DEMI
"Did you find anything?" I ask frantically into the phone.
"Yes." Liam replies. A sigh of relief escapes my lips. I worked too damn hard to load a spy app on Ashton's phone and I am glad it paid off.
"Well, what's in there?" Now my heart skips a beat, not because I am expecting to hear priceless information and secrets about his family but because I am afraid of learning he might be into Mila or some other woman or even secretly married.
"It's strange really."
"How so?"
"This line has very few numbers on it and they seem to belong to complete strangers. Women between eighteen through thirty-five."
My heart plummets. Why the hell am I surprised? It should have been obvious that a dashing man like Ashton would crave the attention he is used to getting from the female folk. However, I expected this kind of thing to be done by Ashley who is unapologetic about his flirtatious lifestyle. Ashton never struck me as the type to fuck his way through a horde of women.
"They all call him Mr. Fantasy."
Ew. I think. Of course they do. I can imagine all the fantasies he helps them fulfil. I am too disgusted and disappointed to hear more at this point but then Liam mentions something surprising.
"Mila's number is here too. It appears this is how they met. She continues to text him with this number till date but what I find odd is the fact that she refers to him as Will instead of Ashton."
Now, that's interesting. "Will? Why would she do that? She knows exactly who he is."
"She isn't the only one. I perused through earlier texts and I realized Ashton has been firm in demanding that the women hang out with him as Will not Mr. Fantasy."
"Why?"
"I have no idea. His texts are very terse. Mila might know more about this secret identity of his."
I don't know how to feel about Ashton having a secret identity. Just then, I have a flashback of the night I accidentally locked lips with him instead of Ashley back in Ashley's room. Ashley had passively mentioned his brother was off to a date that night. When Ashton returned, I had noticed he was in a bad mood. Could that have been one of his dates as Will? He also wore very plain clothes and his hair did look off.
"Demi, are you there?" Liam asks.
"Yeah, sorry."
"Does any of these facts ring a bell? Have you noticed anything strange about Ashton?"
I exhale. "No, not really. I was always too busy keeping my distance from him as someone clearly warned."
Liam sighs. "I think Ashton has another phone, his main phone with all the important contacts in it. This seems like a phone he got just to entertain these women or his fantasy as a guy called Will. Your work isn't done Demi. Get to him and spy his main phone. Try the other brothers too."
"I will."
After the call, I get dressed and go downstairs. Unlike my in-laws hoped, the heat from Liam's post hasn't shown any signs of cooling down after four days. Asher is close to pulling his hair out as his PR team are also getting bashed for their half-baked press releases spouting lies to redeem the image of the family and company.
Father has been very vocal about his displeasure with the situation and my connection to it. I have had very little of mother's attention but much of her support. I managed to talk to her two days back about the same idea I ran by Ashton and Ashley but she is yet to bring it up with father. I don't blame her. He's like a ticking bomb when his company's image and stock prices are on the line. It takes very little to set him off and right now, nothing will work faster than the mention of my name.
Mother has been distracted lately. Ashal is in the worst state I have ever seen him. He has been weepy ever since he returned home four nights ago. He has remained confined in his room and wouldn't allow visitors, not even his mother. Ashton was the only one he let in for the first two nights and more recently, mother.
I have no idea what could have put him in such a state. He looked cheerful when he was about to leave for an urgent matter the last time we spoke. Though I feel bad for him seeing as he had been eager to comfort me during my own distressful time, I am not allowed to go close to his room without ruffling some feathers. Hence, I choose to stay in my lane and hope he gets better.
"No!" Father yells from his study. I wonder what he isn't agreeing to. Asher has been in there with him for a while. I suspect it has something to do with me being excessively attacked by the blogs. The dust hasn't settled and father is finally feeling pressured.
"Demi?"
"Yes mother?"
I go to her, meek as ever. Duncan, the senior bodyguard whispers something in mother's ears as I approach her. He bows to greet me and excuses himself. Mother's face is ghostly pale.
"Mother, is something wrong?"
"Everything will be fine, dear. How have you been? I hope you're not reading those harsh comments about you and our family." She gently touches my cheeks. "I hope you don't believe we don't love you or haven't fully accepted you into our family."
"I know just how much you all care for me, mother. I just feel guilty being the target of gossip and attracting negative media attention to this family because of our different economic brackets."
"That will change soon enough."
I spare a glance towards father's study where muffled voices filter through the partly open door. "Father is really upset."
"He is but he'll come around."
The door to father's study swings open and Asher steps out. He looks flustered at the sight of me. Stepping up to me, he speaks loud enough for mother to hear.
"You'll resume work as an intern at Rollins HQ next week. Be prepared to wake up extremely early and work extremely late. I hear one complaint and you're out. I'll be keeping an eye on you the whole time so you better not fuck this up." He whirls and stomps into the elevator. A huge grin forms on my face as I turn to mother. Hers is a weak but relieved smile. I embrace her and thank her because I know she definitely has something to do with this too.
"How's Ashal? Can I see him?"
"Not yet dear. He still wants to be left alone."
"I don't understand. He was perfectly fine the last time we spoke. He said he had something urgent to attend to. I feel so bad that I can't comfort him. He has been really friendly and nice to me. Could you pass my message to him? Tell him I miss him and I hope he feels better soon so we can hang out."
Mother smiles and nods.
Excited, I head upstairs to share the good news with Liam when a loud voice catches my attention first. It sounds like the quads are having a big fight in Ashton's room. The door is slightly ajar as I edge close.
"What the hell were you thinking? I told you to impersonate me and tell dad not to sponsor the startup brand founded by Josh Randall and you go in there and convince him to let Demi work at the HQ? Have you gone nuts?"
"For your information, father was already thinking about it. I didn't have to sell him on anything. He had resolved to hire her due to your incompetence in tackling the issue. His words, not mine. You know what that means, right? He has lost some faith in your abilities to handle unforeseen crisis."
"You're lying!"
"I went in there to do exactly what you asked but father suddenly registered his displeasure at the failure of the teams you have been working with to nip this media disaster in the bud. If I hadn't stepped in and preempted his decision to hire Demi, you would have looked even worse than a fool. Thanks to my help, father still thinks your brain works."
That was Ashton? The Asher that had scared the wits out of me as he informed me of my new employment status was actually Ashton pretending to be Asher?
"You just did this for yourself."
"For myself? How does Demi working closely with you and father benefit me?"
Something shatters to the floor. A flower vase maybe before Asher's voice rings out again.
"Do you have any idea what you've done? If you wanted to please her so much, why didn't you just hire her in your own company? Why foist her on mine? I already have a lot on my plate with Josh and now I have to deal with Demi at work too?"
"What exactly do you have against Josh Randall?" Ashton asks. "Why are you constantly trying to get rid of him?"
I have no idea who Josh is but I guess I'll find out when I resume work next week. Asher doesn't bother to answer Ashton's question. He cusses some more before storming out. By this time, I am safely tucked away in my room to avoid further suspicion from Asher.
I wish I can talk to Ashton not just because I still have to get to his main phone. There's so much to unpack as a million questions are running through my head. I am barely recovered from the discovery of his secret identity as Mr. Fantasy/Will and now, he's playing Asher? How many sides are there to this man? What other secrets could these brothers be hiding?
However, it doesn't seem like right now is the best time. The brothers are all on edge. Ashley hasn't left Ashal's side and now Ashton and Asher aren't on talking terms. The entire atmosphere is very uncomfortable but just as I think things can't get any worse, Mila strolls into the mansion looking for Ashton.
Mother and I are in the living room downstairs, trying to figure out what the family should have for dinner. We are hoping to perk up the mood in the house with a cheerful meal. When a maid shows Mila in, she is visibly astounded by the splendor of the mansion. She recognizes mother instantly and cordially greets her.
Our eyes meet and she shoots out her hand out to shake mine. While I shake her, I try to ignore how tall and beautiful she is and how she effortlessly pulls off the fuchsia off-shoulder sweater and leather pants she has on. In her six-inch heels, I hate that I have to look up at her face to meet her eyes.
Father emerges with Asher (I am not sure now). Like Nicola, he cheerfully welcomes Mila to the mansion and graciously offers her a seat. One of the domestic staff appears with a tray of champagne. I have never seen father so hospitable. Asher has a lopsided grin on his face when I turn to him. Could that be Ashton? I don't know what to believe.
"Mila" The real Ashton calls in surprise as he jogs down the grand staircase. "What are you doing here? Did we have something planned?" The annoyed pinch of his nose at her surprise visit makes something jump in my chest even though I pretend not to care.
"What do you mean? You reached out to my personal assistant via email inviting me over. I was just as surprised to be invited to your home."
Ashton trades a quick glance with Asher who winks at him. So, Asher made this mess?
"You're welcome here whenever you want, Mila." Father assures her.
"Thank you, Mr. Rollins."
He shoots Ashton a 'Behave yourself' kind of look before heading back to his room. The awkwardness in the room is only felt between Ashton, Asher and I, but unlike us, Asher is thoroughly enjoying it. Mother mumbles something, to Mila before excusing herself.
When I try to leave, Mila offers her sincere apologies for what I am going through. One look at her and how sweet she is being, and I instantly realize what the fuss is about. She is definitely a sweetheart and all in a class of her own. Maybe Liam didn't lie or exaggerate when he compared me to Mila and Nicola. I am nowhere close to these ladies.
"Thank you so much. I really appreciate that." I tell her, smiling warmly. After that, I excuse myself as well. It takes a lot to not look back to see Ashton's face one more time and confirm if he is truly not thrilled by her visit, especially now that both of them were all by themselves.
"Take her to your room, bro." I hear Asher suggest before the elevator doors can shut properly in front of me. My fingers clench into fists by my sides.
***
Aunt Elizabeth and Kira have the weirdest, shocked expressions on their faces when I tell them the good news. I don't know what to make of it. While Kira is visibly astounded by the fact that the Rollins family deigned to include me in their business, aunt's lips tremble in shock.
"R-Rollins HQ???"
"Yes."
I really didn't come all this way to tell them. I just needed to get out of the house and blank my mind of what Ashton and Mila could probably be saying or doing in his room. Anna is still at work and I didn't want to bother her. I think I need a bunch of new friends to fill during times like this. Liam is on his way so while I wait, I figured I'd tell my naysayers the latest development just for the hell of it.
Kira snorts. "This isn't the good news you think it is. That family just set the ball rolling. Intern? Get ready for more drama." Then her eyes narrow. "This is starting to sound familiar, right mom? Didn't your sister start as an intern too?"
At the mention of my mom, my eyes flip to aunt's. She's almost white as a sheet.
"Really? Mom worked at Rollins HQ before the accident?"
Aunt shakes her head. "I don't remember."
She's lying. I know mom did. It's clearly documented in my mom's diary which aunt kept hidden from me for years. Aunt pats my shoulder. "Congratulations. I hope things go well with your new job. Make sure you don't do anything to put your in-laws in a difficult position. Work hard and mind your business."
I watch her retire into her room and shut the door. Left with Kira, I simply stalk off to go find Liam. While walking towards the bookstore, strong arms grab my shoulders and yank me off the empty street. While kicking and writhing, I am forcefully carried into an alleyway. I recognize the cologne and intensify my screams but the beefy arm over my mouth traps it in my throat. I wish I had insisted on being driven here. The driver would have helped.
When my feet touch the earth again, I make a run for it only to realize it's a dead end. Eyes sizzling with rage, I turn to face a haggard looking Iman.
"How dare you touch me? What the hell do you want?" My tone is sharp and bitter. I genuinely feel disgusted by him. I never liked this guy. He was just available to play my cheating boyfriend. I would never date a psycho like him even if I was paid heavily for it. He smiles as he edges close to me.
"Are you ready to admit you used me, Demi? There's no one else here but us so you can drop the act." He tries to touch my cheek and I slap his hand away. "I know you're a very smart woman. I always wondered why you said yes to me and stayed even when you knew I was seeing other women. Tell me Demi, why did you use me like that? Don't worry." His hands shoot up in surrender. "I know how powerful your new family is. I wouldn't dare hurt a hair on your head. I just want answers."
Bile tickles behind my throat at his audacity. "Answers? Today, you want answers? Do you think I am a fool? I bet you have someone filming us right now for your selfish ends. The interviews didn't pay you enough and now you're trying to make a quick buck by faking another rumor about me? Grow up Iman. You're pathetic." I start walking back towards the main street but he suddenly grabs my arm and shoves me against a wall.
His big hand closes around my throat, cutting off my air supply. I try in vain to free myself while my vision starts to get spotty.
"You now have such a big mouth, huh? You think your new family is on your side? Who do you think paid me to stage all of that? YOUR FUCKING IN-LAWS! I could take your life right now and I bet your in-laws will pay me handsomely for helping them get rid of their problem, bitch." He releases me. While I keel over, trying to catch my breath, he crouches in front of me and smoothens my ruffled hair from my face.
"You and I aren't over, Demi. You messed with the wrong dude and until I get the right answers from you, these little encounters will seem like fate." He grabs my face and kisses me roughly. I am too stunned and weak to push him off the second he does it so when he breaks it off, I spit in his face.
He laughs and wipes it off. "Bye for now, my love."
I refuse to cry. It's like Ashal says, I have to be stronger. I am not weak. Playing weak is my strength right now. That way, no one will expect my fangs when they come out.
Someone suddenly starts clapping. I look up to find Kira with a big smile on her face. By the looks of it, she definitely saw everything. She dangles her phone in front of my face.
"So, you get hired by your in-laws in response to the brutal attacks on social media and the first thing you do is to go kiss and makeup with your wretched ex in an alleyway. Ooh Demi, what will your father-in-law think of these pictures and the video."
My eyes redden. "I hope you got everything on there, from my kidnapping to the sexual assault because I'd like for the police to use that as evidence to lock that animal away for good."
Kira smiles. "Too bad. I just hit record when you locked lips with your ex. Will that be enough?"
I can't believe her. There's no point in arguing with this one. She knows exactly what the truth is but she will always be selfish and think of her personal gain first. My breath finally even, I manage to stand.
"What do you want, Kira?"
Her smile widens. "A date…with any of the quads." She laughs.
"I thought the quads were bad news?"
"Marrying them and hoping they magically accept a lowborn like yourself makes them bad news to you but going on a hot date with them or kissing and sleeping with them is trendy. There's a whole fan club for women who have tasted them." She sighs wistfully. "It's a whole flex, you know. I have to go on a date with the real deal though, not Mr. Fantasy or the other lookalikes."
My eyes dilate in shock. "Come again? Did you say Mr. Fantasy?"
Kira scowls up at me. "You have no idea what's going on, do you? Yes, Mr. Fantasy. He's a…"
"I know what he is." I interrupt her. "How? How did you come to know of him?"
Kira eyes me suspiciously. "Like every woman does apparently. Why are you so keen? You eat, sleep and wakeup in the same mansion as the real quads. What do you care about some lookalike pretending to be a quad for a few bucks?"
"Ok, have you snagged a date with Mr. Fantasy?" I ask, trying to steer her back into the conversation on Ashton.
Kira folds her arms on her chest. "What if I have?"
"When is it happening?"
"That's none of your business."
"I know but my in-laws have been upset about people posing to be the quads. If I can go in your place and catch this person, I think they'll appreciate it. I'll make the arrangement for you to go on a date with one of the quads if you let me trade places with you."
"Really? How about I expose this wannabe myself and get all the credit. Maybe your in-laws will even let me pick which of the quads I want to go on a hot date with."
"I doubt that. They're not as easy as you think. You're welcome to try but I bet you that all you'll get is a pat on the shoulder at best. If you strike a deal with me, I can bring any of the quad's home to you under the guise of visiting. I'm good friends with most of them now and they'll follow me anywhere. Once I deliver them, the rest is up to you to work your magic. All I want is that you give me the details of your date with Mr. Fantasy so I go in your place. Deal or no deal?"
Kira stares at my hanging hand, thinks a bit before shaking it.
"You've got a deal."