Her hair