Chapter 148
DEMI
"Ashton, believe me, I didn’t do it. I know nothing about the recent posts on Billion-Err." Even while I kept pleading, I completely understand why no one would believe me.
"If you didn’t post it and Liam couldn’t have posted it, then you must have another partner with access to the blog. Please Demi, you have to find a way to take it down and debunk that article. PLEASE."
His voice is teetering dangerously between a desperate plea and a finite warning, or maybe the last bit is just in my head. Tears shimmer in my eyes as I pace around with my hand in my hair. No one is listening. Why would they? Who would believe I didn’t know Liam had another accomplice apart from me?
"I’ll go see Liam. Can you make that possible? I need to talk to him and get some answers. Maybe I can get him to call off this expensive prank..."
Ashton breathes heavily on the other end of the phone. "He’s getting out today. You can go visit him by noon. Make him fix this somehow. Things are...Look, punish me, okay? I have no problem with you exposing my secrets or the things I’ve done in the past but Demi, you’re targeting the wrong people. Highlighting Josh’s paternity like this...my mother...I’ve kept her safe from this bitter truth for years." His voice shakes as he fends off the tears. "For her to find out about father’s infidelity like this...she’s broken, Demi. She’s heartbroken. Her condition is getting worse by the hour."
I dry my eyes. There’s no point insisting I didn’t do it when everyone is thoroughly convinced. I’m starting to rue my threat to Asher which must have fueled Ashton’s doubts.
"I’ll speak to Liam." I end the call and sink down on the couch. "Why won’t they believe me? I DIDN’T DO IT!"
Anna rubs my shoulders in circles and consoles me as I break down crying.
"Why is this all happening now? I was just about to wrap things up and turn a new leaf. Why did everything have to fall apart? Ashton and his brothers blame me. Their mother is in a bad state. Brett won’t spare me now. He’ll come after me with everything he’s got. How could Liam fool me like this?"
"Just talk to him first and hear his explanation."