Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 48

DEMI

This is ridiculous. I can’t understand a thing Ashley is saying right now.

"Don’t make me repeat myself, Demi." He bellows, pointing to his door. With a small sigh, I quickly skim through some of the terms of the altered contract.

"Sex at least thrice a week with protection? Date night once a week? I am to inform you of any plan to deviate from my regular daily schedule of work? All new friends I intend to keep close must be introduced to my husband latest two weeks after meeting them?" Disgusted, I rip the papers in half and dunk them on his bed. His eyes are red hot with anger now.

"What the hell did you do that for?"

"Really, Ashley? You went to such great lengths to alter a contract we both signed without my consent? Did you really think that would hold up in court? We are a married couple! Unilaterally altering our agreement is like trying to divorce me without my knowledge. It doesn’t work that way."

"Don’t try to educate me!" He snaps back. "I know exactly what a valid contract is and with your signature on those papers, our new agreement will stand. There’s nothing irrational about my terms. They’re pretty normal for regular couples but most especially, they’re less ridiculous than your ’no sex’ clause in a fucking marriage contract!"

He’s angry. I can’t pinpoint where all this bitterness is stemming from. Is he still sulking about last night? I thought we were past that.

"Ashley, talk to me." He jerks his chin free when I try to touch him. "Making hasty decisions while one is angry doesn’t allow for the use of good judgment. You’re still pissed at me over what happened last night. I get it. Take it out on me. I deserve it but please don’t bottle your feelings inside." I stab a finger towards the contract documents on his bed. "That isn’t you, Ashley. You’re just reacting to the pain you’re feeling. You’re smarter than that."

He wrenches my hands off his shoulders. "Don’t patronize me, Demi." With a small gasp, he shifts back. "Wow, you’re a good actor, standing here and pretending that you give a damn about me."

"But I do..."

"No, you don’t!"

"Yes, I do, Ash. The fact that I am not willing to share your bed doesn’t negate that. I still care about you but you’re only used to a woman showing you love in the sheets. That’s what this is really about, right?"

"Don’t you dare gaslight me. I am not the liar here." He spits with venom. At my shock at his words, he edges closer and leers down at me. "Don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about."

My eyes start to sting with tears as he follows up with more caustic remarks. "I know what I am and I have never pretended to be someone else. I sleep with women I find attractive and make sure they have a good time. I don’t force myself on any one of them; I merely give them the kind of sexual experience they’ve probably only fantasized about, with their consent of course. But you? You pretend to be an open book but there are layers to you that no one could ever really get to the end of."

I dab my misty eyes. "Stop speaking in riddles, Ashley. Spell it out. What have I done this time?"

"I thought you only had eyes for my brother and while I am still struggling to forgive you and get over the hump of your betrayal, I realize you also have a secret man outside? Jeez, Demi."

A man? Liam? Nicola must have gotten to Ashley, no doubt. My suspicions are right. This is Nicola’s doing.

"A man?" I repeat.

"You know exactly who I am referring to. Yes, Nicola told me about your little affair. I didn’t believe her at first, not even after she showed me a video her friend made where I could clearly see a strange man holding your hand and tugging you out of the store without a single complaint from your end. Like a fool, I ignored her assumptions and defended you. Then I recalled that the man is no stranger to you after all. I have seen him around you once. It can’t be a coincidence that you two keep having lunch at Anna’s, right?"

"You came by Anna’s today? That phone call earlier, was that your way of trying to confirm my whereabout because you doubted me?" I sink down on the bed. "Why didn’t you just ask me, Ash? If you’re so desperate for us to strive towards being a regular couple, why didn’t you choose to trust me first and then ask me directly what my relationship with the young man is? Instead, you followed me."

"What excuse could you possibly have cooked up this time, huh? I know what I saw."

Sniffling, I wipe my eyes again. "His name is Charlie. He’s an old friend from school long before I moved here. We reconnected while I was working at Rahl’s. After my parents died, I came to Danvarr to start a new life with my aunt and niece. It was really hard to acclimatize to my new life, especially given that I was still grieving and wouldn’t open up to my aunt or cousin. I spent my days mourning my old life so when Charlie showed up, it helped. I didn’t feel so lonely anymore and instead of thinking back to my past life with pain, Charlie helped me navigate those hard emotions." I peer up at Ashley whose face is set in a hard line.

"He’s a good friend to me, Ash. Was I supposed to cut him off simply because of our marriage? He and Anna are all the friends I have made that have doggedly stuck beside me. They’re my constants. I need them. I needed them when I was thrust into this new life with you to help me make sense of everything. I still need them. I only ever see them during my lunch break. That’s the only time I can spare. The secret meetings at the book store and the restaurant wasn’t because I was trying to hide an illicit affair but because I was being careful so the paparazzi don’t capture us and write some false article about me again." I drop my head in my hands and sob softly. "When is it ever going to end? How long do I have to endure the distrust simply because I am new to your family?"

Ashley steps back and eases a hip on his drawer. I can tell he is struggling to believe my story. For the final performance, I take out my phone, unlock it and chuck it at him. Liam had already informed me that they planned to tap my phone. I can’t act like I’ve got anything to hide, especially not in front of Ashley who has been tasked with the job.

"There. You can check for yourself or call him if you must. I..." The sobs threaten to wrack through my system again but I get a grip on myself. Ashley’s facial muscles are yet to relax even with my tear-stricken face. I never thought he could stick to his guns for this long. He must truly be riled up. I wipe my tears dry and get on my feet, ready to leave. Ashely straightens and picks up my phone.

"You can’t blame me for being like this. Just last night you..." He stops himself from reliving the embarrassment for both of us. "I’m sorry. I know I promised to let it go."

"It’s fine. You’re still hurting. I understand." I fold my arms across my chest and look away while he silently goes through my phone. My texts with Charlie are very few and friendly. There are no other suspicious texts messages between me and any strangers. Sighing, he returns my phone. When I try to leave, he blocks my path.

"Demi."

"Please, not right now." I beg him with red-rimmed eyes.

"I’m sorry. I am an idiot." He runs a hand over his face. "You’re right. I should have asked first. I didn’t mean to make you feel hurt. I was blinded by anger combined with the shock from last night. I didn’t handle this well. Please, forgive me." He takes my head and cradles it on his broad chest while I cry softly.

"Is this what we’ve become. Ash? Suspicious and distrustful of each other? It’s all my fault. I ruined a good friendship. I am so sorry."

Ashley whips out a scented handkerchief from the pocket of his pants and carefully wipes my tears. "It’s not entirely your fault. I also played a part. I am also sorry, for the contract and the vile accusations. Please, let me make it up to you." My face all dry now, he tugs at my cheeks and stares intently at me. "Whatever you want, you tell me and I’ll make it happen."

To my surprise, his eyes aren’t glistening with lust as he looks at me. I am equally relieved and sad to realize this, sad because his lustful eyes are a good indicator of lingering interest. If he somehow loses the desire that keeps him coming back to me, I might have a problem reading Ashley or predicting him.

"I don’t want anything." I tell him, pulling away with a weak smile. "I know I’ve hurt you and I have a long way to go to win back your trust. That’s all that’s important to me right now." My words finally strike a chord with him as his tough demeanor wavers a bit. "Goodnight Ashley." I step around him and leave his room.

I barely have time to exhale in relief when I run into Ashton just outside Ashely’s door. We’ve not had a chance to speak to each other since the night he found the red jacket in my room and stormed away. He’s been cold and distant towards me ever since.

My cheeks flush red as I realize how this must look. Ashton must also be aware that Ashley passed the night in my room recently. He did give the former my passcode after all. I can’t even be mad at him right now for sharing my passcode without my consent. I am more focused on the disinterested look on Ashton’s face as he walks right by me.

Nothing? I can understand not saying a word to each other given how things ended the last time we spoke. However, I was hoping for some tacit acknowledgment or the briefest flash of emotion on his face. Nothing. He might as well have just passed an uninteresting wall. How does he do it? How can he flip from passionate lover to a stranger after everything we’ve shared?

By the time I get to my door, genuine tears are rolling down my cheeks. I take one look down the hallway where he had gone and wonder if he’s putting up an act for my best interest. I need to believe it. Ashley and Asher have both insinuated that Mr. Rollins would give Ashton a tough time if he ever notices our relationship. What exactly could that mean?

Ashton doesn’t pop out from the corner to wink at me as I silently hope so I turn back to my door. I guess this is it. Liam did say Ashton voted to have my phone tapped. I think he’s eager to get over me. The old Ashton is back and there’s nothing I can do. I have no one now to make me feel like I am special. I dry my eyes.

"Look on the bright side, Demi. At least this way, you won’t have moral scruples or guilt when you achieve your goals."

Before going into my room, I set up a new passcode.

***

The next few days are hard. I am unable to contact Liam or have any real conversation with his alias, Charlie, because I know my phone is being tapped. Even my calls to Anna are robotic and rehearsed. It’s mostly lunch plans.

Work becomes my therapy because I can’t stand being at home. Seeing Ashley is uncomfortable. Though he’s sticking close to me and acting like a gentleman, I know it’s all his tactic for keeping a close eye on me. Luckily, I usually wriggle away from his plans with the excuse of still feeling hurt by his recent accusations and action. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

I am really glad Liam is very proactive and smart. If he hadn’t predicted the recent turn of events, I’d probably be squirming over accepting Ashley’s new contract. I don’t know how I would have handled it knowing fully well that divorce is not an option right now. I can’t let anyone kick me out of the mansion before my plan is set in motion.

Ashton is also a prime reason why I hate it at home. Seeing him hurts. I miss him. I wish we could make up without Ashley going crazy. Being in the same room with Ashton is hard because I am constantly forced to avoid his eyes. The few times I get away with staring at him long enough to witness him glance my way, a small tear appears in my heart because Ashton never allows his eyes sit on my face for more than a second. That really hurts.

So, I cherish my time at work even though my workload has doubled with Nessa’s sudden sick leave. Asher finally makes me eat my words as he forces me to man her desk. My feet hurt from running around in heels all day, getting Asher’s favorite coffee or smoothie, following him to every meeting to take the minutes, keeping track of his schedule and everything else he deigns to toss my way.

"Why the hell are you panting? Didn’t you use the elevator?" He asks with a small frown. I wait to catch my breath.

"The elevator doesn’t run from the parking lot to your office. I had to walk a good distance on these heels even with the elevator." I offer him the paper bag with his preferred sandwich and coffee. "Little wonder Nessa fell sick. I can’t imagine doing this all day." When I glance up at him, Asher’s face is a hard rock. He grabs the coffee and takes a sip. Instantly, he spits it out and glares icily at me.

"It’s lukewarm. Get another one and this time, your legs better run faster than your mouth so the coffee remains piping hot by the time you get back here."

"But sir..."

"Be on your way, Demi. Don’t test me."

"Is that any way to treat your stand-in secretary?" Josh interrupts from the doorway. Honestly, I have never been happier to see nosy Josh Randall. Today, his timing is divine.

"She’s working hard to fill in for Nessa and you treat her so discourteously? Try to recall that she’s also your sister-in-law." Josh covers a hand over his mouth. "Oh crap, that must be the reason you’re treating her so badly. You can’t kiss this one, can you?"

"JOSH!" Asher threatens with hooded eyes. My ears prick at Josh’s last statement. Asher kisses Nessa? Are they a thing? Oh shit. Could Asher be Nessa’s baby daddy? The sweat dewing on Asher’s face and his sudden hurry to excuse me from his office affirms my suspicion. When I shut the door behind me, I continue to gasp in shock. Inside, muffled sounds of raised voices between both men can be heard from Nessa’s desk.

Why do they hate each other so much? This can’t be a mere office rivalry. What could Josh have against Asher and why does he boldly show his resentment without fearing for his job? Asher is Brett Rollins’ son for goodness’ sake and no matter how fond of an employee the boss might be, he will never favor him over his own son. So, why is Josh able to damn the consequences and proudly be a thorn in Asher’s flesh? Does he have something on Asher or even Brett Rollins? It stings that I can’t talk to Liam right now about all this.

I think I need to befriend Josh. With a little ego stroking, that man will spill his guts in no time. The door to Asher’s office swings open and Josh comes out with a satisfied smirk on his face. I am guessing he won that round. He peers down at me and his smile flicks from proud to flirty. I return a sweet smile his way.

"Hang in there, kiddo." With a gentle pat on my shoulder, he walks away. I spring to my feet, knock and enter Asher’s office to see if he still needs his coffee. He has his back turned to the door. The second I enter, Asher almost chokes on the water he is using to down a white pill. In his shock, he drops the bottle of water and hisses loudly in anger at the wet mess on his plush rug.

"What the hell are you still doing here?" He snarls at me, knocking over a drug in his poor attempt to swipe it off the desk and into the open drawer. "GET OUT, DEMI."

"I’m sorry sir, I thought..."

"JUST GET OUT...AND NEVER COME BACK IN UNLESS I CALL YOU."

Scared shitless, I hurry out of the door and shut it. What was that? Why was Asher freaking out so much because I walked in on him taking some pills? He should know that I for one would understand if he needs to take medication to relieve his stress given how much he works.

Why did he act like he is hiding something? Is he hiding something? My mind reels back to his botched attempt to swiftly knock the drug case back into his drawer. What drug could that be and why is he so testy about it?

With so many questions in my head, I make my way out to get Asher’s coffee. I’m certain he doesn’t need it but wants some space from me. I could use a break from his erratic mood and his snarling too.

I manage to get him a steaming cup of coffee. The rest of the day moves in a blur as Asher stays confined in his office, barely calling to ask for anything else. We only communicate through our landlines. I don’t complain. I’m grateful to catch a break.

However, when the time rolls by and working hours are done, I linger a bit hoping to kill sometime before I have to go home. Asher appears surprised when he steps out of his office by eight thirty pm and finds me hunched over my desk.

"What are you still doing here?" I blink away the mental exhaustion and drowsiness to peer up at him.

"Nessa never went home before her boss did. I was only trying to emulate her exemplary dedication to work."

His frown deepens. "By sleeping on your desk? Nessa never slept on her desk."

I rub my tired eyes and stifle a yawn. "Like I said, I was trying to emulate her. I didn’t say I succeeded." My stomach growls loudly. Crap. I skipped lunch. Asher hisses out a breath in frustration at the sound of my stomach.

"You skipped lunch, didn’t you? Get up. We are leaving. I’ll send Duncan for your car."

On our way home, he drives quietly while I munch a burrito. I already missed dinner and I don’t think I’ll survive if I have to wait till we get home before eating. When he parks smoothly in the garage, he stops me from getting down.

Wordlessly, he leans close to wipe off food stains from my lips. In that brief moment with his eyes still flat and cold, he reminds me bitterly of Ashton. I turn away to hide the moistness in my eyes, thank him for the ride and make my way inside.

After getting ready for bed, I struggle to fall asleep. My pillow gets damp with drops of tears falling from my eyes each time I recall the few good moments Ashton and I had. Is he really over me? It’s been days and he just keeps getting colder towards me. It’s almost like he lost every memory of the last few weeks with me. Why am I the only one having sleepless nights?

I sit up on my bed. I have to know if it’s hopeless thinking we’ll circle back to being friends again. I don’t care that my phone is being tapped right now. I have a good story to dispel the suspicion when those brothers wonder how I untapped my phone. I load an anti-spyware in seconds and have the tapping blocked. Hopefully, I have a few hours before they notice.

Immediately, I text Ashton through his second phone. I just need to know that the man I like is still in there somewhere. If he’s gone, this will also be the closure I need to move on.

[Hi Will. It’s Dee. I know I hurt you badly and I’ll never stop apologizing. I just want you to know that I totally understand if you hate me. I broke your trust after all. I still hope you can forgive me someday. P.S Your secret (beautiful, black and curly hair) will always be safe with me so you don’t need to worry. Goodnight.]

Eyes misty, I plump my pillows and try not to cry myself to sleep. Why am I being so emotional? It’s so embarrassing but the more I dry my eyes, the heavier the tears flow. My phone beeps next to me. Daring to hope, I make a quick grab for it hoping it’s a reply from Will.

"Please be Will." I hum a prayer before checking it.

[I could never hate you, Dee-Will]