Chapter 76
DEMI
"Are you still mad at me, Demi? I have realized that you’ve been a little withdrawn ever since I made my birthday wish publicly."
Mother runs a hand over a black Hermes bag in admiration. I stand behind her, tagging along and mostly disinterested in shopping, even at Ashley’s luxurious mall.
My life has been crazy ever since she dropped that huge bomb on me. I can barely go out without a horde of cameras on my tail. There are tons of articles being popped out about my speculative pregnancy. Some bloggers have even been bold enough to photoshop a baby bump on me. At this point, I can’t even pretend not to be mad at mother. She did this to me.
"Demi? Are you listening?"
I retreat to a couch and plunk down on it. She comes shuffling after me. "Are you punishing me for my mistake with Ashton? Is this your idea of trying to get Ashley and I to consummate our marriage?"
"You consider having a baby with Ashley punishment?"
"I consider being forced to have a baby without any consideration of my feelings on the matter a punishment. Why mother? Why did you put that idea in Ashley’s head? We are barely friends as it is and you know how I got into his life in the first place. Why wouldn’t you allow Ashley and I to reach that decision ourselves?"
"The real question is if you see yourself having a life with Ashley, Demi. I know I brought you into my household to straighten my sons from their irresponsible ways. A baby was never part of the agreement unless mutually consented to by both parties. I have no right to make decisions for you and I wasn’t trying to, honestly."
She sighs and places a hand on my thigh. "I have been seeing you and Ashley much closer ever since he forgave you for your involvement with his brother. Ashley has never been happier. Watching both of you effortlessly act like a real couple has brought tears to my eyes and I might have assumed you guys are trying to make this a real marriage. I just thought that a baby would draw you guys much closer and strengthen your bond."
She takes my hands in hers now. "What I did at my party was merely a suggestion, not a demand. It’s up to you guys at the end of the day. Don’t listen to what the media is saying. They’ll soon find some other piping hot gossip to fixate on and let you two be."