ASHAL
My heart thumps wildly in my chest as Olivia pours herself into the one-sided kiss. Finally, my hands start to work again and I gently pull her away from . Her lipstick is beyond smudged now and I am certain parts of it are sared all over my lips. Tears sting my eyes but the anger swelling within keeps it at bay.
"Please Asher, I an every word. You know and how I truly feel about your brother. I only settled for that arrangent because I thought you had abandoned again."
"You thought..." I can’t even bring myself to reiterate her words. The line between myself and playing Asher are heavily blurred now by my building rage. "So, if you ever doubt my loyalty to you, you’re going to switch to Ashal as a doting wife? Is that what you’re trying to say?"
"No. No." She frantically grabs my shoulders, shaking her head from side to side. "I’m saying that I have only ever loved you, Asher Rollins. You’re the man in here." She grabs my hand and places it on her chest, just above her boobs. "Every decision I have taken that runs afoul to this truth has been for self-preservation. You know all about that, don’t you? It’s the reason I forgave you for denying and pushing off as your brother’s mistake. Please Asher, you know I’ve been faithful to you all this ti. Don’t cast away like this."
The tears threaten to fall now. It was all a lie? She is only with because Asher wouldn’t take her back? I look away as a single tear rolls down my left cheek. When I deftly swipe it off, my eyes alight on Lily’s form atop the stairs. She’s staring intently at the scene unfolding in front of her.
My face hardens as we lock eyes. I rip my gaze from her pale face and turn back to a weeping Olivia.
"I can’t deal with this right now."
She grabs my wrist when I try to leave. "Don’t walk out on again! Please, you can’t do this to again." My anger seeps out and clouds my judgent. I wrench my wrist from her grip and glare coldly at her. I don’t care if Asher would probably not react this way but right now, I am livid and if I don’t leave now like my therapist warns, I could expose myself by hitting Olivia.
Olivia sinks to the floor and sobs as I make my way out. I clench my fists in anger while walking back to the car. How could she? I have been working so hard to win her over. I have spent the last few weeks planning dates and trying to ensure that though the country is unaware of our marriage, Olivia gets to enjoy our union. I have given her my heart, my attention, my money and literally everything there is to be given and this is how she pays back? How could she switch to Asher’s camp under twenty minutes of conversation? Why can’t she just love ?"
I manage to drive far away from the penthouse and screech the car to a halt at the corner of the highway. My fists beat the steering wheel countless tis to channel my anger to sothing else. I scream loudly in my car and punch the steering wheel so more. Tears run down my face and through the blur, I notice the rain pattering down on my car. I throw my head in my hands and weep.
I don’t know how long I stayed out here but when I open my eyes, it is dark outside. I don’t recall falling asleep at all. I wipe my puffy eyes and check my phone. The battery’s dead. When I plug it to charge in my car, a large number of missed calls and ssages stream in the mont I hit the power button.
The article on Billion-Err is gathering steam. My brothers sent steady updates. Asher called a few tis then texted to ask how things went with testing Olivia. He had given most of my lines after all which I used with slight modifications.
I ignore a slight pain in my chest as I notice Olivia’s desperate texts to my number saved as Asher. She pledges her undying love and loyalty to him in over seven text ssages. Her calls to the sa number, which I missed, are over thirty.
I feel my anger growing again and tear my eyes off the phone to take deep gulps of air. When I go back and finish reading her texts to Asher, I suddenly notice she also texted as Ashal.
[Where are you? It’s getting late. I’m all dressed up and ready for our date. Please co ho soon, my love. I miss you.]
[Baby, I’m really starving. I gave up dinner for our date. Can you hurry?]
[Baby, answer your phone! What’s going on? Are we still on for tonight? I am starting to doze off in all this makeup. Please text back.]
Unsurprisingly, these ssages trickled in ten minutes after her last text to Asher was left on read.
"Wow, Olivia, just wow. How much of an actor are you?"
I can’t believe how swiftly she switched yet again and pretended to be on her husband’s side. It’s all a ga to her; a battle between brothers. Whoever can grant her wish and make her a part of the Rollins family and society again, she’ll gladly swerve in his direction. It’s no longer about love. Asher and I are more like pawns to her now.
I guess she’s indeed a part of the Rollins’ family after all. She has picked up a bad trait of ours which is the tendency to use people to get what we want. I can’t even be mad at her now as a fresh plan to useher as well formulates in my head.
***
My bedroom door bursts open and all my three brothers usher themselves inside. I step out of my closet in a custom burgundy tuxedo and strike a pose for them in the light.
"What do you think?"
"Woah. Ash, is that you?" Ashton chuckles.
"Did you really pull this off without my help? I am jealous." Ashley runs a hand down the fabric and approves.
"What’s the occasion?" Asher asks.
"Date night." Before they can say anything, I preempt them. "I tested Olivia today." With a twinkle in my eyes, I nod at them. "She didn’t disappoint."
"Really?"
"Yep. I was almost moved to tears at how she stood her ground and refused to be swayed. She even slapped when I tried to kiss her as you."
Asher looks surprised. "Even with all the talking points?"
"They didn’t make any difference. I even went on a spiral and tried to scare her into taking back. She threatened to alert the security if I didn’t leave her ho. Ah, I was so proud of her."
Ashton proceeds to give a hug and congratulates on finally finding the one. I ignore the tug of guilt in my chest as Ashley repeats the sa gesture and words. While Ashley adjusts my bow-tie, Asher feigns a smile.
I can’t discern if the look on his face is that of doubt or of a deflated ego. I am certain he was hoping to be right about Olivia just as he fervently tries to be right about Demi.
"I’m happy for you man. It’s been a long ti coming." He shares a hug with and pats my back. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"Thank you so much guys."
"You look dapper and all but I’ll advise you be extra careful tonight, okay? Billion-Err fans are eager to uncover your mystery lover. If they see one of us with a beautiful woman that isn’t Demi, Nicola or Mila, they’ll likely take a photo her to win the contest. I hope you made secure plans to dine with Olivia."
"Sure, Asher. This isn’t my first rodeo. I know how to be careful. Even before this craziness with the blogs, I have been taking extra asures whenever I step out with Olivia to ensure we are alone and safe from the dia."
"Keep an eye on her too."
"Always." I assure Ashton.
I arrive the penthouse a little past nine pm. Olivia is already sleeping in the living room. She looks so peaceful and innocent. If I didn’t have the uncomfortable mory of her desperately begging Asher to take her back, I’d probably have been spurred to rouse her with a kiss. Lily appears by the kitchen door and hovers slightly, a bit unsure of who I am.
I crouch on one knee and run a hand to smoothen Olivia’s ruffled hair. She stirs in her sleep and her eyes flutter open. She blinks up at , confused as well.
"Hey, I am so sorry. Work was crazy. I didn’t an to waste your ti. I’m so sorry baby. We can still go if you’re up for it." Olivia wounds her hands around my neck and leans into my chest with a satisfied yawn.
"Will you wait five minutes? I need to go retouch my makeup."
"Okay, darling." I help her up and smack her bum that looks so good in the dress. She giggles before heading upstairs. Lily bows her head to and echoes a greeting before trying to return to her work in the kitchen. I trail after her and find her wiping the oven.
"You’re still here. Are you trying to defy ?"
"N-no sir. I...I can explain." She drops the rag on the top of the island and dips her head. "I’m sorry sir. I am not trying to defy you. I’d never do that. I tried talking to Drew again but he insisted I take the pregnancy test in front of him. I did."
"And?"
"And it ca out negative."
"What are you talking about?"
"I think my previous test result was wrong. One ought to take more than one test to confirm. I peed on just one pregnancy strip and rushed to a conclusion. Drew made do it again and he bought three more. They were all negative."
While I am shaking my head at her, she dips her hand in her apron and pulls out a paper, then hands it to . "I had to be sure so I went for a test at a nearby hospital. It also ca out negative. I’m deeply sorry for dragging you into all of my ss, sir. Drew and I are over and I don’t plan on having anything to do with any of the hires here."
I return the test result back to her. "You better keep to your word or you could be out of a job really fast. I bet you that you would be hard pressed to find anyone who would pay you as much as I do or give you the luxury and comfort you’re enjoying here."
"You’re right sir. I’ve thought about all that and I have realized my mistake. I can never find a kind and loving employer like yourself." She peers into my eyes. The sultry look reminds of Olivia’s words stating that Lily had referred to as her lover. "You are such a handso and loving man. Mrs. Olivia is beyond lucky to have stolen the heart of a gem like you. You don’t deserve her betrayal."
I back away as she draws closer to . "What did you say?"
"Don’t get wrong. Your wife is beautiful and a sweet soul but sotis she gets confused. She has trouble recognizing a good man who loves her to bits or maybe her heart just wants what it wants. It wants your brother, Asher."
"Shut the hell up!"
"You know I am telling the truth. They keep having an affair behind your back and you pretend not to be aware. He sleeps with her right in this house, in her room where she’s ant to be satisfying your needs. She even got pregnant for him and lost the baby but you refused to believe still."
"Lily, you’re overstepping!"
"He was here earlier today and despite everything you’ve been doing for her in the last couple of days to make her yours, she begged him desperately to take her back. She boldly declared her love for him and denied having any type of affection for you. It was embarrassing to watch." Her voice drops. "But you already know all that, don’t you? You witnessed it all, posing as your brother, Asher. It’s been you all along, posing as the man your wife is in love with."
My face hardens at her revelation. I did suspect that she was onto .
"I’m so sorry you’ve had to work double roles to be worthy of her. You deserve so much better, sir." I catch her hand as it tries to stroke my cheek. "Olivia isn’t the only one that needs to be cared for. You need soone to care for you too. If you keep at this, you’ll break down eventually. I am not asking to take your wife’s place. That would be worse than a foolish dream. I just want to fulfil my duties maximally by being whatever my employer requires."
In a weak mont, I let her hand make contact with my face. Her doe eyes pierce my soul.
"You don’t have to hide yourself from . I’ll listen to all your stories and thoughts without judgnt. I’ll stroke your ego. I’ll ask how high when you tell to jump. I’ll go on the pill and warm your bed as much as you want to. I’ll give you a head massage or a foot rub whenever you want. I’ll do whatever it is you want, Mr. Ashal. I just can’t stand seeing you suffer so much for a woman’s validation."
She quickly pulls her hand away from my cheek and bows her head.
"I’m sorry sir. I didn’t an to leave my duties to your wife. I promise never to let her clean up by herself again."
I am still wondering why she is suddenly being weird when I hear Olivia’s voice behind .
"What’s going on?"
When I turn, she has changed into a dangerously sexy black dress. It barely covers a good portion of her thighs. There’s so much skin on display, from her chest to her midriff to her thighs, that my eyes almost pop out of their sockets. She has on a bold red lip and black gloves on her hands. She’s desperate to seduce tonight because Asher has gone MIA again.
"I’m sorry ma’am." Lily begins. "I was just apologizing to Mr. Rollins for not assisting you during your cooking lessons earlier today."
Olivia sashays her way to and plants a kiss on my lips. Her hand rests possessively on my chest. "That’s okay. I told you. She was sick or at least she thought she was but she’s done a proper test and it ca out negative. She’ll be careful from now, won’t you, Lilian?"
"Yes, I will, ma’am."
"Shall we?" Olivia asks, fluttering her thick lashes at .
"Let’s go then." I take her hand and lead her towards the door. Before we exit the main door, I glance back and find Lily waving at .
***
While we are having dinner at an underwater restaurant, Olivia keeps trailing her legs up my calf. I sit back, wondering in silence how desperate she is being right now. Does she really think I wouldn’t find her behavior suspicious? She has only allowed to kiss and fondle her ever since we got back together. Whenever I tried to do more, she always complained about us moving too fast.
Before this afternoon, I would have lapped up her sexual advances right now but knowing what I know, it’s difficult to get that image of her betrayal out of my head.
"Are you okay?
"Yeah."
"You’re unusually quiet."
I allow a small smile on my face. "I am just a bit tired, that’s all."
"I’ll run you a bath when we get ho, okay. I have other surprises if you’re down for the best evening of your life."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh."
"I’d love that."
She chews her food tentatively and finally drops her cutleries. I can see a small battle brewing behind her eyes. She’s got sothing on her mind.
"Is there a problem?"
"Ashal, I’d like to apologize about Demi’s party. I know I promised I would keep a low profile and avoid your family mbers." I watch her wring her hands. "I wasn’t completely honest with you the last ti. I did speak to a few people I wasn’t supposed to but it wasn’t to spite you."
She goes on to recount the circumstances under which she was forced to speak to Demi and Ashton. Again, I doubt the very sa excuse I had thoroughly believed earlier. Olivia could be lying about what really transpired. I can’t take anything she says anymore without a dose of suspicion.
"It’s alright. I trust you. Thank you, for helping Demi." She beams at before picking up her spoon again. My phone rings in my pocket. I take the call. "Yes, Asher?"
Across from , Olivia bursts out in a coughing fit. "Are you okay?" I ask, reaching for her. She accepts the water glass from my hands and sips only to snort so out of her nose by accident as the cough persists.
She gets on her feet and grabs her purse to use the restroom. Her face is flushed red with embarrassnt. I nod at one of our bodyguards, Dante, to escort her. While they leave, I return to my call.
"Why did you call Asher?"
"I’m sorry. I was expecting a call from him." I lie to Ashley. I had deliberately done that to see Olivia’s reaction. Sohow, I am eager to see her squirm. She’s entirely too comfortable for soone who just stabbed in the back earlier today.
"How’s it going over there?"
"It’s going well actually."
"I’m glad to hear that. Hey, these guesses are getting wild. Soone in the comnts left a very particular na as a guess."
"Who?"
"It’s obviously a fake account but the person typed in Olivia’s full na and clearly stated that the woman is your secret wife."
"What?"
"Take it easy bro. The rest of us are hard at work here trying to locate the IP address to find the person behind this sick joke. I didn’t want you to be shocked when you found out later.
"Who could have written sothing like that?
"Soone who definitely knows about Olivia’s situation. We’re investigating her family at the mont. You know her kid sister is every bit of a strong head like Olivia. I wouldn’t put it past her."
I recall Olivia’s younger sister whose education is being covered by our parents. Will she really go this far to register her resentnt towards us for her sister’s situation?
"Enjoy your date." Ashely tells . "We made up an excuse to father and mother that you’re monitoring Olivia at the penthouse and won’t be returning tonight."
Olivia! My eyebrows wing up. I flick my wrist and note the ti on my watch. It’s been almost five minutes. What’s taking her so long?
"Thanks bro." I hang up the phone and make my way towards the female restroom. Dante is standing outside the door.
"She’s still inside, sir." He says as I approach him. I can hear the water running. Still, I grab the knob, shove the door open and go in. All the bathroom stalls are empty.
She’s gone!
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